3854 Pennsylvania Automatic Merchandise Car

Production: 1946 & 1947

History
The 3854 Automatic Merchandise box car -- as well as its smaller cousin, the 3454 Automatic Merchandise box car -- were the first operating box cars offered by Lionel in the postwar era. This large, long, scale-like box car was based upon its prewar cousin and was available as a separate sale item or in a pair of O gauge sets. For each -- 1946 & 1947 -- the 726 Berkshire was the lead locomotive for the O gauge set containing the 3854.

When compared to some of the later operating freight cars -- such as the milk or cattle car -- the 3854 lacks some action, charm and personality. However, it did permit Lionel an opportunity to create an interesting feature for its time -- remote control operation of a freight car.

The 3854 was produced in low quantities and is a difficult freight car to locate. Many long-time collectors still do not own this freight car as they are extremely difficult to find in nice condition. The exterior paint is prone to nicks or simply flaking due to age. Trying to locate a pristine, collector grade example is scarce.

Features
The 3854 box car included the following standard features, several of which were never used on any other postwar freight car:

• Brown painted bakelite body with white lettering and graphics
• Unpainted die-cast metal doors, with one door having an actual functional latch
• Black, separately applied metal corner footsteps
• Unique staple-end trucks, each having dual slide shoes
• Sheet-metal opening roof latch
• Single brakewheel
• Six crates, each engraved with "Baby Ruth" on the top.
• 160 dump bin

The six crates were available in either brown, black or red, with brown the most common.

Additional Detail, Photos & Box Information

Brown body, White Lettering - Shown in first photo above - There are no known variations to this operating box car.

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