The Lionel Santa Fe F-3 No. 2333 was a big hit when it was first introduced in 1948. It was produced for one additional year and was replaced by the No. 2343 in 1950. This version did not have Magnetraction. Lionel had a problem with the SILVER paint adhering to the BLACK plastic body and they would experiment with a number of different manufacturing techniques with this diesel that resulted in six different variations.

This version has the screens on the roof vents, portholes with lenses, front grab rails, side ladders, electronic couplers on the front ends, and solid rear couplers. This diesel was equipped with a horn that was operated by a D Cell battery, and a three position directional unit whose control lever was adjustable from underneath the chassis. The dual horizontal worm drive motors powered each axle...and they make a neat "growling" sound when operating! There are six variations:

Variation A: Convex celluloid porthole covers that are often missing and rubber-stamped lettering (1948-49).

Variation B: Same as Variation A except for heat-stamped lettering (1948).

Variation C: See: New York Central No. 2333, with heat-stamped lettering and came with either a RED / WHITE or BLACK / WHITE GM decal. (1948).

Variation D: Same as Variation C except for the lettering that was applied with a rubber-stamp. This version is more difficult to find. (1948)

Variation E: Was produced with a clear plastic body and may have been issued with a display track that would show the engine running on a static display. Possibly used by Lionel sales personnel to promote the sale of this diesel. Very difficult to find.

Variation F: This variation was produced with the RED/WHITE GM decals located above the "BUILT BY LIONEL" lettering on the rear of the engine. In early 1948 some of this production variation were made on NYC bodies (see Variation C) (1948).

All of the Lionel F-3s are designed to work on the larger radius of O gauge track. When used with O27 track this diesel will scrape the switch machine housing on No. 1122 O27 switches when passing through the curved turnout. Evidence of scrapes on the fuel tank of these diesels is a sure indication of operation on O27 track.