Lionel 1984 Erie Lackawanna set

More than likely this set was made in Mexico, the engine, the 8458 E-L SD-40

will have "Made in Mexico" stamped on the underside.

 

This SD 40 was the first to come with dual motors and also features Mangetraction and a basic horn.

 

As for the engines made in Mexico, it can be hit, or miss.

That said, my 8406/783 Hudson was made in Mexico and is one of my best running steam engines.

 

There were also some engines during this period that had some of their runs made in Mexico, and some other made in Michigan, the 8378 Wabash FM is an example of this.

 

Ken

 

 

I always heard that the 8406 Hudson was made in Mt. Clemens ( as mine is marked) to celebrate a return back to the USA from Mexico.  

Bogus

8458 EL SD-40 was a fantasy item.

This number never existed on the EL.

Paint scheme is also incorrect.

 

I had this diesel back in the day when I didn’t know any better, it was a real boat anchor.

 

Mine is USA made too.

Who asked if the number was correct?

The box says "engine made in USA Rolling stock made in Mexico".

As far as the number goes it was made back when Lionel put their numbers on engines.

I love these sets not for accuracy...but because of their Postwar style play value...with a twist in an attempt to head slightly in the direction of more detail.  Lionel modified the Geep platform for this new SD...but still using the integrated motor trucks.  I am just worried about the screw cracks on the platform...were these likely to crack new out of the box or only when someone tried to remove the shell?

I hve a few of the accessories from the Mexico era, Coaling Station, AF Oil Drum Loader & AF Sawmill.......all have worked fine over the years.

 

Peter

 

Nope, the 784 B & A Hudson, was the engine that heralded return of full production to Michigan.

 

Some of the 8406 Hudson's were made in Mexico, others were assembled in Mt. Clemens using Mexican made parts.  The domestic assembly was done to get the engines out to market, as Lionel did not realize how back logged the Mexican production was becoming.

 

Ken

Well, at least Lionel nailed it with the 2026 steamer right down to the last rivet.

So it was a fantasy item, it was fun to own and run at the time.

As of now...the only Mexican made Lionel I have is the American Flyer FARR Southern Freight Set.  As a younger fan I always dreamed of owning that set...not sure why but it is a neat one.

 

Micheal,

 

Lionel fixed this problem in 1987 with the 18200 Conrail SD40 with two brass shoulders under the screws, and every SD40 there after. If you can find spare shoulders for the Erie Lackawanna you shouldn't have to worry.

 

Thomas

Big deal... A lot of Lionel production back in the 80's were fantasy items. 

 

I certainly don't recall the Chicago and Alton, Southern or Jersey Central having any Hudsons, for example.

 

Rusty

Just the 80's? A lot of Most Lionel production going back to 1901 is of fantasy items.

This era is when Lionel designated the 2nd number as the year it's produced- hence 8458 was made 1984.