On the chopping block - 1688E

1688's are as common as a box of cornflakes. You are not going to loose any collector engine value.

It's your locomotive, if you want to chop it, go for it!

While 1688s may seem plentiful, there are rare variations, such as the early 1936 models with the open forward facing cab windows and the winged-keystone. It is thought that the wings remained through 1936 or 1937, but that the forward windows were eliminated quickly due to casting difficulties. It would be a shame to see a rare 1688 shell be mutilated.

Much discussion on the variations here: https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...30-etc-lionel-junior

I had the same issue on some of my older stuff.   Tough call.

You have to decide whether you are a caretaker of rare items, or you want to enjoy and run your trains. 

Perhaps post a picture of the shell you are thinking of cutting, and one of the guys above can tell you whether it is rare or not.

That will probably clarify things for your.

Mannyrock

There is no heresy in this hobby.  If you purchased it and want to change there is no one who can tell you to do otherwise. 

My philosophy in this hobby is do whatever you enjoy. 

True 4877, but there are smart decisions. You don't want to repaint an original Jersey Central FM to say, Rock Island. It is highly unlikely that has the open front window on the 1688  But a picture never hurt.