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Diesels, Electrics & Military Motorized Units
| This Web Page Last Updated: April 24, 2024 |
|---|
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 44
U. S. ARMY
Mobile
Missile Launcher E++/OB
Yes
$595
The "U. S. ARMY" Mobile Missile Launcher from 1959-62:
Photo of the engine.
Has a blue-painted body with white heat-stamped lettering plus a gray missile launching mechanism.
Photo of the other side with the Army Technician at his post.
Has Magnetraction and a red warning light on the roof plus a missile-firing mechanism that can be operated manually or remotely.
Close-up of the lettering and the operator at the control panel.
Original man and a repro control panel insert.
Photo of the front of this menacing-looking unit.
Some box rub on the high spots and along the side edges. That's it for flaws! This unit is sharp -- very, very clean with all ten steps intact!
Photo of the back of the unit.
Has the original envelope #44-46 (creases & discolored), the original instruction sheet #44-47 dated 9/59, the correct #90 controller, the correct OTC contactor with adjusting clip, the #36-7 control blade, two unused (still coiled) connecting wires, the original (unopened) tube of original lubricant and six (6) original missiles.
An "aerial view."
The missiles are very clean and very nice (each one is in excellent plus condition or better!)
Photo of the envelope, instruction sheet, controller, contactor, clip, blade, wires, lubricant & missiles.
Grade 9 original box with a grade 6+ OUTER SLEEVE (part number 44-41)!
Photo of the box and sleeve.
Sleeve flaws: tears, creases, scuffs, tape.
Photo of the sleeve.
Box flaws: stains.
Photo of the box.
The corrugated, perforated panel-style box was made by Mead Containers.
Another view of the box.
The box is clean overall, complete, square and sturdy; the sleeve has some flaws but it is clean and extremely hard to find!
This very low-mileage motorized unit was serviced and it lights and runs great plus the firing mechanism works as well! It is one of the more desirable "Space & Military" items made by Lionel and it is very difficult to find this nice -- and with a nice original box besides! We have had very few 44 Army Missile Launchers in collector-quality condition over the years!
52
Fire Car
===>
===>
===>
Click here to go to our RR Work Cars Page . . .
. . . to read about a nice, boxed Fire Car from 1958-61 that was NEVER USED!
53
Rio Grande
Snowplow ===>
===>
===>
Click here to go to our RR Work Cars Page to read about a boxed, very clean and
great-running Rio Grande Snowplow from 1957.
56
Minneapolis
& St. Louis
Yard Switcher E+++
Yes
$ 750
A M. & St. L Mine Transport 2-4-2 Vulcan switcher from 1958 only:
Photo of the other side.
Has a red-painted body with white-painted cab sides and red heat-stamped lettering. Has original white-painted metal side railings plus operating couplers.
Photo of the front.
A few paint chips on the metal railings and that's about it for flaws!
Photo of the back.
The unit is sharp: very, very clean with crisp lettering and a nice rust-free chassis plus there are no screw cracks and the window struts are intact! It will represent an upgrade for most collectors!
An "aerial" view.
It was serviced and this very-low-mileage unit runs great and rather quietly!
Another "aerial" view.
We have had very few 56 Mine Transports for sale over the years! It is a very scarce item that is extremely hard to find! This very colorful, very attractive, very prototypical loco is ready for your layout or your display shelf!
59
Minuteman
Yard Switcher E-
Yes
$495
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!
221
Rio Grande
Alco Diesel See Notes
Yes
$110
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.
404
Budd
Baggage Car ===>
===>
===>
Need some passenger train power?
Click here to go to our Passenger Cars Page to read about
a boxed motorized Budd Baggage Rail Diesel Car from 1957-58 that was NEVER USED!
614
Alaska
NW2
Yard Switcher E+
Yes
$275
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.
Some minor paint loss on the frame and that's about it for flaws! 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.
Two "aerial" views.
Serviced and this low-mileage unit lights and runs great! It is one of the nicest 614 Switchers 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
$195
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 Ex.
Yes
$160
SOLD 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.
Cab: common screw cracks in front (no loss of plastic) plus some scuffs and scratches (mostly in the front). Overall it is very clean with crisp numbering & perfect decals
Another view of the front.
Chassis: 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!
Two "aerial" views.
The engine is a very strong runner and the horn works!
Only the second dark navy blue 621 we have ever had! This good-looking 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
$225
SOLD 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.
2023 Union Pacific
Alco AA Units Power
unit:
E+
Dummy
unit:
E+
Master Carton Photos:
========
Alco AAs
Power A
Left
Power A Right
Power A Roof
Dummy A Right
Dummy A Left
Dummy A Roof
========
$495
UP diesels from 1950 only: very colorful yellow & gray paint scheme with red heat-stamped lettering on the cabs and red striping on the gray-painted die-cast frames. Each unit has a headlight and an operating coil coupler in the front. The Power A also has Magnetraction and a functional horn.
Photo of the noses.
Has the common problem of the lettering on both units not being as crisp as when new. However, the lettering on both units is certainly readable! In addition both units have some small paint chips and scuffs (mostly in the red striping). The flaws are minor in scope and do not take away from the beauty of these units as they are both very, very clean with nice vibrant paint and very strong front decals! The chassis on the power unit is very, very clean and there is no battery damage! The chassis on the dummy unit is equally as nice!
Photo of the backs.
Has the correct original operating instruction sheet #2023-77 dated 8/50 (tears, creases, stains) and the proper lubricating instruction sheet #926-26 dated 4/50 (writing, creases, tape).
Photo of the paperwork.
Photo of the Master Carton.
Grade 8 original corrugated Master Carton.
Another view of the Master Carton.
Flaws: small tears; a few creases; stain on the bottom.
Photo of the manufacturer's data & identification plus the year.
This "St. Joe Kraft" box is dated "1950" on the side of the box.
Photo of the top.
It is also the correct master carton for the yellow version of the 2023 UP Alcos.
Photo of the bottom.
Has ALL three original inserts and this box is SOLID: clean, complete, square and sturdy -- plus there is no un-original tape anywhere!
Photo of the box inserts.
Good-looking Diesels in a very strong box: each unit is clean with fairly strong lettering, nice striping and minimal flaws and they are among the nicest yellow 2023 Alcos we have ever had! Serviced by us and they light and run great plus the horn works!
2331
Virginian FM Trainmaster
E++/OB
Yes
$825
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 one end.
Cab: minor chipping of the decal on the left side and that's it for flaws! It is very, very clean with vibrant paint and beautiful lettering! In addition, there are NO screw cracks!!! The metal catwalks and hand rails are not as shiny as when new but they are rust free and they are ORIGINAL!
Photo of the other end.
The chassis is also nice: very clean with a nice rust-free frame and there is no battery damage!
Two "aerial" views.
Has the correct original instruction sheet #2321-85 dated 6/55.
Photo of the instruction sheet.
Photo of the open end of the box.
Grade 7 original box (creases; stains; minor writing; "aged" look).
Photo of the sealed end of the box.
The corrugated box was made by the National Container Corporation.
Photo of the manufacturer's data & identification.
Has the original box insert (liner) and this box is solid: complete, square and sturdy -- plus there is no un-original tape anywhere!
Photo of the box insert.
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, low-mileage unit is ready for your layout or display shelf! It lights, runs great -- and the horn works!
2338
Milwaukee Road
GP7
Road Switcher E+++/OB
Yes
$450
A black & orange Milwaukee Road "Geep" from early 1956: version with interrupted "true orange" band around a black painted cab; has the Milwaukee Road herald with a dark-brown background.
Photo of the other side.
Has Magnetraction, an operating horn, a light on each end plus operating couplers.
Photo of both ends.
The cab is very, very clean with nice vibrant paint, crisp lettering and sharp graphics plus there are no cracks!
Two "aerial" views.
The chassis is equally as nice: very, very clean and rust free -- plus there is no battery damage!
Photo of the instruction sheet.
Has the correct original instruction sheet #2328-6 dated 3/56 (creases; stains).
Photo of the open end of the box.
Grade 9 original box (small amount of writing; tape residue).
Photo of the sealed end of the box.
The box is SOLID: clean, complete, square and sturdy! It is the nicest 2338 box we have ever had!
Photo of the manufacturer's information & part number side of the box.
The box type (a corrugated "SCHIFFENHAUS BROS." box) and the instruction sheet date help to determine that this engine is a 1956 item! (Note that the Milwaukee Road GP7 from 1956 came in either a carryover 1955 box or a "Classic" box).
This gorgeous "Geep" was serviced and the unit lights and runs great -- plus the horn works!
Our Archives Page: more on 2338 Milwaukee Road GP7 diesels.
Still thinking about this engine? A recent Kalmbach Books (Classic Toy Trains) publication just listed the 2338 GP7 (short for "General Purpose") as one of the TOP 100 postwar Lionel collectible items! See page 37 of the book "Collectible Lionel Classics" for author Roger Carp's depiction of the 2338's provenance including its design, development and history.
2349
Northern Pacific
GP9
Road Switcher E++/OB
Yes
$625
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!
2351
Milwaukee Road
EP-5 Electric E/E+
Yes
$795
A very low-mileage Milwaukee Road electric from 1957-58 with original pantographs!
Photo of the other side.
Has Magnetraction, a functional horn, operating couplers and a light on each end.
Photo showing both ends.
Has a few scratches plus some minor box rub and that's it for flaws! This all-original unit is very clean with crisp lettering and there are NO RIVET CRACKS! It also has a nice rust-free frame with no battery damage!
An "aerial" view.
The unit was serviced and everything on this great runner works properly -- including the horn!
The 2351 does not come up for sale very often and this is the first 2351 we have ever had that was not cracked! With its colorful black, red and yellow decorating scheme, the Milwaukee Road is a good-looking and very photogenic loco that is ready for your layout or display shelf.
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
$1,100
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!
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.
6250
Seaboard
NW2
Switcher E++/OB
Yes
$425
SOLD A Seaboard Railroad diesel from 1954-55: blue- and orange-painted body with unpainted blue smokestacks and light-blue heat-stamped numbering. Version with "SEABOARD" decals and with three stanchions attaching the wire handrail to the body on each side.
Photo of the other side.
Has Magnetraction, lights (front & rear), operating coil couplers and a blue-painted die-cast frame.
Photo of the front.
With its extensive trim (including ornamental bell, ornamental whistle, radio wheel, marker lenses and wire handrails), the sturdy 6250 Seaboard is one of Lionel's deluxe engines of the early 50s!
Photo of the back.
Some minor box rub and that's about it for flaws! The loco is very, very clean with crisp numbering, vibrant paint and nice original decals (both on the cab and on the hood).
Two "aerial" views.
Photo of the box.
Grade 7 original box (tears; creases; scrape; minor stains; tape; glue residue).
Another view of the box.
Has the original insert (liner).
Photo of the box insert.
This box is solid: clean, complete, square and sturdy!
Photo of the front of the box.
Includes the correct original instruction sheet #623-17 dated 3/54 (creases & stains).
Photo of the instruction sheet.
We have had very few Seaboard switchers in collector-quality condition over the years -- especially the decal version! This attractive, all-original and prototypical example is sharp! It will look fine on display but it is also ready for your layout as it was serviced and the lights and couplers work plus it is a tremendous runner as are all of these early, brawny NW2 switchers.
Still thinking about this engine? A recent Kalmbach Books (Classic Toy Trains) publication just listed the 6250 as one of the TOP 100 postwar Lionel collectible items! See page 36 of the book "Collectible Lionel Classics" for author Roger Carp's depiction of the Seaboard Switcher's provenance including its design, development and history.
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