242 Lionel Lines Scout

Production:  1962 - 1966 & 1969

History
The 242 steam locomotive is frequently referred to as a Scout locomotive. Lionel used the word Scout to denote its entry-level 027 steam locomotives. Generally speaking, Scout engines had a 2-4-2 wheel arrangement and were reserved for beginner or starter sets. These locomotives had few features and could rarely pull more than a three or four car freight train.

The 242 was introduced in 1962 with a slightly modified, all-new plastic boiler. It was available in four catalogued and and nearly 60 uncatalogued sets throughout the 1960's! Surprisingly, the 242 was never available as a separate sale steam locomotive. Lastly, the 1969 version of the 242 has a slightly different boiler shell versus the early and mid-1960's unit. However, due to the sheer volume of 242's produced by Lionel, it's a common locomotive with minimal collector interest in this steam engine.

Features
The 242 Scout steam locomotive included the following features: plastic boiler painted black, white lettering, two position E-unit, a single metal drive rod on each side, headlight and headlight lens plus a single traction tire.

The 242 was available with several Lionel Lines tenders, all of which were non-whistling. It came with either the 242T or 1060T steamline tenders or the 1061T or 1062T slope-back tenders.

Additional Detail, Photos & Box Information

Only Known Variation - Shown in first photo above. - All 242s are black with white numbers. Available tenders did differ.

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