| Home | Site Map | Postwar Lionel | Modern Lionel | Soviet Trains | Contact Us |
Phone: 732-271-5124 *** Fax: 732-271-9285 *** E-mail Dave & Joan
Diesels, Electrics & Military Motorized Units
| This Web Page Last Updated: September 30, 2023 |
|---|
This page contains our current inventory of Postwar Lionel diesels and electrics plus military motive power. RDC Budd Commuter Cars (both motorized & "dummy" units) and Trolleys are listed on our Passenger Cars web page and Ballast Tampers, Burro Cranes, Fire Cars, Gang Cars, Inspection Cars, Maintenance Cars, Tie-Jectors and Track Cleaner Cars are listed on our RR Work Cars web page.
* * * Click on "Yes" in the Photo column to see a picture.
The Diesel Engine was patented in 1892 by a
German engineer -- Dr. Rudolph Diesel. However it took until the 1930's before steam locomotives
started to be replaced by the more powerful diesels. This occurred because diesels could
perform at higher speeds for greater distances without stopping for water along the way
as required by steamers.
Lionel sold many different types of Diesel
Engines in the Postwar era including the very colorful F3s, the powerful FMs (Fairbanks-Morse), the
speedy Alcos (American Locomotive Company), the venerable NW2 Yard Switchers, and the sleek
GP Road Switchers ("Geeps"). Some diesels offered headlights, some had horns, some had bells, and
some had dual motors.
Modernize your railroad with a colorful and powerful
Diesel Engine.
The first working electric rail locomotive was displayed
and demonstrated at the Berlin Exhibition of 1879 by another German engineer - Werner von Siemens. American
railroads perfected this technology to overcome the harsh problems caused by long tunnels built under
cities and through mountains. The exhaust from a steamer threatened the lives of both railroaders and
passengers. The powerful, fast and efficient electric locomotives solved this dilemma and also proved
to be perfect for mining operations.
Lionel sold a limited number of Electric
Locomotives in the Postwar era including the famous Pennsylvania GG1s, the peppy EP5s, and the
attractive 2329 Virginia Rectifier.
Electric Locomotives will bring your railroad up to date.
As with others in the business of transportation,
the railroad industry had to have a system to ensure that goods were sent to the right place AND
they had to have a system to keep track of its own equipment. The railroad yard became instrumental in
accomplishing both goals. Small gas turbine switchers and small Vulcan switchers became work
horses as they jockeyed rolling stock from track to track to keep the railroads moving.
Lionel provided various Motorized Units during the
Postwar era. These specialty items included Gas Turbines and Vulcan Switchers suitable for yard
work and the odd-looking 520 Boxcab Electric which was modeled after a mining locomotive
from Chile.
Motorized units
will help keep your railroad interesting and moving.
* * * Click on "Grade" in the 3rd column heading for an explanation of grading.
Postwar Lionel Diesels, Electrics & Military Motorized Units Catalog # Item Grade Photo Price Description & More Information 53
Rio Grande
Snowplows ===>
===>
===>
Click here to go to our RR Work Cars Page to read about two very clean, boxed Rio Grande
Snowplows.
One is the VERY RARE version from 1958 with the CORRECT "a" on the sides!
54
Ballast Tamper
===>
===>
===>
Click here to go to our RR Work Cars Page
. . . to read about a very clean, low-mileage, boxed Ballast Tamper.
55
PRR
Tie Jector ===>
===>
===>
Click here to go to our RR Work Cars Page to read about a sharp, boxed PRR Tie Jector from 1957-58 . . .
. . . that was NEVER USED!
59
Minuteman
Yard Switcher E-
Yes
$525
A good-looking 2-4-2 U. S. AIR FORCE gas turbine Switcher from 1962-63:
Photo of the other side.
Has an unpainted white body with blue heat-stamped lettering, red heat-stamped numbering, a blue & red "star and stripe" logo on the sides plus dual operating tab couplers.
A view of the front.
Has one hairline screw crack (no loss of plastic) and the white body is starting to yellow in some areas.
Photo of the back.
Overall, the unit is very clean with perfect decals, crisp lettering -- plus all of the window struts are intact!
An "aerial" view.
This very low-mileage "baby" diesel was serviced by us and it runs great!
Another "aerial" view showing the rear body screw crack.
The 59 Minuteman switcher would look realistic hauling any of the missile carrying or
missile firing cars especially the 3665 Missile Firing Boxcar which has similar decorations. In 1961, the Air Force
was making news with the Minuteman missile and the success achieved in the testing of the ICBM created headlines
which the Air Force used in their recruiting efforts. With Lionel's desire to keep up with the trends of that era,
they introduced the 59 Minuteman the following year and their 1962 catalogue included an advertisement for the "new
Minuteman 'Husky' Switcher complete with Strategic Air Command markings!"
Not quite as rare as the 57 AEC switcher but so tough to find in any condition -- it is a SCARCE piece!
213 M & St. L
Alco AA Units Power Unit:
E++
Dummy Unit:
E+++ Yes
$375
SOLD A pair of Minneapolis & St. Louis Alco AA Diesels from 1964 only:
Photo of the fronts.
Each unit has an red painted body with white, heat-stamped lettering and an open front pilot plus a sheet-metal frame with fixed couplers.
Photo of the roofs.
These uncommon units came unboxed in only one catalogued set (Outfit #11480 offered in 1964 only) plus they came unboxed in four uncatalogued sets and boxed (with a master carton) in one other uncatalogued set. As the master carton and boxes are RARE, two reproduction boxes are provided to help protect the engines in shipping and in storage.
Photo of the reproduction boxes.
Photo of the left side of the Power unit.
The power unit has 2 traction tires, an operating headlight and a 2-position E-unit. Serviced and this low-mileage unit lights and runs great!
Photo of the right side of the Power unit.
The power unit has some paint loss on the top of the pilot from the coupler sliding across plus a little box and a few small paint chips. None of the flaws are severe and this unit is nice: all intact and very, very clean with nice, crisp lettering!
Photo of the right side of the Trailer unit.
The trailer unit is virtually like new -- very clean with nice crisp lettering! However the cab appears to have come from a different lot compared to the power unit as the red paint is glossier so it is not an exact match to the power unit in appearance. (Fairly close but not exact).
Photo of the left side of the Trailer unit.
Not perfect but they are nice! This is the first pair of 213 M & St. L Alcos we have ever had!
221
Santa Fe
Alco See Notes
Yes
$450
Santa Fe Alco Diesel from 1964 only: has an olive drab body with white heat-stamped lettering and a sheet-metal frame plus a traction tire. This forward-only, "Plain Jane" engine has no light or reversing unit and reflects Lionel's cost-cutting measures of the 60's.
Photo of the other side.
Has a crack in the nose that was repaired professionally plus some light scratches on the roof & sides and the common surface rust on the frame.
Close-up of the nose.
Because the crack was repaired so well (with no glue showing on the exterior), it appears to be a scratch and does not detract from the overall excellent appearance of this unit. The engine is very clean with nice lettering!
An "aerial" view.
The 221 Santa Fe is one of only three motorized olive drab pieces made by Lionel in
the postwar era and is linked to only four promotional outfits . We have not had this extremely scarce, uncatalogued item for sale in over ten years!
Note that Lionel never made a box for this piece.
The 221 Santa Fe Alco gets lots of press and was referenced in a recent "Classic Toy Trains" article titled "5 postwar Lionel Collectibles on the rise."
Click here to read that article.
221
Rio Grande
Alco Diesel See Notes
Yes
$135
A Rio Grande Alco Diesel from 1963-64: has an unpainted-yellow body with black striping & black heat-stamped lettering plus a two-position E-unit and traction tire.
Photo of the right side of the engine.
Rust spots on the frame sides and that's about it for flaws on this unit! The cab is in E++ condition: completely intact and very, very clean with crisp lettering and sharp striping!
Photo of the front.
The diesel was serviced and it runs great!
An "aerial" view.
This is only the second 221 Rio Grande Alco that we have ever had available for sale! It is a colorful, photogenic engine! Note that Lionel never made a component box for this piece.
601
Seaboard
NW2 Switcher E++/OB
Yes
$360
A gorgeous red and black "SEABOARD RAILROAD" diesel yard switcher from 1956 only:
Photo of the other side.
Has double-axle Magnetraction, a functional horn and operating couplers.
Photo of the front.
A couple of scratches on the cab roof and that's about it for flaws! It is a sharp unit: very, very clean with nice vibrant paint, crisp lettering and beautiful graphics -- and the front is completely intact with no cracks!
An "aerial" view.
There is no battery damage and the rust-free chassis is clean inside and out!
Photo of the instruction sheet.
Has the correct original instruction sheet #601-19, dated 4/56 (creases, discolored).
Photo of the box.
Grade 7+ original box (tears; creases; small piece of tape inside; tape residue; "aged" look).
Another view of the box.
Has a pair of home-made coupler inserts and this box is solid: clean, square & sturdy! It is also a very, very hard box to find this nice!
Photo of the inserts.
This good-looking, very-low-mileage unit was serviced and it is a great runner -- plus the horn works! It is the nicest 601 Seaboard we have ever had and it's in the nicest 601 box we have ever had!
614
Alaska
NW2
Yard Switcher E++
Yes
$295
An "ALASKA RAILROAD" diesel yard switcher made from 1959-60: later version without the yellow outline on the builder's plate.
Photo of the other side.
Cab is dark blue with yellow lettering plus Eskimo figure graphics and the unique yellow dynamic brake unit. Has Magnetraction, operating headlight and correct, 2-position reversing unit.
Photo of the front.
The loco is very, very clean with crisp lettering and beautiful graphics plus the front is NOT cracked! Has a very clean and rust-free chassis.
An "aerial" view.
Serviced and this low-mileage unit lights and runs great! It is the nicest 614 Switcher we have ever had!
Click here to go to Our Archives Page to read more about 614 Alaska Switchers
616
Santa Fe
NW2 Switcher E++
Yes
$275
The black A.T.S.F. diesel yard switcher from late 1962: version with open E-unit slot & open bell slot. Has 2-axle Magnetraction, a front headlight, an operating horn plus a sheet-metal frame with fluted side skirts and dual fixed couplers.
Photo of the other side
It is a very unusual late production variation with the steps, platform railings and fuel tank sides integral with the basic frame stamping rather than the earlier production which had the steps and platform railings riveted in place.
Photo of the front.
Common hairline screw crack in front (no loss of plastic) and that's about it for flaws on the cab! The cab is very, very clean with sharp lettering and beautiful striping!
Two "aerial" views.
The frame has a couple of minor paint chips and that's it for flaws on the chassis! The frame is very, very clean and rust free -- plus there is no battery damage! The unit was serviced and it lights and runs great -- plus the horn works!
With its black body and white-painted safety stripes, it is unusual looking and at the same time -- one of the more attractive yard switchers produced by Lionel in the postwar era. This very-low-mileage engine is very peppy and everything works perfectly. It is not an easy loco to find in collector-quality condition.
621 Jersey Central
NW2 Switcher E+/OB
Yes
$295
A "JERSEY CENTRAL" diesel yard switcher from 1956-57: cab is dark navy blue with orange heat-stamped numbering and orange Statue of Liberty logo on each side.
Photo of the other side.
Has Magnetraction, a functional horn and operating couplers.
Photo of the front.
A few paint chips on the frame plus some light, surface scratches and that's about it for flaws! The chassis is very clean inside and out plus there is no battery damage! The cab is sharp: completely intact and very, very clean with crisp numbering & perfect decals -- plus the front is NOT cracked!
Two "aerial" views.
The engine is a very strong runner and the horn works!
Photo of the instruction sheet.
Has the correct, original instruction sheet #601-19 dated 4/56.
Photo of the box.
Grade 6 original box (tears; creases; tape; tape residue; some dirt).
Another view of the box.
Has reproduction coupler inserts that are really well made and this box is very presentable as it has both end flaps and all four inner flaps.
Photo of the repro inserts.
Only the second dark navy blue 621 we have ever had! It is a good-looking diesel and it comes in a box that is very hard to find! This low-mileage unit was serviced and it is ready for your display shelf or layout.
Click here to go to Our Archives Page to read more about 621 JC Switchers.
623 Santa Fe
NW2
Yard Switcher E++/OB
Yes
$295
A sharp A.T.S.F. diesel switcher from 1954: has a black-painted body with unpainted black smokestacks and white heat-stamped lettering plus a black-painted die-cast frame with wire handrails. Version with three stanchions that attach wire handrail to the body on each side.
Photo of the other side.
Has Magnetraction, lights (front and rear) and dual operating coil couplers.
Another view of this good-looking loco.
Some minor box rub and that's it for flaws! The engine is very, very clean unit with nice vibrant paint, crisp lettering, and near-perfect sharp decals -- plus it lights and runs great!
Two "aerial" views.
Photo of the box.
Grade 7+ original box (tears; creases; tape inside; original factory tape residue outside; some stains; "aged" look).
Another view of the box.
Has the original insert (liner) and this box is solid: fairly clean, complete, square and sturdy!
Photo of the box insert.
Has the original instruction sheet #623-17 dated 3/54 (tears, creases, minor stains, discolored).
Photo of the instruction sheet.
This brawny-looking, prototypical locomotive was serviced and it is ready for your display shelf or layout; it is a tremendous runner as are all of these early NW2 switchers. Although not really a rare engine, we have had very few 623 yard switchers in collector-quality condition over the years as they are usually well-played with; this one is one of the nicest 623s we have ever had.
2041 Rock Island
Alco AA Units Power Unit:
E+++
Trailer Unit:
E+++ Yes
$275
Beautiful RI diesels from 1969 only:
Photo of the noses.
Each unit has an unpainted black body with a wide, red-painted center stripe plus a white roofline stripe and white, heat-stamped lettering.
Photo of the left side of the Power unit.
Power unit: has an operating headlight, traction tire and a 2-position E-unit.
Photo of the right side of the Power unit.
The unit is very, very clean with nice striping and crisp lettering!
An "aerial" view of the Power unit.
The loco was serviced and it lights and runs great!
Photo of the Trailer unit.
Dummy unit: has a headlight lens and fixed couplers but no deluxe features.
Photo of the other side of the Trailer unit.
The unit is very, very clean with nice striping and crisp lettering!
An "aerial" view of the Trailer unit.
Check your collection; this very attractive Alco combination is the last Rock Island version and only headed up one catalogued freight set (outfit #11740). Hence these units are very difficult to find and this 2041 pair represents the first 2041 Rock Island Alcos we have ever had for sale! Note that original preprinted component boxes for these units were never produced by Lionel.
2331 Virginian FM
Trainmaster E+
Yes
$695
A Virginian Fairbanks Morse diesel from 1955-58: has an unpainted blue body with wide yellow-painted upper and lower stripes.
Photo of the other side.
Has dual motors, Magnetraction, operating horn and a light on each end.
Photo of the cab end.
Common (factory created) hairline screw cracks (no loss of plastic) plus a couple of surface scratches on the roof and that's about it for flaws on the cab. The cab is sharp: nice vibrant paint, beautiful lettering and intact decals plus the metal catwalks are clean and all original!
Photo of the other end.
The chassis is very, very clean and there is no battery damage!
Two "aerial" views.
With its twin motors and resulting pulling strength, the colorful 2331 is one of the most powerful locomotives made by Lionel in the postwar era. This good-looking unit is ready for your layout or display shelf! It was serviced and it lights and runs great -- plus the horn works!
2349
Northern Pacific
GP9
Road Switcher E++/OB
Yes
$725
The Northern Pacific Diesel GP9 Road Switcher from 1959-60: has Magnetraction, a functional horn, a headlight on each end plus operating couplers.
Photo of the other side.
Black painted body with unique gold-painted crescent and ends separated by a red-painted stripe plus heat-stamped lettering (gold on black and red on black). Has a gold-painted frame.
Photo of the cab end.
The frame has a few scratches and one minor rust spot and that's about it for flaws on the entire unit. The chassis is very, very clean (both inside and out) plus there is no battery damage!
Photo of the other end.
Overall, this unit is stunning: very, very clean and all original with nice lettering, sharp graphics and vibrant paint on both the frame and the cab plus the cab has no cracks!
Two "aerial" views.
Has an original instruction sheet #2348-14, dated 6/58 (discolored; technically incorrect as it should have a date of 8/59).
Photo of the instruction sheet.
Has the original box and RARE orange outer (perforated panel) sleeve!
Photo of the front of the sleeve.
The 2349-12 sleeve is a grade 6+ (small corner piece missing; tears; creases; scuffs; tape inside; minor writing).
Photo of the back of the sleeve and a close-up of the part number.
Photo of the box.
Grade 9 original box (small tears; creases).
Another view of the box.
This Mead Containers corrugated box is SOLID: clean, complete, square and sturdy! plus there is no un-original tape anywhere!
Photo of the manufacturer's information.
Serviced and everything works properly -- including the horn! This high-quality, low-mileage 2349 is a powerful runner and can easily handle its consist. It is also one of the nicest 2349 GP9s we have ever had!
2355
Western Pacific
F3 AA Units Power Unit:
Ex.
Trailer Unit:
Ex. Photos:
========
F3
AAs
Power A Left
Power A Right
Dummy A Right
Dummy A Left
$1,550
Here is a set of F3s that rarely comes on the market: the handsome Western Pacific diesels from 1953 only!
Photo of the noses.
Painted silver with orange-painted noses and orange-painted middle side stripes and further decorated with black heat-stamped lettering, GM markings on
the sides and WP logos on the fronts. The units have louvered ventilators, open portholes (with ORIGINAL lenses), ladders and
ornamental roof horns.
Power unit: Magnetraction, twin motors, operating headlight and original numberboards.
A few pieces of the front decal are missing plus the cab has some scuffs, box rub and paint loss in the orange on the bottom of the right side; the
frame has some scratches on both sides of the belly. The unit is nice overall as it is very clean with crisp lettering and
nice even silver paint (although not as bright as when new). In addition, this loco was serviced and it lights and runs great!
Two views of the Power Unit roof
Trailer ("Dummy") unit: operating headlight, functional horn and original numberboards.
The cab has some minor scratches and scuffs; the pilot has some paint loss on the right side. The unit is very nice overall as it is very,
very clean with crisp lettering and nice even silver paint (although not as bright as when new). In addition, the unit was
serviced and both the light and horn work -- plus there is NO BATTERY DAMAGE! The units represent a "matched" set (not a
"put-together" set) as the paint's patina is identical on both units.
Two views of the Dummy Unit roof
Since these units are somewhat photogenic, the defects don't show prominently in the standard size photos! Please ask as many questions as you
would like. I am trying to be critical of the blemishes while presenting a fair assessment of the quality of these units.
Check your collection; the Western Pacific F3s are rare in any condition and these are only the second pair of 2355s that we
have ever had available for sale! Not perfect, but they are certainly very, very presentable!
2359
Boston and Maine
GP9
Road Switcher E/E+
Yes
$325
A B & M diesel from 1961-62:
Photo of the other side.
Has Magnetraction, functional horn, operating couplers and a light on both ends.
Photo of the cab end.
Cab: minimal flaws! It is sharp: very, very clean with beautiful lettering, sharp graphics, nice vibrant paint and there are no cracks!
Photo of the other end.
Chassis: the frame has a few paint chips and the end railings have some box rub plus there are rust spots on the catwalk on one side. The chassis has nice vibrant paint which is very close in color to the original pure white! It is clean overall and there is no battery damage!
Two "aerial" views.
This low-mileage loco was serviced by us and it lights and runs great plus the horn works!
A very attractive engine that is ready for your display shelf or layout!
2365
C & O
GP7
Road Switcher Ex./OB
Yes
$425
A blue-painted Chesapeake & Ohio diesel from 1962-63: has yellow lettering plus a yellow-painted frame, Magnetraction and a light on both ends.
Photo of the other side.
Has a hairline screw crack on the long end (no loss of plastic) plus some light scuffs and a little box rub on the high spots but that's about it for flaws on the cab. It is very clean with nice vibrant paint, crisp lettering and sharp graphics!
Photo of the cab end.
Has various paint chips on the frame and railings but that's about it for flaws on the chassis! It is very, very clean with nice vibrant paint!
Photo of the other end.
Serviced and this low-mileage unit lights and runs great!
Two "aerial" views.
Has the correct original instruction sheet #2365-11, dated 6/62.
Photo of the instruction sheet.
Photo of the open end of the box.
Grade 9 original box (tears; small puncture).
Photo of the sealed end of the box.
The corrugated box was made by the Mead Container Corporation and it is SOLID: very clean, complete, square & sturdy -- plus there is no un-original tape anywhere!
Photo of the manufacturer's data & identification.
We have had very few 2365 GP7s over the years as it is a very hard engine to find nice -- and the box is extremely difficult to locate in any condition!
2383 Santa Fe
F3 AA Units =========
Power A:
VG
Dummy A:
VG
========= Yes
$375
SOLD Santa Fe F3 diesels from early 1964: these AA units are dressed in the silver and red warbonnet paint scheme with red, yellow and black rubber-stamped detailing stripes! The units have louvered ventilators, closed portholes and black heat-stamped lettering.
Photo of the noses.
Photo of the Power Unit.
Power unit: Magnetraction, twin motors, functional horn, operating headlight and original numberboards.
Photo of the other side of the Power Unit.
The cab has some stains and scratches but nothing severe. The belly of the frame has the usual scratches and discoloration. The unit is fairly clean overall with nice striping, crisp lettering and nice even silver -- plus there is NO battery damage!
Two "aerial" views of the Power Unit.
Serviced and this unit lights and runs great -- plus the horn works!
Photo of the Trailer Unit.
Dummy unit: operating headlight (which does work) and original numberboards.
Photo of the other side of the Trailer Unit.
The cab has some stains and scratches but nothing severe; minimal flaws on the frame. The unit is fairly clean overall with nice striping, crisp lettering and nice even silver.
Two "aerial" views of the Trailer Unit.
The front decal on the dummy unit have the bolder striping compared to the thinner striping on the power unit -- a common occurrence when Lionel used shells from different lots.
Great running double-motored F3s for under $400! -- perfect for an operator as everything works!
With its dual motors and resulting pulling power, the 2383 is one of the most powerful engines made by Lionel in the postwar era. Its attractive paint scheme made it hard for both adults and children to resist when they were introduced!
3927 Operating
Track Cleaner Car ===>
===>
===>
Click here to go to our Work Cars Page to read about a very clean, boxed operating
Track Cleaning Car from 1957-60.
Hints for buying
Diesels & Electrics
(We will bring you back)How can we help?
~~~ Ready to Order? ~~~
Click here to
Place an Order
Postwar Lionel Diesels & Electrics
Steamers
Passenger Cars
Railroad Work Cars
Freight Cars
Space & Military Cars
Cabooses
Accessories
Sets
Original Boxes
Other Paper
~ Unique Reference Charts ~
Home
Site Map
Postwar Lionel
Modern Lionel
Soviet Trains
Contact Us
