Lionel Classic Period Steam Locomotives
All information and trains supplied by Russ MacNair unless otherwise noted
Lionel No. 257 Early Steam Locomotives
Lionel No. 258 Early Steam Locomotives
Lionel No. 257 Early Steam Locomotives
General Information
The Lionel No. 257 2-4-0 Early Steam Locomotive was cataloged in 1930 only. The No. 257 Steam Locomotive utilized a sheet metal boiler and cab. The frame, steam chest, boiler front and pilot were diecast, the first use of diecast materials by Lionel on a steam locomotive. The locomotive was included with one passenger and one freight set in 1930. However it was also included in many special or promotional sets in 1931 through 1935. The No. 257 Steam Locomotives was also used in many Lionel- Ives transition sets with Ives plates.
The No. 257 Steam Locomotive has no reverse and runs forward only. It does have a headlight. The locomotive has copper and brass trim and a brass plate on the sides of the cab which reads “Lionel Lines No. 257”. The No. 257 Steam Locomotive was typically paired with a No. 257T 4-Wheel Tender, but also came with a No. 259T Tender in uncataloged sets. The No. 257T Tender has a diecast body and has brass trim and a brass plate on the sides which reads “Lionel Lines”. The tender has a latch coupler. The No. 257 / 257T Steam engine and tender combined measure 14 1/2-inches in total length.
The No. 257 Steam Locomotive was offered in black with orange stripes on the sides and in black with no stripes. The No. 257T Tender was typically offered in black with or without orange stripes. However, there is also a version in black with a crackle finish and no stripes.
Lionel No. 257 Early Steam Locomotive
1. No. 257 / 257T 2-4-0 Steam Locomotive in black with orange stripes. The No. 257T Tender is black with orange stripes, brass trim and nickel journals.
2. No. 257 / 257T 2-4-0 Steam Locomotive in black with orange stripes. The No. 257T Tender is black with no stripes, brass and copper trim and copper journals.
3. No 257 / 257T 2-4-0 Steam Locomotive in black with no stripes. The No. 257T Tender is black with a crackle finish, no stripes, brass and copper trim and copper journals. This is an uncataloged version.
4. No. 257 / 259T 2-4-0 Steam Locomotive in black with no stripes. The No. 259T Tender is black with brass trim and copper journals. This is an uncataloged version.
Lionel No. 258 Early Steam Locomotive
General Information
The Lionel No. 258 2-4-0 Early Steam Locomotive was cataloged in 1930 only. The No. 258 Steam Locomotive is very similar to the No. 257 Steam Locomotive and also utilized a sheet metal boiler and cab. The frame, steam chest, boiler front and pilot were diecast. The locomotive was included with one passenger and two freight sets in 1930. However it was also included in many special or promotional sets in 1931 through 1935. The No. 258 Steam Locomotives was also used in many Lionel- Ives transition sets with Ives plates.
The No. 258 Steam Locomotive has a manual reverse unit that was operated by a lever located inside the cab and a headlight. The locomotive has copper and brass trim and a brass plate on the sides of the cab which reads “Lionel Lines No. 258”. The No. 258 Steam Locomotive was paired with either a No. 258T 8-Wheel Tender or with a No. 257T 4-Wheel Tender. The No. 258T Tender has a diecast body and has brass trim and a brass plate on the sides which reads “Lionel Lines”. The tender has a latch coupler. The No. 258 / 258T Steam engine and tender combined measure 14 1/2-inches in total length.
The No. 258 Steam Locomotive was offered in black with orange or red stripes on the sides. The No. 258T Tender and the No. 257T Tender were both offered in black with orange stripes.
Lionel No. 258 Early Steam Locomotive
1. No. 258 / 258T 2-4-0 Steam Locomotive in black with orange stripes. The No. 258T Tender is black with orange stripes, brass trim and nickel journals.
2. No 258 / 258T 2-4-0 Steam Locomotive in black with red stripes. The No. 258T Tender is black with orange stripes, brass trim and nickel journals.
3. No. 258 / 257T 2-4-0 Steam Locomotive in black with orange stripes. The No. 257T Tender is black with orange stripes, brass trim and nickel journals.
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