I have a pair of lionel 209 alcos, the front of both are painted, not decaled, I was at a show last week and saw a 209 that had a decaled front, which is correct
The description here does not mention decals. The description for the 218 mentions nose decals.
Larry
#209 New Haven Alcos from 1958 are only painted. They are very collectible and valuable so I hope somebody did not go out and apply a decal. There is a 1994 reissue, I’m not sure if that on e has a decal.