161 Mail Pickup Set

Production: 1961 - 1963

History
The 161 Mail Pickup set was Lionel's first -- and only -- trackside accessory designed to transfer anything to a moving train! The concept is the signal arm would swing out (by pressing the 90C controller button) and a mail bag would transfer to a rail car as the train passed by the signal. Although the concept was solid, the execution and operation of the signal was temperamental. Additionally, the signal required the user to glue a small magnet (supplied by Lionel) to the exterior of a freight car.

Components of the 161 are fragile and commonly lost or damaged. Locating a complete, undamaged signal is difficult.

Features
Features of the 161 Mail Pickup Set include: tan plastic base, red post, signal and swinging arm plus a 90C controller. Internally there is an electro-magnetic solenoid that operates the swinging arm. Lastly, there is no light for this signal.

Other components of the set include: small simulated mail bag with a magnet on the rear of the bag, separate rectangular magnet to be glued to a freight car, three coiled wires and a small tube of # 3330-102 cement (ie: glue) capsule.

Additional Detail, Photos & Box Information
Although catalogued for three years, experienced collectors believe this accessory was only manufactured in 1961 with remaining inventory sold over the next two years. Locating a complete, undamaged signal is difficult.

Only Known Variation - Shown in first photo above - All signals have a tan base with a red pole, swinging arm and signal.

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