The Lionel New Haven F-3 No. 2242 was a reproduction of the New Haven railroad’s "checkerboard" paint scheme of SILVER, WHITE and ORANGE sides with a BLACK nose and "NH" heat-stamped lettering that was inscribed on the sides and front of this diesel.

This diesel was only available in 1958 and 1959. Reproduction shells have silk-screened application of these colors with a decal on the front of the A Unit. The A Unit has a BLACK pilot skirt and the trucks have blackened side frames. The chassis is sometimes substituted with the No. 2243 that has a SILVER pilot (pictured above). This engine has louvered roof vents, filled in portholes, cast in side ladders, magnetic disc coupler on the front end of the A unit. All other couplers are solid and non-operating.

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 single vertical worm drive motor powers two axles that utilized Magnetraction. There are no variations. Sometimes this engine is classed as an O27 diesel because it has one motor, however, it was issued in SUPER-O sets. 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.