The one set I desired the most was Lionel Set# 2525WS, shown in the 1958 Catatlog. This set had the Norfolk & Western Class J Northern on the point and came with a host of operating cars along with both the Culvert Loader and Unloading Station. The cost in 1958 was $100.00 and I had about as much chance of getting that set at Christmas as being anointed to sainthood. We couldn't even afford the culvert loader much less the entire set. Still I drooled all over that 1958 catalog and in my dreams played with that set over and over again. Nevertheless, I was quite content to play with my Grandad's Lionel Set# 1590 headed up by a little 2-4-2 "Columbia" style engine along with 4 freight cars to include the Range Patrol car with a truck. That little engine and tender sported a bright orange stripe similar to the N&W's Northern so many times when watching it run I made believe it was the big Northern. I still have that little set and it runs perfectly. I also still have that 1958 Catalog, or whats left of it. Never got the big set but a couple of years ago I stumbled on the post-war N&W bullet nosed Northern in almost like new condition and bought it for a steal. Its my favorite engine.
|
|
