I am interested in the cool looking Lionel early postwar bullet nosed streamlined 221 steam engine. The main drive wheel gears appear to be out near the edge of the wheel, like on Marx steam engines. Does anyone know if this engine will navigate through Lionel 027 switches such as 1122 remote switch or 1022 manual switch?
The 221 uses the same basic drivetrain as the 2026 and other Lionel locos using 6 driving wheels.
I have had no issues with my 221’s power plant running around my layout, I have a few Marx and Lionel 1121 switches on it. No issues noted.
The actual loco is still in peices, as it was pulled apart to restore. I disliked my first attempt at re-painting it, (Too glossy) so the shell is being re-stripped and redone. The runnin gear was too badly rusted for the most part to re-use. With newer running gear, it would not look good with a mix of new and rusted running gear, so she will get a complete new set of running gear.
I am glad to see that other people are out there enjoying the 221.
A very unique and good looking old loco.
I am contemplating getting a matching set of passenger cars for her.