Lionel GP-7, GP-9, GP 20, U-36-B, F-3, SW-1, ALCO, Little Joe, Rectifier, Rail Diesel Car locomotives are designed to run on all Lionel track and have a voltage range of 9-15 volts. Under normal conditions each should be able to pull over 20 cars on flat track.

These locomotives are equipped with “Tire-Traction” which means that two of the locomotive drive wheels are fitted with rubber tires to permit greater pulling power.

Both ends of some locomotives are provided with operating knuckle-type couplers, so that the train can be coupled to the locomotive from either end. The locomotive couplers are of the “magnetic” type which are opened by the central electromagnet of a Remote Control Track Section.