ORIGINAL LIONEL 2331 VIRGINIAN FM TRAINMASTER IN OB - NO RESERVE

Description

This no reserve auction is for an original Lionel 2331 Virginian FM Trainmaster Diesel Locomotive in its original box.  Lionel produced the 2331 Virginian from 1955 - 1958.  This is a type A variation with gray body mold painted both yellow and black with gold rubber-stamped lettering.
This piece sports vibrant colors.  The paint appears to be completely original.
The shell shows very few contact marks with some nicking near the bottom edge.  There are hairline cracks at the screw holes.  The chrome railings have been replaced.
The wheels and pickup rollers show limited run time.  The engine worked like a charm in forward, neutral and reverse when tested.  The lights worked as well.  The horn did not work when tested.  However, the battery compartment is pristine.  The original box is complete with all flaps intact and firmly attached.  Both ends are open.  There is some shelf wear with a piece of kraft tape along one side and a shadow of old strips of tape that once helped keep the box ends closed.  Rounding out the box package is an original insert with one "wing" intact and one missing.  There are a couple of brown spots on the insert.  Overall, a very respectable boxed black & yellow 2331 Virginian FM for your collection.  Please examine the enlargeable pictures closely for additional descriptive detail.
If you would be interested in selling or consigning all or pieces of your collection please feel free to contact me to discuss.
BASIC BACKGROUND:  I have been a member of the TCA for 34 years so you can bid with confidence.  I have a pretty good depth of knowledge but I certainly don’t know everything about trains.  I am in the process of thinning out a lifetime train collection that started in the early 1970’s.  It includes many rare and unusual items most of which are very high quality in original packaging.  Some examples are a boxed 460P Piggyback Platform, boxed 3356-150 Horse Corral Platform, dealer and factory sealed items, as well as many pre and post war boxed sets.  Most of my collection is Lionel with some Ives, American Flyer and other manufacturers represented.  I do not have a collection list to share at this time.  Many things I list are being sold on behalf of consignors.
MANAGING EXPECTATIONS: I have found that the best way to establish and maintain mutually beneficial relationships is to manage expectations up front.  Before placing any bids, it is important that all bidders understand the following:
DESCRIPTIONS:  I am a firm believer that pictures speak a thousand words.  I try to include a variety of brightly lit, clearly focused pictures from multiple angles in my listings.  The pictures are a key part of the description.  As a supplement to the pictures I also provide a reasonably detailed written description that discloses what I see, what I know and what I think.  Between the pictures description and written description, buyers should have a fair opportunity to understand what they are bidding on.  If there is something that you do not understand or if you need additional information or pictures please ask in advance of bidding rather than assume anything.
TESTING & WARRANTIES:  Please understand that I am simply a collector who enjoys the rich history of The Lionel Corporation with a primary focus on the prewar and postwar eras.  I have no active layout.  I am not a manufacturer, Service Station Technician or operator.  I do not test everything I sell and I do not perform anything other than the most basic testing when I do.  I do not perform any kind of detailed and/or internal examination of any engine or motor and make no representation about its suitability for any particular purpose.  Accordingly, no warranty of any kind is provided regarding operability even if an item has been tested. The results of any specific testing are provided in good faith as a courtesy only. Your experience may be different. Most items I sell range in age from 50 – 100 years old.  At a minimum, basic maintenance and/or lubrication will probably be necessary if you plan to operate any piece you purchase.
PAYMENT:  Payment via PayPal is expected within 3 days unless other arrangements have been made.  eBay rules require you to inquire about alternative payment methods.  TCA member are given special consideration.
SHIPPING:  When practical, multiple items may be sent together to save on shipping costs. All items are carefully packed and typically shipped via USPS Priority Mail, First Class Parcel or Retail Ground within 1 business day after payment clears. Very large packages sometimes are sent via UPS.  I reserve the right to select the shipping method at my discretion.  Shipping is not a profit center for me so if I overestimate the cost by .00 or more I will voluntarily refund the difference.  In the unlikely event of damage that occurs during shipping, buyer agrees to process any claim eligible for insurance coverage directly through the carrier.  If carrier tracking indicates an item has been delivered, but somehow you did not receive it, buyer agrees to follow through with the local carrier and/or postmaster and process any claim eligible for insurance coverage directly through the carrier.  If carrier tracking indicates an item has not been delivered, I will handle the insurance claim on my end.
COMMUNICATION: Your inquiries are very important to me and I will make best efforts to be prompt and thorough with my responses. However, because train collecting and eBay are not my primary business my ability to continuously monitor and quickly respond to eBay related communications may be limited. Kindly allow for a reasonable response time to your questions. Alternatively, please feel free to call me at (703) 946-9219 – ask for Pete.
I appreciate your interest in my listings. Thanks for looking and good luck bidding!