ACG diesels started out with a nearly-scale wheel flange; I believe these were only used on the first-year production Alcos. These were found to not be reliable on "on the floor" running, and the flange was made "taller." This size flange was used up to about 1956 production. When the seperate "rubber band" traction tires were adopted, an even taller flange was introduced; this is the flange that is currently used on Lionel production. I believe this change was made due to the sharper curves of the new Pikemaster track. The GP engines were developed after the Alcos; I don't believe any of them had the "scale" flanges, but I can't confirm that!
The Steamers too, had flange changes, and driver diameter changes. When the new Pull-more wheels were adopted, the wheel diameter was slightly larger. If you mix & match non-pullmore drivers with pull-more drivers, you engine will sit sloped or even rock on the track (if you have one non & one later on the same axle). The motor mount on the chassis was modified to clear the larger wheels. Again, about 1956 the flange was made taller: I have seen these on metal drivers as well as the later "rubber band" pull-more drivers. The plastic drivers all have the taller flanges.
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