One of the last truly tinplate locomotives, the 255E manufactured by Lionel in 1935 and 1936 exclusively, included a 263W whistle tender set but was never available for separate sale. The 255E contained the same boiler, frame, whistle, and 2-4-2 wheel arrangements as the late 260E but without the chugger. This model was one of the first to receive a semi gloss finish rather then the traditional high-gloss finish, which graced locomotives produced before 1934.

Proudly displaying the No. 255 on the engines side plates, this locomotives gunmetal coloring and nickel trim were trademarks of Lionel's tinplate models produced after 1934. Though the locomotive would later succumb to "die-cast boilers and scale detail", this model accurately recreates all of the details specific to the 255E. Dubbed the "most spectacular development in model railroading" the 255E with its "authentic locomotive whistle" and "the rhythm of its double action pistons and driving rods is characteristic of a great "Mogul of the Rails." It will be the pride of every boy who owns one." New to the 1935 catalogue, the 255E along with the red 613 series passenger cars still make up one of the rarest prewar passenger sets ever produced.