Lionel sent a sample of their Disney D23 caboose (No. 2401565) for review. D23 is the Official Disney Fan Club and got its name from their fan/exposition events. Sort of like a Comic-Con International for Disney fans.
This caboose is a familiar design. It’s a 5Nc porthole center cupola caboose, the prototype most commonly found on the Pennsylvania Railroad. Lionel’s version of the car was first introduced in 1953, and was illuminated. This version does not illuminate.
Out of the box
The caboose is painted dark blue with silver highlights. As with the Mickey Mouse boxcar I reviewed, the underside of this car has a number etched into the metal, along with the Disney branding.
Each side of the car has four different Disney characters on the side, for a total of eight. The graphics are nicely executed, especially given that the characters’ faces cover the car’s joint line. A small D23 logo is in the center of each horizontal side of the cupola.
I realize that Disney items are not prototypical and aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. However, there’s not only a large Disney fan base, but there’s a certain nostalgia for cabooses. My only quibble is that it’s unfortunate that this caboose isn’t illuminated. That would’ve been the icing on the cake.
Despite this, this caboose is a nicely-executed piece that fans of Disney, or anyone young at heart, will love.
Check out the review of the D23 Mickey Mouse boxcar.
Learn more about cabooses in this article from Trains Magazine.
Lionel Disney D23 Mickey and Friends caboose (No. 2401565)
Features: Operating couplers, O-31 operation, die-cast metal trucks
Price: $100
Website: lionelstore.com
