My collection of post war locomotives includes two dis-similar Lionel 2026 locomotives - a 2-6-2 and a 2-6-4. The 2-6-4 has roller pick-ups. The 2-6-2 has tabs the sled over the center rail. Although I will be running them on O gauge tubular track when I finish my basement layout. The 2-6-2 ran only in fits and starts (mostly fits and stops) on the fastrack around my Christmas tree. The other 2026 as well as the 665, the heavyweight Fairbanks Morris Diesel, and a little switcher all ran fine. Two questions
1. Do you think the sliders on the 2-6-2 might be the problem and what’s the fix. I am hesitant to just bend them down. There is some kind of spring which appears to be responsible for holding them on the track.
2. Any idea why Lionel used the same number on two locomotives?