Lionel Postwar Scale vs Semi-Scale Specified by Cab Number Length?

[JimL]

Is that true?

Three-digit cab numbers ... in particular the 726RR I see online... is true O scale? 1/48?

Four digit cab numbers ... such as the 2046 that ran around our Christmas tree when i was a very young kid ... is smaller "semi-scale?"

Or, it's not that simple?

Thanks, Jim

[pennytrains]

Three digit numbers were for trains that ran on "O gauge", Super O or Special Model Maker's track, also known as "T-Rail".  Lionel's only scale 1:48 model until Richard Kughn bought Lionel was the 700EW scale Hudson.

Four digit cab/model numbers denote a locomotive intended for sets with O27 track which was derived from Ives' O gauge track.  It was Lionel-Ives, then Winner, then Lionel Junior and finally O27.

Most four digit locomotives use all or most of the same parts as their three digit counterparts.  The 675 is identical in every way to the 2025 with the exception of the set components it was sold with.

So it was much more a matter of price range back then than it was about accuracy of rivet placement.  

[wjstix]

"Semi-scale" is one of those terms that can mean different things, depending on the context. 

Semi-scale can mean the engine (or car) is scale size, but less detailed than a true scale model. A Lionel 700E Hudson was a scale model. The Lionel 773 Hudson was the same size, but had less detail than the 700E (and I believe had wheels made for tinplate track rather than "T" track.)

Semi-scale could also mean what is sometimes called "scale detailed". The engine is smaller than scale, but has detailing similar to a true scale model. Compared to toy 'tinplate' engines of the 1920s, later Lionel diecast steam engines were much closer in appearance to the real thing.

In some cases, like passenger cars, semi-scale could mean the cars are the same height and width as a scale model, but shorter in length to go around a sharper curve.

[JimL]

Thank you both! I learned much. Glad I asked.

I definitely need a full 1/48 scale steam locomotive for a small, non-operating railroad diorama. Hopefully, I'll find a scale engine that someone is selling "for parts," etc at a good price.

Jim

[pennytrains]

Take a look at the AHM Rivarossi Indiana Harbor Belt 0-8-0 kit.  They can generally be found in the $50 to $100 range on eBay.