Dubbed the “Black Beetle”, the M-497 jet-powered rail car was a unique experiment in American railroad history. In the mid 1960s, the U.S. Dept. of Commerce began to seriously study high speed rail as a viable method of commuter transportation in the Northeast. New York Central Railroad at the time was also interested in replacing its traditional long-distance passenger service with modern 200-mph high speed routes.
Ultimately, NYC’s research laboratory in Cleveland, Ohio worked on the idea and purchased surplus B-36 bomber jet engines which were mounted onto the roof of a standard RDC passenger car. The front of the car was modified, too, with a dramatic streamlined nose painted black.
In July of 1966, M-497 tests were conducted on New York Central’s longest stretch of straight track. The results were amazing with the “Black Beetle” hitting a new American rail speed record of 183 miles per hour. Experiments continued over the week and allegedly the jet rail car reached even faster speeds. After the experiments, the M-497 was dismantled and the RDC commuter car returned to regular service. The jet engines, too, were reused, finding new life in New York Central’s jet snowblower cars.
Lionel now offers the NYC M-497 Jet Powered Rail Car, complete with streamlined cowl on the front end and the eye-catching jet engine pod on the roof, the new jet-powered rail car is a strikingly unique car to add to your layout. This rail car comes equipped with a Pullmor motor, headlight, and interior lighting. You’ll also hear the roar of jet engine sounds and “red hot” illumination from the back of the jets.
Features Include:
- Transformer controlled forward, neutral, and reverse operation
- Electronic e-unit with direction lock
- Realistic jet engine sounds
- Horn and bell sounds
- Simulated jet engine mounted on roof with illumination
- Pullmor motor
- Operating headlight
- Operating coupler on rear
- Marker lights
- Interior light
- Magne-Traction
- Traction tires
- Metal frame
- On/Off sound switch
- Volume control
Minimum Curve: O-36
Condition: Factory New (C-9) Operational Status:Functional Original Box: Yes (P-9)
Manufacturer: Lionel Model Number: 6-38401 Road Name: New York Central (NYC) MSRP: $299.99
Your order is professionally packed with high quality packing materials to offer the best possible protection during transit. If something should go wrong, we insure all packages against both loss and damage.
We’re committed to keeping our shipping prices low, and our delivery times fast. Our system will automatically choose the best carrier at the time of shipment to help us deliver the lowest prices possible.
The moment your order ships you will receive an automated email which provides confirmation of shipment. For most shipping services you will also receive a tracking number and a link to a page where you can track your shipment.
We love happy customers and do our best to maintain a fair and hassle-free customer satisfaction policy. We will
gladly repair or replace your item, issue a refund, or negotiate a partial credit.
Just contact us within 30 days of receipt of the
item (or within 60 days if you are a Private Car member). Explain why the item does not meet your expectations
and how you would like us to handle the issue. If your item has been damaged try to include a photograph of the
actual damages. We'll do our absolute best to make you happy.
If you and Trainz decide that the best recourse is to return the item for refund or repair we will send you a
pre-paid return shipping label. Make sure to include your contact and order information when you return your
items. Once Trainz receives and inspects the items we will repair your item or issue a refund.
Trainz reserves the right to charge you:
Return shipping if an item is returned to Trainz.
15% re-stocking fee if an item is not returned in its original condition.
Any carrier charges resulting from a refused shipment.
For International orders only:
Trainz does not refund shipping charges.
Customers are responsible for paying return shipping.
Our return policy may differ on our other marketplaces such as eBay. If your item was not purchased on
Trainz.com, please review the return policy where your item was purchased.
