LIONEL FLATCAR WITH WHEEL LOAD, 56-57 VARIATION (A) BLACK FRAME, 56-57

The Wheel Car No. 6262 came with six sets of wheels and was available in 1956 and 1957. Although the car can handle eight sets of wheels, this car is pictured in the catalogs and described as only having six wheel sets. Most collectors have added two additional sets. These cars came with either bar-end trucks that have tabbed couplers or AAR trucks equipped with disc couplers. The latter versions with AAR trucks are collectable, but no premium is offered because it is unclear how many of these AAR trucks were installed later by Lionel service stations.

There are four variations:

Variation A: RED body mold 6511-2 that is believed to be the first production in 1956. Came in set No. 1549 that was pulled by a No. 1615 switcher locomotive. Has bar-end trucks with tabbed couplers.

Variation B: BLACK body mold 6424-11 with the number "6262" to the right of the "LIONEL" inscription on the side. Has bar-end trucks with tabbed couplers. Late 1956 productions.

Variation C: Identical to Variation B except with AAR trucks. Lionel was using up these flat car bodies and installed their new AAR trucks on them. Early 1957 production.

Variation D: Identical to Variation C except the number "6262" moves to the left of the "LIONEL" inscription on the sides. Late 1957 production.