A powerful tribute to courage, service and Black history. The Black Panther SD70M brings the legacy of the 761st Tank Battalion to your O Gauge railroad with military inspired camouflage, bold yellow accents and a striking panther face across the nose.
Honoring the 761st Tank Battalion
The Black Panthers of the 761st Tank Battalion helped write a defining chapter in Black American military history. Serving in a segregated U.S. Army during World War II, these Black tankers fought with General George S. Patton’s Third Army in Europe. They became the first African American tank battalion in the U.S. Army to enter combat, proving their courage while confronting discrimination at home and the enemy overseas.
Their motto, “Come Out Fighting,” captures the determination behind this commemorative custom run.
Why Number 42?
Before breaking Major League Baseball’s modern color barrier, Jackie Robinson served with the 761st Tank Battalion as a second lieutenant. He did not deploy overseas with the battalion. Road number 42 honors Robinson’s famous baseball number and connects his military service with his lasting legacy of courage and equality.
A Design with Purpose
- Olive green and black camouflage with striping inspired by the battalion’s tanks
- Black star graphics and distinctive yellow handrails and accents
- Black Panther nose artwork and 761st Tank Battalion identification
- “Come Out Fighting” insignia
- Road number 42 in tribute to Jackie Robinson
- Custom design by Trackside Affiliates for Thomas & His Trains
Reserve Your Black Panther
MSRP $849.99 | Our locomotive price $764.99
PREFERRED COLLECTOR RESERVATION
$764.99
PAY IN FULL. SHIPS FREE.
Full payment at checkout. Save $85 off MSRP and receive free shipping with your Preferred Collector Reservation.
DEPOSIT RESERVATION
$200 today
RESERVE NOW. BALANCE LATER.
$564.99 remaining balance plus $25 shipping due before shipment. No shipping collected with your deposit.
$589.99 due before shipment. $789.99 total including shipping.
Both options reserve one locomotive. Pay in full for free shipping, or start with a $200 deposit and pay the remaining balance plus shipping when your locomotive arrives.
About the SD70M
The EMD SD70M is a modern mainline diesel locomotive known for its broad cab and six axle profile. This custom Lionel model uses that commanding silhouette as the canvas for a commemorative design celebrating the Black Panthers and their place in American history.
Product Details
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Manufacturer: Lionel
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Model: SD70M diesel locomotive
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Gauge: O Gauge
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Road name: Black Panther
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Road number: 42
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Condition: Brand New
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Thomas & His Trains allocation: 40 locomotives total across both reservation options
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Delivery: To be announced
Preorder & Rendering Notice
This is a preorder for a future production item. Images are preliminary artist renderings. Colors, camouflage, striping, graphics, lettering, finishes, details and other design aspects may change during development and production. Final products may differ from the renderings shown. Manufacturer specifications and estimated delivery dates are subject to change.
