A few months back, I was browsing a small-town antique store when I spotted a dusty box labeled simply “Train Set – $20.” Inside? A late-1950s Lionel 623 switcher in need of serious TLC. The shell was grimy, a few handrails were bent, and the motor hadn’t seen power in decades—but the bones were solid.
Took it home, disassembled everything, cleaned and re-lubed the motor, replaced a couple of missing parts with reproductions, and gave the shell a gentle polish. Now it runs like a champ on my layout—still proudly wearing its vintage patina.
What’s even cooler is that the shop owner told me it belonged to a WWII vet who modeled for years and passed away recently. Adds so much soul to the piece.
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