Nose Grab Rails on a Lionel 2363 - is that even possible?

[okiechoochoo]

The 2363 Illinois Central F3 AB set was never produced that way by Lionel.  This would have to be an after market alteration which would lower the value of it considerably

[TexasEd]

The one I have at home does not have grab irons on the nose or clear portholes.

The PW Celebration Texas Special I have does have both and so do the Williams Golden Memories from what I have seen.

[3railguy]

It's most likely a post factory alteration since Lionel removed the nose grab irons in 53. This alteration shows up often. It was easy to do and get parts for. Same goes for drilling out the portholes and installing lenses.

[TexasEd]

I have one of the more common black lettered ones at home, all original.  I will look at it.

Could it have been a Williams Golden Memories?

[FEClionel]

I saw what looked like an all original 2363 Illinois Central A unit with grab rails on the front nose of the unit - they did look like they were stock. The A unit shown was an early brown lettered - black painted frame variation. Is that possible or is it a post factory alteration?