The Lionel New York Central F-3 No. 2333 would be issued with the same number as the more popular Santa Fe when they were cataloged in 1948. However, recent discoveries have found that this engine was not available until the beginning of February 1949, and would replaced by the No. 2344 in 1950.
This version of the NYC F-3 was not equipped with Magnetraction. Lionel had a problem with the lettering wearing off on this diesel, so sometime in 1949 they began using a heat-stamp to apply this lettering. Previously they had used a rubber-stamp for this lettering, however, the lightning stripes would still be applied with a rubber-stamp. Shortages of the BLACK "GM" decal during the initial production caused Lionel to substite the RED decal that was designed for use on the Santa Fe F-3 which bears the same number.
This diesel has the screens on the roof vents, portholes with convex celluloid lenses, front grab rails, side ladders, electronic couplers on the front ends, and solid rear couplers. This diesel came 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! |
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