59 Minuteman

Production:  1962 & 1963

History
The 59 Minuteman Switcher was the final all-new postwar roadname appearing on these small switchers. This locomotive design -- generally referred to as Motorized Units by collectors -- are loosely design after a real-life gas Vulcan switcher of the 1950s. Most are rather difficult to locate, especially in collector condition and Lionel's model was similar to the real-life version as it has limited pulling power. On average, it could only pull two or three freight cars. Lionel only offered the 56 as a separate sale item and never in a set.

Features
The 59 Minuteman switcher has the following standard features: 2-4-2 wheel arrangement, unpainted white body with red and blue printing and graphics, black railings, three-position E-unit, tall front and rear railing, operating front & rear coupler, metal side rode connecting the drive wheels plus an ornamental bell. The 59 never included magne-traction nor interior illumination.

Additional Detail, Photos & Box Information
The most common issue with the Minuteman switcher is the color of the body. Most have aged and the body plastic has started to turn to a cream-color. Additionally, the thin window struts on each side of the cab are quite frequently found cracked or completely missing. Units with nice, white bodies and intact window struts will command a significant premium.

Only Known Variation - Shown in first photo above. - All Minuteman units have a molded white body with red and blue graphics.

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