Colorado : Lionel did have some 0-4-0 and 0-6-0 switchers on and off during their production years. I am not sure the 0-6-0 ever came back postwar but the 0-4-0 came and went a few times, usually each time with less detail and a cheaper tender (eventually just ending up with a slope back plastic tender with no detail at all, not even hand rails). Eventually with the 1061 the loco does not even have a headlight and has no reverse (which seems really limiting for a switcher!!). I have a mid-level 0-4-0 version, from the 1950's, that I like and it runs good but it needs a better tender (one of those "someday" things) . Marx did not do steam switchers however had some really great diesel switchers, Alco S-3 switchers in both 4 and 8 wheel arrangements for lots of rail roads and then a good variety of GE 70 Ton Switchers (all 4 wheel). The Alco's began about 1955 and the 70 Ton GE's about 1958. I must say I like them because in general they run great (use the fabulous and highly reliable Marx motor) and look pretty good. Marx 3/16 cars started in 1942 and continued until about 1952-53, came with both "scale" trucks and with " high trucks" that don't look nearly as scale like but couple easier with the rest of the line. They also made some "deluxe" plastic freights that I think are as good as any postwar freight cars even Lionel or AF. Not switchers but the Marx 3/16 scale F units are far superior to the AF units and they came labeled for several REAL railroads (and the very collectable "Allstate" versions from Sears) not the "Rocket" or "Silver Bullet". Marx, ever the challenge to us collectors, put scale cars on high trucks, non-scale (even some 6" litho) cars on scale trucks, whatever worked. Their plastic freight line was incredible both in the variety of types but also in their coloring and RR labels. I must have 30+ different 4-wheel plastic cabooses all different in some way...not worth much but what a hoot to look at.
Don
