Lionel 2032 2033 ALCO magnets

[SBT]

Hello, New to the forum. I have a question about the magnets used for magnatraction in the 2032 and 2033 Alco diesels. I have both of these engines and both pull well. The 2033 has both bar magnets and good magnatraction. The 2032 does not have bar magnets but also has very good magnatraction. Should the 2032 have bar magnets (are they missing), or does it use axle magnets. If it should have bar magnets how can it have magnatraction without them. The drive truck is clearly magnatized. Thanks for the clarification. Steve

[ADCX Rob]

The 2032 motor truck may have been switched out with a 622/6220 motor truck block which has magnetized axles.

[8ntruck]

I think I read somewhere that the early 2000 series Alcos had magnetic axles and that the later ones had bar magnets.

[ADCX Rob]

8ntruck

I think I read somewhere that the early 2000 series Alcos had magnetic axles and that the later ones had bar magnets.

That was a 1949 only design feature for this series that debuted on the 622 & 6220 diesels, they switched to the magnet bars in 1950.

The first Alco in the series, the 1950 2023 UP, has Alnico bar magnets and stainless steel non-magnetic axles with sintered iron magnetic wheels which continued through with all models of 2023, 2033, 2032, 2031.  A review of the Lionel service data from the time period should confirm this.