This Identification Guide for Lionel Electric Trains covers the "Post-war Era" only from 1945 until 1969. |
TRUCKS AND COUPLERS |
here were a number of different trucks and couplers that Lionel used on their post-war equipment. Generally speaking, as the postwar period progressed, Lionel would look for ways to reduce production cost and this usually involved a reduction in the quality of the trains that were offered for sale. This remains true for the trucks and couplers that they produced. |
Early couplers used an electronic coil that was triggered by a flying shoe. Later, this shoe would be mounted in a plate that was attached to the axles. These couplers are always found on staple-end trucks and were not produced after 1950. |
STAPLE-END TRUCK |
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BAR-END TRUCK |
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