Although I had Flyer as a boy, I can certainly appreciate the Lionels mentioned here.
Earlier this year I came across a treasure trove that a man in our area had as a boy - 4 or 5 original sets including the 746 J Class in LN condition, Texas Special Alco set in LN and both with boxes. Also this 50th Anniversary Set that lit up & ran beautifully after sitting in a box for he said 50+ years. Although the cabs are bowed, everything else is very nice. These are highly represented of early PW Lionel.
My personal favorite Lionel locomotive is the 726 Berkshire with the nickel rims and die cast tender. Have had a couple but not the 1946 model. The ones I've had were smooth, quiet runners and I can just imagine what an amazing 'toy' this would have been to a small boy. It's size and heft must have been amazing. The iconic Hudson seems to me to be a little too large for a typical PW layout with 031 curves however. The several Berks and the 646/2046 were much better sized for the smaller layouts IMO.
