Commodore Vanderbilt locomotive

Lionel’s 264E O-gauge is modeled after the “Commodore Vanderbilt”, which was designed to streamline the New York Central’s 4-6-4 Hudson class locomotive. On December 27, 1934, the Commodore Vanderbilt debuted at Grand Central Station and then it began an exhibition tour of major cities on the NYC system. Next, it was placed in 20th Century Limited route. Dubbed the “water level route”, this speedy service originated from New York and raced overnight to Chicago through the Hudson and Mohawk Valleys of New York State. The 20th Century Limited ceased operation in 1967.