There are few diesel locomotives in model railroading that provoke nostalgia like an F3. That being said, I’d argue the Train Master might be a close second.
Originally offered by Lionel in 1954 as the No. 2321, this massive six-axle road switcher provided hobbyists with a diverse use on nearly any layout. This model was most recently offered in the 2025 Big Book catalog with full Legacy Command Control and a variety of new roadnames.
The Train Master was developed by Fairbanks-Morse (FM) from 1953-1957 and was classified as H-24-66. This classification comes from H for “hood,” 24 for 2,400 horsepower, and 66 for the six traction motors on six axles. That amount of horsepower made the Train Master the most powerful locomotive of the time, a much needed designation to compete with EMD and Alco’s successful models. One hundred twenty seven units were built for 10 railroads.
Out of the box
When the Train Masters joined the Reading, they were the longest and heaviest diesel locomotives they had at the time. This unit, No. 801, was one of the original two to enter the roster. Our review model is No. 2533711 in Reading paint, highlighting the early dieselization of the Reading fleet.
These models measure 19 inches long, which is 2 ½” too long (in 1:48 scale) compared to the prototype’s 66 foot length. Featuring all the Legacy features we’ve come to expect, these engines come with five horn and bell variations, fan driven smoke, Bluetooth for smart device control, and LED lighting.
On the track
Both front and rear ElectroCouplers, powered by two flywheel motors, can be engaged remotely. The axles on both trucks have flanged wheels, and the inner axle on each truck has a traction tire. While testing this locomotive with a heavy train, the traction tire gripped and lifted the front axle up slightly, which could cause a detailing issue. I only noticed this issue when pulling a heavy consist, however. With all axles flanged, this model requires O-54 curves for operation.
The rear fan detailing on this model stands out due to the recessed and angled fan units. Because of this detail, the control panel is located under another access hatch. Find it by removing the panel just behind the front roof fan.
Road specific details include bell and horn placement, headlight arrangement, and engineer orientation, with some set up for long hood forward and others reversed. Due to the Train Master’s boxy design, add-on detailing is minimal, but it does include handrails, truck and pilot detailing, and under chassis tank details. There are legible builder’s and warning plates on the ABS body.
Lionel offered six roadnames with two cab numbers each: Central of New Jersey (2533671, 2533672), Chicago Northwestern (2533681, 2533682), Milwaukee Road (2533691, 2533692), Pennsylvania (2533701, 2533702), Reading (2533711, 2533712), and Southern Pacific (2533721, 2533722). Lionel also offered a “postwar inspired” set which included a Lackawanna Train Master and freight cars (2522080). Custom runs include METCA: Santa Fe Warbonnet (2501410), Central of New Jersey (2501470); Mr. Muffins Trains: Norfolk & Western (2533980).
Get more O gauge action on the Chris’s Trains & Things channel on YouTube.
Lionel Legacy Train Master (No. 2533711)
Features: Legacy, TrainMaster, and conventional operation; Bluetooth control; Lionel Voice Control; quilling horn; fan-driven smoke unit; lighted cab interior; front and rear marker lights; 0-54 operation
Roadnames: Central of New Jersey; Chicago Northwestern; Milwaukee Road; Norfolk & Western; Pennsylvania; Reading; Santa Fe; Southern Pacific
MSRP: $747.99
Website: lionel.com
Resources
“The Train Master: Born Too Big Too Soon,” August 1973 Trains Magazine
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