The Lionel 2340 Tuscan GG-1 is one of the distinctive electric locomotives of Lionel’s postwar era. Produced in 1955, the No. 2340 was offered in both Tuscan and Brunswick green, with the Tuscan version closely associated with Lionel’s famous Congressional passenger set.
At a Glance
- Manufacturer: Lionel
- Model: No. 2340 GG-1
- Production: 1955
- Railroad: Pennsylvania Railroad
- Color shown: Tuscan
- Decoration: Five thin side stripes
- Motors: Dual motors with Magnetraction
- Features: Horn, headlights, operating couplers, reversing unit and functional pantographs
Lionel’s 1955 GG-1
Lionel returned the Pennsylvania Railroad GG-1 to its postwar locomotive line in 1955 with the No. 2340. Its construction and operating features were similar to Lionel’s earlier No. 2330 GG-1 from 1950.
The 2340 used a heavy die-cast body on a sheet-metal frame and was powered by two motors equipped with Magnetraction. Other operating features included a three-position reversing unit, an operating horn, headlights at both ends and operating coil couplers.
The locomotive’s two metal pantographs were functional. On layouts equipped with overhead wiring, the GG-1 could be configured to receive power from the overhead system rather than the track’s center rail.
Tuscan 2340 and the Congressional
Lionel offered the 2340 in both Tuscan and Brunswick green. The Tuscan locomotive became particularly associated with Lionel’s 1955 Pennsylvania Railroad aluminum passenger train, commonly known among collectors as the Congressional.
The matching Pennsylvania aluminum cars were the No. 2541 Alexander Hamilton observation car, No. 2542 Betsy Ross vista-dome car, No. 2543 William Penn Pullman and No. 2544 Molly Pitcher Pullman. These cars featured unpainted aluminum bodies with Tuscan striping and gold Pennsylvania lettering.
For 1956, Lionel continued the Congressional concept but replaced the 2340 with the later Tuscan No. 2360 GG-1.
Identifying an Original Lionel 2340
Original 2340 GG-1 locomotives have five thin stripes along the sides of the body. Train Collectors Association documentation notes that the five stripes on Lionel’s postwar GG-1 models of this period were rubber-stamped, while the lettering and numbers were heat-stamped.
The heat-stamping process leaves a slight impression in the painted shell. That can be useful when examining a locomotive because restored or repainted examples may instead have lettering applied by silk screening, decals or transfers. Paint, lettering and striping should therefore be considered when evaluating whether a 2340 retains its original finish.
Other characteristic details include the four-step pattern of side ventilators, dual pantographs and the number 2340 on the end decals.
Original Photos
The photographs below show the Tuscan Lionel 2340 GG-1 originally documented for TrainReference.
References and Further Reading
- Postwar Lionel – No. 2340 Pennsylvania GG-1
- Train Collectors Association – Postwar Lionel Reproduction Handbook Guide
- Postwar Lionel – Pennsylvania Congressional Aluminum Passenger Cars
Related Lionel References
- Lionel 2341 Jersey Central Train Master – 1956
- Lionel 2245 Texas Special F3 – 1954–1955
- Browse all Lionel model train references
Current Lionel 2340 Listings
Current eBay listings related to the Lionel 2340 Tuscan GG-1 are shown below. Listings may include complete locomotives, parts, restored examples and reproductions, so examine individual descriptions and photographs carefully.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase.
 LIONEL 2340 TUSCAN PRR GG-1 ELECTRIC LOCOMOTIVE - 1955 - C-7 - GREAT OPERATOR |  Lionel 38303-2 #2340 Tuscan Pennsylvania Railroad GG-1 Shell with 5 Stripes |
Lionel 2340 Vintage O Pennsylvania GG-1 Tuscan 1-Stripe Electric Locomotive
Vintage Lionel Congressional Train Set From 1955 - Tuscan GG1-2340 & 4 Cars Look
Lionel 6-38303 O Gauge PRR GG-1 Tuscan Electric Locomotive #2340 EX/Box
Lionel 6-38303 2340 2340-27 O Tuscan Pennsylvania GG-1 Electric Locomotive 2008
