You may have heard of Vanderbilt University. Did you know it was initially founded on the gift of Cornelius Vanderbilt?

That same Cornelius Vanderbilt was also known as Commodore and he built his wealth in shipping and railroads. The Commodore was a shrewd businessman and is patriarch to the well-known Vanderbilt family. Vanderbilt purchased controlling interests in several railroads including the Hudson River Railroad, the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railway and also the New York Central.

The Commodore Vanderbilt Hudson locomotive was named for the NYCs early leader and is a creation of Carl F. Kantola, a NYC careerman of 47 years. The No. 5344 Hudson was the prototype and it was modified to accept the iconic streamlined shrouding which was designed by the Case Institute of Technology. On December 27, 1934 the Commodore Vanderbilt debuted at Grand Central Station and kicked off an exhibition tour of major NYC route cities. It then was placed in service hauling the 20th Century Limited.

Were pleased to bring to HO the most accurate and desirable Commodore Vanderbilt Hudson ever.