Set, Train
Object number2019.37.1 a-c
Manufacturer
Lionel Corporation
Datec. 1947
OriginUnited States of America
MediumMetal; Wood; Paint; Rubber; Adhesive tape
Credit LineGift of Dawn M. Fay
DescriptionCommemorative model train consisting of locomotive, tender car, and boxcar.
Locomotive. Lionel 1654 Locomotive. Painted black metal. Painted model number on left and right of rear compartment, the number on the proper left is painted silver and the number on the proper right is painted gold over silver. Underside has raised maker text at center.
Tender car or coal-car. Lionel 1654-W car. Two sets of four wheels. Proper left side has painted text with railroad name; both sides have the original raised maker text that has been painted over in black but is still visible. Front coupling is repaired with duct tape. Underside has stamped silver text at center with model number.
Hand painted boxcar. Painted brown metal and wood boxcar. Proper left side has hand painted white commemorative text and two applied painted metal crossed flags at center; American flag on left and Italian flag on right.
DimensionsHeight x Width x Length (a-c together): 3.75 × 2.625 × 27.125 in. (9.5 × 6.7 × 68.9 cm)Height x Width x Length (a): 3.25 × 2.625 × 9.5 in. (8.3 × 6.7 × 24.1 cm)
Height x Width x Length (b): 2.875 × 2.375 × 6.875 in. (7.3 × 6 × 17.5 cm)
Height x Width x Length (c): 3.75 × 2.625 × 11.375 in. (9.5 × 6.7 × 28.9 cm)
Inscriptions(b)
Proper left side has painted text "PENNSYLVANIA LINES".
(c)
Proper left side has handpainted white text on the front half of the car "Friendship Train / NOVEMBER 15, 1947 / PITTSBURGH TO ITALY / P. R. R." and on the rear half of the car "CARLOAD OF / Vimco / MACARONI / SALVATORE VIVIANO".
Marks(a)
Painted silver text on the proper left of the rear compartment "1654" and painted gold on the proper right side of the rear compartment "1654".
Underside has raised text at center "MADE IN / THE / U. S. OF / AMERICA / L / THE LIONEL CORP. / NEW YORK".
(b)
Both sides of the car have the original raised maker text that has been painted over in black but is still visible "LIONEL LINES".
Underside has stamped silver text at center "1654-W".
Historical NotesIn 1947, Salvatore Viviano, owner of Viviano Macaroni Company was awarded a Diploma of Achievement from Duquesne University in recognition for his aid to Italy after World War II. Italian immigrant Viviano sent train cars of macaroni to Europe after the war. This "Friendship Train" consisting of a Lionel model locomotive, tender, and train car was customized with Italian and American flags and the date of the award ceremony; one can assume it was given to him as a token during the same period. The train was on display for many years in the Vimco factory, a building connected to the Viviano family home in Carnegie, Pennsylvania. The donor, Dawn M. Fay, inherited the train from her father, who was gifted it by Viviano’s son Samuel, a family friend.
Previous owner
Salvatore Viviano
Related institution
Vimco Macaroni Company
Related institution
Pennsylvania Railroad
Previous owner
Samuel T. Viviano
On View
Not on view
Athearn
