Lionel O gauge 4-4-2 Hiawatha passenger car set

AS THE REVIEW of the locomotive noted, the first car set for Hiawatha service was built in 1935. A second series of cars was built in 1937, and demand for the Hiawatha service was so dramatic that in 1938 a third group was built and entered service in 1939.

There were several significant changes between the first and third groups (the Lionel car set models the third group). One obvious difference is that the original cars had smooth sides while the follow-on cars were ribbed. The original beavertail observation car was relatively unadorned and used small windows. It was redesigned with a vertical aerodynamic “rudder” and interlocking horizontal “visors” – features that appear on the Lionel model.

Exclusive to subscribers, here are two free color illustrations of the Hiawatha passenger cars.

Opening the box

The O gauge cars are beautiful and feel very light.

The glossy paint scheme is first rate, and the first impression is that you’re holding a top-of-the-line model. Paint application is flawless.

On the downside, I was disappointed with the windows on all four cars. The catalog states that they are flush, but only the porthole windows truly fill the bill. The main clear-plastic windows appear to be affixed from outside.

The end doors on each car open to reveal a vestibule, a nice touch. The side doors don’t open, although the main baggage doors slide open.

The Lionel cars, like the locomotive’s tender, ride a bit high when compared to photos of the prototypes.

Also on the prototype, electrical and air-conditioning gear was housed in long, enclosed sections set back from the sides of the cars. The undercarriage boxes were far closer to the trucks than on the models. As a result, on the O gauge cars there is more air between the trucks and the boxes and between the trucks and the undersides of the cars, creating a high-riding look.

The cars have exceptionally nice “sprung” diaphragms on each end, but on the track the diaphragms between cars never come close to touching.

Exclusive to subscribers, check out a video of the Hiawatha locomotive and passenger cars running on our roller base and test track.

On the test track

Each truck has a single power pickup. The distance between the rollers enables the cars to roll around free of flickering over switches and crossings.

The cars measure out at 72 feet in O scale (18 inches long). The prototype coaches were 78 feet long, and the restaurant/buffet car was 73 feet long.

The Hiawatha car set is a top-notch outfit and, really, a must-have to go with the locomotive. Besides the four cars we examined, Lionel offers a two-car add-on set and a diner with StationSounds.

O GAUGE FOUR-CAR HIAWATHA PASSENGER CAR SET BY LIONEL
Price: $579.99 (no. 29191 18-inch passenger car four-pack)

Features: O-54 operation, aluminum bodies with full interior detail and illumination

Pros: Beautiful set perfectly matching the Hiawatha locomotive and tender

Cons: Cars ride high, windows aren’t fully flush, fragile rear uncoupler arm, excessive gap between diaphragms

Made in the People’s Republic of China for Lionel