The TCA Special Set

From 1980 to 1985, Lionel/MPC brought out one short madison passenger car per year for the Train Collectors Association (TCA) national convention.  In 1985, the car was an express woodsided reefer.  They also brought out an accompanying small Hudson locomotive.  Very much like the other locomotives that accompanied the other short madison sets, this one came equipped with the Mighty Sound of Steam, the then-new electronic whistle, and the wispy smoke characteristic of the era.  A pleasant surprise was that the tender is die-cast rather than plastic.  The locomotive and the cars are done in a handsome green livery with gold lettering which makes for a very attractive train.