1939 Lamps with error. Copy is switched between Boulevard Lamp on right and Parkway Lamp on left.

The Lionel No. 256 with cab removed to expose dual reverse switches and connecting linkage. The two screw heads to the left and right of the reverse switches are the pivot points for the twin motors.
One thing missing in the design of this locomotive is space for the Lionel reverse unit. Without the "E Unit" distant reverse unit that was featured in mid level and premium locomotives, the 256 was at a disadvantage and had to give up its position as top of the line locomotive. The 256 was the only O-gauge twin motor locomotive in this period.

Hoosac Tunnel electric locomotives. Though foreshortened, the Lionel 256 is a reasonable replica.

Lionel 256 twin motor Electric Locomotive. Based on the electrics servicing the Hoosac Tunnel, this locomotive, only in orange, occupied the top of the O Gauge line for a number of years.

Lionel No.4 in yellow. A color that often known as orange is called, in this instance, yellow by the Lionel Corporation. This month I will concentrate on pre-World War II production items in orange. This locomotive was also produced in grey. The No.4 Bild-a-Loco features a manual reverse motor designed to be easily disassembled with a screw driver. The locomotive was also produced as the No. 4U. The No. 4U consisted of the unassembled locomotive and track.

There is some resemblance between this Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific E-2 and a Lionel 4. Photo taken in St Louis Museum of Transportation in 2004.