In the new catalog is something I hoped Lionel Corp would do and that is the O gauge Red Comet set. I'll be putting in my pre order for this tomorrow! I notice the tender will be different from the Lionel version done a few years back. No mater for me I'm just happy I can get it with PS-2 now. The pic in the catalog doesn't do it justice.
Replies sorted oldest to newest
This one looks as if they are trying their best to emulate the 1935 version. That year was the first. It had a flat walled cab, unlighted air tank cars, thick nickel rimmed drivers, and more often than not, did not have the chrome headlight ring. The steam chest was also unweighted. For a tender, they used a non-whistling 261T
I doubt it is an absolute accurate version, but the picture most resembles the 1935. The Lionel Prewar Celebration version I own is close to 1936 and up production, but not exact either. This version had a weighted steam chest and cast doors in the cab to aid in traction (1935 engines are terribly light and don't pull well). It had thin rimmed drivers, fish belly cars, and the waffle top 265 tender with or without whistles.
Enjoy.
When I read the title I thought you were referring to this:
Nay on either for me.
I will definitely do the 400E version!
What cars come with it?
Chris,
Even though I'm prewar American, this set is so very, very tempting. The problems that jsrfo brought up about the originals does not apply to this reproduction. Knowing MTH only the exterior looks like the original. Everything else is up to modern standards. I just might make an exception to my mindset on this one. I do own an original, however, due to it's condition it's on display behind glass. May I ask who you're going to preorder through? This is all new to me. If need be, my email address is in my profile.
The 400E is Std. Gauge. The Red Comet is O-Gauge.
Rak.
I can't really see the names on the cars, but here's a scan:
Chris,
Even though I'm prewar American, this set is so very, very tempting. The problems that jsrfo brought up about the originals does not apply to this reproduction. Knowing MTH only the exterior looks like the original. Everything else is up to modern standards. I just might make an exception to my mindset on this one. I do own an original, however, due to it's condition it's on display behind glass. May I ask who you're going to preorder through? This is all new to me. If need be, my email address is in my profile.
The 400E is Std. Gauge. The Red Comet is O-Gauge.
Yeah, I doubt that MTH would make one that doesn't pull, and I really don't know if accuracy compared to the original really matters to most buyers.
Pappy, I've been looking for a nice original for nearly 10 years, which is why I settled for the Prewar Celebration version. It's nice, but just not the same. If you ever find another one, let me know.
My favorite version of the O gauge red comet is the prewar version that used the red 264E/265W with the two tone 1685 cars. I do have this uncataloged version, mentioned in the Prewar Sets book by McEntarfer.
Thank you Frank!
I am definitely going to need one of those!
In the new catalog is something I hoped Lionel Corp would do and that is the O gauge Red Comet set. I'll be putting in my pre order for this tomorrow! I notice the tender will be different from the Lionel version done a few years back. No mater for me I'm just happy I can get it with PS-2 now. The pic in the catalog doesn't do it justice.
Yes! My first preorder from the new catalog. 
I will be ordering that set and likely selling my earlier Lionel set. I prefer the command control items.
Although it looks very nice, this is one of many items in the new catalog I can pass upon, having the good fortune to own the excellent reissued version offered by the real Lionel a few years ago. That set is a joy with pleasing conventional operation, an open frame three pole motor, and a lovely-sounding genuine air whistle.
Bob Bubeck
The new Lionel Red Comet was built with new tooling for the occassion as part of the Prewar Celebration series. This was before the settlement between Lionel and MTH when Lionel was moving forward with their own reissued tinplate. Mr. Ashba and I were in a few "back and forths" about this set at the time. So, the real Lionel made it (or rather had it manufactured in China and imported it).
Lovely set. One of my favorite tinplate reissues/reproductions.
Bob Bubeck
Doesn't anyone think that CHROME-PLATED 400E set is the CAT's MEOW???
Ron,
The Chrome on is very cool!
I do like the red one even better!
The Chrome and the Red 400E's don't really do it for me. I prefer the Blue Comet, Crackle Black, or even the Purple MTH Club one.
to each his own.
I was fortunate enough to get one of the Prewar Celebration series sets with the highly desirable reversed smoke stack 
Steve
The new Lionel Red Comet was built with new tooling for the occassion as part of the Prewar Celebration series. This was before the settlement between Lionel and MTH when Lionel was moving forward with their own reissued tinplate. Mr. Ashba and I were in a few "back and forths" about this set at the time. So, the real Lionel made it (or rather had it manufactured in China and imported it).
Lovely set. One of my favorite tinplate reissues/reproductions.
Bob Bubeck
I was fortunate enough to get one of the Prewar Celebration series sets with the highly desirable reversed smoke stack 
Steve
The new Lionel Red Comet was built with new tooling for the occassion as part of the Prewar Celebration series. This was before the settlement between Lionel and MTH when Lionel was moving forward with their own reissued tinplate. Mr. Ashba and I were in a few "back and forths" about this set at the time. So, the real Lionel made it (or rather had it manufactured in China and imported it).
Lovely set. One of my favorite tinplate reissues/reproductions.
Bob Bubeck
Yeah, mine HAD the highly desirable reversed smoke stack. It bugged me to the point that I had to take it apart and turn it the correct way. I have probably owned twenty 265E/264E engines over the years (currently eight), and sitting with the others, it didn't look right.
Other than that, it is a nicely made train, and runs well. Perfect for me, with its open framed motor and air whistle. Of course, if you need command, then it isn't for you.
Actually, I will be ordering the locomotive and not the cars, since they appear to be priced separately in the catalog. I have any number of cars that will look nice with the engine.
Actually, I will be ordering the locomotive and not the cars, since they appear to be priced separately in the catalog. I have any number of cars that will look nice with the engine.
Yes, this is a good point. They are separate items so I guess it's technically not a set.
Also raises an issue about the ultimate delivery dates. I hope LCT gets them in sync so we don't end up with the loco, say, 6 months before the passenger cars are delivered. Or vice versa.
I was thinking about the Red Standard Gauge for the shop.
Dave
I'm supprised nobody has mentioned the Hamiltonian red Presidents Special. I always liked the looks of it on the 1928 catalog cover. I ended up spending umteen hours restoring an original to that color. Except is used a 4694 steam loco & tender. That was hardest & most time consuming restoration I've ever done. Both red standard gauge sets interest me. But they're expensive. And I've mentioned about reselling if I decide to change directions here before and I won't! Please don't get mad. I'll never ever ever never mention selling trains here again. Trains are "happy thoughts".
Bill
Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership
