Lionel 671 locomotive

The Lionel 671 was based on the Pennsylvania Railroad #6200, the S2 direct drive steam turnbine.  The locomotive did not have the typical cylinders and valve gear.  Instead, it was driven by a large steam turbine which drive the middle set of drive wheels.  The remaining drivers were coupled via a side rod.  A smaller turbine on the opposite side of the locomotive was used for reverse.

 

PRR developed the S2 with Baldwin and Westinghouse.  It produced 6,900hp and could pull heavy loads at high speeds.  At low speeds, and at startup, it was a steam hog, and thus a coal hog.  It was used briefly in service, and was cut up for scrap just several years after it was built.  Only one was ever made.

 

Randy

In the photo note the two little rods on the front driver used to drive the lubricator.  These are the signature features on the 682 and are always mislabeled as valve gear.  Being a turbine, the loco would not have valve gear timed by the drivers.

The 259E marked a transition from spunky tinplate steamers with red wheels and brass or nickel trim to more realistic models made possible by die-casting. Like most small prewar steamers from all manufacturers, it doesn't have a specific prototype. But it's a fine little engine. Glad you like it.

 

Generally, the only prewar 3-rail models that represented specific prototypes were NYC S-class electrics or Milwaukee bi-polars/Olympians. Among the few corresponding steamers were Boucher's BLUE COMET and Ives' 1134, based on the B&O PRESIDENT class 4-6-2's.

Thanks to all of you for your information.   i love my 259E, my 671 and now my 226E.  Wish I could just find a 12 or 16 wheel tender for it cheap!  The friend who gave it to me says he found some track in the shed last time he dug around but says he doesn't think there is any more, but why would they bring an engine and track from the east coast to AZ without the rest of the set?  Time will tell.  Thanks again everyone.  Ron

I think that is great, Baldwin made one failed S2 Turbine and Lionel made thousands of them and made the S2 famous with modelers.

 

 

Charlie

I find it fascinating, too.  A single prototype spawned a highly successful model.  I don't know how many Lionel made, but it's got to be many thousands.  I can't think of another example of a singular prototype being turned into such a popular model.

 

Randy

Not only Lionel, but MTH and Williams got into the act as well.  I know there are also HO models of the S2 Turbine.

I figure there are only 2 possible reasons lionel made the 671. 1st: an engineer at lionel was fascinated by the S2. Or 2: it was a cheap, easy steam locomotive to manufacture due to the less intricate drive linkage