Postwar Lionel Classic
This particular locomotive set has been around for a while - 1950 if I recall correctly. The 2023 Alco A-A pair when matched with the 3 yellow passenger cars that were offered with it is often referred to as the Golden Anniversary Set, marking 50 years of Lionel trains at the time.
This version of an Alco FA locomotive is not as well known to the general public as the Lionel Santa Fe warbonnet diesels are, but mechanically they are just as impressive. The early version here has a wonderful cast frame and a powerful motor and horn inside the powered unit. The pair I got are in good shape mechanically. With proper care they can run nearly as well as they did when new over 70 years ago. (I wish I could say the same about myself.)
The body shells tend to take a lot of abuse over time - these were sold as toys for children after all - but how many toys sold today will still be going strong even just a decade from now, let alone seven? The shells that came with this set had some damage - worn paint and a bad crack in one, but I was able to find a replacement set in better condition and they're easy to swap.
These are definitely old school model railroading - no computer chips, sound systems, or remote controls. But, they'll pull a lot of cars, light up, and still provide a lot of fun to operate. The postwar years are sometimes referred to as Lionel's golden age. Trains like this are the reason why.
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