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.

black horizontal bar

Lionel Trains F-3 AA Unit Diesels LIONEL TRAINS NEW YORK CENTRAL F-3 DIESEL No. 2333

black horizontal bar

Lionel Trains New York Central F-3 No. 2333 Variation B
spacer

Lionel Trains F-3 AA Unit DieselsThe 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.
spacer
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.
spacer
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!

No. 2333 NYC Power Unit Box End
spacer
No. 2333T NYC Dummy Unit Early Classic Box End

There are three variations:
spacer
Variation A: Rubber-stamped lettering (early 1949).
spacer
Variation B: Heat-stamped lettering (late 1949).
spacer
Variation C: This variation was produced with the RED/WHITE GM decals located above the "BUILT BY LIONEL" lettering on the rear of the engine (early 1949).
spacer
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.

No. 2333 NYC Set Box
Return To Previous Page

BB Home BB Privacy BB Legal BB Search BB Site Map BB Contact BB
Copyright Tandem Associates LLC Labeled with ICRA Top of Page