LIONEL #6-8551 PENNSYLVANIA RR "LITTLE JOE" EP-5 ELECTRIC LOCOMOTIVE 1975-76 O

Description

Lionel #6-8551 Pennsylvania RR EP-5 “Little Joe” Electric (1975–1976) — O Gauge Bring vintage Northeast electric power to your layout with this handsome Pennsy EP-5 from Lionel’s mid-’70s era. Dressed in rich PRR Tuscan with gold stripes and keystone, #6-8551 captures the sleek, rounded ends and twin-cab look that made the EP-5 family so distinctive. Why this locomotive is cool Iconic prototype vibe: The real EP-5s were high-horsepower passenger motors built for New Haven in the 1950s, often seen sprinting under wire into New York. Lionel gave the body the classic twin-cab silhouette and rooftop hardware that scream “electric corridor.” In Pennsy colors it looks right at home anywhere from Sunnyside to Zoo Interlocking (or wherever your imagination sends it). MPC-era charm (1975–76): Produced just after General Mills (MPC) revived Lionel, this piece blends rugged postwar-style construction with crisper decoration. It’s a time-capsule of how Lionel was winning modelers back in the mid-70s—reliable AC motor, mechanical reversing unit, and that unmistakable Lionel growl. Shelf presence: At ~14" long with bold “PENNSYLVANIA” lettering and gold speed stripes, it pops on a display and photographs beautifully pulling matching Tuscan passenger cars or a short mail-and-express consist. Condition (read me) Tested & running: It powers up, lights up, and runs in both directions. Pulling power is modest —great for lighter consists; tune-ups/traction upgrades can improve it. Roof details: Missing some top-side parts (see photos)—one pantograph frame is present; other rooftop bits are incomplete. Sides show typical play nicks/scuffs from service. Overall: Clean used condition for a mid-’70s runner; windows clear, pilots and steps intact. Expect light layout dust. Features you can expect AC motor with 3-position reversing (Forward-Neutral-Reverse) Operating headlight; illuminated number boards look great in low light Twin end couplers for push-pull and yard moves O / O-27 geometry friendly (runs happily on tight curves) Size: O gauge 1:48-ish proportion (As with many MPC electrics, Magne-Traction and sound were not standard—this example is a straightforward runner.) On your railroad (ideas & ops) PRR Corridor Drag: Put it on Mail & Express duty—RPO, baggage, and a couple of heavyweight coaches. Penn Central mash-up: It looks gritty-good hauling a mix of PRR, NH, and early PC cars for that late-60s handoff vibe. Freelance fun: Use it as an industrial switcher under a scratch-built catenary scene; the twin cabs make changing directions a cinch. Display: Perch it on a mantle or office shelf with a Pennsy keystone or station sign—classic railroad art without needing a yard of track. Easy upgrades if you want more oomph Fresh traction tires / wheel cleaning for stronger pulls Light lube & tune of the motor and e-unit Add a can-motor upgrade kit (many hobby shops offer drop-ins) Replace/finish pantograph(s) and roof bits—parts are common and inexpensive Quick history hits (for the story shelf) EP-5 lineage: The prototype EP-5 “Jets” were built by GE in 1955 for the New Haven to sprint commuter and passenger trains into NYC under 11 kV AC catenary. Their twin-cab, rounded-end style influenced generations of toy trains. Pennsylvania Railroad: The PRR was America’s “Standard Railroad,” famed for its Tuscan red passenger scheme, keystone herald, and electrified main line from Washington to New York—perfect context for an electric like this. Lionel in the ’70s: After the postwar golden age, Lionel was reborn under MPC (1970s). The company leaned into colorful roadnames, dependable mechanisms, and budget-friendly electrics and diesels that brought families back to the hobby—#6-8551 is right from that comeback story. Specs & compatibility Gauge: O (3-rail), O-27 compatible Control: Conventional AC transformer (Lionel, MRC, ZW, CW-80, etc.) Minimum curve: O-27 / O-31 recommended Era made: 1975–1976 catalog years What you’ll get Lionel #6-8551 PRR EP-5 electric locomotive as shown, tested & running , with lights; rooftop details incomplete (see photos). No box or paperwork unless pictured. Search-smart keywords Lionel 6-8551, PRR electric locomotive, EP-5 Little Joe, O gauge 3-rail, MPC era Lionel, Pennsylvania Tuscan stripes, Pennsy electric, corridor electric, postwar style runner, vintage Lionel locomotive. All aboard—add some Northeast wire-train swagger to your roster. If you’re chasing a fun runner with real Lionel soul (and a perfect candidate for a simple tune-and-shine), this Pennsy electric is ready to spark joy on your rails. 🚂⚡ LIONEL #6-8551 PENNSYLVANIA RR "LITTLE JOE" EP-5 ELECTRIC LOCOMOTIVE 1975-76 Look closely at the pictures to see further details. PLEASE LOOK AT THE PHOTOS CAREFULLY BEFORE PURCHASING!! If you are purchasing more than one item from us and would like combined shipping, PLEASE request an adjusted invoice from us while still in the cart and BEFORE paying. Ebay does not usually calculate combined shipping accurately and you might get overcharged. Please be aware that when we photograph items, we use lighting that will show the details well. Although we try to present the product as accurately as possible, the lighting may affect the overall look of the item by appearing lighter/darker or possibly a different hue than the actual item. 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