Bidspirit auction | Lionel No. 397 Operating Coal

Lionel No. 397 Operating Coal Loader Accessory - This is a vintage O gauge model train accessory, the No. 397 Coal Loader. It is constructed from a combination of molded plastic, stamped steel, and die-cast metal components. The unit features a green plastic base with a red ribbed plastic roof supported by yellow vertical trusses. The internal mechanism consists of a die-cast framework supporting a conveyor system with twin metal chains and rubber flights designed to lift material from the lower receiving bin to an upper discharge chute. The base of the accessory features raised molded lettering in the green plastic reading NO. 397 COAL LOADER MANUFACTURED IN U.S. OF AMERICA THE LIONEL CORP. NEW YORK. Included is a remote control unit housed in a brown plastic case. The front of the controller features a raised circular Lionel L logo. It is fitted with a black rotary dial labeled OFF and ON and a red push button labeled UNLOAD. The controller is connected to the main unit via an insulated electrical cord. , The accessory appears largely complete, though no bags of artificial coal are present. The paint on the yellow supports shows minor wear and small scattered chips (photo 2). The red roof exhibits light surface scuffing but no visible cracks. The green plastic base shows light surface dirt and minor edge wear (photo 1). The electrical cord remains attached; the rubber insulation appears aged and somewhat stiff, though intact. The working functionality of the motor and conveyor system has not been tested.