Bidspirit auction | Lionel 2355 Western Pacific F3

Lionel 2355 Western Pacific F3 A-Unit Diesel Locomotive - A vintage American-made O-gauge model F3 A-unit diesel locomotive. The body is constructed of silver and orange plastic with a die-cast metal chassis and trucks. The locomotive is finished in the Western Pacific livery, featuring orange and silver horizontal bands. The nose of the cab is prominently orange and displays a red and white logo with the text Western Pacific Feather River Route. The sides of the cab are marked with the numbers 2 3 5 5 applied in black. Along the silver sides of the body, the text W E S T E R N P A C I F I C is printed, and L I O N E L L I N E S is visible near the rear. The roof includes molded details such as cooling fans, exhaust stacks, and a simulated horn. The locomotive features a dual-motor drive mechanism. The underside is equipped with a battery compartment for an internal electric horn, secured by a metal plate. A stamped metal plate on the underside reads TO OPERATE HORN INSERT A SIZE D FLASHLIGHT CELL HERE and CAUTION REMOVE CELL WHEN LOCOMOTIVE IS NOT IN USE. The underside frame is embossed with MADE IN U. S. OF AMERICA THE LIONEL CORPORATION NEW YORK and 2333-20. The unit is fitted with front and rear knuckle-style couplers and silver-painted die-cast trucks. , The locomotive shows significant signs of play wear and age. The orange paint on the nose displays heavy crazing and fine surface cracking throughout (photo 2). There is noticeable paint loss, scuffing, and scratching along the lower silver sections of the body and the orange side stripes (photos 1 and 3). The roof and trucks have a visible accumulation of dust and grime in the crevices (photos 1, 4, and 5). The decorative porthole lenses are missing from the right side of the unit (photo 3), while the left side remains intact (photo 1). The front coupler appears slightly misaligned (photo 2). The mechanical and electronic functions, including the dual motors and internal horn, are untested. The internal condition of the battery compartment contacts is unknown.