Here is a POSTWAR Lionel 54 ballast tamper car in working condition.
This is the classic #54 from the postwar era, 1958-61.
This one has a set of small pile drivers on the front that move up and down and tamp down the ballast rock along the track. The tamping action is controlled by a lever on the side that can be turned on or off. (If you want it to turn on and off automatically, you can add special track clips that can do this, not included). When the tamping action is activated, the motor slows down to half speed. When the tamping action is not activated, it can go full speed.
CONDITION: C-6+ on the way to excellent condition. Tested and works. A little loud like most. The shell and man are in tact. Tampers work. The printing looks good. Typical playwear such as some minor discoloration, rubs, scuffs and scratches here and there keep it from full excellent. No box. No trackside clips for remote activation. Of course, manual lever for activating tampers works well. With a copy of original instructions.