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 FA AB Unit Diesels LIONEL TRAINS SANTA FE FA DIESEL No. 218

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Lionel Trains Santa Fe FA Diesel AB units No. 218 Varition B
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Lionel Trains FA AB Unit DieselsThe Lionel Santa Fe FA No. 218 was produced from 1959 until 1963 in the Santa Fe war bonnet passenger diesel paint scheme. It was equipped with a light and a horn located in the A unit. A three position directional unit whose control lever was adjustable from the top of the body controled the direction of this diesel. A single vertical worm drive Type IIC motor powers two axles that utilized Magnetraction. The lettering was heat-stamped on these units and the sheet metal chassis has solid non-operating couplers. There are two variations:
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Variation A: Consist of double A units No. 218P power unit and No. 218T dummy unit with front pilot that has a small ledge. Front YELLOW and RED nose decal.

Variation B: Double A units with front pilot that has large ledge. Front YELLOW and RED nose decal.
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Variation C: Double A units with solid YELLOW nose decals.
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Note inclusion of date 8-57 Variation D: Consist of A unit No. 218P power unit with large pilot ledge and No. 218C dummy B unit. This B unit will match any of the Santa Fe War Bonnet painted Alco diesels, and was used with the No. 218P as part of set No. 1649 in 1961, and with No. 223P as part of set No. 11385 in 1963. The B unit can come with, or without the "BLT 8-57" date. The illustration above right shows the date included. To see an illustration of the other type of built date imprint see No. 215.
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All of the Lionel Alco FA units are designed to work on the tighter radius of O27 Gauge track, but they will run equally well on O Gauge track.

 No. 218P Box End
No. 218T Dummy A Unit Box End
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No. 218C Dummy B Unit Box End

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