About This Space & Military Series Car

The 3820 U.S.M.C. Flatcar with Submarine was introduced by Lionel in 1960 and was sold for three years (through 1962). This somewhat scarce car only came in a few sets (including the "LAND-SEA and AIR GIFT PACK") and was never available as a separate sale item. The 3820 is painted olive-drab on black molded plastic and is decorated with white heat-stamped lettering. The correct load for this car is a gray "U.S. NAVY" submarine numbered 3830 -- the same sub used on the 3830 flatcar. (No special 3820 U.S.M.C. submarine was ever made by Lionel). The sub is held in place on the flat by a metal clip.

Photo of the 3820 U.S.M.C Flatcar with Submarine

Additional Details

The 3820 is part of Lionel's "Space & Military" series. The combination of its scarcity coupled with the U.S.M.C. markings and olive-drab color make it one of the more desirable items from that series. The submarine is often lost but repro ones are available. This car always came with AAR trucks. An original (separate component) box was never produced for the 3820.

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This page is an information document only; nothing on this web page is being offered for sale. This page and all of the other pages from Our Archives were developed to assist you in understanding differences in variations of engines, rolling stock, cabooses, passenger cars, and accessories sold by Lionel in the postwar era. We have used pictures from our old files and personal collection to construct this area of our website to show the characteristics of collectible variations. If you are interested in buying something, please go to one of our inventory listings to see what we currently have for sale.

This web page was last updated on September 6, 2005. If you have suggestions for improving this page or if you see any errors, please contact us.