Another 736 Berkshire Problem!!

[lionel2]

hello...i have a 736 berkshire from 1950 the very first runs of the 736...i am in need of another orginal boiler...736-23 i believe...i need the whole boiler and cab..i have no idea where to find this...i have checked ebay and nothing...anyone know any parts places that will have this...any price...and 1 more question...is the 736 supposed to have a ballast weight inside..mine does not but does have a space for one....wondering if i can put one in??..oh and did the 726RR berkshire have magnetraction in 1952??...thanks

[Anonymous]

   The 726rr (stands for rerun not railroad) did not have magnetraction as per the locomotives  of '52. It is kind of odd that the desiel engines kept this feature. If the space for the weight you are refering to is on the chasis by the wheels it is quite possible that you have the chasis for a 726rr and is the space for the magnet that was left out. Unfortuenatley the cab to this loco is not something that is always redily avalible by most part suppliers. Keep hunting because one is bound to turn up somewhere. What is wrong with your cab? If it is just the paint it can be restored quite easily.

[Anonymous]

BTW, I am not 100% on the berks, but if you end up trying to track down a 726rr cab, not all 1952 models had rr on them. My 671rr does not have rr on it.

[Anonymous]

 I just reread your post and realized that you said "inside" of the locomotive. My bad. I need some sleep in the worst way. Either that or the smoke fluid is getting to me.

[Anonymous]

the 2046 and 2056 share the same boiler casting with some machining differences. the E unit slot is in a different location and the top cab mounting screw hole is not on the 736 shell. If you are going to restore a shell these diffefences can be modified. I think you are missing your magnets (ballast). I was told in an earlier post that the 726 had a double worm gear drive which the 736 doesn't. check and see which you have, may be a compilation loco. my 736 is a 1950 also, built without flag stantions.

[Anonymous]

  If you are not so set on a 100% origonal boiler then you can also search for a mpc or later boiler.

[cwburfle]

The only 726 with double worm drive is the 1946 version. It has nickle rims, removable wheels, and originally came with a smoke bulb. The cab for that loco is unique.

In 1947 Lionel retooled the cab, and redesigned the drive train to drive a single axle. The rest of the wheels are driven off the side rods. There are some minor variations, but in general, all Berkshires from 1947 on share the same drive mechanism.

Lionel switched the number of the Berkshire from 726 to 736 when they added magnetraction in 1950.

In 1952 there was a shortage of magnets, so Lionel make the berks without magnetraction, and used the number 726. Sometimes the cabs are stamped "RR", other times not.

[Jumijo]

The 1952 726RR did not have magnatraction. The best place to find a shell for your locomotive is eBay. Patience is the key. They show up regularly and sell for approx. $40 -$50.

Jim 

[DMUinCT]

The 1947 and on Berk shell often shows up at large train shows as poorer locomotives are stripped for drive parts.  Also try people who advertise restoration work for the same reason.