Calling all Lionel historians out there to help with the backstory on this passenger set. I did not see a similar thread available so I thought I would start one. Please let me know if one exists.
The first train set my brothers and I received as kids was a 736 Berkshire with the Presidential Passenger set on Christmas morning. The set comprised of a 2523 President Garfield Pullman, (2) 2522 President Harrison Vista Dome cars, and a 2521 President McKinley Observation. The set only came out at Christmas time as our Christmas tree train. The lights of the cars, particularly the two Vista Domes, put on quite a show along with the tree lights. This set continues to be a family tradition years later with my own family, and of course when my brothers and their families visit during the Holidays.
I’ve done some research on this set that I wanted to share, with the hope others might share additional information or any corrections.
- The set was first manufactured by Lionel in 1962 as part of sets pulled by a GG1 (set 13078) and a Santa Fe F3 A-A (set 13088).
- The set was last manufactured in 1966.
- It does not appear that there was any variation in the cars themselves during the time they were produced. However, I have seen some sets in which there were two Garfield Pullmans and one Harrison Vista Dome. Were some sets sold this way?
What is curious to me, is the Presidents that were selected for this set. Does anyone know the story in Lionel’s selection? In checking some historical facts I learned the following:
- All were born in Ohio.
- President Garfield was the 20th President (Pullman), President Benjamin Harrison was 23rd (Vista Dome) and McKinley was the 25th President (Observation).
- There were two President Harrisons: William Henry Harrison (9th President) and Benjamin Harrison (23rd President & William Henry’s grandson). Are the two Vista Domes intended for both or was the duplication simply a short cut by Lionel? Since there may have been sets with two Garfield Pullmans (can someone verify?), perhaps just coincidence?
- In the case of William Henry Harrison, Garfield and McKinley, all died while in office.
Any additional information others can provide is greatly appreciated - thanks!
