Making its debut in Lionel's 1928 catalog, the No 9 electric "doubled the fun" of any model railroad layout with the addition of distance control and a Build-A-Loco motor. Based loosely off the New Haven style electric, this locomotive contained many of the features synonymous with the detailing of Lionel trains; including two electric headlights "arranged so that the front one is always illuminated irrespective of the direction the locomotive is traveling", automated couplers, brass window frames and number boards, 2 pantographs, ventilator inserts on each side, flag holders, shinny air tanks, and journal boxes. Measuring 141/2" long and 61/4" high, the No 9 allowed its operator the freedom to "take them apart and assemble them in a few moments" as well as the ability to "stop, start, reverse, or operate them at any speed at any distance from the track".
Available in four traditional color schemes: orange, dark green, two-toned Stephen Girard green, and gunmetal gray, the 9E also features two different types of mechanical figurations. Enthusiasts who prefer the classic tinplate features of the past will find the Traditional model is just as precisely detailed as its original first generation cousins. In fact, thanks to the Traditional version's Build-a-Loco motor and mechanical reversing unit, we've been able to recapture the sound, sights, and even smell of this beautifully recreated Standard Gauge classic.
Operators looking for a more modern feel may find the Contemporary version of this locomotive more appealing. Like all MTH Tinplate trains, the #9E is a precise reproduction of the Standard Gauge classic. The body and chassis are made entirely of stamped metal and all painted surfaces are finished in vibrant baked enamel. This train will undoubtedly become "a realistic train that will give you hours and hours of fun".
