CLEAR F3 A-B-A unit, whaddyathink?

@Porschev posted:

Ok, call me insane.. but I love to collect the clear shell locos!   From what I know, there were no generally available Clear Shell production locos released until the Platinum Ghost.  (upper shelf, far right)  There are "preproduction/prototype/test" shells that made it out of the factories - "lunch box specials." ;-)  (I would bet there are many more out there, I was fortunate to find and obtain a few.)  The 4 (upper shelf, from the left) F3 shells are from the 1990's and each has unique differences in their molds such as nose vents, vertical lines low along the sides, mounting tabs for antenna, crew cab, roof fan volume mount, etc...  All have Lionel Chesterfield or Mt. Clemens stamped inside the rear roof.   On the bottom shelf (L to R) is a Lionel GP20, Williams F7, Lionel SD60M,  MTH GP9 and MTH GP30.  As I understand it, the MTH Clear Shells were a limited run and only sold to dealers as part of a promotion display.   My prize clear shell is a genuine 1948 Lionel F3 Salesman Sample.

Would you mind sending me an email (in profile).  I am trying to locate all the Williams F7 AA's.  I have the B&A and the Milwaukee Road.  I know there is a Santa Fe.  You appear to have the CP.  I was told there are about five pair.  Thanks, Bill

I’ve never been one to purchase the clear shell engines or cars, but they do make a statement, I can clearly See now. Kidding aside, they are neat collectibles and the display above is very impressive. Great thread, Happy Railroading Everyone.

Thanks Larry! 

Bill, I sent you a direct email with additional photos of the Williams Canadian Pacific Clear Shell F7.  Please feel free to reach back if you have further questions.  Thanks!

@Porschev posted:

Ok, call me insane.. but I love to collect the clear shell locos!   From what I know, there were no generally available Clear Shell production locos released until the Platinum Ghost.  (upper shelf, far right)  There are "preproduction/prototype/test" shells that made it out of the factories - "lunch box specials." ;-)  (I would bet there are many more out there, I was fortunate to find and obtain a few.)  The 4 (upper shelf, from the left) F3 shells are from the 1990's and each has unique differences in their molds such as nose vents, vertical lines low along the sides, mounting tabs for antenna, crew cab, roof fan volume mount, etc...  All have Lionel Chesterfield or Mt. Clemens stamped inside the rear roof.   On the bottom shelf (L to R) is a Lionel GP20, Williams F7, Lionel SD60M,  MTH GP9 and MTH GP30.  As I understand it, the MTH Clear Shells were a limited run and only sold to dealers as part of a promotion display.   My prize clear shell is a genuine 1948 Lionel F3 Salesman Sample.

Do you have a email that I can get in contact with you?   Have a few questions about some clear shells I have

Hi Jared, my email should now be visible in my profile.  Please feel free to contact me directly.  Thanks, Joe

For Anyone Who May Be Interested - Lionel's Platinum Ghost F3 AA set is product number 6-38150 and the matching 3-car Madison Set is pn 6-29086.  As someone has already said the AAs are only Command Ready, but something else which I don't believe has yet been mentioned is that a silhouette of Marilyn Monroe's head is illuminated on the back of the Observation car.  I guess Lionel thought that the latter might also be a novel selling feature as well?   

Those Williams Canadian Pacific F7 are super

Carey TeaRose - Earlier in this thread you expressed the idea - albeit back in 2016 - that you might like to acquire Lionel's Pale Blue EMD Demonstrator F3 ABA set which your ex had sold unbeknownst to you.  Don't know whether or not you've acquired this set since then, but if you're still interested in acquiring it to assist you I just thought I'd pass along Lionel's product number for it.  The 3-unit set is 6-14512.

Stay healthy and keep safe!

PS - I've seen this set on the big 'e' auction site from time to time.