In April 2024, Lionel announced a newly-tooled, ET44AC diesel-electric locomotive in a standalone catalog. This O-scale, 3-rail model was delivered in September 2025 and has received high praise.
The ET44AC was produced by General Electric and is part of its Evolution Series. The locomotive is compliant with Tier 4 emissions standards, hence the “T” in the name. Just like the ES44, the ET44AC puts out 4,400 horsepower.
There are some distinctive features that differentiate it from the ES44. First, the prototypical ET44AC is about 16 inches longer due to the space needed for both the radiator and cooling units. The rear-flared ventilation area is taller on the ET44AC and is V-shaped from front to rear. From the roof line, the off-center exhaust stands out as an indicator of the unit being an ET44AC as well.
Out of the box
These models are 19 3/4 inches long, about an inch longer in 1:48 scale compared to the 74 1/2 foot prototype. Similar to the ES44 model, these require O-54 curves. There are front and rear ElectroCouplers, and newly designed MU hoses. One thing I noticed is the couplers extend way out in front of the kinematic pilots.
All models have unique road-specific details. These engines feature four digit addressing for those with the Base3 installed on their layout. A fan-driven smoke unit can be filled from the exhaust port.
This engine weighs in at 6 pounds 2 ounces, and has a pulling power of 2.8 pounds.
The sound set is new, including the engine sounds, horn, and crew dialog. This is a welcome change from the same sounds we’ve had on modern diesel models for the past few years.
The LED lighting is plentiful. This includes front and rear ditch lights, walkway lighting, cab interior and control panel lighting, Distributed Power Unit (DPU) lights, and Locomotive Speed Locator (LSL) lighting.
Lionel’s release included six roadnames. Each came with two powered cab numbers and a SuperBass unit: BNSF (2533451, 2533452, 2533459), Canadian National ( 2533461, 2533462, 2533469), CSX (2533471, 2533472, 2533479), Kansas City Southern (2533481, 2533482, 2533489), Norfolk Southern (2533491, 2533492, 2533499), and Union Pacific (2533501, 2533502, 2533509).
I must admit, while this model is a welcome addition to the O gauge market, I was hoping that Lionel would have first released a die-cast version, like they did for the original ES44 release. Overall, though, these are still superb models that will likely be recataloged for years to come. They’re a great addition to run with a SD70ACe or ES44. It will undoubtedly stand out in any fleet not only visually, but with the great sounds onboard.
Lionel Legacy ET44AC (No. 253491)
Features: TMCC, Legacy, or conventional control; Bluetooth control; Lionel Voice Control; Bluetooth control; quilling horn; O-54 operation; five different horns
Roadnames: BNSF, Canadian National, CSX, Kansas City Southern, Norfolk Southern, Union Pacific
MSRP: $919.99
Website: lionel.com
