@mlaughlinnyc posted:That antenna first appeared on the 622 in 1949. At that time, it was thought that train radio would be the in thing and of course Lionel wanted an up to date look.
By the time I first worked in the industry in 1959 there were few railroad radios, most of them in yards. There were numerous technical difficulties, in transmission and in durability.
The last Lionel engines with the antennas were the 623 and 624 in 1952-54. Probably stopped making them to reduce cost.
They break very easily. In collections that I've bought, I've seen a good number of broken antennas. Fortunately my parts supplier still has them - part 622-10, "radio wheel".
Apparently they're back at it. LIONEL 6-18921 has one. Or I should say "had". Repainted the unit for the PRR, and was wondering what it was and if I should put it back. Even recent Lionchief plus models (6-85060) have one.
