bmoran4 posted:So just for clarification:
The 60's 773 engine was released with the new 773W tender, a NYC streamlined tender. The initial 773 locomotive was released with the more desireable and fancy 12 wheel diecast Lionel Lines 2426W. Do the 773W, 2046W, 2671W share the same shell casting? If I want a genuine NYC Tender from the postwar period, my only option is a 773W.
The 1950 version of the 773 had the 2426W diecast metal tender.
The 1964-66 version had the plastic tender. The 773W, 2046W amd 2671W all use the same basic shell, but there are variations in the castings and there are fairly good reproductions out there.
For example, the correct 773-117 tender shell should have an oval shaped blank number board on it's side. Not certain about the other details, such as the area around the ladder on the rear, and which shells have open versus closed backup lights. I'd have to get out a reference book for other casting changes.
