Comparitive Discussion on PostWar Lionel big steam (8 drive wheel) locos

[pgtr]

I'm referring to the 671, 2020, 726 and magnetraction 681, 736 (though I'm not including the 746).

Looking for some comparitive discussion on tradeoffs, advantages or disadvantages of each these 8 main wheel locos from the PW era. I'm considering looking for one for myself to collect and run.

How much difference does magnetraction make on these hefty model? How good of a puller are they? How fast are they?

I guess one of the big diffferences between the 671/681/2020 and the 726/736 is more wheels vs more more side linkage 'action'.

Thanks

[EIS2]

How much difference does magnetraction make on these hefty model? How good of a puller are they? How fast are they?

I really like the magnetraction to keep the locos on the track through curves.  My postwar locos like to change speed without any change in the throttle.  When the uncommanded speed increases occur, it is nice to have magnetraction. 

The magnetraction also increases their pulling power.  My layout is small so I don't run long trains, but none of my magnetraction engines slip due to loads. 

All of my postwar locos are fast enough to rollover on the curves.  There is no lack of high speed.

Earl 

[PostwarMan07]

i have a 726 from 1946 only (different smoke unit) ill admit its not the best puller without magnetraction but it is the best looking postwar steamer behind the 773.  If you want a puller go with the 736.  I would go with a berkshire either way.  The 681 is nice and something different but i love my 726.

[Jumijo]

The largest post war steamer I own is a 2056 Hudson. I've noticed that all my magnatraction locomotives run louder than my earlier non-magnatraction engines. All will speed off a curve with ease.

Jim 

[Deputy]

The largest post war steamer I own is a 2056 Hudson. I've noticed that all my magnatraction locomotives run louder than my earlier non-magnatraction engines. All will speed off a curve with ease.

Jim 

I don't have magnetic tracks, so can't speak for magnetraction. However, I'm pretty sure the pre-magnetraction turbines (2020, 671, 671RR) have weight (s?) added to increase traction. And as Jim states, all my prewar turbines will fly off a curve, no problemo And all my turbines are EXCELLENT pullers.

Dep

[Anonymous]

I have both a 2020 and 681 and love them both of them.  There isn't a weight difference between the 2020 (non-magnatraction) and 681 (magnatraction), and both run equally well.  The 681 because of the magnatraction is able to pull longer and heavier consists, as well as pulls better on uphill grades (everything runs like a banshee on the downgrades).

[Deputy]

Posted by Ben10ben: If you're using a non-ferromagnetic track, you would in all likelyhood be better off with a 671/2020. Later versions of these had an additional weight in the boiler right over the front set of drivers that served to increase traction.

http://www.trains.com/trccs/forums/2/969791/ShowPost.aspx#969791

Dep

[pgtr]

Thanks everyone - appreciate the responses, all very helpfull