The Lionel 3360 Burro Crane

Who is the person behind this item?

In charge of the Lionel 3360 Burro Crane, Lionel LLC is behind the manufacture of this item.

Joshua Lionel Cowen and Harry C. Grant formed the first Lionel Corporation in New York City in 1900.

With a history of nearly 120 years, Lionel Corporation was an American toy manufacturing and retailer holding corporation. It got established as a manufacturer of electrical novelty items.

In all of Lionel’s years of existence, it has specialized in various items. However, its main claim to fame was its model railroads and toy trains.

The strength of their construction and the accuracy of their detail, Lionel trains have been making since 1900. 

Model railroaders worldwide have admired them.

The company sold $25 million worth of trains per year in the 1950s when it was at its pinnacle.

Image by Tandem Associates

 Why is this item so rare?

This self-propelled crane car, known as the 3360, is based on a real-life self-propelled crane car standard in the 1950s in the United States. 

Its classic appearance, especially when paired with one or two freight cars, creates a highly realistic scenario on any layout.

Many believe that the Lionel 3360 Burro Crane is the most expensive crane car built after the war. 

Although Lionel’s model resembled the real thing, it could also do many tasks. 

Aside from that, it has several unique capabilities, including the ability to move back and forth down the track under its pow.

Additionally, stand in a neutral position, rotate 360 degrees in the cab, and raise or lower the hook using a particular internal system.

Image by eBay

How much is it worth today?

In an online auction, it sold for exactly $85,062.25 (about the same as a 2012 BMW convertible) and got kept in perfect condition. 

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