Lionel Electric Trains Identification Guide Sub-Title
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This Identification Guide for Lionel Electric Trains covers the "Post-war Era" only from 1945 until 1969.

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Lionel Trains F-3 AA Unit Diesels LIONEL TRAINS NEW YORK CENTRAL F-3 DIESEL No. 2354

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Lionel Trains New York Central F-3 No. 2354 Variation A
Courtesy of L. Jeffries Collection
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Lionel Trains F-3 AA Unit DieselsThe Lionel New York Central F-3 No. 2354 replaced the No. 2344 in 1953 and was available until 1955. Equipped with Magnetraction, Lionel used a heat-stamp for the lettering and for the small "GM" logo on the rear doors, but the stripes were still applied with a rubber-stamped on the sides. These characteristics distinguish original shells from reproductions which have used a silk-screen process. There is a "New York Central" logo decal on the front of these units.

This version has louvered roof vents, portholes with lenses, side ladders, electronic couplers on the front ends, and solid rear couplers. This diesel came with a horn that was moved to the dummy A Unit and was operated by a D Cell battery. A three position directional unit whose control lever was adjustable from underneath the powered unit chassis controls the direction of these engines. Dual horizontal worm drive motors powered each axle...and they make a neat "growling" sound when operating!
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In 1954, Lionel would redesign the way that the body mounted to the chassis. Gone were the two flat head screws at the rear to be replaced with a one piece bracket that would slide under the chassis and lock the body in place. Also in 1954, the body was changed with the addition of a "dimple" right behind the ventilators on the top of the body.

No. 2354P Power Unit Box End

This "dimple" would help in concealing the point where the sprue joined the body in the injection molds. This body modification would be on all future issues of the F-3. There are two variations that reflect these changes:
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Variation A: The body does not have the dimple behind the roof vents. 1953 to 1954 production.
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Variation B: The body does have the dimple behind the roof vents. 1954 to 1955 production.
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All of the Lionel F-3’s 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 the early version 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.

No. 2354T Dummy Engine Box End
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