621 Jersey Central

Production: 1956 & 1957

History
The 621 Jersey Central diesel switcher was produced for two years and is an excellent representation of a real-life diesel switcher. Lionel included this locomotive in two 027 gauge freight outfits in 1956, but none in 1957. However, the diesel was available as a separate sale item for 1957.

The plain blue exterior plus limited decals has made the 621 a less than exciting diesel, especially when compared to its cousin -- the 611 Jersey Central diesel switcher produced in 1957 and 1958. Although collectors and operators prefer the more colorful 611 switcher, the 621 -- along with its original box -- is actually harder to locate than the 611 diesel.

Features
Standard features of the 621 include: unpainted blue shell, orange decal and numbers, single axle Magnetraction, three-position E-unit (with the lever accessible from underneath the frame), dual operating couplers plus a gold ornamental bell and silver ornamental horn. The 621 did not include an operating headlight.

The frame was always black with a center skirt. End railings, as well as sheet metal steps, appeared at each end of the frame.

Additional Detail, Photos & Box Information
The blue shell can be located in various shades of blue -- none of which can be considered rare. Additionally, the center window support is fragile and is frequently found either cracked or completely missing.

Only Known Variation - Shown in first photo above - All 621's were produced with an unpainted blue mold and orange decals and numbers.

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