Lionel F3 and freight car size comparisons? (new photos)

The traditional size Lionel F-3 is almost scale size. It only lacks about a quarter inch of height to be fully scale size. It is basically scale size in length and width.

 

It should go well with Standard O rolling stock.

Yep, they will look good with those engines.

Great

 

Thanks for the info

The very minor size descrepencies notwithstanding, the major difference to your eye may be the relative level of detail that has increased in the most recent F3 units compared to earlier models that have more molded-in details.  If you're OK with that, then you'll be good to go.

 

David

I'm OK with the general lack of detailing on the older style Lionel F3. 

 

Since we like to run the Postwar 2343 a lot, I figured the older style (18117) would look better with it then the more recent Legacy Santa Fe Freight F3s...which are quite impressive looking and on par in detail and accurate painting when compared to my HO layout F units.  Although I do have to dock them some points for the chicken wire grills.  Not accurate for Santa Fe freight F3s.

I have Lionel 2343 F3's. I think the near-scale F3's make "traditional" freight cars look obviously undersize, although it's not so bad with 6464 size boxcars. I often run a 6462 long gondola behind my F3's so that the size and height discrepancy with traditional under-scale boxcars isn't as noticeable.

 

I have the ABBA of the same set and standard O looks just fine as does the 6464 series. Mike

Wow even better news.

 

I have many K-Line 6464 sized boxcars/reefers.  But I'd still like to get some of those great looking Lionel reefers.

 

Pics of my layout for those interested:

The freight F3s arrived today.  Very nice locos.  They look fantastic next to our Postwar 2343 (AB) lashup.

 

I took some photos showing them pulling a mix of 6464 style reefers (K-Line).  The size comparison is pretty good.  The reefers are shorter and not as wide as the F3s.  While the prototypes should be close to the same width as the F3s, they were shorter.  Although not as much as seen in the photos.

 

But now I'm wondering if the larger "scale sized" reefers will look good coupled to my F3 freight AB lashup.

 

Does anyone here have any photos of these (or any other Lionel F3) coupled to

"Standard O" sized boxcars or reefers?

 

The prototype reefers were just a little lower then an F unit.  Here's a photo from my HO layout showing the proper height difference:

 

 

 

I'm concerned that the scale sized Lionel reefers may be a little taller then the F3s.  Anyone know for sure?  This height comparison is my main concern.

Something to remember - real freight cars come in different sizes and heights. For these F3s, any Standard O or scale freight car will work behind the locos, whether they are taller or shorter than the F3. To make it look prototypical, run some of the Standard O cars, then Lionel short boxcars, gondolas and tank cars mixed throughout the train. 

The F3's were run in the age when the average sized of freight cars was "growing" from 40' to 60' and longer.

 

Your ATSF F's have an early freeight paint livery.  So, running scale cars the like age of the livery would look best.

The specific cars I'm looking to run behind my Santa Fe freight F3s are the Lionel Santa Fe reefer 5 pack (17741) and an MTH Santa Fe caboose (77183).

 

 

The freight F3s are good for the early to mid 1950s.  Although the roofs should be black and not blue like they are.  The reefers are also right for the period, although the maps probably should be the ship and travel slogan.  The caboose is a little odd.  The black roof is good up till the mid 1950s, but the circle and cross reflectors started showing up in 1958.  And a few paint discrepancies here and there.  But compromises are a must in O scale.  My HO layout is where I can get very accurate as to paint and era

I've noticed the same, that traditional Lionel rolling stock looks a little small when paired with traditional (but near scale) F3s.  As others have pointed out, it helps to vary what they're pulling.  I've noticed that RailKing "semi scale" rolling stock is a bit bigger than Lionel traditional and helps offset some of the size differences when running with F3s.

Found a 5 car set of the Lionel reefers (17741) plus a 6th car (52500) and they arrived today.

 

What a fantastic set of cars by Lionel.  They look great behind the 18117 F3s.  And the whole trainset looks really nice with my MTH caboose (77183) bringing up the rear.

 

So my initial size concerns were proved wrong.  The postwar sized F3s look fine with modern "scale" equipment.

Which is what we originally said. Now you are a believer, hopefully.

One more time.