1938 A.C. Gilbert A.F. Accessories

Manufacturer:

A.C. Gilbert

Manufacturer ID:

587

Category:

Accessory

Name:

Block Signal

Model Introduced:

1938

Finish:

painted & lettered

Notes:

Shown in the photo is the pre-war model (made from 1938 through 1942) on the left and a post-war unit (made in 1946 and 1947) on the right. The main distinction between pre-war and post-war models is that the former have fabric-coated wire, while the post-war model has plastic wiring. The 1946-47 post-war model has two variations. The first variation has a metal shaft and a green die-cast head. The second variation (shown in the photo, on the right) has a cardboard shaft and a black die-cast head, as does the pre-war model. In 2007 Lionel reintroduced the #587 cataloged as #6-49833.