The strange thing to my mind is that Lionel was always so particular about engine numbers and their included design. So why did they make a change from a 2-6-2 to a 2-6-4 while retaining the number of the 2-6-2.
Lionel reverted from 2037 to 2026 during the Korean War materials shortage because the engine was made without magnetraction.
The 736 reverted to 726
The 681 reverted to 671.
Some, but not all of these two engines had the letters "RR" stamped on the cab.
The 2026 was not given the "RR" markings.
Lionel was not consistent.
The 2046 became 2056.
