Ives did the same thing but "R" designated the distant control reverse on their locomotives. In the late 30's many Lionel engines which carried the e-unit lost the "E" designation because most, if not all of the line had the distant control reverse as a standard.
Many Pre-War engines came with a MANUEL reversing switch. Usually a rotary, wafer switch.
When the automatic reversing unit came about, the "E-Unit", the engine classification changed to identify the difference in the two models. Hence, #251 and #251E.
Wes
Give me steam locomotives or give me DEATH!
Berkshire Junction, bringing fourth the cry of the Iron Horse since 1900.
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