I know this has been discussed before, but I need a refresher on this subject!
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
The 726RR was made in 1952 when magnets were unavailable due to the Korean war. It is the same as a 736 Berkshire without the magnet. A gap is visible in the frame where the magnet would go.
The 726 was made from 1946 to 1949. There are a number of variations. They all have nickel rimmed drivers and no magnetraction. I think they all had 2426W die cast metal tenders. There are variations on the tenders too.
Here is information on the 726
And here is information on the 726RR
The information on the 726 is a bit thin. The web page does not mention that the 1946 version has a unique mechanism with double worm drive, and drop out wheels. It also uses a smoke bulb. Sometimes this Berkshire is found with a pellet type smoke unit. Lionel offered conversion kits starting in 1947. The kits were still available in 1969.
(A similar kit was offered for turbines.) I have not seen many converted Berkshires, most still have the bulb.
I think the main difference is the driver wheels....
Marty
