Lionel PW 221 027 Steamer

[Anonymous]

I've always wanted a smaller steam engine with this outline. The Complete Service Manual for Lionel Trains warns that this is an "027" only engine and that, "if operated on an "O" layout, the e-unit will tend to trip when going over switches." Since my layout is all 022 switches of various vintages will this be a big problem?

I guess I could add a roller to the tender and a teather? Anyone run one of these beasts on 022's? Can the pick up sliders be easily changed to rollers?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

[Anonymous]

Yes you could tether the loco pick ups to the pick ups on the tender (these engines came with and without whistle, if you get one with whistle, the pickups are already there). Beware the tenders are of the tin tab-together construction, and can only be opened so many times.

My ex got my 221, so I can't look the pick up assembly and determine if the snap-in roller type will interchange.

Hope this helps,
David Doyle

[Anonymous]

Thanks David! I appreciate the info.

[Anonymous]

the 221 is a great little engine. just lock the e-unit to the forward state. now no problems. what drivers are on your engine. the early ones were alum. the later ones were nickle rims.

[Anonymous]

Hi Magoo, I haven't got one yet. But thanks for the info - I'll be sure to get the later version with the nickel wheels - I bet the aluminum versions didn't last very long! Locking the e-unit is a good idea.

[ben10ben]

Most engines that have this warning will tend to go over the gap without any problem when operated at high enough speed. You only run into trouble if you try to run them slowly through the switches.

[Anonymous]

old 2037 the aluminum 221 is very tough to find. this was only in the gray paint version. this is a very dependable engine. i belive this was lionel's first new post war engine. no problems with the wear on the aluminum i run this engine every day. it's one of my favorites. i run a set of 1630 1631 behind it.