2035 needs a brother

[traindaddy1]

I read with great interest the recent post by Boyd about Articulated engines and also the responses.  I noticed that there were favorable comments about the pulling power of the 2046.  I have been concentrating on building consists of the Postwar 6454 series of boxcars and have been overworking my 2035 engine.

Besides the 2046, what steam engine would you suggest would be a compliment to my 2035, both in looks and pulling power?   (O27 tubular)   As always, many thanks.

PS  I would consider a Modern Era engine if it would blend in with the Postwar rolling stock.

[servoguy]

The 736 is a very powerful engine. I don't know if it will work on O-27. It is my first choice for PW engines. The 2046 I have will pull 30+ cars, half PW and half newer cars. It will struggle just a little getting 30 cars started, but it doesn't lack power. It will spin the wheels sometimes starting 30 cars. Bruce Baker

[traindaddy1]

Bruce: Thanks for the post.

[servoguy]

I just put together a loop of O-27 track with a couple of 1122 switches. The 2046 goes through the switches pretty well, but the 736 doesn't like them at all, and at any speed will derail. Bob Nelson may have a fix for this. The 736 and the 2046 both like O31 track. They go through the 022 switches without a problem. I think you might want to stick with a shorter wheel base for O-27 track. Bruce Baker

[traindaddy1]

Bruce:  I'll probably concentrate on the 2046. (When I posted O27 tubular, I should have stated O27 tubular with 42" and 54" diameters. "My Bad") Thanks.

[alank]

Servoguy,

I have to ask, what is it that the 736 doesn't like about 1122 switches.   I have a 726 that I use with 1122 switches, and have experienced no problems.

[servoguy]

The 736 was bouncing around going through the 1122 switches when I ran it slowly. When I ran it at a moderate speed, it derailed. The switches I am using are the manual version of the 1122 automatic switches. They are brown in color. As far as the switch part is concerned, they look identical to black 1122 automatic switches that I have. Bruce Baker

[servoguy]

I just ran a 2026 that I have on the O-27 loop. It runs better than the 2046 as it is a much smaller engine. It still bounces a little going through the switches, but it does not derail. I just changed the manual switches for a pair of automatic 1122 switches, and got the same result. Bruce Baker

[alank]

Servoguy,

      When I started running my 726 thru 1122 switches, I used to worry...Knowing it was considered a "O" gauge engine, I thought maybe the driver flanges would give me a problem and ride on the base of the switch, thus adding instability to the engine as it passed thru the switch.   After succussfully running without incident, I didn't worry about it anymore, nor did I see any wear evidence of what I worried about.  I have used "O-27" a long time, and like it for its rail size when building a layout.   I also like the idea of Bob Nelson's capactitive discharge, as you always had to be aware of where you parked your train.   This is a good thread, as I have so often thought of different thing to do with 1122s.  I use only the black ones from NY NY...have thought of adding the brown O-42s, but like the lanterns.    The manual version that goes along with 1122s are nice, in that they direct power.   I have used them in yard situations, often cutting less than 1/2 pieces of track for between on the ladder.

[TRAINCAT]

You might consider a 665, 2065, 2025/675, 646, 2046 or 2055. Any of these would be a good match.

Roger

[traindaddy1]

Roger: New thoughts.  Thank you.

[servoguy]

Traindaddy, If you are running 42 adn 54" track, you should be fine with any of the engines. It is O-27 27" that might give you problems with the larger engines. Bruce Baker

[LL675]

my 736 runs fine on O27.

[Taranwanderer]

I might also suggest the 2037, it's identical to the 2026 Bruce mentioned above except that it has Magne-traction. My 2037 is the first engine we ever purchased (even before I was around,) so I'm kind of partial toward it, but it really was the best puller on my layout until I bought my MTH Dash-8 (with 2 DC can motors.) Since the 2037 is the smaller frame like the 2026, it'll run through your 027 turnouts without any problems. Good luck!

[wm #734]

I agree with that. When my 2037 worked, it was strong enough to pull at least 30 postwar cars. You just have to watch that the pilot doesn't touch the center rail. The pilots on 2037's are very low (at least mine was).

[traindaddy1]

Thanks to all for your responses.  A lot of great ideas.  We'll see!

[RockIsland52]

One last thing you should consider is your appearance preference.  

I went back through www.postwarlionel.com and looked at each of the engines discussed here and then reread the descriptions.  I personally like the drivers, detail, and the boilerplate on the 2046s.  But that's me, and I also see a Berk in my future. 

Jack 

[traindaddy1]

Jack:  Thanks.