57 Atomic Energy Commission (AEC)

Production:  1959 & 1960

History
The 57 Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) Switcher was available in Lionel's consumer catalogue for two years: 1959 and 1960. However, experienced collectors believe it was only manufactured for a single year with excess inventory being sold in 1960.

These small locomotives -- generally referred to as Motorized Units -- are loosely design after a real-life gas Vulcan switcher of the 1950's and the 57 has become rather difficult to locate, especially in collector condition. Lionel's model, similar to the real-life version, was small and had limited pulling power. On average, it could only pull two or three freight cars. Lionel only offered the 57 as a separate sale item and never in a set.

Features
The 57 AEC switcher has the following standard features: 2-4-2 wheel arrangement, unpainted white body with a red painted cab section, unpainted railings, three-position E-unit, low rear railing, operating front & rear coupler, metal side rode connecting the drive wheels plus an ornamental bell. The 57 never included magne-traction nor interior illumination.

Additional Detail, Photos & Box Information
There are two common problems with this locomotive:

• First, the thin window struts on each side of the cab are very fragile. These struts are quite frequently found cracked or completely missing. Units with intact window struts will command a slight premium.
• Secondly is the external color of the cab. While it's generally believed these units started as a white cab, there's conflicting information whether the cab started as a pure white or an off-white. In either case, the cabs are almost always a cream color these days.

Only Known Variation - Shown in first photo above. - All AEC units have a molded white (cream) body with red painted side cab and black railings.

To purchase quality Lionel Motorized Units from our sponsors, click on either website:

Dave's Trains Inc.