Episode 142: When Lionel introduced the #6650 IRBM Missile Launching Car in 1959 it immediately created the need for an additional item. What good is a missile launcher without a good target? Lionel obliged, creating not one but two effective and fun targets to help distract Johnny from launching projectiles at the family cat.
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For a mobile target, Lionel introduced the #6470 Exploding Target Car - also known as the explosives car, in 1959. And continued it through 1961. Based on the #6464 boxcar series, the sides and roof of the car were made to be detachable. Another unique feature of the 6470 and its descendants is that the two sides have different decorations.
Another explosives car, the #6480, appeared only in sets sold through Sears in 1961. These cars are identical to the 6470 except for the number of the car and the use of arch bar trucks on the 6470.
Also cataloged from 1961 through 1964 was the #6448 Target Range Car. This car came in two variations - red sides with white ends and roof, and white sides with red ends and roof. Operationally, these cars are identical to the #6470 - but the graphics are different, identifying these cars specifically as targets for destruction, rather than “accidental” victims of the explosives they carried.
The #6470 boxcar was not the only target Lionel offered for its missiles in 1959. The #943 Exploding Ammunition Dump, also known as the Exploding Bunker, was offered as a stationary target for Lionel projectiles, cataloging it until 1961.
The #943 operates in a similar fashion as the #6470 boxcar but shares no common parts with it or any other item Lionel ever produced.
The #943 was offered for separate sale, and also in conjunction with the #443 Missile Launching Platform.
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When Lionel introduced the number 6650 IRVM missile launching car in 1959,
it immediately created the need for an additional item.
What good is a missile launcher without a good target?
Lionel obliged, creating not one, but two effective fun targets
to help distract Johnny from launching projectiles at the family cat.
Although I think it's highly likely that many a feline suffered assaults from
Lionel armaments over the years anyway. Not for me, of course. We didn't have cats.
For a mobile target, Lionel introduced the number 6470 Exploding Target Car,
also known as the Explosives Car, in 1959, and continued it through 1961.
Based on the 6464 Box Car series, the sides and roof of the car were made to be detachable.
Another unique feature of the 6470 and its descendants
is that the two sides of the car have different decoration.
Inside the car is a spring-loaded mousetrap-like device.
To begin, pull the spring-loaded arm back and secure it under the latch.
When I acquired my car, the rivet on the latch was rusted and stiff.
Make sure the latch can pivot freely for good operation.
Next, align the notches on the bottom of the A and B sides of the car
with the tabs on the frame of the car.
Next, align the roof and the sides and attach it gently to the car.
Finally, slide the locking pin through the hole in the roof until it seats firmly.
This keeps the car from exploding when running around the layout,
although a good bump can cause the roof and sides to fall off without triggering the spring.
When you are ready for target practice, remove the locking pin.
For best results, the projectile should target the round, target-like area on the A side of the car.
Striking the car elsewhere will not always generate an explosion.
When you do strike the target area, then simply gather the pieces, reassemble, and repeat.
Lionel recommended the use of only official Lionel projectiles for these cars, but
I would guess that many a rubber band or even the occasional BB gun
provided the means of destruction over the years.
Another explosives car, the number 6480, appeared only in sets through Sears in 1961.
These cars are identical to the 6470, except for the number of the car
and the use of arch-bar trucks on the 6480.
Also cataloged from 1961 through 64 was the number 6448 Target Range car.
This car came in two variations, red sides with white ends and roof,
and white sides with red ends and roof.
Operationally, these cars are identical to the 6470, but the graphics are different,
identifying these cars specifically as a target for destruction,
rather than accidental victims of the explosives they carried.
Obviously, these cars received a great deal of abuse over the years,
so finding a pristine example is quite a challenge.
However, the cars are quite durable, and many have survived until today.
And many reissues have been offered over the years as well.
If you wish to purchase a vintage model,
double-check that all the parts are present, including the locking pins.
The number 6470 boxcar was not the only target Lionel offered for its missiles in 1959.
The number 943 Exploding Ammunition Dump, also known as the Exploding Bunker,
was also offered as a stationary target for Lionel projectiles, cataloging it until 1961.
The 943 operates in a similar fashion as the 6470,
but it shares no common parts with it or any other Lionel item ever produced.
The accessory comes with a metal base with two optional mounting holes.
I recommend using these holes to secure the bunker to the layout for best operation.
After arming the spring mechanism,
immediately slide the safety latch into place to prevent accidental activation.
And keep fingers away from the operating parts.
This mousetrap is very strong and will provide
quite a painful wallop to any body parts that are in the way when it activates.
Next, attach the short B side of the bunker to the side marked B on the base,
resting the top of the piece on the trigger very gently.
Next, repeat the process with the A side.
Next, attach the two interchangeable sides to the A and B sides by hanging their tabs on the roof.
I have found that pulling the safety pin out of the assembled structure
without activating the explosion is nearly impossible without having the base secured.
I've secured mine to a scrap piece of wood,
not yet having a place on the layout for the structure.
The trigger on the 943 bunker is far more sensitive than that of the exploding box cars,
so a hit anywhere on the structure, or sometimes even just a near miss,
is enough to initiate catastrophic structural failure.
The number 943 was offered for separate sale,
and also in conjunction with the number 443 missile launching platform.
Like the exploding box cars, be sure all parts are present when purchasing an exploding bunker.
These are also quite durable when many original pieces have survived the years,
and of course there are many modern reissues like the one I am using.
Lionel also produced a less destructive target option,
the number 3470 target launching car, cataloged in 1962 through 1964.
A battery-driven motor in this car would suspend and hold an inflated latex balloon
over the car for targeting purposes by various Lionel projectiles.
Obviously, this car did not work well on layouts with tunnels, bridges,
and other overhead obstructions.
But rearming the target only required returning the balloon to its place,
rather than reassembly of any structures.
This car has also been reissued a number of times over the years.
So, if you have recently acquired one of Lionel's many missile launching cars,
here are three great options for targets for your missiles.
As always, I hope you've enjoyed this video as much as I've enjoyed making it.
And if so, please like, share, subscribe, tell your friends and tell your neighbors,
and give us a comment about your experience with Lionel's exploding cars.
Until next time, keep the trains running and the missiles flying,
and we'll catch you next time on Toy Train Tips and Tricks.
