In the waning months of World War I, the USRA worked to develop a locomotive that would provide mixed service to railroads across the country. The 4-8-2 Light Mountain, with its longer wheelbase and lighter build, can navigate railroads with light-weight track where its heftier cousins can’t. These locomotives were built between 1918 and 1930, with 47 from Alco and Baldwin sold to four railroads. Unfortunately, all were scrapped after they were retired.
Lionel announced this model in the 2024 Volume 2 catalog. Offering unique road-specific tender and smokebox details, the Light Mountains present a distinct look on any layout. I received a Mr. Muffin’s custom run, Baltimore and Ohio T3b No. 5569 (No. 2531680), for review.
The T3b-class 4-8-2 were built by the B&O Mt. Clare Shops in Baltimore to support the war effort, during the 1940s. They utilized boilers from older Mikados and Pacifics on newly built frames. Due to the hodgepodge style of finding parts to build locomotives during World War II, there was no set whistle on the T3b; many of them had hooters, while others had 3 or 6 chimes. The B&O variations of the Light Mountains put out about 65,000 lbs. of tractive effort compared to about 53,000 lbs. for the USRA locomotives. The railroad loved the T3b, and the last one remained in service until the end of the 1950s. (Thank you to my friend John Schwartz, my friendly B&O expert, for some of these stats and facts.)
Lionel offers this model with full Legacy features, including, for the first time, four-digit addressing which is an added benefit for those with the Base3. The model also comes with a rear ElectroCoupler, LED lighting, and significant add-on details. There’s steam from the stack and a quillable whistle steam effects — both are filled from the main smokestack’s reservoir. The operator has multiple whistle and bell chime options, which can be toggled between with the Cab2 remote or Base3 app.
An interesting note: Lionel did not include the oil cooler on this model. However, Mr. Muffin’s version includes the 3-D printed part. The buyer can install it in front of the smoke box and under the headlight. (Note: All photos show the oil cooler installed. It’s the piece with the B&O logo. — Ed.)
Overall, this locomotive is 21 ½ inches in length and can navigate O-54 curves. It weighs in at 6 pounds, 8 ounces; the tender is an additional 2 pounds, 9 ounces.
Lionel cataloged eight road names: Alaska (2531190), Santa Fe (2531200), Seaboard (2531210), NC&StL (2531220), New Haven (2531230), Southern (2531240), Tennessee Central (2531250), and Texas & Pacific (2531260). Note: the Santa Fe and Texas and Pacific have a brass tender and MSRP for $100 more than the other models. Lionel also offers a New Haven version in their New Haven Minuteman Freight Set (2522040), which includes a FreightSounds boxcar, hopper, State of Maine boxcar, and caboose for $1,999.99.
The Mr. Muffin’s version comes with a six-axle Vanderbilt tender, just like the cataloged New Haven version (2531230). Both tenders have a simulated coal load, separately applied ladders, grab irons, rivet detailing, and lighting. The Vanderbilt version offers some added detail, including wooden walkways and a pronounced lamp on the rear of the tender. This version also features a black smokebox, which makes the boiler seem longer. The add-on piping detail above the drivers adds to this illusion.
All in all, this is an impressive locomotive that will get noticed when it’s on the track. This model is a fresh take on the USRA fleet of locomotives and with various liveries, anyone can find one to fit their collection.
Get more O gauge action on the Chris’s Trains & Things channel on YouTube.
Lionel Legacy Light Mountain 4-8-2 Steam Locomotive (No. 2531680, Mr. Muffin’s custom run)
Features: TMCC, Legacy, or conventional control; Bluetooth control; Lionel Voice Control; O-54 operation; Bluetooth control; IR transmittor for SensorTrack; ElectroCoupler on rear of tender; quillable whistle; 3-D printed add-on oil cooler
Roadnames: Alaska, NC&StL, New Haven, Santa Fe, Seaboard, Southern, Tennessee Central, Texas & Pacific
MSRP: $1,839.99
Website: lionel.com. Order from mrmuffinstrains.com
