This is the first time I have posted. I was having a discussion on a Yahoo toy train group about a picture and video I saw somewhere that Lionel had a General Models Corp. diecast NW-2 switcher on the 1948/49 showroom layout. It was near the roundhouse on a siding. Some have said it was never there, that Lionel would Never have done that. Several books say that it was used as a pre-production sample. Does anyone know if this is true? Can anyone postiively confirm this OR absolutely disprove it? Does anyone have the pic or video I have seen this switcher in?
Sincerely, Rich Henderson
trainman430@comcast.net
Rich,
I saw that white switcher while watching Tom McComas’ video of the reproduction of the 1949 showroom layout that the Jackson Society of Model Engineers built in the early 90s. Tom stated that the switcher was likely a prototype that never entered production. He then showed a photograph of the white switcher on the original 1949 layout.
[#welcome] to the Forum marxtrain1. Don’t be a stranger.
Jack
I have seen the photos of the switcher you mention. A lot of speculation about it as those with more knowledge about these things than I have suggested that it was the General Model brand. It was an exact copy of the one they came out with, but it was proportioned differently from the production model of the Lionel. It is still a mystery that the folks in the know have been silent about, even after the books and video have been around for quite awhile.
Dennis