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 Posted - January 15 2008 : 5:46:08 PM
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I just got a Mantua SF GP20 Freight engine today in what I thought was the wrong box because it was brown . The stamped marking on the end says:
"Diesel" "GP 20"
Powered-Lighted
Sante Fe
228?1400
Between the 8 and 1 is a B or 3 or 8? I guess its a B.
I didn't know there were any Mantuas or GP20s in the brown box I thought they were all reds? What year(s) is this from?
Has anyone replaced the window in the box before?
The engine looks good has all handrails but both horns point forward and don't seem as if they have been replaced.
Thanks for any interest.
Alco Fan
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Posted - January 17 2008 : 09:20:32 AM
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| I would think you could fix or replace the window plastic very easily. Pick up and cut to size some clear plastic sheet. Glue it to the inside of the box with rubber cement. You could probably use clear sheets for an overhead projector. You can find those at an office supply store or possibly even at Walmart.
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Posted - January 17 2008 : 10:19:25 AM
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The engine is probably legit, if it has the picture of the switch on the back of the box. Brown box started in mid-1971; PTs were not installed in all engines until about 1974/75... so you still had about 3 or 4 years of brown boxes with MU-2's. I have an MU-2 Burlington GP20 in a labeled brown box.
The SF GP20 should be Blue until the late 70's.
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Posted - January 17 2008 : 10:42:40 AM
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| I agree with GIC. In fact, I prefer the early brown box era locos because of the motors. It should also have a metal weight that says Tyco-Mantua on it. I have both a SF and Burlington unopened in early brown boxes. The locos are shrink-wrapped onto the card insert which is inside the box, and the handrails are in a separate package, not yet applied to the loco. I suppose the horns both facing forward could just be a factory oddity.
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Posted - January 17 2008 : 11:35:45 AM
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Hey Adams:
Count me in. I have four of the MU-2 GP20's well actually 5. All are pristine: 2 CN w/Railings and 2 SF Freight W/Railings and finally a pre-63 Kit.
All but the kit are about to go up for sale at my local Model Train shops Consignment shelf.
GP20Kit.jpg 
Edited by - romcat on January 17 2008 12:49:17 PM
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Posted - January 17 2008 : 12:59:16 PM
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I love those old kits! I have two, still-in-box, but they are only for a UP streamline caboose (lighted!) and an EJ&E boxcar. By the way, I'm VERY close to liquidating much or most of my collection. I've sold a few pieces to board members here, but I could use suggestions on how to best sell larger quantities--I've never sold on Ebay, and my internet at home won't even connect to it---and I'm blocked at work from it. I will have something in the neighborhood of:
4 or 5 F units
2 or 3 430's, one w/caboose in box
some steam, 4 wheel swithchers, and a 630
about 40 cars, some boxed, some not
several passenger cars, including aluminum Mantua
S O 76 steam loco w/cars
buildings and accessories
everything I've collected is either still boxed or in excellent cond. Suggestions?
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Posted - January 17 2008 : 1:08:30 PM
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Hi:
List everything on the "Trading Post" section see if you get some bites. After that try the "Craigslist"
http://www.craigslist.org/about/sites.html
there should be a local version. I've used the local Toronto version, as well as the NY and NJ versions when I lived in those places.
Good Luck!
-Gareth
Edited by - romcat on January 17 2008 1:50:00 PM
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Posted - January 18 2008 : 4:08:37 PM
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Yes, the box has the switch on the back. Thanks everbody.
What's the difference in the value of a red or brown box GP20?
Alco Fan
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Posted - January 18 2008 : 4:43:18 PM
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Hi AF:
Currently it's relative. The market is establishing itself. Speaking of the Toronto Market, in the Hobby Shop I deal with which is a dedicated Model Train shop I can move an MU-2 powered GP20 in excellent condition for $30-35 depending on the markings. Mantua still has some cache. The PT units I've never sold one even with a lower price so....
As to the Red or Brown box GP well again I think it's about the motor. All the Red's are MU-2 and Early Brown like the one you found. At this point they seem to be more valuable since they tend to run and for that reason tend to sell.
Anyway my 2cents,
Gareth
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