Model Trains

Lionel 2122060 "Uncle Sam" John Bull Set O Scale

Part # 023922035370

First assembled in the United States in 1831, the John Bull was one of the earliest successful steam locomotives in the United States. Named "John Bull" in honor of its British origin, the locomotive was quickly modified for the unique challenges of American rails including such novelties as a pilot, headlight, larger tender and eventually even an enclosed cab. The diminutive locomotive performed well and enjoyed a much longer initial life than most would have expected; in fact it was still intact and serviceable thirty years later! The Pennsylvania Railroad, successor to the Camden and Amboy, first rediscovered and restored the pioneer in 1876 - even sending it under its own power to the Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893. The locomotive became one of the first major artifacts in the collection of the Smithsonian. The original locomotive last ran under her own power in 1981 - marking an unprecedented 150 years of operation as the world's oldest operable steam locomotive. Looking to tell its story at the