Lionel's "Motorized Unit" 2-4-2 Switcher/Engine

Classic Toy Trains Forum
1

There was a post (somewhere) regarding an issue with stress on the plastic shell due to a wire tie around the circuit boards on the later releases of these units. I just purchased the PWC 2002 TMCC Minuteman version (no shell issues), and must say it is fun! I just can’t figure out what it is. Lionel refers to it as a motorized unit, but is (or was) it a prototypical engine or Lionel’s creative license? The body looks a little like a Plymouth engine, but I’ve never seen a 2-4-2 wheel arrangement. This just might be the smallest (wheelbase) remote controll/electro coupler engine available, making it a great “yard goat”. It can crawl over my tubular turnouts without the stammer or stalling that occurs with some of my larger (and smaller) switchers. The unit is too small for it to also have included railsounds, but I’d much rather listen to the growl of the pullmore. I was compelled to write this review partially due to what a couple of guys at the LHS mentioned during the purchase- “Why would you spend $230 on that when you could buy a full sized engine with sound for a little more”? I am soooooo glad I did, but would like to know there was a prototype, and who made it?

Thanks,

Stack

2

Here’s more information on one of the originals: http://www.postwarlionel.com/cgi-bin/postwar?ITEM=45

Note there is no ‘actual’ prototype for any of these missile train ‘engines.’

3

Thank’s for the reference site Doug. They are saying it is a “loose design of an actual” 50’s type gas turbine switcher. Oddly, the #59 Airforce Minuteman didn’t make their list even though the original was produced in 1960. Anyone have any photos of 50’s style gas turbine engines?

Thanks,

Stack

4

If you look here (Scroll down):

http://www.museumoftransport.org/collection.htm

You’ll see that the #41 is actually quite a good model of the Army gas turbine.

5

Look familiar?

Rob

6

Wow! Looks very familiar and more than a “loose” design. Thanks for the pics guys.

Stack

7

Hello Smokestack! The Engine you are referring to above was built by the Vulcan Iron Works in Wilkes-Barre,Pa & this is what the Lionel 2-4-2 was based upon. Take Care.

8

Thanks Keith. Was confused if it was built by Davenport or Vulcan.

Stack

9

There were (2) types of 2-4-2 outline “motorized units” made by Lionel - the 41 Army(Transportation Corps) type(pictured above) was a Davenport based model. The 51 Navy(Yard) type was based on a Vulcan Design.

Rob

10

Thanks for clarifying Rob. Went to both sites (Davenport, Vulcan) and couldn’t find any pics or articles on the 2-4-2 configuation, plenty of 0-4-0 models.

Stack