Lionel 259e old version or newer version

Classic Toy Trains Forum
1

Question for the prewar experts

Thinking of getting a 259. Which one is better- the 1932 version with reverse lever and red wheels or later version with sintered wheels and e unit?

Does the 1932 version with reverse lever have an e unit?

Do the later versions have less trouble with zinc rot?

thanks

Northernpike

2

I can’t answer the first two questions, but concerning zinc rot I don’t think that should be a concern. If it hasn’t happened by now (80+ years) it’s not likely to happen at all. Zinc rot typically sets in long before an 80 year time span.

3

The 259 with the reverse lever is a manual reverse loco. It does not have an ‘E’ unit.

Larry

4

I agree with Firelock wrt zinc rot.

The 259 has a reversing lever in lieu of an “E” unit. The later vesion, 259E, has the “E” unit.

As for preference, I think the earlier version with red spoked wheels is “cuter” and since my 259E’s often switch to neutral when going through a turnout, I lock the “E” unit in forward, so the lack of the “E” unit on the 259 is not an issue.

swede

5

I have both, appearence wise I prefer the 259, as stated it has the red spokes, operation wise I can’t comment as I don’t have a layout scine I got these. Both of mine where refurbished as there bodies are to shiny and new looking, but thats fine with me.

6

The 259 (no E) was made in 1932 only and had a manual reverse lever in the cab. It was painted gloss black, had red center wheels and brass and copper trim and came with the 4 wheel 259T.

The 259E had 8 variations, most of them cosmetic.

  1. 1932-34: Gloss black, red wheels, copper and brass, 259T.
  2. 1934-36: Gloss black, black wheels, nickel trim, 262T.
  3. 1936-38: Gunmetal gray, black wheels, nickel trim, 1689T.
  4. 1936-38: Same as type 3 but with an electric coupler on the 2689T.
  5. 1936-40 Uncataloged: Black with 1689W tender.
  6. 1936-40: Some of the black versions had 1689T tenders.
  7. 1936-40: Some of the black versions had an electric coupler equipped 2689T.
  8. 1936-40(?): Some of the uncataloged black locos had 1588TX tenders.

I have only the 1932 259 in black with copper and brass trim. The only issue it has is that the axle bearings are worn and so it “wobbles” and rides up (and off) tubular track. It runs well on “T” shaped solid rail though. The early spoked wheels are see-through by the way. The change-over to solid castings appears to have taken place around 1934. Personally I lik

7

Thanks.

Did not realize there were so many variations. Nice looking engine.

8

It’s one of my favorites! [:D] But my photo demonstrates that high def camera + flash = dust you didn’t know was there! [(-D]

9

Thank-you penny for the info on the 259/259E

This is my 259 and I guess like a dummy I got rid of the 259T tender as didn’t like just the 4 wheels. I replaced it with a 262T tender

and here is my 259E in grey

Again I believe both of these where redone prior to my purchase of them.

10

I’m sure it’s not original, but mine pulls an orange striped, 8-wheel 258T tender. Which I also like better than the 4 wheel 259T! [:D]

11

The 258t tender is my favorite early tender. I would love to have a 258 with 258t looking like the pair in the following links, advertised by dakotapaul.

http://www.dakotapaul.com/items/showitem.asp?iid=3298

http://www.dakotapaul.com/items/showitem.asp?iid=1791

swede

12

I’m surprise he didn’t fix the coal load in the first listing. It’s in backwards in his pictures. The slope of the coal should drop going towards the engine. But still a very nice looking engine. That tender reminds me of the 262T tender. they are very simular if not the same.

13

Huh! I didn’t notice that! Good eye! [:D]