Lionel Trains - Lionel Train Forum - Model Train Forum

Specific Lionel Train Forum - Pre War, Post War, O, G & HO Scale => Postwar Lionel Trains 1945-1969 => Topic started by: southernman on March 26, 2018, 08:53:59 pm

Title: Questions regarding the Lionel F-3 Southern A and B units
Post by: southernman on March 26, 2018, 08:53:59 pm
I have the 1954 Southern ABA configuration and I have read the descriptions on the Tandem Associates site. The picture that is shown of an AB configuration has power pickup rollers on the B unit and also power Pickup rollers on both front and rear trucks of the A unit. Also the description given says that the A unit had the horn and battery in the A power unit. Every Southern F-3 (postwar) that I have seen, including my own, has the horn and battery in the non-powered A unit and the B unit has no power pickup at all. Also, both the powered and non-powered A units have power rollers on only the front truck. I know that other Lines F-3 units were built like the configuration shown in the picture but not the Southern or at least I have never come across such variations. Does anyone know if the Tandem Assoc. is correct, because if so, there are more variations than they list?
Title: Re: Questions regarding the Lionel F-3 Southern A and B units
Post by: djacobsen on March 30, 2018, 06:53:02 pm
Southernman
Hello & Welcome to the Forum!

Here's another shops' review of your trains:

http://postwarlionel.com/motive-power/diesels/f3/2356-southern/



Sounds like you might have a rare one...

Happy Rails!
dave

Title: Re: Questions regarding the Lionel F-3 Southern A and B units
Post by: southernman on March 31, 2018, 08:13:41 pm
Thanks Dave. Sometime in the past I remember seeing the page you referenced. It is in line with what I have always thought regarding the configuration of the Southern F3's. I am the original owner of the AA units and purchased the B unit fairly recently. By shear luck I received the Southerns because all the stores were sold out of the Santa Fe's and I have liked them from the start. Right now I believe the Tandem Assoc. information and pictures are incorrect and that the pictures may be ones of Southern shells on another lines configuration. I appreciate your digging in to my question. When I get some time I will post a picture of my Southern ABA and also of my 1946 Lionel 1409 O27 Set (also been in our family since purchase).