I’m considering buying an inexpensive Postwar style loco that smokes well and has no electronics. Does any body have a recommendation. I posed this question on the Pot last week and was told to check out the 2026 and 2037. Are there any others I should look into? I’m not dead set on Lionel. A more recent reproduction would be fine. Definitely want no electronic components other than maybe the reverse unit? There are two small local train shows coming up and I may try to pick one up.
Well those 2037 2-6-4s are built like tanks and seem to run forever. On mine the smoke unit eventually gave out but that was after 20 years or so of running, and I’m sure it could be fixed or replaced. A quick check on ebay shows several for sale at reasonable prices.
Agree with Stix; 2037 has most “bang for buck”. It also has magnetraction, which the 2026 lacks.
I am going to respond with, is this for real, or you trying to get this forum going. I bet you by the time people stop responding to this post, you will have every Postwar engine listed, Have seen it before. If you are just getting into trains and want a good smple of a Postwar engine, the 2037 would be good for the reasons others mentioned…I would go with a 2035 or 2046…they look nicer, but there are many good Postwar engines…If you want newer, no electronics, and Postwar style try one of the early 1990 remakes…I have the Chicago Northwestern 4-6-2 which is very much like a 2035…I runs very well, is quieter, and is well decorated. Add that to some new rolling stock, and you have the best of two worlds…Postwar look and feel, and better axles/trucks on whatever rolling stock you choose. Have fun, and good luck.
The key word in my original post is INEXPENSIVE…
I am an HO guy at heart. Specifically Gilbert HO. Generally late 50’s early 60’s.
My Dad has his child hood train set, A Lionel 254E and three passenger cars. It’s arranged to run under the Christmas tree. with a siding. I’d like to add a postwar style steamer and a couple of cars, maybe a lighted caboose.
New or old. Cost and look are more important than age.
Should also be a reliable smoker. Volume isn’t important.
Check out the 233 and 236. They have magnatraction and smoke. They are similar to the Scout line, so not real fancy. I think the 233 came with a whistling tender in some cases. You might consider buying individual cars rather than a set.
Remember, Post War and inexpensive are pretty much a contradiction in terms today.
Good luck,
wyomingscout
That’s why I’m open to the newer stuff. I just don’t know what to look for.
The postwar Lionels I have, 681, 736, and 675 put out tons of smoke, but finding one with a great sounding whistle is tough. A decent looking/operating 681 or 675 will cost less than a “new” version, in most cases. Also, I don’t know how well a new Williams “postwar look” engine will smoke. Ask for a demo at a train store. One thing nice about a old one…no blankityblank traction tires.
Another option that is often over-looked is the 2029. The 2029 was the last die-cast steamer made by the Lionel Corporation, and it is basiclly the 2037 without mangetraction. I have 2 of them, and they run and smoke like crazy. Speaking of 2029, 2037’s and the like, there is another affordable option… MPC took the body used by these Lionel steam engines known then as “Prarie Type” with a 2-6-4 wheel set, and created a die-cast 4-4-2 'Atlantic Type". These engines have liquid smoke units, the Mighty Sound of Steam, and 2 had electronic whistles. Ken
Lionel incorrectly called the 2-6-4 locomotives “prairies”, which is actually the correct name for their 2-6-2 predecessors. The only 2-6-4 locomotives ever made in the US were exported and, if they have a name at all, it is “Adriatics”.
Whether prairie or Adriatic, the Lionel 2-wheel pilot truck is problematic. The pivot is much too far forward and causes oversteer, which can lead to annoying derailments at any track irregularity on a curve, like a turnout frog.
The Adriatic 2026 also has the unique feature of having the blind middle drivers larger than the others, allowing it to pitch slightly fore-and-aft. The 2037 is the best of the 2-6-4 group, having smoke, magnetraction, and uniform driver sizes. However, unless you are willing to redo the steering geometry, I advise steering clear of 2-whatever locomotives.
I was just thinking of an inexpensive Postwar engine that would fill your bill. Bob bought this 773 at a good price, that say maybe 20% over his cost would still be inexpensive and a really good find for you. What a find Bob…
You can’t go wrong with any of the recommendations you’ve received, but I would add two others: the postwar #2055 or 2065. A step up from the 2037 in size but not much more money and very nice runners.
From recent production, I recommend the easily obtained for $100 or less 4-4-2 Atlantics used by Lionel for years in its starter sets. They have also been sold in many, many road names (including Lionel Lines just last year) individually too. They run great, smoke great and have a good-working traditional air whistle to boot. For the money, they are hard to beat.
Thanks for the input, I’m going to write it all down before I head out in the morning
I think for the fairly inexpensive route I would agree with a 2037 as a good choice. By the way, I have had my second hand 675 from 1949 for over 25 years and outside of an occasional lube it has proven to be indestructible! It runs great and smokes good too.[bow]
Cobrabob.
P.S. Both of my 2046 steamers are also great pieces! A minor repair here and there and some general maintenance and they just keep going. Lionel Post-War steamers are like the Energizer Bunny, they just keep going and going and going and… you get it!