Lionel Standard Gauge Loco #42

1913-23. Will have to check out th motors.

Sigle motor until 1921 they put two in it. Lots of variations. Nice engine!!

Forgot value- the "guide says $300-500 which sounds right.

FYI: There are some slight variations of the #42 loco between the earlier MFG era (1914-18) and the later Corp era (1920's).

MFG loco will have a single motor, triple steps, a sliding door and perforated screens on the ends. Usually a single band around the NYC logo stamping. Earliest examples may have turned hand rail stanchions.

Corp era #42 locos usually have twin motors, single step, double stripes around the NYC logos and embossed LIONEL CORP plates on the ends.

Of course, there are anomalous variations.

A couple of photos would help date your loco.

This is all very interesting and useful information!

I like the look of the #42 and the basic simplicity of it's design that uses the two early  motors with the sliding shoes and open frame. I think that would make maintenance fairly easy.

Unfortunatly the cost of a funtional #42 and the simple fact that it's too large to clear some of the tunnels and other obstacles on my dual gauge layout (O and STD.) have discouraged me from acquiring one.

However, I am building a smaller dual motor engine, using modified parts from several junker #33s, that will negotiate all the tight spots on my layout, and that will be able to pull a fairly long string of 100 series freight cars.

My question to the forum is: does anyone have a photo, or knowledge of the way the engines on a #42 are mounted so that they will swival on the curved sections of the track-work? Also: any other tips or suggestions for this project?

Thanks!

George Thill

Bruce,

Jim's guesstimation (above) of value is spot on. If you can find one like, George Thill is dreaming about. Do what you would need to do.... but carry that engine home with you .

George,

Regarding the construction of the Lionel #42. I own a couple of them and have worked on both. There are 2 heavy gauge steel strips approximately 1 1/4" wide that span both body ends and are soldered in place. Each strip has a bolt through each strip that is soldered in place with the threads projecting up as viewed from the bottom. The motor frames extend up and over the top of the motors and have a hole in the middle that is placed on the afore mentioned bolts and held in place with a nut. The frame surrounding the motors is secured at one end with 2 bolts and hinged at the other end with rivets allowing the motors to be swung up to allow access to the truck mounting bolt(s). The truck pivot point is centered between each driving wheel. The #42 is classic Lionel and the siderods make it especially interesting to watch. My later twin-motor version is a very good runner, but properly freshened up, the single motor versions are great fun too. Good luck with your project!

Eric Hofberg

TCA, LCCA 

Eric, that's exactly the information I needed!

Thanks!

George Thill