This page contains our current inventory of Postwar Lionel cabooses and work cabooses.
* * * Click on "Yes" in the Photo column to see a picture.
* * * Click on "Grade" in the 3rd column heading for an explanation of grading.
| Postwar Lionel Cabooses and Work Cabooses | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catalog # | Item | Grade | Photo | Price | Description & More Information |
| 2457 | Pennsylvania N5 Caboose | Ex./OB | Yes | $135 | Old-fashioned, tinplate, LIGHTED P.R.R. caboose from 1946 with staple-end trucks and dual coil couplers. Car is actually numbered "477618" on the sides but catalogued by Lionel as "2457."
Photo of the other side. Version with red body and red smokestack plus black window frames and with "EASTERN DIV." on the sides. Has white lettering plus the more desirable (and more realistic-looking) double steps at each of the corners. The 2457 is a deluxe caboose with illumination, window inserts, die-cast smokestack, battery box, air pump, end rails with ladders and a brakestand at each end. It is a much harder caboose to find than the non-lighted 2472. Photo of the roof. Common paint loss on the railing platforms plus a few paint chips on the roof but that's about it for flaws! The caboose is very clean overall with very strong lettering and nice vibrant paint plus the rubber-stamped "2457" on the underside of the frame is clearly visible. Another view of the roof. Photo of the box. Grade 7 original box (tears; creases; glue residue; tape inside; "aged" look). Another view of the box. Has the insert (liner) and this box is solid: fairly clean, complete, square and sturdy! Thanks to the presence of the insert, this box has a brick-like feel to it! It is also not an easy box to find! Photo of the elaborate box insert. The 2457 was sold from 1945 to 1947; however, the "Art Deco" box (without the Toy Manufacturers Association logo) plus the combination of the double steps and the closed-base type trucks with dual coil couplers all help to date this piece as a 1946 item! A nicely-detailed caboose that is loaded with just about every top-of-the-line feature offered by Lionel in that era -- plus it comes with a very strong box! Great for the display shelf or for an operating layout as the light and couplers work! These early postwar items (which are essentially prewar carry-over designs) are getting harder and harder to find in collector-quality condition. |
| 6017 (-1) | Lionel Lines Caboose |
E+/OB | Yes | $ 35 | A brown-painted SP-type caboose with white, heat-stamped lettering from the late 50s and early 60s:
Photo of the other side. Has a brown body mold and a painted tab frame plus early AAR trucks with one operating coupler. An "aerial" view of the roof. Stress discoloration (not cracked or bent) on one roof panel plus a small amount of paint loss on one of the frame tabs. That's it for flaws; the body is very, very clean with superb lettering and the frame is very, very clean and rust free! Another view of the roof. Photo of the box. Grade 7 original box (tears; creases; tape inside; panel partially separated; "aged" look; missing the "PUSH" tab). Another view of the box. A few flaws but the box has both end flaps and all four inner flaps plus it is clean, square and sturdy! It is also the correct "-1" perforated panel box for this version of the 6017 caboose. A view of the front of the box. This caboose was the "plain-Jane" model that came in many, many sets. Although generally rather common, the combination of the condition of this caboose and the presence of the box makes this a somewhat uncommon piece. |
| 6257 (-25) | Lionel Caboose |
E++/OB | Yes | $ 20 SOLD |
The traditional "little old red caboose" -- a sharp, SP-type caboose (unpainted bright red with white, heat-stamped lettering and circled "L") from 1955: version with one brakewheel, chemically-blackened frame and metal, bar-end trucks with single tab coupler.
Photo of the other side. Common stress discoloration on the roof (not bent or cracked). That's about it for flaws! It is nice -- very, very clean with crisp lettering! Two views of the roof. Photo of the box. Grade 7 original "-25" box (tape residue; some dirt; "aged" look). A few imperfections but the box is fairly clean, complete, square & sturdy. Another view of the box. The box and coupler help to date this piece as a 1955 item! If you need this caboose to complete outfit #1529 (503), outfit 1531W (505) or outfit #1535W (509) -- or you just want a sharp piece to end your freight train, this inexpensive, boxed caboose is the answer! It is an attractive piece in a very presentable (and correct) 6257-25 box! |
| 6357 | Lionel Caboose |
E++/OB | Yes | $ 55 | Illuminated, maroon SP-type caboose from 1957-59: version with "6357" on the left on each side and a black, die-cast smokestack plus metal, bar-end trucks with single tab coupler.
Photo of the other side. Minimal flaws! It is a very, very nice caboose: clean with crisp lettering and nice vibrant paint -- and of course, it does light! An "aerial" view. Photo of the box. Grade 6+ original box (missing the interior coupler flap; tears; creases; scrapes; glue residue; tape inside; "period" price stamping; "aged" look). The box has a few flaws but it is clean, square and sturdy! It is also the correct "Late Classic" box for this version of the 6357 caboose. Another view of the box. After the 6457 was discontinued, the 6357 became Lionel's top-of-the-line SP-type caboose. The 6357 caboose was sold from 1948 to 1961 but the type III lettering, "Late Classic" box, truck style and tab coupler all help to date this piece as a 1957-1959 item! |
| 6417 (-1) | Pennsylvania N5c Caboose |
E++/OB | Yes | $325 | The very scarce Pennsylvania porthole caboose without "New York Zone" on the sides! Sold only in 1957, this illuminated, Tuscan-painted caboose has white heat-stamped lettering plus bar-end trucks with dual tab couplers.
Photo of the other side. Minimal flaws! It is very, very clean and completely intact with nice lettering and vibrant paint plus it has the original end railings -- and of course, it does light! An "aerial" view. Photo of the box. Grade 8 original box (creases; minor tears). This box is clean, complete, square & sturdy -- and there is no tape anywhere! It is SOLID and it is also the correct "-1" box for the no "New York Zone" caboose. Another view of the box. An unusual and high-quality caboose in the right box! It is also one of the hardest postwar cabooses to find. |
| 6417-50 | LEHIGH VALLEY N5c Caboose |
E++ | Yes | $160 | Illuminated, gray-painted, porthole caboose from just one set in 1954 only! Has red heat-stamped lettering plus bar-end trucks with dual magnetic couplers.
Photo of the other side. Minimal flaws! The caboose is completely intact and very, very clean with crisp lettering and nice vibrant paint! It has the original end railings -- and of course the caboose does light! Two views of the roof. A great-looking caboose! Our Archives Page has more information on 6417-50 Lehigh Valley Cabooses. |
| 6419 | D. L. & W. Work Caboose |
See Notes | Yes | $ 25 | A work caboose from 1953-54 with gray-painted tool boxes and a gray-painted cab with black lettering and tall smokestack. Has a painted-gray die-cast frame with black heat-stamped, serif lettering plus bar-end trucks with dual magnetic couplers.
Photo of the other side. This deluxe work caboose also has steps, handrails, brakewheels and ladder. Two "aerial" views. A few muted/distorted letters on the frame (VG) and that's about it for flaws; the cab and tool boxes are ORIGINAL and all intact plus they are very clean with nice lettering (E+). An inexpensive caboose that is ready for your work train on a layout. |
| 6419 (-100) |
N & W Work Caboose |
E++/OB | Yes | $225 SOLD |
The scarce Norfolk and Western work caboose from 1957-58:
Photo of the other side. Has the original gray cab with black, heat-stamped lettering and the original gray tool boxes. The gray-painted die-cast frame has black lettering and bar-end trucks with dual operating tab couplers. An "aerial" view. Minimal flaws! This caboose is sharp: very, very clean with crisp lettering -- both on the cab and on the frame! Another "aerial" view. Photo of the box. Grade 7+ original (correct "-100") box (minor tears; small creases; some dirt; no insert). Another view of the box. This box is very presentable as it is square and sturdy -- and there is no tape anywhere! Catalogued by Lionel as "6419-100" but the cab is actually numbered "576419" -- it is one of the few work cabooses made by Lionel in the postwar era with a roadname other than D L & W. We have had very few Norfolk & Western Work Cabooses over the years as they are very hard to find in collector-quality condition and the box is even harder to find! |
| 6420 | D. L. & W. Searchlight Work Caboose |
E++ | Yes | $125 | The deluxe wrecking caboose with searchlight, die-cast frame, handrails, ladder, smokestack and staple-end trucks with dual magnetic couplers. Has a dark-gray die-cast frame with black heat-stamped, serif lettering.
Photo of the other side. Original cab is dark gray with black, heat-stamped, serif lettering; original tool boxes are dark gray. Two "aerial" views. A little box rub on the edge of the catwalk and that is about it for flaws! The caboose is completely intact and very, very clean with crisp lettering and nice paint -- plus of course, it does light! The 6420 caboose is very difficult to locate with all original parts and in collector-quality condition. This sharp "Searchlight Wrecking Car" from 1949-50 is a useful piece that would be a nice addition to any work train on a layout to provide illumination to clear night-time wrecks. |
| Two different versions of the 6457 SP-type Caboose: | |||||
| 6457 | Lionel Caboose |
E+++/OB | Yes | $ 75 | Illuminated, brown-painted SP-type caboose from 1950-51: has white heat-stamped lettering plus staple-end trucks with magnetic couplers.
Photo of the other side. The 6457 was the top-of-the-line Lionel caboose during its time and has these deluxe features: interior light, die-cast smokestack, battery boxes, ladders, two brakewheels and dual couplers. Photo of the roof. Just gorgeous! The caboose is very, very clean with crisp lettering and nice vibrant paint -- and of course, it does light! Another view of the roof. Photo of the box. Grade 8+ original box (small tears; minor stains). A SOLID box: complete, clean, square and sturdy! It is also the correct box for this version of the 6457. Another view of the box. The 6457 caboose was sold from 1949-1952 but the black smokestack, staple-end trucks and "Middle Classic" box all help to identify this caboose as a 1950-51 item. A sharp caboose in one of the nicest 6457 boxes we have ever had! This premium caboose has long been a favorite with both collectors and operators. |
| 6457 | Lionel Caboose |
E+/OB | Yes | $ 55 | Illuminated, brown-painted SP-type caboose from 1952: has white heat-stamped lettering plus bar-end trucks with magnetic couplers.
Photo of the other side. The 6457 was the top-of-the-line Lionel caboose during its time and has these deluxe features: interior light, die-cast smokestack, battery boxes, ladders, two brakewheels and dual couplers. Photo of the roof. Minimal flaws! The caboose is all intact and very clean with crisp lettering plus nice vibrant paint -- and of course, it does light! Another view of the roof. Photo of the box. Grade 7 original box (missing one interior coupler flap; tears; creases; tape inside; missing a small section of the top layer of the box; writing in pencil). Another view of the box. Even with the flaws, this box is presentable as it is clean, square and sturdy. It is also the correct ("OPS" Classic) box for this caboose! Close-up of the preprinted identification of the OPS box. The 6457 caboose was sold from 1949-1952 but the black die-cast smokestack, bar-end trucks and "OPS" Classic" box all help to identify this caboose as a 1952 item. A sharp-looking, premium caboose! The 6457 caboose has long been a favorite with both collectors and operators. If you are looking to complete an "O" gauge set from 1952, this is the right caboose! |
| = | |||||
| ======== (6517-75) ======== |
Erie Bay Window Caboose |
====== E++ Un-run OB ====== |
Yes | $850 | A sharp "ERIE C301" Bay Window caboose that was NEVER USED! This 1966-only caboose has white rubber-stamped lettering and is the brick red variation.
Photo of the other side. Has all of the deluxe features of the "LIONEL LINES" version (illuminated, window insert, shades, die-cast smokestack, ladders, fancy passenger car-type trucks and dual operating couplers) but has the more desirable roadname. It is the only caboose produced by Lionel in the postwar era to have the Erie roadname. Catalogued by Lionel as "6517-75" but that number does not appear on the body of the caboose. Two views of the roof. Very, very clean and all intact with crisp lettering, sharp graphics and nice vibrant paint! We "bench tested" the caboose and it does light! The caboose was NEVER USED but there are some marks on a couple of the wheel flanges indicating that the previous owner may have displayed the caboose on a piece of track. Photo of the frame underside. Version with "6517-75 / LIONEL" stamped on the frame! Photo of the box. Grade 7+ original (window) box (creases; tears; window is wrinkled). Another view of the box. It is the correct box for the Erie caboose plus it has the RARE insert! It is clean, complete, square and sturdy -- and there is no tape anywhere! Photo of the insert and the front of the box. One of the nicest Erie cabooses we have ever seen! The box is specific to this caboose and extremely difficult to find -- and this is only the fourth time we have ever had one with the original box insert! An elusive, high-quality piece that will enhance anyone's train collection! |
| 6657 | Rio Grande Caboose | Ex./OB | Yes | $225 | Illuminated, Rio Grande (SP-type) caboose from 1957-58: has a yellow-painted body with a silver-painted lower stripe on each side plus a silver-painted roof.
Photo of the other side of this very-photogenic caboose. Additional features include black striping, black heat-stamped lettering and decals with the Rio Grande logo plus a die-cast smokestack. The chemically-blackened frame has end railings with single brakewheel plus metal, bar-end trucks with single tab coupler. Photo of the roof. Some box rub and a few light scratches and that's about it for flaws: the caboose is very clean overall with crisp lettering, nice even silver and intact decals -- and it does light. Another view of the roof. Photo of the box. Grade 8 original box (tears; glue residue; "aged" look). The box is SOLID: clean, complete, square and sturdy -- plus there is no tape anywhere. Another view of the box. With its unusual silver & yellow paint scheme and colorful logos, it is arguably the most attractive caboose produced by Lionel in the postwar era. This 6657 is nice and it is in a very, very strong box! |
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Everyone knows what a Caboose is, but did you know that it has many colorful nicknames? Some of these affectionate terms include buggy, brain-box, crummy, hack, and monkey cage plus some that are not printable here. Did you know that the Conductor (who is the boss of the train) actually runs the train from the Caboose?
Lionel made various styles of Cabooses in the Postwar era including the SP-type, bay-window, porthole (N5c), work cabooses with either tool boxes or an open bin, and even one that smoked. Some were lighted inside, some had a searchlight, some were made of metal, some had a real roadname (many said Lionel Lines) and some were plain while others were very attractive.
Your freight train needs a Caboose. Your work train needs a Caboose as well.
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