65 Handcar

Production: 1962 - 1965

History
The 65 Handcar was a new and unique looking item created by Lionel in the early 1960's. It is a small and inexpensive self-motorized unit creating plenty of action on a layout. With multiple figures easily visible as the unit travels around a layout, some experienced collectors believe Lionel was looking to recreate the excitement of the Gang Car that was introduced almost a decade earlier. Unfortunately, sales of the Handcar were lackluster and interest in this unit never reached the level of the Gang Car. Ultimately, the 65 Handcar -- along with the # 59 Minuteman motorized unit -- were the final all-new motorized units introduced by Lionel during its postwar era.

Finally, the 65 Handcar is prone to two common problems. First, the vinyl figures and/or base are frequently compromised due to a chemical reaction between the figure and yellow base. This has caused many of the feet of the figures to have melted away the yellow base of the Handcar. Secondly, the motor was unreliable and rarely works today. Locating any 65 Handcar with only one of these issues is difficult, locating a unit with neither issue is truly rare.

Features
The 65 Handcar includes the following standard features: yellow molded body, red pumping handle, two painted vinyl figures and a tiny motor in the center of the unit.

Additional Detail, Photos & Box Information

Dark Yellow Base - Shown in first photo above - Believed to be a slightly easier variation to locate.

Light Yellow Base - Generally believed to be the somewhat harder variation to locate.

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