Lionel Scale Hudson Fans Roll Call

The Hudsons are definitely some of my favorite engines. I am planning on getting the black Vision Line Hudson at York this April, so I bet that'll become an instant favorite. But I still have the 1990 1-700E #5340 J1-E. It's been my favorite the longest because my granddad got it for me at York 2 years ago for my birthday and that I wanted one ever since I saw TM's nostalgic and lively video on how they built it right here in Mt. Clemens, USA. Richard Kughn must be blessed by all of us for boldly bringing the 700E back.



Along with the 18005 1-700E, I have the Chesapeake & Ohio Yellowbelly Hudson from 1995, also from Kughn's reign. Love the sounds, especially the whistle, plus it smokes and runs great, and looks beautiful. It's also a high favorite because I first saw it as a kid on that Tom Synder Late Late Show episode that guest starred Tom McComas where he gave that one of kind C&O streamlined Hudson and observation car to Synder (which I wish I had a pic of), so it did become something I always wanted




I had the Century Club 773 and matching Irvington Cars, but decided to sell since I preferred the full scale engines. Hopefully, it ends up in loving hands like me. Don't get me wrong, the semi scale Hudsons are nice, especially all the 773's, 783, 784 B&A, 785 gray, and ATSF Warhorse Hudson, but I appreciate the highest details more. IDK - maybe I'll have the 773 in my collection again, 'cause my Hudsons roster keeps getting bigger and bigger.

Plus, my best friend has two awesome Hudsons as well. The rare black Commodore Vanderbilt from 1999 and the equally scarce Century Club 2 scale Empire State Express from 2004:



He even was able to get all the passenger cars that match them both! They're cool to run, he lets me have a chance to run them at train shows. I hope to get both later on...

Since K-Line was mentioned, please allow me to thank Williams for making the most affordable Hudsons. I have the #773 die-cast and the #4000 brass from the 80's.

does the 1950 773 count?

i never had a hudson, could not even tell what wheel arrangement it had, until i got the VL hudson. love that engine! partly the VL features, partly the look, partly because i found some ESE cars to put behind it.

Right now I have the Lionel Centennial 700E from 2000 and a K-line Hudson. I'm planning on getting the 1990 version one of these days. Back in the early 70's I was a hair away from buying a 763, but $300 was a lot for me at the time. Still, I wish I had done it.

John

Wall of Hudsons. Bottom set is 1990's LTI with an interesting restored Rail Chief set I purchased from Chan's in SF back in the 70's. The first car is a combine, not a coach.

Middle set is the 1946 703 set from a long past April 1st post. Wanamaker's charge plate in front of the engine

THANKS TO ALL for sharing your Hudson experiences!

As a child, I had a Gilbert American Flyer 322AC Hudson. My friends all had Lionel, but nobody had a 773, let alone a 700E.

Those were the stuff of dreams.

I remember when Richard Kughn brought out the 1990 scale Hudson, but with three children in university at that time, did not have the discretionary funds for a $1000 loco!

Finally, at age 69, I can enjoy my MINT, un-run 1990 Hudson in its display case, or pick up my Legacy Control and run my 5344 VL Hudson.

The Lionel scale Hudsons, like the originals, will always be iconic locomotives!

Just have the VL 5344 Hudson but am a big fan of it and run it often!

I have five Lionel Hudsons. By far my favorite for looks and smooth running, although I only run it sparingly, is LTI's 1990 5340 J-IE, American made and a true beauty. My least favorite is the original light silver Commodre Vanderbilt Hudson. I am disappointed in this locomotives running and pulling capabilities.

Lionel produced a few Hudsons over the years.
All similar, but different.

PREWAR SEMISCALE

1937-42 763E #763E LL w/263 OR 2263W GUNMETAL

1937-42 763E #763E LL w/2226W OR 2226WX GUNMETAL

1937-42 763E #763E LL w/2226W OR 2226WX BLACK

 

PREWAR SCALE J-1E
1937-42 700EW #5344 NYC
1937-42 700EWX #5344 NYC
1938-42 700KW #5344 NYC

POSTWAR SEMISCALE

1950 773 #773 LL w/2426W TENDER

1964-66 773 #773 PRR w/736W TENDER

1965-66 773 #773 NYC w/773W TENDER

 

MODERN SEMISCALE

1984 6-8406 #783 NYC

1986 6-8606 #784 B&A

1987 6-18002 #785 NYC

1997 6-18062 #3447 ATSF

2000 6-18058 #773 NYC

2001 6-38015 #773 NYC

2005 6-38096 #773 LL

 

MODERN SCALE J-1E
1990 6-18005 #5340 NYC
1997 6-18056 #5344 NYC
2000 6-28062 #1900 LL

DREYFUSS J-3A
1992 6-18026 #5453 NYC 2-RAIL

1992 6-18026 #5454 NYC 2-RAIL
1993 6-18027 #5450 NYC
2001 6-28084 #5452 NYC

STREAMLINED
1995 6-18043 #490 C&O
2005 6-38000 #5429 NYC

COMMODORE VANDERBILT
1996 6-18045 #777 NYC
1997 6-18067 #777 NYC
1999 6-18063 #777 NYC
1999 6-28012 #264M LL
1999 6-28024 #265M LL

J3A
2001 6-28072 #5444 NYC
2002 6-38041 #5433 NYC

VISION LINE
2011 6-11209 #5344 NYC
2011 6-11218 #5331 NYC

This list is not absolute.
Please make corrections/additions as needed.
This list does not account for any "baby" Hudsons or LionMaster Hudsons.

 

Pharmpod, thanks for the list.
I have:
DREYFUSS
2001 28084 #5452 NYC
COMMODORE VANDERBILT
1999 18063 #777 NYC
J3A
2001 28072 #5444 NYC
2002 38041 #5433 NYC

Allan

I find this thread very intersting.  The 700e Scale Hudson is my favorite Lionel locomotive.  I've wanted a version of it since I was a child.  I'm returning to the O gauge hobby after a long time away.  The VL Hudson is very tempting but a little out of my price range as I'm attempting to get a layout up and running...  What would be a good Hudson for a newby like me?  Most likely it will be ran in "conventional" for awhile.  I'll be attending York in April for the first time in a long time.  What should I keep an eye out for? 

Is there any good reading material out there on the differant variations and history of the Scale Hudson?

We've the 5340 which came with the nice display case, the 1950 Hudson with NYC tender, a couple of the older "lesser" Hudsons from Lionel, and the K-line Hudson to go with the K-line NYC passenger set.

Have quite a few modern era Hudsons, but this one is my favorite. Looks really sharp pulling polished aluminum pass cars.

 

New owner here.  1950 773.

 

Would it be blasphemous to put frog snot on the wheels?  Runs like a clock, but drivers spin like a top on my grades.

 

I have the 773 postwar Hudson from 1950

    "         773         "          1964

All of the small PW Hudsons

C&O Yellowbelly Lionel Hudson

1990 18005 Lionel Hudson

Lionel 18056/Vandy Tender

Kline Scale Hudson

Mth Scale Hudson

 

Love them all.

 

Paul Edgar

 

 

I own the only real Lionel Hudson, the 1938 original 5344. All the others are fakes, copies made in China.

I'm apparently in the minority.  I have only one Hudson, a VL Gray NYC.

eddie g:

 

The 1990 re-issue was made in the USA, so it is NOT a Chinese "fake"!

No  

The 1950, 1964, 1965 kept the dream alive. Every scale model since must dim its headlight out of respect.

I personally like the '50 model 773 Hudson with its diecast tender. It is a CLASSIC, and made in the USA!

 

The DVD of the making of the scale Hudson prompted me to acquire a MINT, sealed in its carton, 1990 Hudson and display case, in which it currently resides above my desk where I am typing this. A fellow forum member very generously supplied me with the scale pilot wheels for my engine, for which I am very grateful.

 

I do run my black VL Hudson.

Since all the locomotives being discussed are only a couple of feet long, I'd say that
they are all "fakes": Korean fakes, Chinese fakes and US fakes, one and all.

 

OK JC642, here ya go...

 

I have one of the 6-38015 "last made in the USA Hudsons" and here's how the story goes:

Right after it was released, a friend of mine (a distributor) in California, called me and said "Dave, I know you really like the big Lionel NYC locos and have I got the one for you..."  He went on to explain the the "Berk" that got all of the fanfair about being the last locomotive made in the USA with signed certificate and all really was NOT the last loco made here.  He continued with the information he had saying that the folks at Lionel had actually found enough pieces-parts to assemble about 100 Hudsons and that he had 3 of them coming - and was I interested?

Well, during his lenghty dissertation, I began drawing this picture in my mind... Hummm, blue cow-catcher, red cab, green tender, silver boiler, etc, etc, etc - I graciously declined thinking, well... you know!  Sorta like Johnny Cash - one piece at a time.  He then mentioned an article in one of the monthly O gauge magazine and told me to check it out and get back to him but not to take too long 'cause when he received them and started asking around... well, when they were gone, they were gone.

Within a week's time another friend sent me a copy of that magazine article, I read it and promptly called my friend back and asked if he had received them yet and could I please get one from him.  Within 10 to 14 days it arrived.  I couldn't wait to get the box opened and when I did - Geez, so THIS is what all of this noise is about; looks kinda plain to me and I put it back in the box and that's where it resides to this day.

 

Oh yeah, you wanted a picture too!

 

My other Hudons include 6-8406 #783 NYC, 6-8606 #784 B&A, 6-18002 #785 NYC, 6-18005 #5340 NYC, 6-28062 Gold Hudson, K-3270 Cab# 5343 TMCC K-Line and probably a few others - I can't remember.

 

Best,

Dave

I love to read these threads.  I have the 1990 5340 never run in its display case just to admire.  I run the venerable 1950 773.  Wish I had more, especially the K-line scale and the new Vision line Hudsons.  Hey, I'm only 78 years old.  Perhaps I still have time to get them. Dick

My favorite J1 is the K-Line Hudson. My new favorite J3 is the Lionel paired with the Century Club PT tender.  I plan to alter the cosmetics on the engine to match the PT tender. The Vision Hudson is cool and a great performer but is blown away detail wise by the two above. A J3a Legacy Hudson with swinging bell and whistle smoke would be my next new purchase if Lionel decided to make one.

 

 

 

Pete

 

 

 

Lionel J3a, my favorite. Love the Scullin drivers, especially.

 

The J3a never had classification lights. On my 5444 I removed them (screws), shoved

the LED's into the smokebox through the holes, filled the holes with Bondo (immune

to smoke fluid - unlike Squadron Green), sanded and touched up with acrylic weathered

black.

----------

The NYC J3a had the PT tender later, but the FWH was changed to Worthington from Elesco at the same time (or so), so the Lionel with Elesco would not have a PT...but it may have for a moment, if the changes were not made at the same time.

 

Lionel corrected the classification light error (a BIG one) when it issued the scale Madison

set and J3a #5433. No lights.

 

Of course, all but one of the Dreyfuss-styled Hudsons (Century and ESE) were class J3a.

(The J1 5344 was eventually styled in the Century manner.)

Have the 1990 scale Hudson along with the CV Hudson and the C&O yellow belly Hudson. All will be upgraded to can motors and ps2 for nice and smooth operation. 

WOW!  I'm way out of this league.  The only scale hudson I own is the Williams (before Bachmann) B&O Blue & Grey to be upgraded to TMCC this winter.

I thought with five I had four too many. Seems like one just lead to another!

I am fond of most steam locomotives, but having had a Gilbert AF Hudson in my youth, along with growing up in NYC territory, the Hudson, especially the wonderful Lionel models, will always be my favorite.

 

My favorite prototype loco is the N&W 611 Class J, which I have chased and ridden behind many times between the years 1982-1994, thanks to Robert Claytor!

Don't you guys fall flat on your back, but, I broke down and bought a Lionel J3a (put Boxpox drivers on it) and a Scale K-Line J1e. Both are beautiful models of a handsom locomotive.

 

Art,

I had a A/F HO Hudson and loved that loco, mechanical chuff and all.

Love my Vision Hudson!

My VL Hudson is the smoothest running model steam loco ever, and the combination of Legacy controls and sound, along with the swinging bell and whistle smoke are unbeatable!

>>>He went on to explain the the "Berk" that got all of the fanfair about being the last locomotive made in the USA with signed certificate and all really was NOT the last loco made here.  He continued with the information he had saying that the folks at Lionel had actually found enough pieces-parts to assemble about 100 Hudsons and that he had 3 of them coming - and was I interested?<<

 

Great story, but sadly for you, its just a story.

Over the years this topic has been beaten to death.  The truth is, you have the last American made Hudson but according to more then a few very reliable sources who worked at Lionel at the time, the Hudsons were not the last built in Chesterfield..   The Berk has the honor...

There were a few repaired Gold Hudsons (about 50) sent out after the Berk but they were originally produced before the Berk so they really can't be counted. Some would say the same could be said about the 194 black Hudsons cobbled together from leftover CC Hudson parts produced some two years prior to the Berk.

As a footnote, The way the hobby has changed, these days I think you'd be hard pressed to find anyone who cares.

Joe 

 

In 1965 at age 22 i had just graduated from college and gotten married. I first settled in Chicago near North and Kedzie in Humboldt Park. Right nearby was Weitz TV & Appliance store.  I purchased a Lionel 773 Hudson less tender for $50.00 and a three car set of 1947 vintage streamlined O27 passenger cars.  I didn't like the PRR style tender and used one fom a 2025 at first.  Then I ran across an article on making a wooden tender in OGR(I think).  I wore that engine out twice before Lionel marketed a perfectly scaled tender that matched the 773 and was equipped with really great (for the era) Rail Sounds.  Well it is just about worn out again and has reposed in its box for about ten years but I'll probably put it back in service someday.  While I have other better engines this old rough scaled 773 has a big place in my heart.   Odd-d 

Count me in! At one time I wasn't but the 2 Vision Line Hudson's have made me a huge fan!

Vision Grey
Vision Black
50th Anniversary Set
Hudson w/ Vandy Tender
Uncataloged Last Hudson Made in USA

I have a black Vision Hudson - it is one of my half dozen favorite locos, because it is such a good runner with very good sound, nice steam (and steam effects) and that swinging bell.   I actually never liked Hudsons that much - I always liked  locos with eight drivers  -- Northerns, Berks, Mountains - particularly big ones like the SF 2900s - a lot more than Hudsons, but the Vision Hudson is so sweet it remains one of my favorites despite that.

My only Lionel Scale Hudson is the 784 and I have two Williams Scale Hudson's #'s 5205 & 5207 which I double head and A MTH Premiere 5344. I have some of the Smaller O Gauge Hudsons also.

I have the original 700E from 1939 Displayed prominently in a book case in the living room on its original display stand.  In the basement I have a near perfect, boxed 773 with the original madison cars.  Great engines!