Here’s some pics of an ALCO led set I put together in honor of my grandfather, who got me started in trains. It’s an 8020-8021-8020 lash-up with all the MPC Shell cars. Grandpa worked for Shell all his professional life, including as a mechanic on their lubrication test team that worked with Jimmy Doolittle between the wars.
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@palallin good looking layout!
According to Doyle, the 226 A-B was uncatalogued and manufactured in 1960.
It came with all the features including 3 position E-unit, 2 axle Magne-traction, and a horn.
The 217 A-B was cataloged and made in 1959. Doyle lists the 217 as having a 3 position E-unit, and two axle Magne-traction, but no horn.
He further states that the 217 included the first B-unit produced by Lionel.
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@Road_Foreman_of_Engi @GregE56 this is consistant with what I know as well- the 217 was a catalog item from 1959, and the first 200 series ALCo issued with a B-Unit. The 226 is similar but came with a horn, like the 208 Santa Fe. Unfortunately, on mine, someone gutted out the horn and relay, leaving only the E-Unit. I have two chassis, one has a good-ish motor and battery bracket. The other has a wrecked motor, but a salvageable E-Unit.
My hope was to combine the best parts of both to get a good chassis, and to chop up a less valuable ALCo shell to repair the broken pieces on my 226 shell, then do my best to blend in the repairs. it has significant damage at the mounting points, and of course the pilot is long gone.
Roof also has a bit of a boo-boo, but no major missing plastic.
Probably ordinarily not worth fussing with, but the 226 is a rarer engine of course, and I’ve had a tougher time finding one within my price range. So when I found this wreck, I thought “well what have I got to loose”. I paid a bit more for it than I wanted to as the place I bought it from felt that he could get some money for the chassis. Personally, I think both chassis were messed up enough that any sane person would think twice before buying.
-El
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that’s a really neat set!
I’ll have to keep an eye out for that dark blue GN hopper.
Wow! I beg you to keep us posted on your progress. I have never seen a worse wreck on a model railroad layout. The best of luck to you.
Rich
@richhotrain I have many, many projects- been buying junkers and fixer-uppers for a good several years now. I tend to pick things up and put them down- when I get stuck on a project or unsure how to proceed, I set it aside. Maybe in a couple days, or a week, a month, a year, or more, inspiration hits. Or I come across a new technique or idea, and remember one of my set aside projects. Then pull it out and get back to it.
This is all to say, I can do my best to report on progress when it happens, but part of my workflow is to set things aside when I’m not settled on how to proceed, and return to them later. And at the moment, the 226 is on the “get back to it later” pile of projects. I have some ideas, but not a fully formed plan. Sometimes my projects wrap up quicker, sometimes they take years. There’s no telling.
When I do eventually make progress on the 226, I will endeavor to report on it.
-El
Got it. Look forward to a progress report whenever.
I should mention that I restored my old American Flyer Baldwin switcher after my younger brother all but destroyed it. So, it can be done. 
Rich
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You have a really nice collection of Alcos. My collection is just starting. The Alcos look great !
Paul
ok, Thanks !
Paul
You may be able to combine for one good engine ! Great !
I’ve had good luck making molds with green/grey modeling clay and using clear epoxy to “fill in the gaps”.
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What a great technique! The caboose roofs are vulnerable, and many times that are broken off when you find one somewhere for sale. I starting buying them whenever I find one not broken.
Paul
These photos are simply dynamite.
Rich
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Thanks! I got a new camera in January. I am still learning how to use it….a lot of experimentation. It’s fun.
Paul
Well, if you are still learning how to use it, I can hardly wait to see photos once you master it.
Rich
First time I’ve ever seen even a photo of one. Normal color was GN sky blue which on the real railroad didn’t last very long either.
That’s a nice set ! I saw a complete set at one of the shows, almost bought it. But I probably have enough trains to last my lifetime already…no place to put them.
Paul