617 A. T. & S. F.

Production: 1963

History
The 617 A.T. & S.F. NW2 diesel switcher was produced for only a single year; 1963. Quite surprisingly, Lionel actually added external detail to this switcher, something that was rarely done during the 1960's.

Although NW2 switchers produced in the 1960s are generally a step down in quality to those produced in the 1950s, the 617 does contain several of the more desirable features such as two-axle magnetraction, functional horn and more. Additionally, Lionel added a radio antenna on top of the 617 diesel cab, a piece of trim last used in 1955. Finally, 1963 marked the year Lionel began transitioning their switchers to a less-costly, sheet-metal frame which did not include side skirts. As a result, the 617 can be found with either the early frame containing side skirts or the later version without the additional side detail.

The 617 is a fairly rare diesel. It was only available in a single consumer catalogue Super O freight set in 1963. However, Lionel also included the 617 as the lead locomotive in two uncatalogued 1963 retailer sets; one for Sear Roebuck and a second for Beller Electric. Lastly, any 617 diesel in collectable condition will command a premium in price.

Features
Standard features of the 617 include: black painted body with white lettering and strips, two axle Magnetraction, three-position E-unit (with the lever accessible from underneath the frame), functional horn, single illuminated headlight and non-operating couplers on the front and rears. Additionally, the 627 is the only NW-2 switcher produced in the 1960's with a simulated radio antenna on the front of the diesel.

As mentioned above, 1963 was the year Lionel transitioned their switchers to a less-costly sheet-metal frame. The change eliminated the simulated side skirts on the diesel. Locating any 617 is rare, either with or without the side skirts.

Additional Detail, Photos & Box Information

With Side Skirts - Shown in the photo above - Early production had simulated side skirts on the diesel.
Without Side Skirts - Later production did not include the simulated side skirts on the sheet-metal frame.

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