2345 Western Pacific

Production: 1952

History
The 2345 Western Pacific F3 AA diesels were only produced for a single year and are one of the rarest postwar F3's produced by Lionel. These diesels -- along with the 2343 Santa Fe and 2344 New York Central F3 AAs -- are considered by collectors and operators to be the pinnacle F3's manufactured by Lionel during the entire postwar era.

Collectors seek these diesels because they contain the most features of any postwar F3. Operators pursue this diesel because of its proven reliability and durability. The dual motors and Magnetraction makes for transporting long freight trains around a layout an easy task. Externally, the detail is second-to-none. With features such as wire cloth ventilators, portholes with clear lens, cab ladders and grab irons on the nose, these features are still used by current toy train manufacturers as the standard for excellence.

Finally, the 2345 Western Pacific diesels were only available as a separate sale item and never included within a Lionel catalogued set.

Features
Standard features of each A units includes:

• Silver painted shell with orange accents.
• Functional front coupler with a non-operating rear coupler.
• Illuminated headlight and number boards.
• Two metal ladder steps on the rear of the frame plus metal steps on each truck.
• Dual two-piece ornamental horns.
• Wire cloth roof ventilators.
• General Motors decal near the rear door plus a Western Pacific decal on the front.
• Pair of simulated grab irons on the front of the cab.

Additionally, the power A unit contains dual motors, Magnetraction, functional horn and a three-position E-unit. It is interesting to note a B unit was never produced by the postwar Lionel Corporation wearing the Western Pacific colors.

Additional Detail, Photos & Box Information
When coupled together, the length of the AA F3s is approximately 26" long (coupler to coupler).

Only Known Variation - Shown in the photo above - All Western Pacific F3's had a silver exterior with a horizontal orange stripe and black lettering.

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