The trains were made as toys – expensive perhaps, but still toys. Not adult collectibles. Not scale models. Not just like the real thing (in spite of that one famous Lionel ad where the blind-as-a-bat engineer says the Lionel 4-4-4 is just like his real Hudson). The point of these trains was fun and not resale value or collectibility.
In modern times, MTH Electric Trains has been the leader in reproducing and marketing newly made trains with prewar styling for O and Standard gauges. While Lionel did some outstanding work with its Standard gauge Hiawatha and Commodore Vanderbilt (Classic Toy Trains, February 2003), it was a major coup for both Lionel and MTH to form the Lionel Corporation Tinplate product line using the venerable Lionel brand name and MTH’s tooling and technology.
As someone who has collected Lionel’s modern-era orange-and-blue Lionel Lines O gauge equipment, I’ll have to say that these colors certainly evoke nostalgia. One or two prewar purists I know were aghast at this, but that sort of questioning violates my “These are toys, no rivet-counting allowed” rule.
I mean just because Lionel never did an orange-and-blue no. 255E in cave-man days, doesn’t mean it should never be done on a vintage design.
The prewar model was a largish O gauge product (think a small, modern Large scale locomotive operating on O gauge track) that was rugged and fairly easy for kids to handle.
Although part of the venerable no. 260 family of 2-4-2s, the original no. 255E had a narrow production run, just cataloged in 1935 and ’36.
The 255E differed from the 260 by omitting Lionel’s chugger sound-making feature, but it added a new three-position reversing unit.
The originals were often plagued with metal decay, and many had major components deteriorate over time. Suffice it to say that this brand-spanking new model hopefully avoids the pitfalls of contaminated metal!
Opening the box
The model isn’t anything close to an O scale product (think maybe Standard gauge running on three-rail O track), so it is big and hulky in appearance. Just as they say, trains made the right size for small hands!
As I mentioned, I’m a bit of a sucker for orange-and-blue Lionel Lines type of stuff. I wasn’t exactly sure which model was in the box, but I’ll confess to breaking into a wide grin when I saw this 255E. Bright and shiny never looks better than on pressed steel, and this baby has an eye-popping appearance.
But the truly great thing about a piece like this – which replicates a vintage product – is that you can see how Lionel’s engineering staff in the 1930s didn’t just make something up.
Designers tried to duplicate the detail points of a real steam locomotive on a children’s toy.
Details you can reference include the pilot with the raised rail around the platform, nickel trim around the headlight, the pockets for the class flags, the add-on nickel smokestack, sand and steam domes (with downward sloping feeder lines), whistle, and bell.
You’ll also see a compressor and large builder’s plate and number plate and grab iron on the cab.
The cab is a simple affair, and the real delight is seeing the firebox glow as the model rolls around a layout in a darkened room.
The running gear is simple yet visually effective.
The Vanderbilt-style tender has six axles with an attractive combination of nickel-plated wheels, black side frames, and nickel journal boxes. There are handrails and a ladder on the top of the tender as well as a simulated hatch for loading water. The large Lionel logo on the side tops the whole thing off.
On the rear of the tender you’ll find one of those weird and wacky latch couplers to pull your train.
This model has a heavy stamped metal frame and a sheet-metal superstructure. Colors are baked enamel, and paint application was perfect. We noted no bubbles, overspray, or other imperfections in the paint application.
On the test track
Our sample was the contemporary version with the modern electronics, but a traditional (no sound) version is also available for the same price.
We tested the 255E locomotive in conventional and command mode using an MTH Digital Command System powered by an MTH Z-4000 transformer. All command and sound functions operated properly.
Our conventional-mode low-speed average was 3.2 scale miles per hour, while the command-mode low speed was 1.8 scale miles per hour. Our high-speed average was 43 scale miles per hour.
Drawbar pull was 1 pound, 13 ounces. This should be sufficient to pull a small train of similar, modern prewar-style freight or passenger cars.
Motor and running gear operation was smooth and quiet, and all the model’s functions worked as advertised. This was a fun train to run.
At first the realistic sound system seems at odds with the toy-like nature of the locomotive, but trust me, you can easily become accustomed to it. I believe that the model’s metal construction helps add a “larger-than-life” element to sound reproduction.
Prewar-style trains are great, and modern re-creations are even better.
Why? Improved manufacturing and decorating techniques plus the choice of traditional or modern motors and electronics. The Lionel Corporation Tinplate line is a terrific compromise for someone who wants trains that have an old-school appearance minus 70 years of rust and dust accumulation.
The Lionel Corp. no. 255E may be the locomotive to tempt a traditional three-railer into taking a walk on the wild side and embracing the “toy” in toy train!
Features: O-31 operation, ProtoSound 2.0, metal construction
Great review of a great Classic Toy Train! My non railroad friend says it looks like a flute. I guess that is why it is music to my ears.
For anyone who had a soft spot for O gauge tinplate of the 1930 era and the 260 and 263 series of locos , this is a must engine to go after. The box alone will sell the engine. The loco has heft and style and when run the years melt away..
I purchased the 255E and love it. Add the Orange/Blue Lionel 2814 Box car and Lionel 2816 Hopper – which were Dealer Appreciation offerings – and this train is growing and really eye catching.
I operate all scale offerings of Lionel and MTH – but – the toy-like excitement of this locomotive captures everyone's attention.
I expect that Lionel will continue to offer more rolling stock in this great color combination!