Lionel Postwar F3 Santa Fe 2333 2343 2353 2243 (1948-55) / Bonk’s Trains / Sharpnack Limited

This is an over view of Lionel’s Postwar F3 diesels, the 2333, 2343, 2353 and 2243 AA and AB models. It provides History and basic features of the models. It also compares it to the prototype EMD F3 diesels that ran on the Santa Fe railroad with the advent of diesel power on the railroad. Please like, subscribe, and comment on the video with your stories about the Santa Fe.
#lionel #modelrailroad #lioneltrains #oscale #modeltrains #2243 #2333 #2343 #2353 #emd #f3 #superchief #santafe
All images by author or in public domain, except for those listed during or at the end of video. Thanks to those listed for your help!!
Also please check out dagryffyn hobby on KZbin! / dagryffynhobby


[@TwistedMacGyversTrains]

What a fantastic tribute to the Lionel Postwar Santa Fe F3’s. Always love watching this one Bonk! Frank

[@A01732]

Loved your perspective on this. The Santa reference was spot on. I am 70 years old and I asked for one of these (or any Lionel Set) every Christmas when I was a boy. Never happened. It was considered a rich mans toy. My dad worked hard to raise three boys on a modest income. I finally bought a 2333 AA in 1978. I still have it. Ran it yesterday just to listen to the growl. Thanks again for your excellent video.

[@cmcgloughlin]

Thank you for watching! Sorry for delayed response

[@RalHellcat]

My Dad got one as a Kid. Then gave it to me I still have the Lionel Santa Fe Super Chief F3 2343 in my Attic. Hasn’t been run in over 10 years, but was fully serviced and running when I put it away. This video has inspired me to take it out next holiday season. 😎👍

[@craigjones2162]

A true classic for sure. I got the NYC version in 1953 and it can still pull a LOT of cars.

[@jameslanders4819]

Thanks for video..I have a 2343.

[@SteveRenon]

Enjoyed watching.

[@motoridealong3560]

Hey just wanted to let you know that I really have enjoyed your videos.

[@cmcgloughlin]

Thanks for watching!

[@patricioplaza2257]

I love Santa Fe!! Greetings from Chile.

[@kensbackshop6399]

Awesome,,,the F-3s in the santa fe 2333-2343-2353 are my favorite and the nyc 2333-2344-2354 and the western pacifics 2345-2355 they are the best lionel ever made,,,,thanks for sharing,,cant wait to see a nyc video,,Ken

[@cmcgloughlin]

Agreed. Im saving up money for that NYC set!

[@ciaranburke3243]

Nice review fantastic loco have adored them since I was a child 👍

[@josepha.rodriguez163]

I love El Santa Fe EMD F3

[@bobr511]

Your video popped up today for me, and I’m glad it did! I am the lucky owner of a 1954 freight set with the 2353s in the lead. My dad bought this set for my second birthday and because it was so expensive at that time and because my birthday was so close to Christmas, that set was only taken out from my birthday and put away once the Christmas tree came down. Because of that scenario, the whole set still has each individual box for the cars and engines, plus the master carton that they were packed in. This set also made Santa Fe as my primary Roadname on my current layout and collection. Thanks again for your video.

[@bearowen5480]

Tony, I loved this piece on the most iconic model train locomotive and perhaps the most successfully profitable toy of the 20th Century. As I watched and listened, mesmerized by your subtly dramatic and totally accurate verbal descriptions of the Warbonnet F-3s, I felt as though I were listening to the three rail O gauge equivalent of Edward R. Murrow or Charles Collingwood, recasting the norms of journalism with their gravelly voices over America's broadcasting airways with London's air raid sirens moaning in the background. Your descriptions are technically accurate in their scrupulous detail, but so much more importantly in capturing the emotional appeal of these exquisite and evocative models to young boys and their fathers all over the country, and through their unforgettable artistic portrayal in the pages of the annual Lionel catalog, into the remotest backwaters of rural America, fired the imaginations of millions among America's youth in the hopeful days following the conclusion of a horrifying but victorious war. Although my family's economic situation in the wake of Depression and world war thwarted my dreams of owning a coveted Lionel F-3 Warbonnet engine, I had friends who shared their's with me. That was glorious back then, and now, in the affluence the "Greatest Generation" left me and my contemporaries, I own and operate a score or more of these gorgeous miniature creations, reveling in the satisfaction and national unity they bestow. Thank you for capturing the elusive truth about this spectacularly obscure but emotionally powerful phenomenon in the swirling temporariness of onrushing historiography, and the forgotten lives of wide eyed ten year old boys who wore hand me down corduroys, and starting every first week of September, daily stopped by the local hardware store to see if the new Lionel catalog had arrived yet. You are a journalist to the soul. Keep writing, talking, and videoing. You're onto something. You moved me. Thank you for the reconnection to the keys of Paradise Lost.

[@willieevans718]

some years ago i bought a nyc 2353 , I got the a unit with a extra shell so I peiced together to make a aa engine set. the main f3 I wanted was the 2343 set so it took me some time to find a clean set . it cost me a few dollars but well worth it..my true love is the pre-post war lionel and marx trains

[@budrindfleisch9445]

I've never seen anyone comment of the roof distortions on these earlier F's. The 2353's were straight as were the second run of NYC's

[@johnandrus3901]

Nice! I'm catching-up on some of the older videos from the KZbin O Gauge channels that I subscribe to. I like your history and description of the F3's and their variations. Your delivery is similar to the great Leonard Graves, who narrated the Victory At Sea WWII series, among others. As I mentioned to one of the other comments here, pick-up a set or two of the AMT passenger cars, in Santa Fe and NYC. They are nicer than the Lionel 2500-series, that came out in 1952. They aren't inexpensive, but for the price, you get beautiful cars. An excellent video, for sure.

[@FG01]

Thanks for the video totally agree that the sound is the classic childhood memory...Regards Frank from Oz....

[@cmcgloughlin]

The growl is my most fond memory of this machine.

[@VintageandClassic]

Just got a 2353, really amazing pulling power!

[@michaelabalos595]

Wonderful presentation of the iconic Santa Fe.

[@cmcgloughlin]

Thanks for watching

[@Buck_Rail]

I absolutely loved this video sir. Thank you!

[@frederickinzerillo3431]

I enjoyed your video very much. When I was 4 years old and I am 72 now my dad presented me with the Santa Fe red, silver and gold for Christmas. I still to this day own this fabulous diesel with the “A” engine, the “B” dummy and the “C” engine dummy. It’s a freight set with four cars. I haven’t had it up in over 20 years now but always will cherish this great diesel legacy.

[@cmcgloughlin]

Wonderful memory! It is a wonderful thing to cherish. Thanks for watching.

[@johnsaxon7029]

The F3 Growlers, Awesome. I like them all. Just picked up a really nice 2354 NYC ABA at the last train show I was at. Iconic sets, Great pullers. Thanks for the vid.

[@cmcgloughlin]

Nice! Thanks for watching!

[@Craigstoytrains]

Great job on this video, really enjoying your channel!

[@cmcgloughlin]

Thanks for watching, this one took a loooong time to make and lots of help from friends in the hobby.

[@paulmatulavich7321]

How great it is, to know there are others out there who share the same passion for postwar Lionel trains as I do. That's why I enjoy your videos. I am still waiting on the perfect 2190W (Super Speedliner set) from 1952, to purchase. This was Lionel's first Santa Fe passenger set, led by twin 2343, and I am waiting for a mint, unrun, factory-fresh boxed set. Saw one for $5500, but I think one can be had for less.

[@cmcgloughlin]

I admire your patience! Its out there somewhere. Thanks for watching!

[@stephenrickjr.7519]

I have a first year pair. They still run fine

[@dennisfly1]

Love it thanks for sharing

[@cmcgloughlin]

Thanks for watching

[@stever.5092]

Great video. Big fan of the 2343. Love mine. Your video has some great information. Very informative.

[@rennethjarrett4580]

These are neat and also are power hogs. I coupled my main and dummy unit's center track roller wired together to save the rollers from burning up and wearing away. also the motors are unique to this era too.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Greetings Bonk! I just scored a 2343 A-B-A set. I make repair video's and am doing research when I stumbled upon your channel. Great video! I immediately subbed, liked and now commenting. You have a great voice. Like an Jazz club M.C. announcing the next blues band coming up. Great looking layout and information. Thank you for putting this out :-)

[@cmcgloughlin]

Congrats and thanks for watching!!!

[@azslotracer]

Great video and description s if the lionel Santa Fe locomotives. I didn't see the 2383s mentioned which are my personal favorites. Thanks Dave Gryffyn for helping in this video with your 2243s. Great video. Keep up the great work Mr Bonk.

[@genemanno1533]

The 2383 is not with horizontal motors (growlers) they have vertical motors geared arrangement & trucks is totally different.

[@azslotracer]

@genemanno1533 sorry but I missed your point on a post that was a year old? What was the original comment? I didn't say anything about the motors in the 2383s so I am not sure where you are going here!

[@genemanno1533]

@@azslotracerAnother posting questioned the 2383 was not mentioned in this series. I replied of the different trucks and motor from the originals having horizontal motors w/ corresponding trucks. The 2383 were vertical motors w/ axle drive spur gears. Totally different animal.

[@dagryffynhobby]

Great video and information! Like you, I prefer the NYC F3s but the Santa Fe is just so iconic. For me it takes me right back to being a kid and watching my uncle run his 2343 set around his layout while I stood there in awe. Great real engine. Great toy engine. Great memories.

[@cmcgloughlin]

Thanks for sending me the 2243 pics!

[@jimciancio9005]

I'm a little biased I guess? I appreciate the fact that Lionel used the F3 of their new models and its okay they chose a western version of being the first........ But born and raised in NY city my father's first train set was a pre/war steamer 027 set as a young boy. Later on upon finding out Lionel had introduced a Modern New diesel electric train to pull these new extruded aluminum bodied passenger trains..... My grandfather came home one Christmas eve with a set of brand new New York Centrals A+A units. For the year of the new 2343-F3 it would be pulling around the pre-war freight cars which one needed to get a upgraded newer style connector, in order to hitch to the modern F3 nose of the dummy engine. It wasn't until the next Christmas other passenger cars would be under the tree and more tracks to accommodate their longer sizes. So yeah man today I have restored any issues with my father's original set. When I received them, they were still in their original box's which with age were just falling apart from time spent in our attic also being a contributing factor to the cardboards demise. But it for me as a kid who only knew of HO sized trains, to be a amazing gift to feel the weight and size, detail and power of the AC transformers one being the iconic ZW which I still have in fully restored condition now. Of course now having a son of my own, we have been adding onto the big collection of Lionels. The NYC now have become a A-B-A and the Vists Dome passenger car was a must. I just finally picked up a nearly mint condition 1950 2035 and found an mint wrecker caboose with searchlight in gray color, which was on the cover page of the 1946 Lionel consumer catalog the little brat is holding up and smiling at! Yes Sir Mr Bonk there's no mistaken the feelings and sounds and smells of the old F3 GM diesel electric trains. They definitely have a growling to them which gives them even more life-like appeal, compared to the almost silent versions they build today with their circuit boards and DC operation. I hope one day too, you will find yourself a nice set of F3 of the NYC class for your collection? There's nothing like a nice set of 2343's with the A-B-A unit setup. If that's all you had? Thats really all one needs Lol. Sometimes less is more when it comes down to what makes something life-like...... Even though they produced many other F3's in some exacting detail and color schemes. There's something that only a NY Central F3 is capable of giving you back in return of simplistic beauty. Good luck in your hunt for a nice set of NY Centrals...... They're becoming harder and harder to come by in halfway decent condition anymore.

[@johnandrus3901]

I'm catching up with some of the older videos, from those that I subscribe to. Your comment is pretty good, for sure. Remember, Lionel didn't come out with their streamlined, O gauge passenger cars, until 1952. Until that time, you had to go with AMT, who's cars are just gorgeous and actually nicer and better looking than the 2500 series Lionel started producing in 1952. If you ever get a chance to purchase them, do it. The AMT Santa Fe cars are the most common, but you can find NYC cars for an OK price. I have a fairly extensive collection of AMT. to go with my Santa Fe, NYC, Pennsylvania and Southern locomotives, of which the latter two are somewhat hard to find, especially the Southern. Either way, you have a great history with the Lionel F3's. Once again, a fine comment.

[@StephenCarlBaldwin]

Great video about an iconic model and enduring symbol of the golden age of rail. I was lucky enough to travel on the Super Chief in 1967 while Fs were still in command. Really enjoyed this video -- everything about your approach to the subject really works!

[@cmcgloughlin]

Thank you for the nice words and for watching

[@cmcgloughlin]

And that’s so cool that you travelled on the real Super Chief!! What was it like

[@98755785]

Excellent video as always. I have an early 90s ABA set, but I still would like to get a classic Postwar version though. I do have the late production 2245 Texas Special AB set with the black trucks and closed portholes though. When I got it, it had severe battery corrosion. It likely had the original and only battery ever put in it, a "Leak proof" Eveready. After a week of sanding wire wheeling and polishing the frame it looks pretty good and runs well. I've since picked up another frame that's in great condition for it, but I've been reluctant to swap them out thus far. I like the all original feel of it.

[@cmcgloughlin]

Thanks for sharing your story with this great loco. Need to get a B unit someday, maybe 5 LOL. Thanks for watching!

[@joeystrains.9316]

I'm crazy, I have eight AA sets and three b units. Great video.

[@cmcgloughlin]

I understand all too well. Thanks for watching!

[@johnschimmel2607]

Awesome video. Dad always talked about the Santa Fe F3’s he never got when he was a kid so Naturally I needed to add a set when I found them a couple of years ago. Recently I added a set of the NYC F3’s because like you I just love that paint scheme. Santa Fe is iconic and NYC is just plain elegant

[@cmcgloughlin]

Agreed gotta get that NYC set someday

[@danielwalton9012]

@@cmcgloughlin But you should the reason the 2345 Western pacific F-3 was the most valuable of them all because one day at the david and davis auction that was held in newark ohio on October 13th 1997 a new mint in the box lionel 2345 western pacific F-3 with mater carton sold for $6,700

[@ronalddevine9587]

You have a great presentation and many different ways of showing what you are thinking. I have a 2344 ABA that I purchased used in 1977. I have enjoyed the growl ever since. Not the most powerful, however. That honor goes to the Trainmaster. A nice comparison would be 2383 vs 2343. How about it?

[@gusshadleythelunaticfromar7125]

Hey Bonk, been watching your channel, finding it to be a wealth of information, you study the product line , I seen something on your channel I never heard of Software Defined Radio, do a tutorial on that I had a short wave one time. But this SDR is new to me.

[@cmcgloughlin]

It’s new to me too. I’ve been focusing on my trains and other hobbies and haven’t pursued the radio astronomy hobby lately. Here is a primer: but basically it’s ham radio but Instead of using components the computer uses software to replicate the actions of the components kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHOZiYSJequqjKM

[@gusshadleythelunaticfromar7125]

@@cmcgloughlin thanks.

[@therosejewelrailroad489]

Nice job on this subject. I have the NYC 2333 set. I also a newer version from the early 1980’s the 8370 set. I prefer the NYC version also. My reason is. Collecting them in more recent years. I find it’s easier to find NYC F3’s in better shape and there more affordable.

[@gusshadleythelunaticfromar7125]

Got a 2333 . Great video and I was wondering why my 2333 had no magna traction.it was the 2343 that had the magna traction.

[@cmcgloughlin]

Yeah from what I can tell, I think they rushed it into production because it was sure to be a hit. Perhaps it also had to do with shortage in magnetic metals, not sure. Does somebody know?

[@jefflampert6336]

@@cmcgloughlin Magna-traction was introduced in 1950 on Lionel's whole line. Their F3's, GG1's, NW2 switchers, steam locos, and Alcos all received it. Great video!

[@chrisresor1893]

Having grown up in northern Ohio the New York Central is on my wish list but seems to be a grey area whether those will run on 0-27 track

[@matthewgreen9438]

The lack of magnetitraction on the 2333-20 definitely shows compared to the 2343

[@mikeashely8198]

My Lionel super chief. I do believe it's 1958. The Passenger cars It's a little different than yours. Mine has 2 silver screws or nuts on top of each card that you loosen up. To take the shell off

[@columbothecat7225]

Great video but my wife wanted to know why you’re using a bedroom voice?

[@cmcgloughlin]

How does she know it’s my bedroom voice-oh, wait I remember:)