A recent thread on 726 vs 736 got me wondering what really are the best postwar engines. When you average detail, pulling power, and value as well what comes out number 1, 2…?
Seems like 773 would be number 1 but I hear a lot of great things about the FM trainmasters as well.
I think you get the prize for asking a question that has no right answer. Remove the scout and promo type steamers and all the rest were good. Same with the others remove the cheap alcos and switchers, break down the single and dual motor diesels and they too were all good. So I could never just pick five, have to have a whole heap of em.
2343 Santa Fe F-3.
675/2025, early.
726 Berkshire.
671/2020 turbine.
GG-1.
I totally agree with mpz.
John
Thats a good list. I guess my top 5 would be:
773 Hudson. Detail, power, and close to scale.
The FM trainmasters. Best pullers of all postwar engines. 2 operating couplers is a plus.
726 Berkshire. Best looking postwar steamer IMHO.
2343, 2344, and 2345 F3s. Kept the detail and added magnetraction. 2 operating couplers.
My number 5 slot could have many engines. A turbine, seaboard NW2, New Haven EP5 are all options, but Ill go with the 2025 as well since it was in the set my grandfather got as a child.
Hmmm…
This post just got started, so I get to put my 2 cts in early.
I can start by endorsing a modified version of mpz’s list, since I have similar engines:
Re1. Like the 2344 NYC as much, maybe more since I have the ‘B’ unit, but the are both great looking and great pullers.
Re2. Have always liked my 675. Nostalgia plus nice detailand nice pre-magnatraction smooth operation.
Re3. Don’t have a 726, must substitute 736 or 646 (I know they’re different drive trains under the same shell.
Re4. ??I 've never yet understood the appeal of the turbines. Maybe would if I had one?
Re5. Always have coveted one, recently got an early one, more of a museum piece than a runner. Unique articulated design.
Runner up nominations:
any GP7/9. My recently acquired Wabash 2339 looks nice and amazingly pulls 20 cars.
any Trainmaster?
I left out the 773 and Trainmaster for a reason. They just don’t look that good running around O-31 curves. I don’t own a 726 or GG-1, but I wish I did. The Turbine is a neat little engine. I sold my 671, and missed it so much, I bought a 2020. Can’t really say why, but the turbine is an iconic Lionel engine in my opinion.
This thread is killing me. Just when I thought I was finally settling down from the recent F3 and Berk threads, you guys start. Drool.
Jack
You make a great point on the 0-31 aspect. Lionel almost exclusively made 0-31 curves in that era. Makes sense that a postwar engine should look good on it. If track is factored in Id have to put the f3s closer to the top of the list.
here is my list:
773, great pulling power, close to scale, great looking.
2333, the classic F3
The 736/726 Awesome pulling power and looks
trainmasters, The pulling power is amazing!
2023 alco. Nobody seems to like it much but its one of my favorites
Re the Union Pacific 2023. I think you will find a lot more interest out there than you think. It was probably the highest selling FA1 Lionel Alco and came in different colors, the UP grey roof over yellow earlier version and the silver ones later. Because of the high production numbers, it lacks rarity. The F3s (many dual motored and some with B units) have what I feel is a size advantage (larger) over the 2023 and similar Alcos.
I’ve got one (1950) and wouldn’t part with it. Fortunately, the red lettering and red painted skirt/belt line hasn’t rubbed off like I see in most ebay items.
Jack
For excellent running, durability, and value pricing:
Milwaukee Road GP-7
2055 Baby Hudson
736 Berkshire
2023 UP Alcos
2321 Lackawana grey top
2354 Santa-Fe F3’s (they are a tad cheaper than 2343’s due to slotted vents)
Of course there are engines that are more outstanding but I am hitting on value priced engines that give a big bang for the buck.
I have always wondered why some folks pick the 726 over the 736. I thought the 736 was a 726 with magnetraction. Is there some other significant difference that would make the 726 better then the 736?
Earl
Earl, I’d give the 726 the nod because of looks. IMHO the nickel rimmed drivers on '40s engines al look better than their later counterparts. I know they give up pulling power though.
Pete
Bing 4-4-0 electric version - great runner and it provides just the right ambience of ozone and hot oil.
Lionel 260E with the chugger - that “chugger” makes the train sound like it is falling apart - never fails to turn heads.
AF #9915 - waddles like a duck when it rolls but the aluminum amalgam is a very curious sight.
Joyline cast iron 0-4-0 small but interesting
Ives HOD Segraves Special - all that copper and brass!!
Yes, I know, these are from the first postwar period but they are still postwar. [:)]
726’s come with nickle rim bladwin drivers and cataloged with the big tender like used with the 773. That is the main attraction I think. The Lionel berk resembles a NYC berk more than a Pennsy berk so putting a Pennsy tender behind it like with the 736 is not something a true NYC fan likes to do.
Great choices all!
Mine would be (not in any particular order)
FMs, any and all. while mentioned they look a bit akward on 031, that is none the less what they were made to run on.
F3, any and all, the single motor vesions lak some power but they all look great on the layout.
GG1, im suprised that this didnt show up on anyone elses list, any two motor gg1, they are right at home on 031 and match the pulling power of the F3s or FMs (or at least darn close)
The 773 Hudson, i dont have one (mainly diesel guy here), but what a statement they make,
the die-cast frame NW-2 switchers
For me the tender makes a big difference. I like both the PRR and NYC style tenders as long as they have 6 wheel trucks. Although it wasnt on my list, the turbine with a 12 wheel PRR tender is just as Impressive as the 726 (both tenders are a bit oversized for the engines but who cares). Only reason I kept it out is that I love 022 switches and turbines dont [sigh]
Ya know, this thread is worthless without pictures! [:P]
