LIONEL Limiteds

Seventy years ago, Kansas City Southern Railway’s legendary “Southern Belle” began a tradition of “Steamlined Hospitality” on rail lines from Kansas City to New Orleans. Pulling a train that included passenger, sleeping, lounge, and diner cars, it provided uncompromising comfort. The powerful 3000-horsepower F-3 diesel-electric engine was equipped with the latest in mechanical improvements for fast, efficient, steamliner service.

Because a cat is said to have many lives, the Chessie kitten is the perfect emblem for this locomotive! Built by Baldwin in 1923, it was converted in 1945 to a faster, more powerful T-1 by the Reading Railroad. After being relegated to a scrap yard, it was rescued and restored in 1974–to become one of three locomotives that proudly pulled the American Freedom Train on a 25,000-mile tour celebrating the nation’s 1976 bicentennial. In 1977, No. 2101 emerged as the Chessie Steam Special, in honor of the 150th anniversary of the B&O Railroad. Later, after being severely damaged in a roundhouse fire, the locomotive was restored once more. It is now on exhibit at the B&0 Railroad Museum in Baltimore, Maryland.