Lionel 736, 682 or 665? - Limited Budget

[FEClionel]

Ok guys I need a steamer to run around the tree and I want to purchase before the prices go up before Christmas. Here are my options
682 - Awesome condition - needs nothing - $215
736 - Good condition - needs tender - needs new side rods and boiler(markers broken) - but now millage and run smooth - $120
665 - Awesome condition - needs nothing priced to sell @ $150 - local train shop
What do you all think - The 682 is at the top of the budget and the 736 needs a tender and parts so it iwll push up the price quicly. 665 is nice but does have the pulling power of either motor. Which would you all pick?

[Anonymous]

I have a 665 and it has plenty of pulling power. I would go with that and use the rest of your budget to buy rolling stock or accessories.

[Anonymous]

From a budget standpoint, I agree with Jim, with the caveat that you actually get to run the 665 first. Some of these get quite noisey. I would forget this particular Berkshire, and wait until a nicer one comes along.

If it is a real 682, with the additional linkage in place, the white stripe intact, and a good runner, it might be the best deal. If memory serves, this is the hardest to obtain of the original turbines.

In good shape, any of these locomotives are great runners and, when properly maintained, will last at least a lifetime.

[lionelsoni]

I much prefer the 681 to the 682, because the link is so massive. On the prototype, it was barely visible. I think Lionel thought there should be something flashy to watch. I am also skeptical about the stripe, which I have never noticed in photographs of the prototype.

I suppose these failings pale by comparison to the wildly wrong scaling of the Lionel models. I have seen the same scale S2 for sale for the last couple of years at local train shows; it is enormous compared to the Lionel. Nevertheless, I own a 681.

[Anonymous]

Bob,

I was absolutely shocked when I first saw a Scale S-2. I always assumed that the real S-2 was a very small engine! The old Lionel version is, as you mentioned nowhere near scale. It was designed at a time when that was not nearly as important as it is now.

You are absolutely right about the size of the link. If memory serves, many of the 682's ended up being re-installed upside down so as not to interfere with the pilot truck (which hits it on curves, sometimes). I doubt the real one had the white stripe either.

This just makes the 682 more interesting, as it was unique in these two area.

[Anonymous]

It sounds like you want style on your rails and that is the 682. I agree with RAK402 to my understanding it is the hrdest to find. Relatively the 682 is the best deal especially if you get a tender and it is a real 682. I paid more than that for my 681, a 2761 and two other junker cars and a junk transformer. For me it was just for the engine and tender. I may have paid a bit more but for me it was worth it.

681 and 682 are very similar. the 682 is a bit more dressy.
Good luck
Angelo

[lionelsoni]

Except for the tender, Angelo. The 681 can be had with the 12-wheel 2671W tender.

(I just noticed "2761" in your posting. A typo for "2671"?)

[FEClionel]

Hey guys guess what. My dealer also has a 681 with whistle tender and a 2065 both in VG condition for $150. Now what do think is the better deal? I know the 2065 is an O27 which is not really my style but its basically the same thing.

[Anonymous]

Other than the number, there is no difference between a 2065 and a 665. At this point, I would test run both and pick the one you like the best. Both are very good engines.

[Back2Trains]

I would go for the 681. I have one, its a great runner and I love it. I personally prefer the worm-geared engines such as the turbines and Berkshires.

Jim

[Anonymous]

Lionelsoni
you were right about the typo, it is 2671. ( 681also came with the 2046, 8 wheeler)

"I have one, its a great runner and I love it. I personally prefer the worm-geared engines such as the turbines and Berkshires.
Jim"

Couldn't agree more because they're so strurdy and can pull a whole lot.

681 in good condition for $150 has my vote. I would get cars with the money left over.

Good luck

[FEClionel]

Hey Guys, I ended up purchasing a 2065 (O27 version of 665) Anyway I was wondering what set consists this engine headed up and about how many cars can this engine pull?

[Anonymous]

Do you know if the 2065 is the same as the 665? Same size and stuff? I was wondering because I would love to get a 2065 and put a front coupler on it and double head it with my 665 pulling a long train.

[Anonymous]

"Do you know if the 2065 is the same as the 665? Same size and stuff? I was wondering because I would love to get a 2065 and put a front coupler on it and double head it with my 665 pulling a long train."

Already answered (above).

[3railguy]

QUOTE: Originally posted by FEClionel

Hey Guys, I ended up purchasing a 2065 (O27 version of 665) Anyway I was wondering what set consists this engine headed up and about how many cars can this engine pull?

You made a great choice! Medium size PW steamers are a bargain compared to new stuff. No electronics to fuss with or rubber band wheels to mess with (fake-a-traction). Magnetraction, whistle, smoke and all. The elesco feedwater heater makes it a choice of the baby hudsons. It'll easily pull a dozen postwar cars.

If you're looking to make a cataloged set, you have several choices. Per Greenburg:

1954

set 1515ws: 1954: 6415, 6462, 6464-25, 6456, 6357

set 1516ws 2434, 2432, 2436

set 1519ws 3461, 6462, 6356, 3482, 6427

set 1521ws 3620, 3562, 6561, 6460, 6419

1955

set 1537ws 3562, 6464-275, 3469, 6357

set 1538ws 2435, 2434, 2436

set 1541ws 3482, 6415, 3494, 3461, 6427