You are looking at a classic electric engine from 1927-36,one of the Lionel icons. This is one of those engines that graces the cover of the price guides or magazines. The #408E Standard Gauge electric engine is DUAL MOTORED. Each truck is motorized.
This state brown version would have headed a state passenger set. There are just a few items that reach the state set level of collectibility.
For color contrast, see the Mohave passenger cars in our other listings. For your convenience, I have included some pictures at the very bottom of the mojave passenger car side by side with this 408e. Of course, no passenger cars are sold in this listing; it is for comparison purposes only. (Also check out another current seller's $4500 mojave 408e set for similar color contrast).
There are a few variations of this locomotive. THIS ONE is:
- State brown paint
- Dark Brown roof
- Super Motors
- Brown pilot
- Cream window trim
- Ornamental nickle "Eagle" shaped springs on base
FEATURES:
- Dual Motors
- New York Central
- Lights
- NYC Prototype
- 17 1/2" long
- Large folding pantographs
THIS unit is an original Lionel unit from the prewar era. It has been rewheeled with new reproduction wheels, and it has been rewired at some point in its life. I do not know for sure about the trim parts, but they appear original to me. As noted in condition, it appears to have some repaint--likely to roof, maybe to pilots and definitely to pilot trim and end edges.
CONDITION: Tested and runs, reverse. Looks to have been rewired at some point. Wheels are modern replacements. Reverse unit works. As you can see, there are significant scratches on the paint and number plates, but it looks good. The roof has likely been repainted. Overall, C-6. I am not sure if there are other repro parts--looks original to me. The black metal frame wih the eagle-shaped springs is either in great shape or could be reproduction. Pilots have been repainted I think--at least the highlights. I think some of the light housings have a little crazing, but it is hard to see. There may be some paint touch ups here and there on the ends. I think the pilots, pilot trim and end edges are repainted. The number/nameplates show some scratches and wear.