Need more info for Newbie: Postwar Transformer, Engine/Tender

Classic Toy Trains Forum
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I understand this forum is pretty good for the ‘older’ stuff so thought I’d post this here…

Background:

I’ve been tire kicking at a starter set like the Lionel Santa Fe or perhaps an MTH RTR set (I am impressed by what I’ve read about MTH but will go look at some of their stuff in person at a shop in the next week or so).

The OTHER option I’m seriously considering is something like this:

Go for a nice used Post War transformer, some brand new track (4X6 layout maximum) and pursue a couple of steam engine options (both modern and postwar) for engine, etc… I would like to go for one older postwar Lionel steam engine and a new/modern train (MTH, Lionel, K-Line etc…)

(I can’t predict my long term interest, maybe elaborate set ups, TMCC or DCS, or maybe its just a Christmas thing - playability and usability and quality are my interest presently, not elaborate sets, accurate scale etc.)

Questions:

Q: Transformers - Am currently looking at
KW (2 tracks, might be a nice option)
LW (a pretty design)
TW (2 short handles, lots of extra powr for acc)
1033 (2 long handles)
VW (looks like KW)

I’d definately like BOTH whistle and reverse. And hope that would control any ‘modern’ engines too…

I think they all have more than enough power for my needs, all support at least 1 track, whistle, reverse. From a standpoint of ‘looks’, the VW and LW are tossups for me. I have no specific plans for multiple tracks or lots of accessories. Any particular standouts here or ones to avoid?

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Q: I need a ‘short’ list of some recommended Lionel postwar engines/tenders to start looking at and learning about. My web surfing thus far has led to an daunting amount of information to try and absorb. I haven’t purchased/read any books yet. Basically requirements are (in no particular order):
a

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My first advice is go for something easy to start with. A lionel F3 postwar is a relyable workhorse, no steamer, but pretty, and are relatively cheap when you look for operator quality (small paint rub, bad decals etc). They run on 031 and larger . Also a good option is a 2026 or like Lionel steamer, they come with or without smoke, are completely metal and also quite cheap. Lionel GP’s (postwar/MPC) and other diesels are also good options, but sometimes they need weight added.
I would go for the 1033 transformer, since it’s relyable also.
BUT if you also have modern loco’s like MTH machines in your mind, I would look for a transformer having also a bell button. MTH is also a good choice, good quality and nice tooling, but it’s no postwar. Other modern engines are extremely nice, but also a complete different thing compared to postwar Lionel. The modern trains are up to scale, have can-motors mostly and are much richer in detail and cleaner in casting then postwar, but also more difficult to repair.
I would start with the thing you mentioned first, a postwar steamer, 1033 transformer, new tubular track and may be a switch or two for sidings. They will give you instant fun, easy to maintain and repair, and easy to run at low costs. When you decide to grow your empire, you can go anywhere you want, since postwar loco’s also run on modern layouts and you can buy the more expensive loco’s with belonging tranformers and use the 1033 as powerpack for the lights and switches.

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A KW would be fine for your needs and allow for some accesories as well. Your questions are good, but we all may just tell you what our favorite engines are!

Any postwar transformer including and bigger than a 1033 will be reliable and worthy. 1033, 1044, RW, TW, KW, ZW, prewar Z,V,R(no whistle control on these three).

As far as engines, I would suggest any postwar engine with at least 6 drive wheels and you will have a great reliable engine, 224, 1666, 2026, 675, 2025, 726, 671 and 2035, 2046, 2055, 2065, 2056, 681, 736 all with magnatraction. My opinion is that the early engines w/o mag are smoother running and the mag engines tend to be a slight bit noisier (I might be fos too!).

Diesels, you can’t go wrong with any engine with any f-3’s, gp-7’s, FM’s ofcourse but cheaper engines that are excellent runners include the early switchers, 623, 624,622, 6220, 6250 and the early alco’s 2023, 2031, 2032, 2033. I would consider these to be best choices for someone o start with.

Now the disclaimer, I never purchase any old trains with the idea that it will be perfect out of the box! You will always at least need to clean and lube the motor and axles, maybe replace brushes, and clean the eunit. If you purchase old trains with knowledge and the willingness to work on them they can be at least as reliable as any new train available.

I, like you, appreciate the older trains and have been purchasing more and more of them lately. Feel free to ask these guys any questions you want they will help.

Good Luck,
Dennis

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Hi, I’m pretty new to this forum too, but I’ve already found great information here. Welcome to the forum and welcome to a fantastic fun hobby.

I am partial to pre and post war Lionel myself. I just find that they are classic trains to me. I love the smell they give off, and the memories they bring back from my childhood.

I agree with what ogage and daan they’ve posted here. Good advise for anyone starting out. The postwar stuff can be really reliable and easy to work on, provided you take the time to get to know your trains. I’m not an engineer or anything, but with a couple of guides and a few tools that include a soldering iron, I’ve been able to take on minor repairs.

I have an RW transformer, and a 671 loco that is easy to keep running, nice and heavy being all metal, and has smoke and a whistling tender. It’s a really good choice for a 1st loco IMHO. Older versions (1946-49 or so) usually have nickel rimmed drivers(shiny rims as opposed to black rims), so will not have magnatraction and does have a little trouble pulling a lot of cars due to slippage. Lionel added a lead weight in the front of the unit prior to adding magnatraction, so you may want to go with a 681 which does have magnatraction.
I also agree that the postwar F3’s like the SF 2343’s or 2353’s are nice too. The dual motored ones have plenty of power and magnatraction, and really good at low speeds.

Shop around. With a little diligence you can find some good runners that won’t break the bank. Ebay is great, if nothing else but for the volume of items that you have access to. Just gotta be careful with the ones that think their stuff is mint and want prices that reflect that. I’ve had good luck on Ebay being very patient. If you go that route, just remember to look at completed auctions for the items you are interested in. This will give you a good idea of how people are valuing what you are looking for at the time. And also remember that there may be several e