History
Lionel used outfit 11540 to introduce the all-new 239 / 242T scout steamer and tender to the line of Lionel locomotives. The 239 is a noteworthy locomotive as it is one of only a few scout steamers having a die-cast body. Additionally, the 239 included a functional headlight, smoke unit and traction tire. Comparatively speaking, any Lionel locomotive having all of these features, especially a scout locomotive, was significant for 1965. Finally, the 242T tender is unique to this set only, it does not appear in any other catalogued Lionel train set.

It is interesting to note, sets 11540 and 11550 from 1965 and 1966 are virtually identical sets. The only difference between the sets is Lionel included a functional whistling tender in set 11550 while set 11540 included a non-whistling tender.

Components:
Standard components of this set include:

• 239 Scout Locomotive
• 242T Non-Whistling Tender
• 6176 Lehigh Valley Hopper
• 6465 Lionel Lines Two-Dome Tank Car
• 6473 Horse Transport Car
• 6119 D.L. & W. Work Caboose
• Plus: 027 gauge track, 1025 transformer, billboards and instructions.