239 Lionel Lines Scout

Production:  1964 - 1966

History
The 239 steam engine is one of a series of many Scout locomotives used by Lionel as an entry-level 027 locomotive. Collectors and researchers routinely classify any low-priced steamer with an 0-4-0 or 2-4-2 wheel arrangement as a Scout-type locomotive. Most Scout-type locomotives have few quality features, very little power and struggle to even pull a load of three or four light freight cars. Interestingly, the 239 steamer is not as common as one might believe. It's somewhat hard to locate -- especially in collector condition -- and one of the few scout locomotives having a die-cast boiler rather than the more common plastic boiler.

Lionel included the 239 steamer in only two catalogued sets during the postwar era -- sets 11540 and 11550 -- which were available in both 1965 and 1966. Additionally, the 239 locomotive was also included in an amazing 15 uncatalogued sets between 1964 and 1966!

Features
The 239 steam locomotive included the following characteristics: die-cast boiler painted black, white lettering, two-position E-unit, liquid smoke unit, a single traction tire, a single metal drive rod on each side and an illuminated headlight with headlight lens.

The 239 was produced with either a 234W Lionel Lines whistling tender or a 242T Lionel Lines non-whistling tender. The functional 234W whistling tender represented an upgrade compared to the 242T non-whistling tender.

The lettering on the cab was available in either a large or small print version. The larger, bolder version is harder to locate.

Additional Detail, Photos & Box Information

Only Known Variation - Shown in first photo above. - All 239's are black with white numbers and a die-cast boiler.

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