Lionel first introduced its No. 3435 Aquarium Car in 1959. This freight car featured a simulated aquarium with “swimming” fish, accomplished with a loop of decorated plastic, a Vibromotor, and a lightbulb.
Over the years, dozens of variations of this car have been released, including those with stingrays, sharks, mermaids, and koi. The Train Collectors Association (TCA) has an interesting article about some of these cars if you’d like to learn more.
The Lionel Collectors Club of America (LCCA) sent us another version of the aquarium car, this one geared toward NASCAR racing (No. 2301130). This car was a custom-run product for the 2023 LCCA National Convention, held in Concord N.C. What better way to commemorate the hometowns of both Lionel and NASCAR!
The car has a black body with a red roof. The side ends feature black-and-white checkered flags. The center side of the body has the words “LCCA Convention 2023, Concord North Carolina” on both sides. There’s also a number 28 in red with a circle. I reached out to Mike McLintock of the LCCA, and he confirmed that the number represented the LCCA convention cars made over the years. Coincidentally, the number 28 is also rather infamous in NASCAR circles.
At the bottom of each window are graphics of a crowd standing behind a chain-link fence. This is a nice touch. The loop of plastic shows several racing cars, with a race track and some blurry cars in the distance.
Underneath the aquarium car, you’ll see a switch to turn the motor on and off. You’ll also see two pickup rollers attached to the ends of the truck assemblies.
I tested this car on our in-house layout, applying power to the tracks to trigger the motor. Off to the races it went, the cars rotating and the inside illuminating. It was fun to watch! I like how the light shines through the Lionel L logo on the side.
Please note that the motor is not quiet. However, you will likely be running this with a string of cars and a locomotive (possibly with a sound system), so the sound would hardly be noticed.
This is a fun twist on the aquarium car. Since it has O-27 operation, nearly any layout could run it. It’s a perfect tie-in for LCCA and Lionel, and certainly would be a crowd-pleaser at any event or open house. The LCCA is offering free shipping to all members on this car. Check out their website for more information on becoming a member.
Lionel Racing Aquarium Car for LCCA (No. 2301130)
Features: Interior illumination, on/off switch, O-27 operation, special LCCA packaging
MSRP: $90 with free shipping
Website: lionelcollectors.org
