Can someone explain how the three Smithsonian-quality locomotive models (a French, a German and the Dreyfus Hudson & passenger cars) came to be? My limited understanding is that they were actually produced by Fine Arts in very limited quantities with the Lionel imprimatur. I have also heard, rather shockingly, that the German loco actually had a small swastika imprinted on the cab?
Any information on the origin of these rare engines would be appreciated.
THANKS in advance! 
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THANK YOU for the information! I am astounded that the Lionel name would be associated with the choice of that German model!
I just acquired an LGB/Aster live steam "Frank S" loco (2901), and the prototype was built in 1941. It was a narrow gauge military loco and was found in an engine shed after the war in 1945.
My wife is concerned that the actual loco may have been used for nefarious purposes, but I assured her the Richter family (the proprietors of LGB) would not have knowingly chosen an engine that may have hauled people to concentration camps.
I remember a local shop having two of the BR50's when they were first released. It is my understanding that there are two versions of this loco as well. One had the swastika in a circle under the eagle, and the other only had the eagle. Supposedly the loco with the swastika could not be imported into Germany.
Regards,
Randall
Historical accuracy or not, the BR 50 with the swastika was a poor choice.
Putting a swastika on it "just because" would be questionable, but if it's an accurate portrayal of that train then I honestly find that pretty neat for its rarity and association with Lionel. The way I see it, we can't shun major events in human history.
They also made a version of the BR50 with the postwar Deutsche Bundesbahn scheme. I would like to have one although these were all 2 rail scale. Maybe MTH will do one of the German Decapods (there were several versions), they are popular locos over there and I believe they were the last DB steam in regular service. I remember seeing them in service in 1968, doubleheaded on log trains.
My wife is concerned that the actual loco may have been used for nefarious purposes, but I assured her the Richter family (the proprietors of LGB) would not have knowingly chosen an engine that may have hauled people to concentration camps.
In a time of war, all assets of a country are being used. as stated above:
if it's an accurate portrayal of that train then I honestly find that pretty neat for its rarity and association with Lionel. The way I see it, we can't shun major events in human history.
I don't like Penn central either
but i too have to "suck it up"
Historical accuracy or not, the BR 50 with the swastika was a poor choice.
Yes, the trains to concentration camps is a sad episode of history, but the DR also transported many other things during the war.
Should companies NOT make anything related to the German Military Complex of WWII? Tanks? Aircraft? Naval vessels? V1's and V2's? What about all thoses models out there of the Bismark and U-boats?
We cannot ignore history, no matter how much we would like to.
Rusty
A friend of mine has the BR50 with the swastika and it is a very nice model, highly detailed.
Just remember we can never forget the past if we are to learn about the future. It is all part of history. Never forget What happened.
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