2354 New York Central

Production: 1953 - 1955

History
The 2354 New York Central F3 AA unit was the third -- and final -- NYC F3 produced by Lionel in the postwar era. Besides being one of the smoothest running postwar F3's, it's also the hardest NYC F3 to locate. Minor external and internal production updates accounted for the change of number from the prior NYC F3 -- the 2344.

As with the 2344, Lionel also offered a B unit for the 2354. The updates to the 2354 B unit is the replacement of the wire-cloth ventilators on the roof of the 2344 with ventilators molded into the body on the 2354.

Collectors and operators pursue this diesel because of its proven reliability and durability. The dual motors with Magnetraction makes for transporting long freight trains around a layout an easy task. Additionally, the 2354 New York Central diesel was included in only two catalogued Lionel sets. The first being an ABA freight set in 1953 and the second being an AA diesel set from 1954.

Features
Standard features of each A units includes:

• Dark and light gray painted shell with white lettering and strips.
• 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.
• General Motors decal near the rear door plus a New York Central decal on the front.

Unique features of each A unit are:

• Powered A unit contains dual motors with Magnetraction and a three-position E-unit.
• Non-powered A unit includes the functional horn. This was a change compared to the prior 2344 NYC F-3 which contained the functional horn in the powered unit.

Additional Detail, Photos & Box Information
The 2354 shell has only one distingushing feature which helps identify 1953 production from 1954 and 1955. Beginning in 1954 -- and continuing throughout the remainder of all postwar F3 production -- there is a small 3/8" raised dimple immediately behind the ventilators in the middle of the roof. If the dimple is present on a 2354 then it was manufactured in 1954 or 1955. If the dimple is not present, then it was produced in 1953.

When coupled together, the length of the AA F3s is approximately 26" long (coupler to coupler).

Roof without Mold Dimple Shown in the photo above - Identifies 1953 production. This version is harder to find as it was only produced for one year.
Roof with Mold Dimple - Identifies 1954 and 1955 production. This is slightly easier to locate than the 1953 version.

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