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 F-3 AA Unit Diesels LIONEL TRAINS SANTA FE F-3 DIESEL No. 2383

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Santa Fe F-3 Diesel No. 2383 double A units Variation A
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Lionel Trains F-3 AA Unit DieselsThe Lionel Santa Fe F-3 No. 2383 was available from 1958 until 1966 and was the last of this venerable stalwart of the Lionel diesel roster to be issued during the Post War period. On this variation, Lionel would fill in the porthole windows and replace the ornamental horns with those that were made of plastic. Gone also are the body side ladders that are now cast into the body mold beneath the doors, and the truck mounted side ladders. Consistent with earlier issues, the body is painted SILVER / RED, and the stripes are applied with a rubber-stamp. However, the BLACK lettering and GM logo are applied with a heat-stamp and a "SANTA FE" decal would be placed on the front of each unit.

This diesel was equipped with Magnetraction, 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 vertical drive motors powered each axle and there are operating couplers on the front of each unit.

There are two variations:
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Variation A: RED nose and stripping.
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Variation B: ORANGE/RED nose and stripe. This color change is believed to be the result of impurities in the paint that Lionel used. Most collectors do not consider this a viable variation. Produced in the mid 1960’s.
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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.
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No. 2383 Set Box End
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No. 2383 Power Unit Box End
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No. 2383 Dummy Unit Box End
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