What is the difference between Lionel 243W and 6026W square style tenders? 243W came with the 243 engine, and since it was a pretty basic 2-4-0, maybe there's some detail difference since the 6026W came with the medium-priced 2055 (and probably others).
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I believe the only difference is the engine that pulled the tender and the tender trucks. Also some have the number heat stamped on the side of the tender.
What John said. Plastic AAR style trucks, couplers and pickup rollers, 243W heat stamped on the tender side. The plastic whistle housing also was usually a solid color, different from the multicolor swirl common on parts of the 6026 era whistles.
Jim
Attachments
The color on the 243W seems to shine more and be blacker. Is it unpainted plastic or maybe a different paint?
It should be noted that this style tender shell has been reproduced. Some were made with the 243W markings on the side.
The 243W is a scout tender and the 6026W is a tender used with a 4-6-4 wheel arrangement engine, like a # 665 or a 2065 steam engine could of had. There are a couple of other tenders listed as well but I thought that would give you an idea. Just happened to find the engine near # 671 steam engine in the Greenberg's guide.
Lee Fritz
Wow, you guys are awesome. Thank you so much for the help.