Something Green On The Tracks

Here's something GREEN to look at this March 17Th. Authentic Lionel 381Es have a lighting bus bar in the cab with a sprung contactor that picks up current from a hot point on the Bild-a-Motor and transfers it to the headlamps at either end of the cab. Many (almost all?) original 381Es have heavy cast iron weights riveted to the apple-green -painted intermediate frame. This was, of course, to improve traction so that the 381Es could pull the heavy State Car sets. I'm not sure if any of the 381E reproductions (Williams, MTH, etc.) have either of these attributes. Happy St. Paddy's Day!

Jim