2383 Santa Fe

Production:  1958 - 1966

History
The 2383 Santa Fe F3 AA's were the final chapter of Santa Fe F3's offered by Lionel in the postwar era. The impressive run of 19 consecutive years with a Santa Fe F3 in the Lionel catalogue ended in 1966. From the 2333 Santa Fe of 1948, through the 2343, 2353, 2243 and finally 2383, Lionel created an image and desire which is still being copied in today's O gauge market.

Although the 2383's lacked many detailed exterior features of the earlier F3s, their durability was still top-of-the-line. As with all dual motored Lionel F3 diesels having magnetraction, when properly maintained these diesels will run as strong today as the day they were produced. Additionally, creative operators frequently use the B unit (from the 2243 Santa Fe AB set) to run with the 2383 AA diesels -- creating a perfectly matched and very impressive set of Santa Fe ABA diesels -- which are almost 39" in length!

Finally, the 2383 was available as a separate sale item as well as the lead locomotive in sets. Between 1958 and 1966, the 2383 headed up a total of 16 catalogued freight and passenger sets as well as a handful of uncatalogued or special sets for department stores.

Features
Standard features of the powered A unit include: silver, red and yellow painted areas, dual motors, Magnetraction, functional horn, 3-position E-unit, operating front coupler with a non-operating rear coupler, illuminated headlight and number boards, two metal ladder steps on the rear plus dual ornamental horns and a single Santa Fe decal on the front.

Standard features of the non-powered A unit include: silver, red and yellow painted areas, operating front coupler with a non-operating rear coupler, illuminated headlight and number boards, two metal ladder steps on the rear plus dual ornamental horns and a single Santa Fe decal on the front.

Note that the 2383 was only available with louvered roofs and closed portholes.

Additional Detail, Photos & Box Information
When coupled together as an AA unit, the length of these F3s is approximately 26" long (coupler to coupler). Although a B unit was never offered for the 2383, the 2243 Santa Fe's B unit is an exact match and frequently used with the 2383 to make an impressive ABA unit.

Only Known Variation - Shown in the photo above - For the duration of the production cycle, all 2383 were painted silver, red and yellow.

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