The Lionel Scale Hudson Type 4-6-4 Locomotive No. 773 holds a unique place in the history of Lionel. It is the direct descendent of the pre-war No. 700E and the No. 763.

Most of the trains produced during the Post-War period were "selectively compressed" because of the tight radius of the curved track that was used. This was not true with the 773. It is a full O Scale (1/48) replica of the Pre-War No. 700E—updated to run on the standard O Gauge tubular track of the post war years.

For additional information about the size of the trains that Lionel produced during the post war period see the identification page on Lionel Track.

Variation A: Has valve gear guides on the steam chest. Came with No. 2426W tender. 1950 production.

Variation B: Lacked the slide valve gear guides on the steam chest and because of this the boiler cannot be interchanged with Variation A. This variation also came with heavier heat-stamped number on the cab, and a smaller No. 736W tender labeled "PENNSYLVANIA" that had AAR trucks with a disc coupler. 1964 production.

Variation C: Identical to Variation B except, this locomotive was produced with a "NEW YORK CENTRAL" lettered No. 773W tender that had AAR trucks and one disc coupler. Although the 1950 catalog showed Variation A with "NEW YORK CENTRAL" markings, this variation of the locomotive was never produced with lettering for the New York Central railroad. It was not until this variation, late in the post war years, that Lionel produced this engine with the New York Central lettering that was used on the prototype for this model. Late 1964 until 1966 production.

The New York Central’s Class J1e Hudson was reportedly Joshua Lionel Cowen’s favorite locomotive.

This locomotive will only work on O Gauge track and will not operate properly on O27 Gauge track.