Description
Here we have one of those classic 1930's era JOYLINE (which was first Girard Manufacturing, and later Louis Marx & Company) windup toy train sets. The set is for O gauge track (no track is included). This set likely was made under Marx ownership. First thing to be sure everyone knows - THE WINDUP ENGINE DOES NOT WORK. There is an original key in it, but when you try to wind it up, it just spins, so something internal is damaged. However, this is one tough engine. Most people don't notice it, but this version of the engine has a battery powered headlight on it! There is a stamped metal box that fits into slots in the engine cab (two on one side and one on the other - so you can only install this cover into an engine frame stamped with those slots), and that holds the battery in place. There is a sliding fiberboard piece in the top of the cab to complete the contact with the battery. Now the fiberboard piece on this engine is here, but the metal contacts on it are missing, and I do not see any wire running from the headlight socket to the fiberboard. But I am sure it could be rewired if someone wanted to do that. Likely though, this will end up on static display in someone's collection. Has a standard smaller sized Joyline black tender, two 357 The Joyline Coach cars and one 458 The Joyline Observation car. All have 4 stamped metal wheels on metal axles, and those distinctive Joyline couplers, and all are in decent but definitely played with shape. Again, the real prize here is the engine - I did a quick search of all of the current and recently completed auctions on eBay (they let you go back to early April right now, so about 3 months worth), and although I found a Powerhouse, the lithographed engine and tender, one of the electric engines, and even an observation with the lighted drumhead - all of which are commonly felt to be rarer Joyline pieces, there was not a single engine with the battery headlight! Could be just dumb luck, but in my experience, this is one rare bird! Anyway, photos of all 6 sides of the items in the set, plus a couple of closeups to show you the battery compartment and cover, the headlight, and that key (which does look original to me). Go ahead, check your collection! Some will have a Joyline engine with a battery headlight, but most will not. Weighs a bit under 3 pounds packed to ship. Priced to sell, with only actual shipping charged to the winner (I give you a couple shipping options, so you can pick what works best for you!
