New Haven Diesel Locomotive

When it was introduced in 1959, the Lionel 2242 New Haven Diesel locomotive offered the ultimate in “up-to-date realism,” with a working horn and headlight, authentic “Checkerboard” color design, and intricate trucks, ladders, tanks, vents, portholes, and other cab details. Based on the General Motors F3 diesel engine, it was a stunning miniature tribute to its powerful, full-size counterparts. Due to their greater flexibility, performance, and economy, diesel locomotives like the F3 had replaced steam locomotives throughout much of the world by the time this Lionel engine debuted.