Lionel Electric Trains Identification Guide Sub-Title
These pages are best viewed at 1024 x 768 x 32 bit monitor resolution
Bottom of Page

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

black horizontal bar

Lionel Trains F-3 AB Unit Diesels LIONEL TRAINS ILLINOIS CENTRAL F-3 DIESEL No. 2363

black horizontal bar

Illinois Central F-3 Diesel No. 2363 AB Units Variation A
spacer

Lionel Trains F-3 AB Unit DieselsThe Lionel Illinois Central F-3 No. 2363 was only available in 1955 and 1956. The A Unit of this engine was produced on a GRAY or ORANGE body, while the B Unit (No. 2363C) used an ORANGE shell. A rubber-stamp was used to apply the lettering and lines. A railroad herald decal is on the front of the A Unit. Reproduction shells have silk-screened application of these colors. The chassis and the pilot are painted BLACK, however, the truck side frames, and the front pilot skirt, are chemically blackened.
spacer
This version has louvered roof vents, filled in portholes, cast in side ladders, magnetic disc coupler on the front end of the A Unit, but all of the other couplers are solid non-operating.

No. 2363 A and B Unit Set Box

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 two variations:
spacer
Variation A: has BROWN rubber-stamped lettering. It is sometimes difficult to tell the color of this lettering due to insufficient quantities of ink that was applied to the rubber-stamp during production. Sometimes this lettering looks to be BLACK. Early 1955 production.
spacer
Variation B: Has BLACK rubber-stamped lettering. Late 1955 and 1956 production.
spacer
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.
spacer

No. 2363 Powered A Unit Box End
spacer
No. 2363 A Unit Top View Note the louvered vents and the plastic ornamental horns
spacer
Return To Previous Page

BB Home BB Privacy BB Legal BB Search BB Site Map BB Contact BB
Copyright Tandem Associates LLC Labeled with ICRA Top of Page