Lionel Original Post War #2356 SOUTHERN F-3's (UNRUN) In OB ( NO RESERVE!)

Description

Welcome to my auction of the Lionel Post War (UNRUN) Southern F3 AA In OB/Inserts!
Southern F3 Production:
1954 - 1956
Southern F3 History:
Beside the 2373 Canadian Pacific F3's, the 2356 Southern is probably second most difficult postwar F3's to locate. Even today, it remains a highly desirable item today. Except for the somewhat common Santa Fe and New York Central roadnames, the Southerns were the only roadname offered in an ABA combination during the postwar era.
As with all dual-motored postwar F3s, the Southern diesels are another set of high quality F3 diesels produced by Lionel. Although they lack some of the detailed exterior features of the earlier F3s, their durability was still top-of-the-line. As with most of the diesels from that era, when properly maintained, they will run as strong today as the day they were produced.
Southern F3 Features:
Standard features of the powered A unit include: green painted body with gray painted lower quarter section running up through the nose, a thin yellow strip running along the side, yellow lettering, Southern decal on the nose, dual horizontal motors, Magnetraction, 3-position E-unit, operating front coupler with a non-operating rear coupler, illuminated headlight and number boards, two metal ladder steps on the rear plus dual ornamental horns. The frame and trucks were always black and the shell always had clear lens in the portholes.
Standard features of the non-powered B unit include:
Green painted body with gray painted lower quarter section running, a thin yellow strip running along the sides, yellow lettering, Southern decal on the nose, functional horn, operating front coupler with a non-operating rear coupler, plus metal ladder steps at each corner. The frame and trucks were always black and the shell had clear lens in the portholes.
The 2356 shell has one distinguishing feature which helps identify very early 1954 production from mid 1954 thru 1956. In early or mid 1954 -- and continuing through 1956 -- there is a small 3/8" raised dimple immediately behind the ventilators in the middle of the roof. If the dimple is present on a Southern F3 then it is the common variation. Southerns without the roof dimple are rare and indicate the manufacture date was early 1954 -- and probably only lasted a few weeks or month or two.
Roof without Mold Dimple
-
Identifies very early 1954 production. This version is rare as production was only for a few weeks or month or two as old inventory was used to produce the F3.
R
oof with Mold Dimple
-
Identifies regular production from early 1954 through 1956. This is the common variation.
Condition:
These F3's are in beautiful condition and are UNRUN, see pictures for full factory wheel glaze!
The s
hell paint and patina along with all graphics and numbering is very clean, crisp and well
persevered
. The decal is fully intact as seen in the picture. The battery compartment is "pristine" There is a small rub mark on the top vent and on the side
edge,
see pictures as these could have use a light cleaning. The boxes are exceptional high level P-8/P-9 collectors grade. The boxes are solid brick, with crisp clean inserts, no repairs or tape at all and all flaps are intact and secured for all boxes.
One end of the box is sealed and the front lip still has the original seal on the front flap. These
were well preserved and the factory graphics are beautiful and they also have no writing on them. The same holds true with the inserts as well for both units. This
additionally
comes with a
vintage
D Cell RAY-O-VAC battery, original operations sheet, two crisp original Lionel inspection slips, a tube of original Lionel lube and two nice crisp piece of Lionel Post War paper that will be included
"but not shown in picture."
PLEASE always use the "ZOOM" version when looking at any and all
pictures
!
Please always refer to my reviews on all high end Post War pieces I have sold on my Ebay store.
Let me know if you have any
questions
and happy bidding!