2018 Lionel Lines Prairie

Production:  1956 - 1959

History
Lionel classified the 2018 steam engine as a Prairie-type steamer. It is a mid-size locomotive and contains several of Lionel's quality features. It shares its boiler casting with several other Lionel locomotives: the 637, 2016, 2026, 2029, 2036 and 2037 steamers. Although the boiler castings are the same on these steamers, in most cases the internal workings are slightly different.

The 2018 was a slightly less expensive steamer as compared to the 2037 Prairie -- which was produced during the same timespan. Externally, the 2018 and 2037 are identical. Internally, however, the 2018 lacked Magnetraction which is included with the 2037.

During its four-year production, the 2018 headed up six catalogued sets; five being freight sets and one set in 1957 being a passenger car set. 

Features
The 2018 has the following standard features: 2-6-4 wheel arrangement, black boiler with white numbers, limited driving wheel hardware, three-position E-unit, smoke, sheet metal trailing truck plus an illuminated headlight and an ornamental bell. The 2018 does not have Magnetraction.

The 2018 was available with several tenders including:

• 1130T Lionel Lines non-whistling tender, second photo above.
• 6026T Lionel Lines non-whistling tender.
• 6026W Lionel Lines whistling tender.

As with most steamers, operators prefer the 6026W whistling tender over both of the non-whistling tenders.

Additional Detail, Photos & Box Information
The length of a 2018 is approximately 10 1/4" (pilot to drawbar). The combined length of a 2018 with the preferred 6026W tender is approximately 19" long (cowcatcher to rear coupler).

Only Known Variation - Shown in first photo above - All 2018 steamers are painted black with a 2-6-4 wheel arrangement.

To purchase quality Lionel Steam Locomotives from our sponsors, click on either website:

Dave's Trains Inc.