MTH ELECTRIC TRAINS

In 1929, steam engines reappeared in the Lionel standard gauge lineup after a six-year absence. The new 390 steamer and its smaller sibling, the 384, were available with manual reverse or as higher-priced "E" models with electronic reverse. Among the many paint schemes offered for the 390 was the original Blue Comet two-tone blue with cream stripe, based on the Central of New Jersey luxury train inaugurated earlier the same year. The 390 was offered with matching 300-series passenger cars as well as the larger 420-series Blue Comet cars. Within a few years, however, the 390 would cede its position at the top of the lineup to the massive 400E that, pulling the same 420-series Blue Comet cars, would become a toy train legend.

New for 2008, M.T.H. introduces the 390E in two of its original paint schemes, with matching 300-series passenger sets. Enjoy this standard gauge steamer with a 1930s-style open-frame Bild-a-Loco motor and electronic reverse, or with modern Proto-Sound 2.0 electronics with sound, cruise control, and puffing smoke.