This one is rare folks…
What is it?
This is the very first prototype of a “binnacle” produced by the Lionel Train company for the US Navy during World War II.
It’s one-of-one, and was truly “hand-made” by the famous Lionel Trains master-inventor Frank Pettit.
Frank Pettit, working for the Lionel Train Company
What is a binnacle?
A binnacle refers to the case in which navigational instruments are placed on a ship. A ship’s compass was its most important navigation tool to safely cross the ocean. Remember, there was no GPS in 1942!
A high-quality binnacle was a necessity for all ships. It kept the ship’s compass well protected from the elements, yet easily accessible.
The binnacles used by the US Military were extremely well made, and the compass inside was mounted in a gyroscope-like mechanism. This mechanism always kept the compass level and readable - no matter how much the boat pitched and rolled underneath.
How does this binnacle relate to the Lionel Train Company?
Frank’s hand-crafted Binnacle Prototype
World War II - Lionel Train Co. Supports the War Effort
During World War II, many companies had to shut down manufacturing operations of their own products to help the war effort. Lionel Trains was one such company.
Amongst other things, they were commissioned to produce binnacles for the US Navy.
Here’s an excerpt from the wonderful book It Comes from within, the Frank Pettit Story that highlights this.
“With the onset of World War II and no trains to sell, Frank Pettit was transferred from sales into the Lionel Factory in 1942. There, he was assigned to oversee production of some of Lionel’s valuable war contracts.”
Frank Pettit was put in charge of reviewing the design of the proposed binnacle. He went on to build a prototype by hand, based on the original engineering drawings. The binnacle worked wonderfully, and the military was impressed by Lionel’s ability to deliver a quality prototype so quickly.
Lionel was approved to go into full-scale production of the binnacle, thanks to Frank’s hand-made prototype.
Thousands of these Lionel-made binnacles were deployed on US Navy ships around the world.
With such a fascinating story behind it, it’s amazing that this prototype remained hidden for so many years. That leads us to a simple, but important question…
How did it turn up?
This gem was hidden from the world since 1943, and only surfaced when Frank Pettit’s son, John Pettit, recently found it while going through his dad’s trusty old work bench.
This is the same work bench that Frank sat at for decades as he designed the most advanced animatronic model trains and accessories the world had ever seen.
Frank was truly a genius, and is the unsung hero behind many of Lionel Trains’ greatest innovations.
A close-up showing the details of this hand-made binnacle. Here’s a switch for a light inside, a great help when navigating at night.
How did it end up at the Olde Engine Works?
Frank’s son, John Pettit, is a personal friend of the OEW. Our vendors share a passion for all things related to Lionel Trains. John trusted the Olde Engine Works team to tell the story of this binnacle, and do it justice.
Honoring Frank Pettit
A book was written about Pettit’s profound impact on the Lionel Train company.
Lionel Train enthusiasts know this name very well, but to any new readers, Frank was the brilliant, innovative mind behind nearly every important Lionel Train development.
Frank was fascinated by how things worked, and had a natural talent for designing and building complex mechanically operated models. During the war, when model train production was halted, Frank continued to design a new line of trains and animatronic accessories never before seen in the company’s history.
When the war ended, the company decided to produce some of Frank’s innovative new designs. The public was absolutely blown away.
These new electro-mechanical, moving models were a huge success and kick-started what some consider to be the greatest era in model train history.
A steward of this special object
Frank’s son wanted his dad’s most personal items to be in the hands of those who appreciate them most. We feel very honored that he trusted the Olde Engine Works team to share this story, and offer this binnacle to the world.
Frank’s original 1942 hand-made binnacle prototype
There are a few hallmarks of the “hand-made” nature of this piece, and they make it all the more charming.
You can see extra solder on certain braze joints… It’s comforting to think about Frank Pettit sitting at his work bench, with a torch and solder rod, diligently working on this important project.
It’s a truly special piece of Lionel Train history. It deserves to find a good home in the hands of a passionate Lionel Train enthusiast, just as Frank himself would have wanted.
Note: At the time this was written, this prototype is still for sale, please see more info here!
