Product Title: Lionel Postwar No. 50 Operating Gang Car #3 O SCALE
Manufacturer: Lionel
Scale: O
Condition: Item Condition: C-4, Box Condition P-0
AS IS with regards to appearance
Operational Status: This item has been refurbished by a Brady's Train Outlet technician, and is fully operational.
TCA Condition/Grading Standards: C-4: Fair: Scratched, moderate paint loss, dented missing parts, surface rust. Evidence of heavy use.
Listing Notes: Refurbished gang car. Used. Has many scratches and wear from age. TWO MEN MISSING. AS IS. Repaired, cleaned, and refurbished so it now runs. NO BOX. AS IS-- this product is not pristine or perfect but it is functional.
Photos: See photos
Manufacturer Information:
Production: 1954 - 1964.
History
The 50 Gang car is a unique item created by Lionel. It is a small and inexpensive self-motorized unit creating plenty of action on a layout. With the Gang Car being sales success -- along with its ability to operate as an independant unit -- Lionel soon introduced several other self-motorized units into their consumer line. Products such as the 60 Trolley; 65 Handcar and 68 Executive Inspection Car are just a few examples where the small, self-motorized theme was used on other Lionel trains.
The 50 Gang Car is a reliable and durable item. With only general maintenance, the Gang Car has proven to be a solid performer.
Features
The 50 Gang includes the following standard features: orange molded body, die-cast frame, two stationary and one moveable crewmen and a rubber bumper on each end.
As the production cycle evolved, so did the variations. Listed below are some of the more significant changes along with the estimated year of change:
- Ornamental Chrome Horn - For 1954, the horn was a two-piece assembly and mounted in the center of the brushplate cover. For 1955, the horn became a single unit and mounted on the right. Center horn versions are difficult to locate.
- Bumpers - Early production versions -- estimated to be for a portion of 1954 -- were gray. All later production bumpers were blue.
- Bumper Bracket - From 1954 until 1959, the bumper bracket was U-shaped. Beginning in 1960, the bracket was converted to an L-shape.
- Crewmen - The common version has two stationary crewmen and a rotating olive man. The rare version -- from 1954 -- has two stationary olive crewmen and a rotating blue man.