3376 Bronx Zoo (GIRAFFE) Car with Operating Arch Bar Trucks

[ADCX Rob]

The 3376 cars had two operating couplers until one was changed to non-op in ~1963.  The very similar 3386 always had two dummy couplers.

Rob

[brianel027]

Bear in mind that during this time frame, Lionel was facing declining profits. Lionel was also looking for ways to complete with the lesser-expensive MARX train sets, which were also carried by many five and dimes. Lionel also had a number of department stores like JC Penny, Sears, Mont. Ward who carried Lionel starter sets. Sometimes these sets were exclusive. Other times, cost cutting measures were used on the rolling stock that came in these department store starter sets. Dummy AAR trucks or dummy Archbar trucks were often used on these sets as a cost savings measure. I'm sure that is the case with your giraffe car.

[MojavenSF]

I came across a 3376 Bronx Zoo Car (Giraffe Car) with Operating Arch Bar Trucks. While the 3387 Giraffe Car is noted to have non-operating Arch Bar Trucks, I can find no reference to a 3376 with Operating Arch Bar Trucks. The trucks are matching and from the same lot and look to be original to the car. Could this car be a variant form the 1961 No. 1809 The "Western"Gift Pack?