LIONEL 356 AUTOMATIC FREIGHT STATION

 The Operating Freight Station No. 356 was another accessory that Lionel produced that used a vibrator in the base, in this case to move baggage carts in and out of the station. Available from 1952 until 1957, this freight station’s interior was lighted by one L431 lamp. It came with three billboards attached to the center fence. For details showing all of the advertizing signs that Lionel produced see No. 156. Six adhesive posters were placed on the structure. Close ups of these posters can be seen on the No. 256 page.

The baggage trucks that came with this freight station were produced in four different colors: DARK GREEN, LIGHT GREEN, ORANGE and RED. Early issues came with a lithographed baggage load, as is shown to the right, that would fit on one truck. As these trucks moved in and out of the station they gave the impression of being loaded and unloaded. The only problem with this was that the unloaded truck moved faster than the one that had the baggage load on it. Which is why it was eliminated from later productions.

There are three variations:

Variation A: Came with a lithographed baggage load, however, extra loads could be purchased as a separate part. Early 1952 production. Reproductions baggage loads are available.

Variation B: Was issued without the lithographed baggage load. Usually came with DARK GREEN and ORANGE, carts, but is sometimes found with the less common RED and LIGHT GREEN carts that are shown to the right. 1952 to 1957 production.

Variation C: LIGHT GREEN roof. This was most likely late 1957 production.

Note: The roofs are interchangeable between this station and the No. 256, and 257.

The baggage carts were available for separate sale under the No. 356-35. There were two different molds that were used to make the baggage carts. On one of these molds there is a "T shaped hole" on the inside of the front baggage bulkhead that may have been used to secure the early prototype loads. Most of the time this hole is filled in, but it is still visible. Reproductions carts do not show this filled in hole.

Determining reproductions from original issues is more difficult to ascertain on the other mold that was used for these carts by Lionel.

This could make a great addition to your collection railroad layout or gift for a friend