Lionel 2331361 O BTO PRR I1 #531 Steam Loco

The Pennsylvania's I1's had a look that matched their reputation for brute strength. Built in an era when most assumed the Decapod was a dead-end design, the Pennsy would build and order a total of nearly 600 of these beasts. Dubbed "Hippos" by crews for their enormous boilers and lumbering stride, the I1s were appreciated for their power, but not much else. Although rated for up to 50 mph running, smallerthan- adequate counterbalances gave a rough ride. Preferred service was at slower speeds. Although these locomotives were originally designed with the mountains in mind, it didn't take long for the Hippos to migrate to all corners of the vast system. As faster mainline power became available, the I's remained prime power for drag freights like coal and ore, helpers and even hump yard power in the larger yards. Out of 598 locomotives there are bound to be differences, even on the "Standard Railroad of the World." The most obvious variations on the 2-10-0s were in assigned tenders, which varied greatly in capacity depending on the locomotives' assigned roles. Several were assigned the largest "Coast-to-coast" tenders the Pennsylvania had. Other easily spotted changes occurred on the front end as locomotives were given the "modernization" treatment, which relocated headlights and generators. Dozens if not hundreds of I1s kept their earlier details to the end, however. New to the Lionel roster, the Pennsy's amazing I1 is now available for the first time with LEGACY and Bluetooth control, RailSounds and Whistle steam! We've produced two numbers each in four different combinations of early and modernized front ends paired with standard and long-haul tenders. Feel free to mix and match - the Pennsy often did. And it was not uncommon to see pairs of Hippos on both ends of a heavy train fighting the mountains. The I1 is simply a must have for any Pennsy fan. Get yours on order today!