Lionel pre-243

228 SWITCHER FREIGHT SET (1940)

 

  • Beginning in 193 thru 1942, Lionel produced a new 0-6-0 B6 Pennsylvania Switcher. There were 5 variations, all numbered 8976 on the cab under the engineer's window, but with the model # cast into the boiler front door
  • 701 or 708 operated on T rail track only. All 6 drivers had flanges, and the couplers were true scale size, matching the couplers on the scale 700E Hudson
  • The other 4 variations did not have flanges on the center drivers, and would operate on tubular track
  • # 227 had low teledyne couplers, which enabled uncoupling anywhere on the layout
  • # 228 had high teledyne couplers
  • # 229 had low standard couplers with magic electrol, enabling 2 trains to run on one track
  • # 231 had high standard couplers with magic electrol
  • 'Low couplers' were generally used on equipment in 0-27 sets, including the smaller (0-27) freight cars numbered in the 600 and 2651 range, and on the smaller passenger cars
  • "High couplers' were generally used on equipment in the O-gauge sets, including the O gauge freight cars numbered in the 800 and 2800 number range
  • Lionel produced a series of exotic sets from 1939 thru 1942 which contained the scale 0-6-0 B6 Pennsylvania Switcher
  • Four sets were made in 1939, #'s 239, 239B, 241 and 241B
  • Six were made in 1940: 239, 239B, 243, 243B, 251 and 251B, three in 1941 (859B, 863B and 251B, and one in 1942 (859B)
  • The letter B denoted a tender with a ringing bell
  • Any of these sets are extremely tough to find
  • To quote Ambrose, (Greenberg's guide to Lionel trains 1901- 1942) "original examples of this set (#243) have not been reported" Ambrose also states that only one example was observed of a complete (1939) # 241 set. The retail price ranged from $ 29.95 through $ 41.50, which was very expensive for that time. Another factor contributing to the rarity is the new big 773 Hudson sets were available for about $ 10.00 more, and most people saved up the extra $ 10 to get a Hudson instead of a switcher
  • This 1940 set didn't have a bell. The set includes; 228 locomotive; 2228T tender; 3814 merchandise car; 2815 tank; 2817 caboose; eight curves; three straight tracks; R.C.S track set; 169 controler
  • The engine has 228 engraved in the boiler front, and 'high couplers' (matching O gauge 2800 series cars) (227 locos have 'low couplers, matching the coupler height of 2650 series 0-27 cars)
  • The 228 loco is significantly more difficult to find than a 227, especially in a boxed set
  • The engine and tender were equipped with Teledyne Couplers, meaning it could be coupled or uncoupled on any style of track at any time, anywhere in the layout - without special track or added attachments. You simply push the whistle button to do this
  • The set we acquired came with the following instruction sheets: "Instructions for Operating Lionel Electro-Magnetic couplers" (form RCS-8- 140X-1-40-TT); "Instructions for Operating Lionel Electric Remote Control Merchandise Car No.3814" (Form3814-56-8.2x-10-39); "Instructions for Operating Lionel Switching Locomotives (No. 227, 228, 701)", (form 227-107-WGX-5-401T); a 48 page booklet entitled "Instructions for assembling and Operating Lionel Trains" (no form # or publication date); Inspection Sticker 51148, 'Inspected by V- 6235 B.L.M.; and envelope form 99N-7-75M-3-37 labeled 'Read Directions carefully and containing 6 original cases for the merchandise car
  • Of significance is a box labeled 'This box contains 1-UTC lockon, 1-Tube of Lubricant, and 19 connection ties for O gauge Track, as well as the box for the 169 controller, shown with all the other loco and rolling stock boxes, as well as the set box itself.

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