Here you can learn more about our custom run Lionel O Scale Legacy Central New Jersey Blue Comet 4-6-0 #168 with 6 Woodside Passenger Cars, available exclusively from our shop for preorder or layaway!
Our design began with the question: What if the Blue Comet had all woodside passenger cars? Woodside cars have an elegant, classic appearance, evoking the romance of days gone by. These cars are a symbol of the golden age of rail travel, representing a time when railroads were the primary mode of long-distance transportation.
By the early 20th century, railroads began transitioning to steel passenger cars, which offered greater strength, durability, and safety. Steel cars became the standard by the 1920s and 1930s. Woodside cars were phased out from interchange passenger rail service during the 1910s. The Blue Comet, which ran from 1929 until 1941, featured steel-sided cars and a refurbished, originally woodsided diner.
The Blue Comet, known as "the Seashore's Finest Train", was designed to bring passengers to and from the iconic vacation spot of the Jersey Shore. The attraction of the Blue Comet included its luxury accommodations for all passenger classes, its speed, its affordability, and its classic art deco style. The passenger train's iconic paint scheme included "Packard blue, which represented the sky; Jersey Cream, for the sandy coastal beaches; and royal blue, for the sea." (Puzzilla 2017, p. 31). When in motion, these colors created the effect of a comet streaking across space!
Our custom consist is pulled by a 4-6-0 engine-- while not prototypical to the famous Blue Comet consist, the passenger train was sometimes pulled by other engines, including a CNJ Camelback as pictured below.
Our Blue Comet consist was designed by our employees, who did a lot of research to ensure these cars were as authentic as possible with regards to the color scheme, details, and period. This consist features stunning period-specific gold highlighting and detail work! Zoom in to see the "BC" on the back of each car and the beautiful gold railings on each door. The observation car banner reads "New York and Atlantic City", inspired by historical photographs. The classic Blue Comet logo on our coaches also matches these images.
On our custom consist, just like the real train, each car is named after a famous comet. The car number corresponding to the year of the comet's sighting. These comets are different from the ones used on the real Blue Comet coaches, as these are all major comets prior to 1910.
- Coach-- Donati 1858
- Combine-- Coggia 1874
- Coach-- Messier 1769
- Baggage-- Newton 1680
- Coach-- Tralles 1819
- Observation-- Viscara 1901
Our custom Blue Comet fantasy consist is also a great value with a Legacy engine and 6 woodside passenger cars. This unique set won't last long once they hit the shelves. We just received preproduction images from the factory, and they are absolutely stunning!
Interested in our Blue Comet consist? Don't wait too long! This consist is made in limited numbers and is only offered by Brady's Train Outlet. In addition to the distinctive paint scheme and unique features, these stunning cars feature LED illumination and detailed interiors with figures.
Layaway available! All preorders require a 10% deposit or $50 minimum, whichever amount is greater.