If rarity equals value, should we be giving the Scale-Craft Shell tank car with the original SC decals a bit more respect?

Backing up a few steps, did you know Lionel and Scale-Craft both marketed Shell tank cars in American OO? The models are an interesting pair to compare.

The Scale-Craft model was introduced 1937 as part of the original group of models in their OO line, and Shell was among the original options for decals. Below is the decal drawing that came with the kits (more of them may be seen on a new page of SC decal drawings, here)

The very similar Lionel model was introduced in 1938, but the Shell cars in the Lionel line did not come out until 1939. The models produced by Lionel and Scale-Craft are both sized somewhat unusually. Back a few years ago (in this article) I worked out that both (based on tank diameter) are about 9,000 gallon cars, when the prototypes were either 8,000 or 10,000 gallon. In any case, both models match for size generally.

In terms of the graphics, the Lionel car has much stronger graphics. I suspect even when new the Scale-Craft decals were more of a muted white. The Lionel model really catches the eye. But the S-C version does include decals for the ends of the car.

An important question is how close to both come to the lettering of the prototype Shell models? A few years back Walthers offered an HO Shell 8,000 gallon car, the listing for which may be found here. The lettering scheme of the Scale-Craft OO version matches the Walthers example pretty closely, but the Lionel version has a larger Shell and other differences.

Which brings me back to the original question, and also which model has more value? Of course, reality is that the Lionel model in any decent condition is more valuable. But I think there is a case to be made for giving more respect to models with the prewar Scale-Craft decals, especially examples in very nice condition. It is certainly something to consider as you look over your collection.