Lionel 245

[TrainGuy4014]

Does anyone know what is up with the Lionel #245 steam locomotive? I just bought one and want to know the history of it.

[El Fixes Things]

Well, it's one of several steam locomotives with a 2-4-2 wheel arrangement that lionel offered later on in the postwar era, that were numbered in the "200" series. Like several other 200-series models, it uses a revised motor assembly with a bakelite housing that was first introduced in 1948 for Lionel's "Scout" line.

According to my old Greenberg guide, the 245 was a locomotive that was produced specifically for uncataloged (aka promotional) outfits in 1959. It's reasonably well equipped, should have both magnetraction and some metal weights for extra traction.

I have a different locomotive from this series, a 233 from 1962 (it was made multiple years, but mine came with a set offered in 1962). Like all plastic-motor steamers I've seen, it's a very noisy runner even when properly cleaned and lubricated. The 233 came with magnetraction and a liquid smoke unit, as well as a whistle tender- Lionel offered many different combinations of features (or a lack thereof) in different 200 series steamers over the years.

Maybe someone with the guide to Lionel's Promotional Outfits can offer more information on the 245, with the knowledge it was (supposedly) made specifically for use in promotional outfits.

-Ellie