Seldom does a locomotive become a classic on multiple fronts. But Lionel is reintroducing a greatly improved O Scale model of the prototype subject of this feature that did just that and much more.

To the New York Central Railroad, it was the answer to its urgent need for a more powerful and efficient steam locomotive. To builders at the American Locomotive Schenectady NY plant, it was the ultimate testimony to their craftsmanship and the application of quality, new age steam appliances that contributed to the locomotive’s justifiably acclaimed success in daily service. To NYC rival – the Pennsylvania Railroad – it became a painful reminder that they lacked a locomotive remotely close to that pacesetting design and was an absolute guarantee that the expensive practice of double-heading locomotives on PRR passenger trains would continue unabated.

In 1926 NYC Motive Power Chief Paul W Kiefer faced a dilemma in that passenger train miles increased 26% since 1919 and the use of heavier Pullman sleeping cars had grown 33% and accordingly passenger train length and weight outpaced the largest NYC K5 4-6-2 locomotives. Keifer selected the untested 4-6-4-wheel arrangement and developed a clean lined locomotive, modern in every respect,  that incorporated the most advanced features developed up to that point to increase the power and efficiency of steam locomotives.

The first 4-6-4 locomotive, named “Hudson” – in keeping with NYC practice of honoring rivers along its scenic route – rolled out of the erecting shop on February 14, 1927. After a number of successful road tests, quaintly orders followed in 1927-1931. The last, and to many the best remembered group, was the class J1E built in 1931 and the total roster of J1 locomotives grew to 205. Of that last batch of 1931, locomotive #5344 became the most famous and most frequently used as the “standard” representative of the NYC Hudson locomotives.

So, it came to be that when Joshua Lionel Cowen was chided about making only unrealistic “toy trains” in the late 1930s, Lionel selected NYC #5344 to be the prototype for what they planned to be a line of true, scale locomotives. The Lionel catalog #700E – NYC #5344 – released in 1937 was a carefully crafted locomotive and its commanding detail quickly silenced the scale critics and soon thereafter, the model achieved permanent “classic” status – just like the prototype Hudson.

The new Lionel J1E locomotive pays tribute to that success updated with the latest technology now demanded by discriminating model railroaders. Features include a retooled boiler for finer and more accurate details than ever before and prototype-specific details, including proper headlight, class lights and tender options. Additionally model railroaders will appreciate the latest in VISION control and operating features as well, including 4-digit addressing, Bluetooth, kinematic drawbar and force coupler, whistle steam, swinging bell, road-numberspecific crew talk and, track pan spray effect on PT tender versions.

The new Lionel J1E locomotive is a very fitting symbol of their respected 125-year record of model-making and restores the double- classic status of the #700E and the New York Central “Hudson” Locomotive. Please take time to review the various options available within this new release and relive a milestone in railroading and model building.

Frank Wrabel

modeltrainstuff.com