I have an early 1950s 2046W Hudson and tender that belonged to my dad. Runs well, whistle works. May convert the smoke unit to liquid.
However, I would like something with a little a larger wheel set than the 4-6-4 Hudson. Something like a 2-8-4 Berkshire, 2-8-2 Mikado or 4-8-4 Northern, if such exist. Would like a light & smoke. Don’t need sounds or digital etc. Also, doesn’t have to be Lionel.
Thanks?
Replies sorted oldest to newest
Lionel’s 726 Berkshire is one of the nicest Post War engines IMO. The later 736 with magnetraction will pull more but looses the better looking nickel tires. No 2-8-2s in the Post War period. They did make a N&W J 4-8-4 but somewhat compressed. Its number is 746. You can find them to see what you think.
Pete
I have both the 726rr and a 736. Like them both. If it were me I'd stick with the pill smoke. You can use liquid or pills. I've done both.
If you're looking for postwar, the 2-8-4 Berk seems like the most logical candidate. The only other larger candidate would be the scale Hudson, the 773. They're a bit less common and more expensive.
If you're open to modern, but don't consider command control or sound mandatory, your options can expand a bit more. Williams (and Williams by Bachmann) made a replica of the postwar 2-8-4 in several road names. I have the Nickel Plate version. They look like the original PW version and run well.
Williams/WBB also made a streamlined 4-8-4 and scale-sized 4-6-4s in several road names.
Oh, BTW, I recently converted my 2056 to liquid smoke. Great decision.
726 or 726rr would be my choice.
The 736 is a good choice, and I especially liked my 2056!
I lean towards the 1946 726 with smoke bulb, Baldwin wheels with stainless tires, and without the visible E-unit switch or magna-traction. I think I have 4 of them and chased them when prices were 'up there'. My two 736's with magna-traction are great hauler's whereas the non magna-traction is limited. My most recent 726 is the Century Club circa 1997 (absolutely beautiful) as is the larger (but not scale) Century Club 773 Hudson. These are wonderful engines. But I suspect, truth be known, all of the Lionel 726, 726rr and 736 are reliable, great looker's and appreciated by their owners. I can't speak to non-Lionel, so I leave that to the experts.
You might want to look at Williams brass 4-8-4's and 2-8-2's. Not much for bells and whistles but nice looking engines. They are however, scale size if that is a problem.
@NW posted:May convert the smoke unit to liquid.
Don't do the liquid conversion kit downgrade. Just use smoke fluid in it as-is... all the heater does is convert the pellets to liquid anyway.
Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership
