Two number systems appear on one ornament
The Lionel Trains series rewards close looking, especially if you enjoy railroad history as much as ornaments. The series began in 1996 with the 700E Hudson Steam Locomotive, Lionel #1. That “#1” is Hallmark’s sequence; the locomotive’s own identifying numbers and railroad markings describe a separate subject.
The product listing explains that Lionel’s 700E Hudson was first manufactured as an O-gauge model in 1937, and the real New York Central locomotive carried the number 5344. One ornament can therefore hold Hallmark’s series number, Lionel’s model name and a railroad number at once.
The series later reached the Freedom Train at #12 and a 2348 Minneapolis & St. Louis GP-9 diesel at #25. It is a jump from steam to diesel and from a specific named train to a road-specific locomotive.
The series later reached the Freedom Train at #12 and a 2348 Minneapolis & St. Louis GP-9 diesel at #25. It is a jump from steam to diesel and from a specific named train to a road-specific locomotive.
A practical collector’s note
When cataloging your Lionel ornaments, record the Hallmark number, locomotive or car type, road name and any model number separately. That small habit prevents the series count from getting mixed up with the numbers painted on the train.
Browse the complete series catalog and check each item’s current condition and stock before ordering.
