Lionel Classic Period Electric Locomotives
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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. 256 Electric Locomotives
General Information
The Lionel No. 256 Electric Locomotive was introduced in 1924 and was issued through 1930. This 0-4-4-0 Electric Locomotive was one of three box cab electric locomotives issued by Lionel during the Classic Period. The No. 256 Locomotive resembles the B&M Hoosac Tunnel-type and the New York Central T1b locomotives. The No. 256 was the largest of the “O” Gauge electric locomotives issued by Lionel during the Classic Period and was the only locomotive in this period to have two motors. This locomotive was only included as a component of a passenger set combined with the Nos. 710, 710, and 712 passenger cars. It was not issued with any cataloged freight sets.
The No. 256 Electric Locomotive measures 11 1/2-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. 256 Locomotive has a manual reverse which is controlled by a lever through the body. The lever is attached to a sliding metal strip that makes contact with the manual reversing unit connected to both motors. The No. 256 Locomotive was never issued with a remotely operated reverse.
Variations of the No. 256 Electric Locomotives include the evolution of the drive wheels from spoked to disc, a single fixed pantograph to two operating brass pantographs, and the headlights from celluloid insert to cast. Other notable variations include the transition of the “Lionel” and “256” markings from rubber stamped to brass plates and brass versus painted green window inserts. All of the No. 256 Locomotives have an orange body, black frame and nickel journals.
Lionel No. 256 Electric Locomotives
PHOTOS NEEDED
PHOTOS NEEDED
1. No. 256 Electric Locomotive in orange (1924). Locomotive has Standard Gauge headlights with celluloid inserts, brass window inserts, nickel and brass trim and spoked drive wheels. This locomotive has a single nickel pantograph and a single nickel whistle. “Lionel” and “256” are rubber stamped with an outline.
PHOTOS NEEDED
2. No. 256 Electric Locomotive in orange (1925). Locomotive has Standard Gauge headlights with celluloid inserts, brass window inserts, nickel and brass trim and spoked drive wheels. This locomotive has a single nickel pantograph and a single nickel whistle. “Lionel” and “256” are rubber stamped with no outline.
3. No. 256 Electric Locomotive in orange (1926). Locomotive has cast headlights, brass window insert, nickel and brass trims and spoked drive wheels. This locomotive has a single brass pantograph and a single brass whistle. “Lionel” and “256” are rubber stamped with no outline.
PHOTOS NEEDED
4. No. 256 Electric Locomotive in orange (1927-1930). Locomotive has cast headlights, green window inserts, nickel and brass trim and disc drive wheels. This locomotive has two operational brass pantographs and two brass whistles. “Lionel” and “256” are etched on a brass plate with no outline.
5. No. 256 Electric Locomotive in orange (1928-1929). Locomotive has cast headlights, green window inserts, nickel and brass trim and disc drive wheels. This locomotive has two operational brass pantographs and two brass whistles. “Lionel” and “256” are etched on a brass plate with a double outline.
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