I think it’s appropriate to recognize the release of a Santa Fe Classic some 50 years ago. Catalogs and price guides recognize the 1959 Santa Fe Super Chief set as one of those icons of Lionel’s Golden Age.
Late last month I was in Indianapolis and visited the Children’s Museum which is widely acclaimed for its toy train collection. Visitors will see a few layouts, and, examples of many toy train manufactures and gauges. One exhibit case is largely devoted to Lionel, and among the many locomotives and rolling stock on exhibit is the Lionel #2544W Super Chief set.
It was rather nice seeing this train honored and represented there, especially since another example exists at my home. The coaches and baggage car were under the Christmas tree in 1961; the 2343 was acquired later.
I imagine some members on this forum also have this set, and others may have seen examples at trains shows (or in museums) but tonight enjoy a Golden Anniversary run of the Super Chief leaving Kansas City Union Station through Santa Fe Junction in the Argentine district and running west out onto the Kansas Tallgrass Prairie near Strong City on its way towards the Raton Pass.
