Lionel 2331451 Santa Fe Legacy 4-8-4 #2903 Big Book 2023 Limited Preorder

Partially due to materials restrictions during WWII, the Santa Fe's 2900 class Northerns were the heaviest of the type ever built. They would also be the last steam locomotives purchased by the Santa Fe for passenger service. Sharing a boiler design with their sister 2-10-4s in the 5000 class, the 2900s had no trouble handling even long passenger trains at speeds and on grades. Delivered in 1944, the thirty locomotives of the class would be modified early on with roller bearing rods and the ATSF's distinctive telescoping smokestacks. Santa Fe prioritized conversion of premier passenger service to diesel power after the war. The 2900's soon found themselves in freight service and had ample power to get 100 car freight trains up to track speeds without a problem. Retirements came in the late 1950s with most of the roster scrapped by the end of 1959. Six 2900s were spared and donated to museums and communities, however. Today No. 2926 has been restored to operation, and both "in service" and restored versions of this locomotive are offered here. Available for the first time with LEGACY, Bluetooth and whistle steam; these big Northerns are a must have for any fan of the Santa Fe, or big steam in general, and perfect power for your trains of reefers, passengers, or priority freight. We're proud to offer this model in three "in service" road numbers (each a surviving loco) as well as a restored version of 2926 with polished rods, silver smokebox front and gloss paint. Two fantasy schemes are also offered based on the Santa Fe's "Blue Goose" and postwar "Warbonnet" paint schemes.