lionel 2341 Jersey Central FM

Welcome Chuck,

There's a few things to look for but I'll answer your question first. I believe discs should both be round. I have never seen an "U" shaped disc on any post war truck. There may be more experienced folks on the forum who I'm sure will chime in if I'm incorrect.

There are a few other things to look for and I'm sure you have. While we're on the subject of the discs they should be to two piece variation. The earlier Lackawanna and some of the early Virginians had one piece discs. Inside there are metal tabs that hold the light bulbs behind the headlight lenses, in the 2341 they both should be straight upright without a bend toward the lens. Also, by the time the 2341 was produced I am pretty sure the battery cover no longer had any printing on it.

Keep in mind though that Lionel used every part until it was finished and some were interchangeable so if they found a hidden stock of battery covers, coupler discs, light holders, etc. they used them no matter when it was. Also, they shipped parts to their service stations so if a piece went in for repair it would be possible for it to come back with a part from an earlier or later version (both coupler discs fit all of the FM's). Like the battery cover.

The issue of fakes with the 2341 predominantly revolves around the shell. That's where you have to be most careful. All of the mechanical parts were interchangeable but it's the shell that matters.

Good luck. I hope it's the real deal at a fair price. I had the other 5 versions (just sold them) but have not been able to get my hands on a 2341 at a reasonable price.

Mike

I just returned from the house where the 2341 is and because asked him so many questions, he got curious and removed the body and took it to a silkscreener. The silk screener says its painted and heat stamped. The over spray shows around the windows as it should, no cracks around the screw holes, correct slotted black screw. It looks new. The only thing is the couplers. Other than the photo I posted that I got off the internet that showed a different coupleron each end.

This photo is clearer and off the one I am looking at.

Chuck

That's a good question, if you have an interest in the newer TMCC Command Version, I have a New/Tested version of this engine. I really like the command system better than the TMCC, however, it's your up to the individual. Welcome to the OGR FORUM.

I to like the older trains, but in operation, command is my choice.

Happy Railroading.

I have the gloss (Orange Paint) version of the 2341 and the discs are round at each end and there is a black placard placed on the battery cover with printing on it. The under carriage does not have any scratches or wear marks and the wheels and gears appear to have never been used since it left the Lionel factory in 1956. I was told by TCA officials at the York Meet (20 years ago) that it was totally authentic. The lettering was heat stamped and the white figure decal at the ends yellowed with age. Does your engine have the original box? Hope this helps some.

I may be wrong here, but that "U" shaped disc appears to have been a round disk that was ground-off on an abrasive wheel. Perhaps the original owner had something on his layout that caught on the original round disk (depending on whether it's on the front or rear of the engine).

As others have said, as long as it's a Lionel chassis, I'd concentrate on the shell.

That's my first observation was as well. It looks like it was altered for clearance.

Absolutely. The disc is a cut-down original. Bargaining point!

The first post by me attachment is not of the FM I'm looking to buy, it is of one I found on Google with a FM search going to images. It has a round disc on one end and u-shaped on the other. The one I'm looking at has the u shape disc on both ends.

Maybe this was a modification back in the day. If the FM I'm looking at is original and I think it is, it is like new . No cracks in the mounting screw holes. Correct flat head screws with slot. Over spray on the inside of body. Blue plastic body. Heat stamping. The man selling the train has never seen un coupler disc like these either and he's been buying and selling trains for forty years.

Over the years, I have seen a few coupler armatures with a "U" shaped coupler disk. As far as I can remember, they always look like they were filed or ground to that shape.

I don't think there is any mention or reference to the modification in Lionel factory Service Station documentation.