MTH ELECTRIC TRAINS

The 318 was a classic of the tinplate era, a medium-priced engine produced in a variety of colors that remained in the Lionel catalog for twelve years, 1924-35 - a longer production run than perhaps any other tinplate loco. The 1925 catalog described the 318 as "Introduced in response to a great demand for a single-super-motor locomotive built on the lines of our 402, but smaller and contains many of the constructional features of the larger engine." Like most Lionel Standard Gauge equipment, the 318 was sized according to price: it was about two-thirds the size of the more expensive twin-motored 402, although both engines ran on the same gauge track. Also in common with the 402 and a number of other Lionel engines, the 318 was based loosely on the prototype New York Central S-type boxcab - although the Lionel versions were less sharp-edged and arguably handsomer than the real thing.

The 318E ("E" for electronic reverse) joins the Tinplate Traditions line for the first time in 2007, in four of the original 1920s and '30s paint schemes. Pair this engine with a matching set of 300 Series passenger cars to experience what made boys happy eight decades ago.