ARE 2243 and 2383 A bodys the same?

They are a near perfect match to each other.

 

There is a shortage of 2243 B units due to collectors and operators making up 2383 A-B-A consists.

Guilty as charged;  I started doing this back in 1974. Got my big 2243C B unit at some early TCA show, and that was right after getting a brand new 2383 set for Schaffner's in Canton, Ohio.  What a chooch she was!

A notation from the Kline Repair Manual under the 2240,2242,2243, & 2245 page says; "Diesel bodies in the "2200 series differ from those in the "2300" series only in the numbers on their marker lens."

Ironically the illustration on that page to which the notation applies shows a 2333/43 cab with separately applied front-end ladders and side door steps plus portholes with lenses, as we know a much different cab than what was used on the 2200 series engines.

 

But don't blame K-Line as that is what is in the original Lionel Service manual.  That page is dated 1959 in my copy of the Manual so that note was likely meant to only apply to the cabs on the then current production 2300 engines.

 

Bill

 

 

 

Bill

I devoted some time searching for a 2343 to go with my 2353 A-A's, all to no avail.  I settled for a pair of dummy B's from the early 90's , 6-18103 & 6-18115.  Color on the shells isn't so much an issue as is the finish.  The remakes are dull as opposed to the decidedly glossy finish on the originals.  I'll probably correct the new ones to match at some later date.

  For those who have a price guide, check out the 2 modern B's I listed.  Both identical units, one year difference, but one is almost double the price. 

 

Bruce

        For those who have a price guide, check out the 2 modern B's I listed.  Both identical units, one year difference, but one is almost double the price. 

 

Bruce

       


The reason for the price difference is in 1991, Lionel Trains Inc. made the first B unit, 18103, in shorter supplies than expected, which irritated enthusiasts who wanted an ABBA combination for their 11711. So, 2 years later, Lionel made the 18115 in much larger numbers to calm the frustration. Technically though, you can now have a modern Santa Fe F-3 combination with 3 B units!

Thanks Thomas,

  That certainly explains everything.  Fortunately the difference didn't affect what I paid.  Dummy B's didn't hold much value to the seller.

 

Bruce