Lionel pre-8976-230

8976-230 0-6-0 PRE-WAR SWITCHER

 

Utilizing many of the castings developed for the 701 scale switcher, Lionel created this semi-scale switcher in 1939. Remaining in the production line until 1942, a number of variations were created.
  • Two models (227 and 228) were equipped with "Teledyne" couplers. This system used a DC relay (similar to that used to activate the whistle on most Lionel steamers) to operate the couplers anywhere on the track
  • Two other models (232 and 233) were equiped with "Magic Electrol". This system used used the DC relay to operate the reversing unit (E unit), allowing the loco to be operated on the same track with conventional locootives , yet have independent directional controlThe 230 and 231 are somewhat mysterious; Doyle lists them as made in 1939 as conventional locos without teledyne or magic electtrol, but the 1939 thru 1942 catalogs never list a conventional version; only models with either Teledyne Couplers or Magic Electrol are shown
  • All were numbered 8976 on the engineer's cab, some rubber stamped and some heat stamped
  • A plate was installed on the boiler front with the numbers 227 thru 233, thereby identifying each model as described above
  • All were available with and without a bell ringing tender,and Lionel used the 900 series of numbers in the catlog to specify tender types
  • All told, there are 23 variations lissted by Doyle, plus, of course, the 'full scale' version which only operates on T rail track and has scale sized couplers instead of box couplers
  • Regarding the tender, an off/on lever beneath the tender floor energized a bi-metallic strip, which controlled the striker mechanism that sounded the bell
  • Lionel's catalog number for the 227 locomotive tender combination when not equipped with a bell was 902. Adding a bell resulted in the number being changed to 902B. As introduced in 1939, this semi-scale 0-6-0 had the number 8976 rubber-stamped beneath the cab window. The number 227 appeared on the boiler front, and the locomotive was furnished with a 227T tender. without bell or with a 2227B bell tende; with the nunmber rubbers stamped on the base plate of the tender
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