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 AB Unit Diesels LIONEL TRAINS ILLINOIS CENTRAL F-3 DIESEL No. 2363C B UNIT

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Illinois Central F-3 No. 2363C B Unit Variation A
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No. 2363C Box End

Lionel Trains F-3 AB Unit DieselsThe Lionel Illinois Central F-3 No. 2363C B Unit was produced in 1955 and 1956. Unlike the A Unit No. 2363P of this engine that was produced on a GRAY body shell, the B Unit used an ORANGE body shell. A rubber-stamp was used to apply the lettering and stripes. Reproduction shells have silk-screened application of this lettering and colors. The chassis is BLACK, as are the truck side frames.
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This version has louvered roof vents, filled in portholes, cast in side ladders, and solid die-cast metal non-operating couplers at each end.

There are two variations:
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Variation A: The ORANGE area is the unpainted body and is most often found with 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.
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Variation B: This is the ORANGE painted variation that is most often found with BLACK rubber-stamped lettering. Late 1955 and 1956 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.


Top View of No. 2363C Note the louvered vents

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