I’ve noticed that alot of 2333 non-powered frames are basically identical to a power frames, i.e. E-unit lever slot, and holes for a battery cover rivet and screw. Was this the way Lionel produced these early frames, or are they basically kit bashed?
Does anyone know why there are large “X’s” etched on the interior back end of the roofs?
Thanks, Darrell
There is another thread around here somewhere on just that issue. I think the consensus was tat they came both ways from the factory. That being said, all the sets I own of 2333s in both road names do not have the slot or hole in the dummy unit chassis. The “X” shows up in the rear underside of the roof on the SFs. I have been told it was a sort of a quality control mark that the SF shells had gotten all their correct decoration and were ready for installation on chassis.
Yes, they are identical with exception of mentioned above. The slots were cut after the frames were ejected from the casting machines and the battery hole in the dummy unit was plugged verses the battery cover plate on the power unit. They were carried into the 2343/44’s this way. The horn was moved to the dummy with the 2353/54’s and the power unit frames have plugged battery holes.
Lionel standardized parts as much as they could to save production costs.