WELCOME TO LIONEL’S “OO” GAUGE TRAINS

A STUDY OF LIONEL’S PREWAR 1938 – 1942 “OO” GAUGE TRAINS

Set 0080/W 3-Rail Full Scale 1938
Set 0080/W 3-Rail Full Scale 1939-42
Set 0082/W 3-Rail Modified Scale 1939-42
Set 0090/W 2-Rail Full Scale 1939-42
Set 0092/W 2-Rail Modified Scale 1939-42
Comparison of 001 Full Scale and 002 Modified Scale Locos – Side View
Comparison of 001 Full Scale and 002 Modified Scale Locos – Front View
Comparison of 1938 and 1939-42 Tender Drawbar Connections
Some 0014 Box Cars were Painted Tuscan over Lionel Lines Cars
“OO” Gauge Track
“OO” HALF CURVE AND HALF STRAIGHT TRACKS
No. 0070 3-Rail 90-Degree Crossing
No. 0072 3-Rail Remote Control Switches
No. 0044 Box Car Display Box
No. 0045 Tank Car Display Box
No. 0046 Hopper Display Box
No. 0047 Caboose Display Box
“OO” Gauge Freight Car Kits
No. 0044 Unassembled Kit Boxcar
No. 0045 Unassembled Kit Tank Car
No. 0045 Assembled Kit Tank Car
No. 0046K Hopper Car Kit
Lionel “OO” Factory Layout
Lionel “OO” Factory Layout for Both 2-Rail and 3-Rail “OO” Trains
Lionel “OO” Factory Layout with Siding and Switches
Lionel Salesman Case 1938
THE No. 0090 W “00” GAUGE FREIGHT TRAIN OUTFIT
RUSS MACNAIR’S “OO” DISPLAY FOR THE 2024 TCA CONVENTION LAYOUT TOURS

Set 0080/W 3-Rail Full Scale 1938

Lionel offered its first “OO” Gauge Train Set in 1938. Set No. 0080W was a four car freight set headed by a Hudson locomotive. Components of the set included No. 001/001W “5342” New York Central steam locomotive, No. 0014 Lionel Lines box car, No. 0015 Sunoco tank car, No. 0016 Southern Pacific hopper, and No. 0017 Pennsylvania caboose. Also issued in 1938 was Set No. 0080. This set was identical to Set No. 0080W with the exception of the tender. Tender No. 001T was substituted for No. 001W and had no whistle.

Set No. 0080/W was issued for operation on 3-rail “OO” Gauge track. The locomotive and freight cars were all full scale, referred to by Lionel in its catalog as “super detailed”.

Locomotive No. 001 was an almost identical miniature version of the “O” Gauge 700E scale Hudson issued by Lionel the previous year.

When this set was issued in 1938 many consumers complained that a set headed by a New York Central Hudson locomotive should not contain a “Pennsylvania” caboose. This was rectified the following year.

All of the freight cars in this set were unique to 1938. The box car, hopper and caboose were modified completely for 1939. The 1938 Sunoco tank car, although similar to the tank car issued in subsequent years, differed in that it was the only tank car to include the catalog number “0015” on the sides of the car. Beginning in 1939, all tank cars had the number rubber stamped on the bottom of the frame.

Set 0080/W 3-Rail Full Scale 1939-42

In 1939, Lionel re-issued Set No. 0080/W. Although the Hudson locomotive was very similar in appearance to the 1938 version, all of the freight cars were completely re-decorated for 1939 with the emphasis on realistic railroad appearance. Set No. 0080W for 1939 was again a four car freight set headed by a Hudson locomotive. Components of the set included No. 001/001W “5342” New York Central steam locomotive, No. 0014 Pennsylvania box car, No. 0015 Sunoco tank car or No. 0015 Shell tank car, No. 0016 Southern Pacific hopper, and No. 0017 New York Central caboose. In 1939, Lionel also carried over Set No. 0080. This set was identical to Set No. 0080W with the exception of the tender. Tender No. 001T was substituted for No. 001W and had no whistle.

As with its scale and semi-scale freight cars issued in “O” Gauge, beginning in 1939, Lionel issued both a No. 0015 tank car in silver with Sunoco markings and a No. 0015 tank car in black with Shell markings.

Set No. 0080W and Set No. 0080 were issued from 1939 through 1942 and remained unchanged during this period. No “OO” Gauge items were offered by Lionel after 1942.

Set 0082/W 3-Rail Modified Scale 1939-42

Set No. 0082W was first issued by Lionel in 1939. Components of this set included No. 002/002W “5342” New York Central steam locomotive, No. 0024 Pennsylvania box car, No. 0025 Sunoco tank car or No. 0025 Shell tank car, and No. 0027 New York Central caboose. Set No. 0082W was a three car freight set and did not include a hopper. In 1939, Lionel also issued Set No. 0082 which was identical to Set No. 0082W with the exception of the tender. Tender No. 002T was substituted for No. 002W and had no whistle.

Set No. 0082/W was issued for operation on 3-rail “OO” Gauge track. The locomotive and freight cars were all semi scale, referred to by Lionel in its catalog as “modified scale”. Differences between full scale and semi scale sets included fewer detailed elements on the steam engine and tender. In addition, the caboose did not have a stack. The box car and tank car were essentially the same.

Set 0090/W 2-Rail Full Scale 1939-42

Set No. 0090W was first issued by Lionel in 1939. Set No. 0090W was a four car freight set headed by a Hudson locomotive. Components of this set included No. 003/003W “5342” New York Central steam locomotive, No. 0044 Pennsylvania box car, No. 0045 Sunoco tank car or No. 0045 Shell tank car, No. 0046 Southern Pacific hopper, and No. 0047 New York Central caboose. In 1939, Lionel also issued Set No. 0090 which was identical to Set No. 0090W with the exception of the tender. Tender No. 003T was substituted for No. 003W and had no whistle.

Set No. 0090/W was issued for operation on 2-rail “OO” Gauge track. Similar to Set No. 0080W, the locomotive and freight cars were all full scale, referred to by Lionel in its catalog as “super detailed”. The only difference between 3-Rail and 2-Rail freight cars, other than the number, are insulated wheels for the 2-Rail cars.

Set 0092/W 2-Rail Modified Scale 1939-42

Set No. 0092W was first issued by Lionel in 1939. Set No. 0092W was a three car freight set headed by a Hudson locomotive. Components of this set included No. 004/004W “5342” New York Central steam locomotive, No. 0074 Pennsylvania box car, No. 0075 Sunoco tank car or No. 0075 Shell tank car, and No. 0077 New York Central caboose. In 1939, Lionel also issued Set No. 0092 which was identical to Set No. 0092W with the exception of the tender. Tender No. 004T was substituted for No. 004W and had no whistle.

Set No. 0090/W was issued for operation on 2-rail “OO” Gauge track. Similar to Set No. 0082W, the locomotive and freight cars were all semi scale, referred to by Lionel in its catalog as “modified scale”. The only difference between 3-Rail and 2-Rail freight cars, other than the number, are insulated wheels for the 2-Rail cars.

Comparison of 001 Full Scale and 002 Modified Scale Locos – Side View

The differences between the 001 full scale loco and the 002 semi scale loco can be seen in this side view of the two locos. The photo shows the additional valve gear and piping on the 001 loco. In addition, the 001W/T tender has hand rails not present on 002W/T tenders.

Comparison of 001 Full Scale and 002 Modified Scale Locos – Front View

Additional details on the 001 loco including front coupler and number boards not included on the 002 loco can be seen in this front view of the two locos.
The differences between the 001 and 002 locos as described and depicted above also apply to the differences between the 003 full scale loco and the 004 semi scale loco in 2-Rail.

Comparison of 1938 and 1939-42 Tender Drawbar Connections

The 001 loco issued in 1938 had a draw bar tender connection similar to “O” Gauge No. 700E and 763E Hudson Locos that utilized a pin and chain. However, due to the small size of the 001 locos, tweezers and a flashlight were typically needed to make the connection. Lionel corrected this problem in 1939 when the connection for the 001 loco was changed from the pin and chain to a spring loaded pin as shown. This modified connection was utilized for all “OO” locos issued in 1939 and thereafter.

Some 0014 Box Cars were Painted Tuscan over Lionel Lines Cars

When Lionel made the change to more scale decorated freight cars in 1939, they apparently had a surplus of 0014 Lionel Lines box cars painted in cream. Early 0014 Pennsylvania box cars can be found painted Tuscan over the original cream paint.

“OO” Gauge Track

“OO” sets included the appropriate 2-Rail or 3-Rail Track. Track was typically issued boxed in the set box. 3-Rail sets included 11 curve, 4 straight, and 1 curve connection track. 12 curved track sections formed a 27-inch circle.

2-Rail sets included 11 curve and 1 curve connection track which formed a 48-inch circle. 2-Rail sets were never issued with straight track. Therefore, 2-Rail straight track is quite difficult to find.

The Bakelite roadbed of both 3-Rail and 2-Rail track is very subject to warpage with age. It is difficult to get enough good track to build any sizable layout. Plus, the pilot tolerance for 3-Rail locomotives is extremely tight. “OO” Gauge layouts typically require shims to level track for smooth operation.

Half sections of 3-Rail curve and straight track were available. Half sections of track were not available in 2-Rail.

“OO” HALF CURVE AND HALF STRAIGHT TRACKS

No. 0063 “OO” Gauge 1/2 Curve Three Rail Track Section. Box for 6 sections of track. Also pictured, No. 0065 “OO” Gauge 1/2 Straight Three Rail Track Section.

No. 0070 3-Rail 90-Degree Crossing

90-Degree crossings were only available in 3-Rail.

No. 0072 3-Rail Remote Control Switches

Remote control switches were only available in 3-Rail. There were no manual switches. An interesting component of the remote control switches was the Plexiglas base plate which often yellowed with age. The remote control switch controllers were the same as those issued with “O” Gauge switches. “OO” Gauge switches are rather difficult to obtain.

No. 0044 Box Car Display Box

“OO” Gauge freight cars, either when issued in sets or for separate sale were issued in standard Lionel orange and blue component boxes. However, Lionel also offered special display boxes for 2-Rail full scale freight cars. No other “OO” Gauge freight cars were issued in similar boxes. These boxes were issued only as separate sale items.

No. 0045 Tank Car Display Box

No. 0046 Hopper Display Box

No. 0047 Caboose Display Box

“OO” Gauge Freight Car Kits

Lionel issued kits for the 2-Rail full scale freight cars. The metal components of the cars were issued in primer gray paint. Kits included all parts necessary for assembly including paint and decals. Unassembled kits with good boxes are nearly impossible to find. Interestingly, the kits were priced only 25 cents less than the same fully assembled and decorated freight cars. Since there was little financial incentive to buy the kits, they were likely purchased primarily by buyers looking to customize the cars.

Kits for OO Locos were cataloged, but are not known to have been produced.

No. 0044 Unassembled Kit Boxcar

No. 0045 Unassembled Kit Tank Car

No. 0045 Assembled Kit Tank Car

This is an example of a 0045 tank car kit that was assembled and decorated, but never painted.

No. 0046K Hopper Car Kit

Lionel “OO” Factory Layout

Lionel offered several “OO” Gauge factory built layouts to dealers to be used to promote the sale of “OO” Gauge trains. This layout featured a basic loop of 3-Rail track, a tin station building, die-cast railroad signs, and lichen shrubbery. The layout base was painted to depict a small lake or pond and roads. Key to the value of the layout is the wooden factory installed billboard advertising Lionel’s “OO” Gauge Trains. The layout measures 44-inches x 32-inches and includes a small Lionel transformer.

Lionel “OO” Factory Layout for Both 2-Rail and 3-Rail “OO” Trains

This layout was depicted in 1939 and 1940 Lionel consumer catalogs and in promotional advertising to dealers. Although depicted in consumer catalogs, it was not offered for sale to the general public. The layout consisted of an inner loop of 3-Rail “OO” Gauge track and an outer loop of 2-Rail “OO” Gauge track. In contrast to the previous factory layout, this layout featured wooden “block” buildings and railroad structures with decals to represent doors and windows. Specific components of the layout, as advertised, included an arrangement of miniature houses, freight sheds, oil storage tanks, shrubbery, street lamps and a miniature lumber shed and corral. Catalog photos of this layout do not depict the “OO” Gauge wooden billboard found on other “OO” Gauge factory layouts, but it very possible that a similar billboard was included with the layout. According to dealer advertising, the layout measured 97-inches x 57-inches.

I have never seen an actual example of this layout, but I am sure that they are out there. A photograph of this factory layout would be greatly appreciated.

Lionel “OO” Factory Layout with Siding and Switches

This is another example of a factory layout for “OO” Gauge trains. The layout consisted of a loop of 3-Rail “OO” Gauge track with a pair of “OO” Gauge remote control switches and an inner siding. Similar to the previous factory layout, this layout also had wooden “block” buildings and railroad structures with decals to represent windows and doors. Key to the value of the layout is the wooden factory installed billboard advertising Lionel’s “OO” Gauge trains. This factory layout measures 46-inches x 38-inches and includes a pair of remote control switches, switch controllers, and a small transformer.

In addition to the factory layout pictured here, I have seen one other example of this layout. However, many other examples likely exist. I have never seen an advertisement for the layout in any Lionel dealer literature. A photograph of this factory layout, description of features, and pricing in any dealer advertising would be greatly appreciated.

The above text and trains Courtesy of “THE MacNair COLLECTION”

1938 Lionel Salesman Case