In need of modern steam locomotives for passenger service, the C&O built on the proven designs of their Berkshires and Texas types and returned to Lima for new Northerns. Named for the famed resort, the Greenbrier class would quickly earn a solid reputation on the road and as demands for more units rose, the C&O would come back for two additional orders of the 4-8-4s. Lima delivered the last five, Nos. 610 to 614, in 1948 amidst an optimistic time for thefuture of passenger service on the C&O which outpaced the delivery of diesels. Unfortunately, the next few years would see passenger service decline and diesel deliveries increase rendering the majority of the steam fleet surplus. All of the Greenbriers would be retired by the mid-1950s. Only a few years old and some of the most modern and efficient steam locomotives on any railroad, the five J3a’s would fare a little better than their older sisters and were usually among the first to be called back into service and spent most of their years hauling freight. A single unit, No. 613, wore experimental smoke lifters for a short time. Otherwise, their appearance changed little over their short careers. A single locomotive, No. 614 escaped the scrap lines and would rise to fame decades later hauling specials for Chessie, Family Lines, CSX and more. Available with LEGACY and Bluetooth control and RailSounds, Whistle Steam and all the other standards you enjoy on Lionel locomotives, the J3a is an impressive addition to the Lionel Roundhouse. We’re offering an in-service appearance for 611 and 613 - complete with “elephant ears!” 614 will be presented in Chessie, Family Lines and its most recent restored C&O liveries ready for passenger trips on your layout. An additional fantasy scheme will also be available for “what if” stand in power for The Chessie streamliners.