Lionel Classic Period Electric Locomotives
All information and trains supplied by Russ MacNair unless otherwise noted
Lionel No. 248 Electric Locomotives
Lionel No. 250 / 252 Electric Locomotives
Lionel No. 251 Electric Locomotives
Lionel No. 253 Electric Locomotives
Lionel No. 254 Electric Locomotives
Lionel No. 256 Electric Locomotives
Lionel No. 251 Electric Locomotives
General Information
The Lionel No. 251 Electric Locomotive was introduced in 1925 and was issued through 1932. This 0-4-0 Electric Locomotive was one of three box cab electric locomotives issued by Lionel during the Classic Period. The No. 251 Locomotive resembles the Pennsylvania Railroad B-1 and the New York Central T1. The No. 251 was one of the largest of the electric locomotives issued by Lionel during the Classic Period. This locomotive was included as a component of many larger passenger and freight prewar sets. Due to the size and cost of the No. 251 Locomotive, it was not typically included in uncataloged or “Special” sets.
The No. 251 Electric Locomotive measures 10-inches in length. All have two headlights located on the roof at the ends of the locomotive. The headlights are directional and are only illuminated corresponding to the direction of travel. The No. 251 Locomotive has a manual reverse which is controlled by a lever through the body. The “Lionel” and “251” plates have black lettering. The No. 251E Locomotive has a remotely operated reverse. It also has a lever through the body that engages or disengages the reversing unit. The “Lionel” and “251E” plates typically have red lettering. All No. 251E Locomotives utilized Lionel’s pendulum reverse unit. None were issued with an E-unit reverse.
Variations of the No. 251 Electric Locomotives include the evolution of the drive wheels from spoked to disc and the headlights from strap to cast. Other notable variations include body color and brass versus painted window inserts. All of the No. 251 Locomotives have black frames, brass air tanks and nickel leaf springs.
Lionel No. 251 Electric Locomotives
PHOTOS NEEDED
10. Early No. 251 Box – Opens on Top.
11. Later No. 251E Box – Opens on End.
1. No. 251 Electric Locomotive in gray (1925-1926). Locomotive has strap headlights, brass window inserts and spoked drive wheels. This locomotive has a nickel pantograph and whistle.
2. No. 251 Electric Locomotive in gray (1926-1927). Locomotive has strap headlights, red window inserts and spoked drive wheels.
PHOTOS NEEDED
3. No. 251 Electric Locomotive in gray (1927-1928). Locomotive has cast headlights, red window inserts, nickel flag holders and disc drive wheels.
4. No. 251E Electric Locomotive in gray (1927-1928). Locomotive has cast headlights, brass window inserts and disc drive wheels. This locomotive has a pendulum reverse.
5. No. 251E Electric Locomotive in gray (1928-1929). Locomotive has cast headlights, red window inserts and disc drive wheels. This locomotive has a pendulum reverse.
6. No. 251 Electric Locomotive in red (1930). Locomotive has cast headlights, cream window inserts, nickel flag holders and disc drive wheels. This locomotive has a cream stripe at the base of the body.
7. No. 251E Electric Locomotive in red (1930-1932). Locomotive has cast headlights, cream window inserts and disc drive wheels. This locomotive has a pendulum reverse.
8. No. 251E Electric Locomotive in red (1930-1932). Locomotive has cast headlights, cream window inserts and disc drive wheels. This locomotive has a pendulum reverse. This locomotive has a cream stripe at the base of the body.
9. No. 251E Electric Locomotive in olive green (1929-1930). Locomotive has cast headlights, red window inserts and disc drive wheels. This locomotive has a pendulum reverse. This locomotive may have been a test color since only one example has been reported.
10. Early No. 251 Box – Opens on Top.
11. Later No. 251E Box – Opens on End.
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