The Lionel 700E Hudson is one of the landmark locomotives of the prewar Lionel era. Introduced in 1937, the 700E was a highly detailed scale model of a New York Central J1e Hudson steam locomotive, carrying road number 5344. Lionel produced the prewar 700E through 1942.
Lionel 700E Hudson at a Glance
- Manufacturer: Lionel
- Catalog number: 700E
- Road number: 5344
- Railroad: New York Central
- Locomotive type: Hudson steam locomotive
- Wheel arrangement: 4-6-4
- Scale: approximately 1:48
- Era: Prewar
- Introduced: 1937
- Prewar production: 1937–1942
About the Lionel 700E
The 700E represented an important change in Lionel train production. Rather than the less exact proportions commonly associated with toy trains of the period, Lionel designed the Hudson as a detailed scale model. Its approximately 1:48 proportions correspond to O scale, and the locomotive and tender made extensive use of die-cast metal construction.
The model represents New York Central Hudson No. 5344 and uses the prototype’s distinctive 4-6-4 wheel arrangement. Lionel promoted the 700E heavily when it appeared in 1937, and the Scale Hudson became one of the company’s signature prewar locomotives.
Production continued until 1942, when Lionel’s train production was interrupted by World War II. Lionel later returned to the Hudson design, but the original prewar 700E remains identifiable with the 5344 road number.
Identifying an Early Lionel 700E Hudson
Collectors examining an original 700E should look beyond the 5344 cab number. Early examples were individually serial numbered, with the number located underneath the locomotive near the front truck. Collector documentation indicates that 1937 production used serial numbers beginning with 01. Mechanical changes followed in 1938 and the serial-number prefix changed to 38. Later examples have also been documented without serial numbers.
Because these locomotives use substantial die-cast components, condition is especially important. Age-related deterioration of early zinc-alloy castings can result in warping, cracking or broken components. The pilot and other projecting details also deserve close inspection when evaluating an original locomotive.
Lionel 5344 and Tender Photos
The photographs below show the Lionel prewar 700E New York Central Hudson and its tender from several angles.
Lionel 700E Hudsons, Parts and Related Items
Original Lionel 700E locomotives, tenders and replacement parts continue to appear on the collector market. Current eBay listings related to the Lionel 5344 are shown below.
References and Further Reading
- Antiques Roadshow – Lionel 700E Hudson Scale Train Model
- Train Collectors Association – Greenberg’s Guide to Lionel Trains, O Gauge 1937–1942
- The Train Station – Prewar Lionel 700E Reference
Related Lionel References
- Lionel 2245 Texas Special F3
- Lionel 2341 Jersey Central Train Master
- Browse all Lionel model train references
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