Lionel Electric Trains Identification Guide Sub-Title Bottom of Page

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 B Unit Diesels LIONEL TRAINS SANTA FE F-3 DIESEL No. 2343C B UNIT

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Lionel Trains Santa Fe F-3 Diesel B Unit Variation C
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No. 2343C Early Classic Box End
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Lionel Trains F-3 B Unit DieselsThe Lionel Santa Fe F-3 No. 2343C B Unit was released the same year as the No. 2343 double A Units that it was intended to accompany: 1950. It would be available until 1955 and the bodies would change to match the later issued No. 2353. Like the A Units, the body was painted SILVER with BLACK, RED, and YELLOW rubber-stamped applied striping, and "Indian head" Santa Fe logo decal. The chassis and trucks are painted SILVER. There are solid non-operating metal couplers at each end. These units are most often found with the identifying number "2343C" rubber-stamped on the bottom.

Close-up of Santa Fe Decal

There are three variations:
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Variation A: Has the screen vents on top with celluloid porthole covers that match the No. 2333 and early issues of the No. 2343. (1950-1951)
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Variation B: Has the screen vents on top with plug-in porthole covers that match the later issues of the No. 2343. (1952)
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Variation C: This version has the moulded in louver vents on top with plug-in porthole covers that match the No. 2353. (1953-1955)
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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 this B Unit is a sure indication of operation on O27 track.
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No. 2343C Top View Note the screen vents and celluloid porthole covers that define Variation A
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