I know it's a topic that suffers from over exposure, but I can't help myself tonight. After too many hours of drawinmg up layout additions, taking measurements, laying out track, cutting, nailing , staining - with much more to go, I had to run some train.
So I did about 20 laps with my 2344 NYC ABA pulling 20 cars. I dont' have it all by any means, but within my collection, this is the smoothest, most effortlessly powerful (and subjectively good looking) postwar engine. And I love it's sound.
Other opinions?
runtime
My best running post wars engines are the GP-7 and 2025 steamer. I have a 2344 F3 also but cannot run it anymore because it sparks heavily at the rollers and leaves burn marks on the center rails. No one can figure out why.
Roger
I can agree with Roger. My 2338, GP-7 and the 2025's are the best runners.
Kurt
My very best runners are the earliest post war steamers. 224, 221 and 726. These are the smoothest, quietest engines of the post war steam offerings in my opinion.
I have a 2065 which is also pretty smooth as is my 2037, but not nearly so much as the other three.
I also have a 1656 Bell Ringing Steam Switcher - nice and smooth but the 0-4-0 configuration bounces a bit through post war switches.
I have a 681 which is quite loud and clanky, and a 2026 that has either a worn bearing or a very slightly bent axle that gives in a bit of a "hula" effect.
My 746, while a beautiful engine is somewhat of a beast - kind of loud , kind of cumbersome because it sits a bit high.
On the diesel side, I agree the "middle" F3s run very well. They growl and snarl a lot, but it is a part of their inherent character. I have both the Santa Fe and New York Central versions.
For smooth output of pure pulling power, post war FM Trainmasters are the ticket. Mine can probably tow my car.
On teh Switcher side, earlier switchers with rear single motor drive, like the 6220 which I have are very smooth and strong. Later edition switchers, including my 621 with sheet metal frames and driven from the front are clanky.
I had a 2350 EP-5, whcih was about as smooth as they come, but the single motor made it a bit weak.
2243
Bob Nelson
My smoothest runner is probably my 1946 berk with the atomic motor (i think thats what its called). It has some issues with 022 switches because the spring on the guide wheels is worn but is a great engine.
I know we're talking about smooth but I read somewhere that the 773 with one motor has more pulling power than an FM or F3 with 2 motors. Some guy did a test of various postwar and modern engines and found the 773 to be the strongest.
My 1666 and 675. 2020 and 671 run smooth, but with the plunger for smoke, they do make a bit of noise.
TCA#09-63805
The engines from the 1940s seemed to have a nice smooth fit and ran quieter. Other than Scout motors all of the emgines did run good.
"IT's GOOD TO BE THE KING",by Mel Brooks
Charter Member- Tardis Train Crew (TTC) - Detroit3railers- Detroit Historical society Glancy Modular trains- Charter member BTTS
I agree with Frank about the 224. I own the grey prewar version, and it is a perfect running engine and runs better than some of, if not ALL my other engines even better than the new ones with can motors, and it is extremely quiet. My 726 runs great too but it is a bit of a growler when she warms up. My prewar 1666 is a smooth runner but is a bit noiser than the 224 and loves to fly. My 2055 is the best looking engine as far as condition in my collection but is probably the worst running, because it's very loud, and its only happy if its going fast. But I don't mind. LOL I know I am covering some prewar but I know that they made them in the postwar years also. My little 1615 switcher is a smooth and quiet runner also but bobs through curves with the absence of guide wheels or trailing wheels. I know they all would run better if I had a postwar ZW but all I have are two 80 watt transformers and one 100 watt transformer but considering some of them still run quiet well.
1. 224E
2. 1666E
3. 726
4. 1615
5. 2055
Give me steam locomotives or give me DEATH!
Berkshire Junction, bringing fourth the cry of the Iron Horse since 1900.
trainrat ... I have a 2344 F3 also but cannot run it anymore because it sparks heavily at the rollers and leaves burn marks on the center rails. No one can figure out why... Roger
... I have a 2344 F3 also but cannot run it anymore because it sparks heavily at the rollers and leaves burn marks on the center rails. No one can figure out why... Roger
Try the 622-193 collector assembly. This will cut down on your sparking.
Rob
My 623 after a recent trip to the repair shop is a very nice running engine. I know it is MPC but my 8603 baby hudson is a very nice running engine and the SOS still works
Tom
The smoothest running steamer I have is my 675. It's nearly silent when it's running.
I don't have any really late model engines, but my impression is that mechanical fit and finish definitely went down hill during and after the Korean War years. My 681, 2055, 2056, etc. all lack the wonderful operation of the older steamers.
I don't have much experience with F-3s, but I know that both my 2032 and 623 are great little runners, with a slight nod going to the 623.
New Haven 2350 EP5 gets my vote.
2330
2340
2360
any dual horizontal motor F3
I have around 25 pw loco"s but Im most impressed with the way my 2321 lackawanna runs. For a big engine she seems to glide around my layout.
Don't have it anymore but the best engine I had was 2359 B&M GP-7/9 I plan on replacing it one day but thats in the future wished never got rid of it. I have both a 671RR and 681 and have no complants about either of them. I like both of them also.
Life's hard, even harder if your stupid John Wayne
http://rtssite.shutterfly.com/
Probably because I grew up with it, but my favorite is my #210 Alco.
Thanks to all for the responses so far.
Seems not everyone thinks 'Best' has to mean big time pulling power.
Early postwar steamers are widely admired for their smoothness (and I suppose their nicely detailed drivetrain). This despite most if not all of them lacking Magna-traction. My nearest candidate for that club is a 675 - used to fly of the track a lot on curves in the old days when running multiple trains because it needed so much less power plus the lack of Magna-traction.
When power and smoothness is called for, most like the horizontal motor F3's. Why I slightly prefer my 2344 to my 2343 must be tied up in boyhood operating memories.
johnjay2 I have around 25 pw loco"s but Im most impressed with the way my 2321 lackawanna runs. For a big engine she seems to glide around my layout.
That's at least the second mention of the 2321 FM as the top smooth puller. Mine's been in storage for so long I almost forgot how it runs, but I do remember that quiet gliding characteristic. I also think it had 'taller' gearing, as it ran faster than an F3 at the same throttle setting. Guess I'll have to get it out.
..Look forward to hearing more.
My best running steam engine is a 2025. Seems that I'm not alone on that.
Best running diesel is a 624, but it's also my only diesel.
J White
I have collected and operated Lionel for more years than I care to admit. I am fortunate to have in my collection every postwar steamer and most diesels that Lionel made. IMHO Lionel engineers made excellent equipment with a couple of exceptions. I have run all my locos at one time or another and I think the early Berkshire 726 is the smoothest running. I noticed no one mentioned the cheaper 2046 but with magnetraction this is an impressive piece as are the mag turbines. In order for any Lionel steamer to run well, it must be clean, lubed, and undamaged. I have repaired trains for many years and have seen so much abuse, dirt, and damage that it was amazing the loco could run at all. As for the diesels, I still think the early horizontal F-3s with mag are unstoppable. I use a restored and customized 2353 ABA on my layout that I have never been able to put too many cars behind.
Lets see, defenetly not my 736 My 2353 Santa Fe F3s run pretty smooth. they are noisy though. my 2026 also runs pretty nice.
"No childhood should be without a train!"
For the American Flyer entry
The 300, simple, pulls good and will run all day for days!
Jim
3railguyFor smooth running, I like the later vertical motored F3's, early Alcos and NW-2 switchers with die cast frames, and the EP-5's. For steamers 675 and 1656 bell ringer is my favorite. Not the greatest pullers however. Trainmasters are smooth and powerful. You can't beat them. Early 2332 GG1's are super smooth but don't pull well. The later 2340 with dual motors pulls better but is not as smooth.
Now we're getting somewhere, perhaps. For those of you who have both horizontal and vertical motor F3s: which are the 'better runners' however defined?
Secondly, the comments about the 2332 (I recently acquired one) reminds me of how that engine is slightly reminiscent of the operation of my prewar No.4 electric (Build-a-loco), What gives these engines that special smooth characteristic?
And to all you American Flyer folks: help inform us ignorant Lionel folks - when are you talking 3-rail vs 2-rail - I believe AF made both?
Keep it coming,
The post war were two rail S gauge. Pre war was three rail
On the Lionel side, I like the early 2026 and early 675/2025 for smooth running and strong smoking locomotives.
On the Gilbert Flyer side, any of the diecast metal steamers are great runners and smokers.
runtimeNow we're getting somewhere, perhaps. For those of you who have both horizontal and vertical motor F3s: which are the 'better runners' however defined? Secondly, the comments about the 2332 (I recently acquired one) reminds me of how that engine is slightly reminiscent of the operation of my prewar No.4 electric (Build-a-loco), What gives these engines that special smooth characteristic?
I have both horizontal and vertical motored F3's and IMHO feel the vertical motored are better runners. I've never counted teeth and looked at gear rations but they seem higher geared and slow down on curves and grades more than the horizontal motored variety. The shells of the later vertical motored versions got the cheap stick in a few places.
With the 2332 and 2340 design, it's hard to say without tearing them down and looking at things like worm cut angle, gear lash, runout, etc. The motor is angled near horizontal but not on a gear tower like the horizontal motored F3.
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