Having all the Postwar F3's!!!

[lionel2]

So, you think the 2333's do have a slot in the dummy A unit?  I think it might be true that they do have the slot.  But, might also be true that some do and some don't.  Like the early ones do have a slot and the late production ones do not have a slot, due to the change over to the 2343 and 2344's, that do not for sure have a slot in the dummy unit.  Thanks.

[mdainsd]

I sure hope you are wrong, LOL. other wise i have too may sets of 2333s with no slots I need to get rid of.

[lionel2]

Yeah, my 2344, 2353, 2343 do not have an e-unit slot in the dummy A unit.  So the bottom line is that the 2333's dummy A unit does have a slot in it.  Thanks.

[TRAINCAT]

I have both the 2333 A-A type II, and a A-B-A original set of 2344. Only the 2333 has the hole in the dummy unit also. My 2334 set does not. I am absolutely sure mine are totally original.

Roger

[lionel2]

Because I am looking at 2 pictures right now of a 2333 NYC and a 2333 SF AA units with an e-unit slot in the dummy A unit.  They are matched pairs of AA Units, same condition and everything.  They have the tubular brush holders in the powered A unit, thus they are 2333 early F3's.  I was think that they used the same casting for the powered and dummy. Then the 2343 and 2344 there are 2 castings, one for dummy and one for powered.  Hope i am right and that book is right. thanks.

[martinden]

 A few years ago, Greenberg/Kalmbach published a book on Lionel F3s by an experienced collector whose name I can't remember (Joe Algozzoni?). I believe it said that some or all 2333s had an open e-unit slot in the dummy, and that it was closed either during 2333 production, or with the changeover to 2343/2344 Magnetraction engines. (I can't lay my hands on my copy of the book and don't have time right now for a full-press search of piles of train books and magazines; it'll turn up eventually.)

 Of course the book may be wrong, or I might be remembering it wrong.

 Martin 

[lionel2]

OK, thanks for that info.  The AA units must have been altered at some point.  I guess they would be no good to buy then, cause they are not original and matched sets of AA units.  Thanks again.

[mdainsd]

I have several pairs of the 2333s in SF an NYC. None of them have the open slot on the dummy unit. Same with all the F# A-As I own, no slots in dummy units. That includes the WPs, the Southerns and the 2383 A-As. If you have one its may of been monkeyed with at some point in its past.

[lionel2]

I am almost convinced that the 2333's dummy A unit does have a slot for the e-unit, but, does not have any e-unit within the dummy unit.  I have looked at pics of a 2333 NYC and 2333 SF AA units, and both AA units have a slot for the e-unit, but the powered unit is the only one with the e-unit and motors.  This confuses me, because my 2353 AA unit has an e-unit slot in the powered unit, but none in the dummy, that has just a horn inside of it.  You think they just used the same casting on the early 2333's both AA units.  They did not fill in the e-unit slot for the dummy units until the 2343 came out later.  Thanks.  If you have an original 2333 NYC or SF let me know if the dummy unit has an e-unit slot cut out for it, but no e-unit.  Thanks again.

[mdainsd]

Nope. They are the same casting. the area for the slot is very thin material. The factory opened up the slot for powered units.

[lionel2]

Does the dummy A unit for the 2333 SF or NYC have the E-Unit slot still present, even though there is no E-Unit inside the dummy A unit?  Thanks.

[ogauge]

 Just a note, but the PWC F-3's are pretty decent.  I'll admit with a choice, I'd probably prefer the originals but I have both the 2373 CP set and the 2345/55 WP F-3's and I like them just fine, plus they are new. They have all the late postwar mech design, ie. vertical pullmor motors and mag traction and also have railsounds (some like it and some don't).  Only thing I don't like on the WP's in the nose decal is a sticker instead of a water slide decal.  Thats probably easily remidied though.

 

I still think the color of good originals is still unmatched by Lionel or any of the copiers today especially the red of the 2245 and 2333/43.  I just love those engines

I am waiting for the new classics to see what the look like.

[Dub]

I tell the difference from the motors.

 The 2343 has a black plastic cover for the brushes and springs. The 2333 does not. Just a bracket with two cans.

[lionel2]

Yes, I have a paypal account.  Just never had to use it yet.  Just wanted to make sure it was easy to use.  Thanks alot.  Yeah, I took a look at those listings.  Lot of people do think 2333-20 is the engine number, but that is just a part number for the frame casting.  Oh well, you gotta know what you are selling first off and do the research.  Thanks.

[mdainsd]

i just did a curiosity check on the eBay, there ae several 2333 sets on right now. there is even a block letter (RS) 2333 NYC but the seller says he thinks one of the units has been clear coated. Watch out when buying 2333s. Some people just dont know much about theses and list them as 2333-20. That means nothing, that is the part number for the die cast frame on a F3. Ask them for a close up photo of the number boards on the nose of the engine. paypal fees are paid by the seller. it sounds as if you already have a paypal account? If so, payment is a snap. you win an auction, you go back to that auction page and click "pay now" it will guide you the rest of the way.

[lionel2]

Oh, my bad.  I got it now.  Thanks. 

[ADCX Rob]

lionel2

What set number had a 2383 in an ABBA combo??  I dont remember seeing that in any of the lionel catalogs.

 

Not Lionel, the AT&SF ran F's ABBA.

Rob

[lionel2]

What set number had a 2383 in an ABBA combo??  I dont remember seeing that in any of the lionel catalogs.  Yes, the clear 2333 is nice, i have seen it in magazines.  Its priceless.  Well, I am leaning towards a NYC AA units, either the 2333 or 2354.  For paypal, I know how to transfer money from my checking account to the paypal account.  But, I have never used paypal before. How does one buy things with paypal?? Do you just send money to the ebay user name and the amount to he/she??  Is it really that complicated to do?  Any paypal fees included with transactions??  Thanks.

[lionelsoni]

If you get a 2383 set, you should also look for a couple of 2243C B-units to go with it.  Santa Fe ran theirs in ABBA sets.

[mdainsd]

The first run of F3s were both numbered 2333, there is literature out there that indicates the NYC was going to be numbered 2334, but ive never seen one. (let me know if you find a pair of those, LOL). The SF 2333s came in about four major variations. The earliest rubber stamped ones command a bit more money than the heat stamped ones, although they are hard to tell apart. The NYC rubber stamped are obvious from across the room with their big blocky lettering (also my favorite). I dont think you are far off price wise with current conditions to find exactly what you are looking for, maybe 250-275 range. I have all the road names and cab numbers and most of the variations, but the one that still eludes me is the clear SF 2333 unit.

[lionel2]

Yes, that helped alot.  I really like the 2333 SF F3 AA units the best.  I will look for some in decent shape.  You would say about $200 to 250 for a decent set of AA 's on ebay??  OK, i will make sure i make a note that the 2333 do not have magnetraction.  Is the NYC 2333 numbered 2334 or 2333??  Thanks.

[mdainsd]

 Hello! Ive been a collector of PW F3s and FMs for years.

Of the three you mention, the most afforadable and easist to find would be the 2354. There should be no confussion about what you are looking at. The PW F3s all came with number boards that indicate which model it is, i.e. "2333" or "2343". Remember also, that the 2333s (both the SF and the NYC) do not have magnetraction. All other F3s do. the very early 2333s in both road names are difficult to locate in decent condition. The early plastic has almost a greasy feel to it and paint did not adhere to it well. Hope this helps.

[lionel2]

I only have 3 sets of F3's in my collection.  I have a 2343 AA Units, 2353 ABA Units, and 2344 ABA Units.  I am looking to buy a 2333 NYC or SF F3 AA or 2354 NYC AA or 2383 SF AA units for christmas.  I am looking for Dual Motor F3's.  I cannot afford the Southerns or Western Pacifics right now.  So I am trying for some cheaper ones that I do not have.  Which one of these: 2333, 2354, or 2383 AA units is cheapest on ebay for example??  They dont have to have boxes or be in mint condition, just something that is layout worthy condition, like a C-6 or C-7.  People often confuse the SF 2343 with the 2333 and vice versa.  So how do you know the difference from just looking at the outside??  is it the GM decal that is different, I have no idea how to tell the difference between the 2343 and 2333.  Thanks.