JHZ563,
John I try to keep my Tin Plate in original condition however there are exceptions. Make sure if you do any painting you get the correct color paint.
My original Green on Green 817 Lionel Caboose was delivered today, it is even more perfect than I thought it would be, pictures can be deceiving. I will definitely be purchasing more of this particular man's private collection, when he wants to part with his Tin Plate. I know there are a lot of Paint Variations on these original 817's, this gentlemen advised me that he has a couple more that he might sell me as time goes along.
My little Collection of 817's is growing. At this point I only have one MTH 2817 all the rest are Lionel originals. However this happens to be the 1st 817 that I purchased that has the Latch Couplers. According to what Rob English advised me, the Green on Green Lionel Tin Plate Cabooses never came with Auto or Box Couplers., that is why I could never find one to purchase. I was going to swap Bases and put the Auto Couplers on this one, but this 817 is absolutely Pristine, and should not be altered in any way, so she stays original like she is. She will couple to my other 817 Cabeese with out any problem.
Got to say I never really liked the Latch couplers, had a lot of fun with the Auto-Couplers on my Fathers Lionel 263E Work Train when I was a kid, the boys with the Latch Couplers on their Trains could never use an Uncoupler Track as I did.
When Steamer (Dave) posted the picture of his Green on Green 817 Caboose, I started looking for one again. Glad Rob gave me the advise he did, I would still be looking for a Green on Green 817 with at least, Box Couplers.
I will take some more pictures when I get her on the Tracks with the other Cabeese.
All the best,
PCRR/Dave
Couple more pictures on the Tracks of the 817 mini collection.
With the Lionel 249 Engine and Tender, after dark in the Picture Window