This Identification Guide for Lionel Electric Trains covers the "Post-war Era" only from 1945 until 1969. |
LIONEL TRAINS UNLOADING BIN No. 160 |
The Unloading Bin No. 160 was available throughout the entire post war period. This dump bin was also produced during the pre-war period, however, it was only available for separate sale during the Post War Era from 1952 until 1955. Although these bins made during these years are common, the boxes that were used to house the separate sale bins are difficult to find. |
There are two types of boxes. One has the OPS price printed on them as is illustrated above, and the other more common box does not have any pricing information. |
Variation A: Common Bakelite BLACK 7" bin. It was produced for separate sale between 1952 and 1955. Like New Condition requires that the box is present. |
Variation D: When Lionel produced the Automatic Coal Dump Car No. 3459 in 1947 they originally made the coal dump bin out of steel. However, this bin was too heavy with the added (then Bakelite) coal for the solenoid on the car to move the bin. So the material used for the bin on this car was changed to aluminum. The steel metal bins that had been made were sold as No. 160’s and included in the first manufactured production of the No. 3459 in 1947. This metal unloading bin, along with the regular Bakelite production (Variation A) are both shown in the 1947 catalog. |
Variation E: Was introduced in 1955. This bin is longer, 8-1/2", and is made from BLACK injected molded plastic. The increased length was needed to accommodate the longer length of the Twin Bin Dump Car No. 3359. Using the injection mold for these bins saved Lionel money because the plastic from connecting sprues and malformed bins could be recycled. |
Courtesy of J. Zaval Collection |
Home Privacy Legal Search Site Map Contact |