The Lionel Virginian Fairbanks-Morse Trainmaster No. 2331 would be available from 1955 until 1958. The lettering on this engine is rubber-stamped and it is the only one of this type of diesel that Lionel did not put their production number on the sides.

This diesel was equipped with Magnetraction, interior lights at both ends, dual vertical worm drive motors, horn, three position directional unit that is adjustable from the bottom, and operating disc couplers at both ends. Note the flanges on the wheels on the inner axles are missing. This is so that this engine could negotiate the tight radius of Lionel’s O Gauge track. This engine will not operate on O27 Gauge track.

There are three variations:

Variation A: GRAY body that has a YELLOW painted body with BLACK strip and GOLD lettering. Early 1955 production.

Variation B: GRAY body that is painted YELLOW with a painted BLUE stripe and YELLOW lettering. This is the rarest of all the Trainmasters, but it’s similarity with Variation C causes it to be undervalued. Late 1955 production.

Variation C: BLUE body that has an unpainted roof and stripe with YELLOW lettering. 1956-58 production.