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The 53 Rio Grande Snowplow Switcher was produced for four years in the late 1950s. These small locomotives -- generally referred to as Motorized Units -- are loosely design after a real-life gas Vulcan switcher of the 1950s. Lionels model, similar to the real-life version, was small and had limited pulling power. On average, it could only pull two or three freight cars. Lionel only offered the 53 as a separate sale item and never in a set. The 53 is unique in that its front coupler was replaced by an all-new snowplow. This concept -- of slightly modifying an existing product to create a newer product -- was frequently done by Lionel during the postwar era to keep their product line looking new or enhanced from year to year. The 53 Rio Grande snowplow has the following standard features: 2-4-2 wheel arrangement, unpainted black body with yellow painted sections and black lettering, three-position E-unit, yellow side railings, low rear railings, operating rear coupler, metal side rode connecting the drive wheels plus an ornamental bell and yellow snowplow on the front. The unit was never illuminated. There is a interesting note regarding the spelling of Rio Grande on the side of the cab. The common variation has the letter 'a' backwards. However, there is a variation where the letter 'a' is printed correctly. This is the common variation with the backwards printed "a". This item has a fair number of scratches on the body and there are quite a few melt marks on the surface of the cab roof. Also, reproduction window struts have been added. It clearly shows signs of use, but it is complete and fully functional. Overall condition is Very Good. This item was inspected by both our in-house Lionel Postwar experts and by our Authorized Lionel Service Station and we guarantee this item is completely functional and operable. Please see the inspection card for details. Overall condition is Very Good. The Trainz SKU for this item is 3231470. Condition: Very Good TCA Grade: C-6 TCA Grading Original Box: No Manufacturer: Lionel Model Number: 53 Scale/Era: O Postwar Model Type: Motorized Units Road Name: Rio Grande Years Manufactured: 1957-1960 Price: $134.99  |
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