I recently picked up a Lionel Union Pacific #202 ALCO from 1957, in excellent condition. Aside from arcing and sparking at the pickup rollers, it is a strong smooth runner. All my documentation on this locomotive states it is orange paint over a blue shell w/black heat stamped lettering. After taking a closer look at my #202 I see it is cast in orange plastic. Is this unit a legitimate variation?
Hello Mojaven! Lionel used a variety of colored plastic to make Diesel Shells with. Usually it was grey plastic, other times it would be a different color like yours. So, your 202 is not unusual at all. Take Care.
The Greenberg’s pocket price guide don’t list the colors or variations if there are any, just lists it as UP Alco “A” unit 1957 and a price.
The Greenberg’s guide is not always correct or does it list all the possibilities for an item, DO NOT use the Greenberg’s guide as being absolutely correct on an item. My complaint is about a pre war 249E’s tender #2225T that Greenberg’s guide omits this tender variation, “envfocus” has documented proof that this is a proper tender to be found with a 249E, it is the lower price tender for that year commonly used in sets. My dad gave me the set so I know it is an original!
Another possibilty is that Lionel ran low on shells for one engine and used on hand inventory to complete a set or locomotive, a very common practice for Lionel even today. From everything that I know about Lionel to find an item that is unlisted in a price guide or other publication isn’t rare!
Lee F.