I grew up with my moms 1946 Lionel train. It was an O-27 freight train headed by a 2020 6-8-6 steam turbine. My question is:
Why do I almost never hear anything about this locomotive or any of the other 6-8-6's that Lionel put out either in CTT or on this forum. Is the loco no good? If so why and what's better/best. If I'm going to spend the money on only one post war steam locomotive where is my money best spent?
Thank you for your time.
Most of the folks that participate on chat boards seem to be focused on running the more recently made trains.
The 1946 version of the 2020 locomotive is a fine engine. It is unique because the turbines and berkshires were redesigned for 1947.
In 1946, both engines were made with a smoke mechanism that was based on a very large, hot light bulb. The smoke stuff was corrosive, and easily spilled from the cup that was molded into the bulb. In 1947, the smoke unit was redesigned to use a nichrome wire heater, and a safer material to make the smoke. Sometimes 1946 locos are found with the newer heater beacuse Lionel offerred update kits. This kits were available right up until 1969, and perhaps later. (This smoke unit underwent a number of revisions over the next several years)
The 1946 turbine's drivetrain is also different from the later models. Finally, in 1946, the reversing unit was turned off and on via a plug and jack arrangement on the back of the motor. Staring in 1947, a slot was cut in the top of the boiler, and a little swtich lever stuck through the slot.
Which cars does your set have? I have a 1946 set that came with a silver 3454 merchandise car.
You have a wonderful engine. It is one of the desirable ones.
If you want another desirable locomotive, the 726 is what you should set your sights on. It was the top of the line Lionel steamer in the 1940's. The 736 is another fine locomotive, and is actually the same locomotive as the 726, but with magnatraction.
Jim
Modeling the Baltimore waterfront in HO scale
zigg72md wrote: I grew up with my moms 1946 Lionel train. It was an O-27 freight train headed by a 2020 6-8-6 steam turbine. My question is: Why do I almost never hear anything about this locomotive or any of the other 6-8-6's that Lionel put out either in CTT or on this forum. Is the loco no good? If so why and what's better/best. If I'm going to spend the money on only one post war steam locomotive where is my money best spent?Thank you for your time.
lionroar88 wrote: My next postwar engine is going to be a 672 or 682 Berk.Brent
Brent, No such things as 672s and 682 Berks. There is a 682 Turbine, based on the 671/2020.
jaabat wrote: lionroar88 wrote: My next postwar engine is going to be a 672 or 682 Berk.BrentBrent, No such things as 672s and 682 Berks. There is a 682 Turbine, based on the 671/2020.
I have the 1949 version of the 2020. It was my dad's and it is what I grew up with. With good care, these will outlast our children. Mine has taken it's share of abuse, but since growing up, I can look back and know that it is quality made and a piece I cherish. Good luck with yours. I think the fact that you don't see folks mention them too often is that they have been around for a long time and many already have them, or similar. They hold dear places in our hearts. Every once in awhile, someone will ask a question about "your first train", or some type of old memories trains and these come up. I have just about the complete catalog of offerings from1949. It was my goal to do this and I did so because of the memories I have of the set my dad gave me. While I have a number of more recent sets, I will always keep the 2020 as my favorite.
Dennis
TCA#09-63805
"...I almost never hear anything about this locomotive..." Look down the forum page just a little:
http://www.trains.com/trccs/forums/1077747/ShowPost.aspx
Bob Nelson
I have a 1946 version of the 671, essentially the same locomotive. It needs some body work (that's why I got it as cheaply as I did). Outstanding runner. Excellent pulling power, and it runs smoothly. The 6-8-6s have always been sought after because they can pull a long train.
To answer your other question, if you could only have one PW steamer, one of the 6-8-6s would be an excellent choice.
While turbines are certainly one of the oft mentioned post war favorites, I have a devil of a time running mine. The 6-8-6 combo is just frenetic going through switches and I have yet to find a way to even begin to figure a way to get mine through an o72 switch.
I have to plan a section on the lower level of my layout with no switches to be able to have a place where it can run, although it is also subject to throwing a truck on o31 curves as well.
Frank,
I wonder if your turbine has a wheel out of guage, causing the derailing. Dirty wheels will also cause a truck to jump.
Brent!!!
Look it up yourself, dude! It's a couple of mouse clicks for cripe's sake!
The spring part number is: 671-OU812
jaabat wrote: Brent!!!Look it up yourself, dude! It's a couple of mouse clicks for cripe's sake! Jim
That's a bold statement from a guy who is too girly to pull tubular track pins with his teeth.
Couple of clicks my rear!Spring: 671-151Cup Washer: 671-33Front Truck Stud: 671-94Could not find anything on the rear truck...Brent
Frank53 wrote: jaabat wrote: Brent!!!Look it up yourself, dude! It's a couple of mouse clicks for cripe's sake! Jim That's a bold statement from a guy who is too girly to pull tubular track pins with his teeth.
I just choose to live in the present century.
lionroar88 wrote:Couple of clicks my rear!Spring: 671-151Cup Washer: 671-33Front Truck Stud: 671-94Could not find anything on the rear truck...Brent
Isn't the rear truck the same as the front, Brent?
1688torpedo wrote: Hello All! Both the Rear & Front Truck's are the same & use the 671-151 Spring. Jeff Kane at the Train Tender or Dr.Tinker should have these parts in stock. Take Care.
Yeah, Baby!
jaabat wrote: 1688torpedo wrote: Hello All! Both the Rear & Front Truck's are the same & use the 671-151 Spring. Jeff Kane at the Train Tender or Dr.Tinker should have these parts in stock. Take Care.Yeah, Baby!
lionroar88 wrote: jaabat wrote: 1688torpedo wrote: Hello All! Both the Rear & Front Truck's are the same & use the 671-151 Spring. Jeff Kane at the Train Tender or Dr.Tinker should have these parts in stock. Take Care.Yeah, Baby! Thanks!Jim - I thought so, but since I don't have them committed to memory I chose not to assume and make an *** of you and a genious of me! Brent
No problem, Brent. Nobody can make an a s s of me better than me! If it were an Olympic event, I'd be a gold medal winner!
I hope the springs take care of the problem.
jaabat wrote: No problem, Brent. Nobody can make an a s s of me better than me! If it were an Olympic event, I'd be a gold medal winner! Jim
I fully endorse this post!
Frank53 wrote: jaabat wrote: No problem, Brent. Nobody can make an a s s of me better than me! If it were an Olympic event, I'd be a gold medal winner! Jim I fully endorse this post!
LOL!
The casting for the front and rear turbine trucks are the same. But the rear truck has the drawbar riveted to it.
Early someone mentioned that a 681 and 2020 only differed in whether they had magnetraction. It is true that the 2020 does not have magnetraction. It does have nickle rimmed drivers as well. The 681,682, and 671RR have sintered iron drivers.
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