lionel trains lancaster and chester locomotive

[Anonymous]

I was thinking that Lionel had once made a Lancaster and Chester locomotive.  I know that they made some rolling stock and a caboose, but after searching high and low I have been unable to find one of the locomotives.  Does anyone know if Lionel did make the locomotive or am I crazy?  Also, does anyone know where I can find one?

[Anonymous]

I don't know of any. I looked at my guide books and only saw the cars you already mentioned. Maybe you saw a custom paint job, or its from another manufacturer.

[A&Y Ry]

That is/was the wholy owned railroad of Springs Mills, a large USA and Carolina textile company. As I recall Springs public relations management had some custom HO equipment made during the 1960s or 1970s for give-aways to customers and community leaders.

Col. Elliot Springs, a WWI aviator and the CEO during the 1930s-40s appointed Gypsy Rose Lee the famous stripper to the railroad's and parent company's Board of Directors. He loved publicity and in addition to Ms. Lee's appointment was famous for his risque ads during the 1930s, such as "A Buck well spent on a SpringMaid Sheet" which pictured an obviously exhausted Indian Brave with his tongue hanging out and a smiling Indian Maid.

I do not recall any o-gauge equipment aside from that already mentioned by prriscool.

 Dewey

[Anonymous]

I really want to get some rolling stock in the O gauge that is from the Lancaster and Chester Railroad.  The reason that I am so fascinated by the Lancaster and Chester is that my grandparents on my mother's side are both from Lancaster.  As a kid, I remember riding with my mom and grandmother to downtown Lancaster and going by the Lancaster and Chester railroad depot.  Sadly, now, both of my grandparents are in nursing homes because of their failing health.  However, I will always remember the times that I was downtown and was fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of "old blue" making the rounds.  The L&C isn't anything fancy, but it is a part of the past I guess.  Sad to see how all the mills are gone now and the town is booming, but nowadays it's not booming because of the mills but because of all the shopping centers and subdivisions.