The Lionel Rio Grande F-3 No. 2379 was only available in 1957 and 1958. This engine was produced on a YELLOW body that is painted SILVER with BLACK stripes and lettering that was applied with a heat-stamp, and a railroad herald decal on the front of the A Unit. Reproduction shells have silk-screened application of these colors. The chassis is BLACK, as are the truck side frames and the front pilot skirts.

This version has louvered roof vents, filled in portholes, cast in side ladders, magnetic disc coupler on the front end of the A Unit, and all other couplers are solid non-operating. 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 vertical worm drive motors powered each axle that utilized Magnetraction. There are no variations.

All of the Lionel F-3s are designed to work on the larger radius of O Gauge track. When used with O27 Gauge track this diesel will scrape the switch machine housing on early editions of the 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.