Lionel F3s are shells interchangable?

[laz 57]

I have a KCS F3 set engine and dummy. Lionel number 14500. I am looking to put Pennsy F3s on and take the KCS off. Can this be done with older Pennsy F3s?
Thanks.
laz57

[1688torpedo]

Hello Laz 57! Probably the best thing to do is to go to the Lionel Website on their parts& diagrams section.Look for supplements1-9 and check the diagrams of the older F3's and compare them to your KCS F3 to see if the Mounts and Holes Match up.If they do then I guess you can switch the KCS shells with the Pennsy versions. This is the best suggestion I can think of as I've no F3s in my collection. Or perhaps Len Carapelli may know for sure as he seems to be a whiz about Lionel F3s. Good Luck........Keith

[laz 57]

Thanks Keith I wait to see if anyone else knows?
laz57

[lionelsoni]

I believe that at least two different schemes were used for postwar F3s, the earlier having two screws at the back, the later using sliding spring-metal tabs. What this means for the shells in question, I don't know.

[laz 57]

I guess I would have to match up the shells. Is there a market for Pennsy F3s out there? I am looking for theTUSCAN red.
laz57

[okiechoochoo]

The tuscan Pennsy F3 are available at time, but can be hard to find and tend to be pricey. Good Luck

[laz 57]

Thanks OKIECHOOCHOO.
laz57

[dougdagrump]

Laz, If you go to the Lionel site and pull up the IPB's it will show the F3's that are based on the same chassis/shell configuration. With my FT's, B&O, their chassis is also compatible with the NYC and Santa Fe shells. [:)]
Had to edit, forgot how to spell. [8]

[laz 57]

Thanks DOUG will do let you know what I find.
laz57

[laz 57]

Hey DOUG, had abrain fart , what does IBP mean?
laz57

[Anonymous]

Why not repaint those KCS shells?

[dougdagrump]

IBP = Illustrated Parts Breakdown

My wife says I have the same problem far to often.....[(-D]

[fjerome]

what problem? parts breakdown?

[Chris F]

AFAIK, the only tuscan PRR F-3's were the 8970/8971 AA set from 1979-1980. The change from screws to tabs to secure the rear of the shell happened in 1953, and there were no Postwar PRR F-3's. I guess Pennsy fans had to be satisfied with the GG-1's.[:)]

I don't have the tuscan Pennsy F-3's, but I do have the 8054 Burlington F-3's from the same time, which use a single screw up front and two tabs in the rear. I compared them to Santa Fe F-3's from 1996. Although the SF's were upgraded with mesh screens, steps, etc., they still used the screw and tab fasteners. Since your KCS F-3's appear to use the same body as my SF F-3's, the tuscan PRR shells should fit.

The 2005 Greenberg's price guide shows $495 for the PRR F-3 set, new. The LCCA website shows a set for $369. Neither includes the 8060 B-unit (GB, $420, new).

BTW, the first PRR F-3's were green. Collector demand got Lionel to introduce the tuscan units as a better match for the Congressional passenger set. I note the 2004 catalog shows green PRR F-3's (the new design), and wouldn't be surprised to see a tuscan version in the near future (at about double the price of the Fundimensions version, tho).

As LVR noted, a repaint (Jeff Sohn?) may be an attractive alternative.

[laz 57]

Thanks CHRIS F and I will be on the look out for them at York in April. I wi***hey would re enter the market.
laz57