I've had my 2046 for close to ten years, and besides a touch of oil, haven't had to do anything to it.
Dave
It's a TOY, A child's PLAYTHING!!! (Woody from Toy Story)
Brody,
I am going to echo Trevor on the 2055 and the 2065, (along with the 685 and 665) being identical engines except fot the boiler fronts and numbers. I have all of the "Baby Hudsons" on my roster and they are great performing engines. I have had my original 685 since receiving it new in 1953 and it is impeccable. Personally, I like the boiler front on the 2055 better, but with the 2065 you do not have to worry about the ront jewel stanchions breaking off if derailed or dropped.
John
The PW "baby" Hudson's are all bullet proof engines that usually run well with just basic maintenance from time to time.
My 646 is one of my go to engines, and it always runs strong and smooth.
The larger scale 773 Hudson's from 1950 and 1964 to 66 are good engines, but their pulling power is not that strong, and they may look out of scale on a layout with 31" curves and traditional sized rolling stock.
Not to be overlooked is the 8600 from 1976, this engine was the first MPC use of the 2046/646 mold, and the first MPC steamer with magnetraction.
Ken
If you are still in the looking stages to decide on a postwar Hudson, I would advise you to take a gander at Postwarlionel.com photos and look at the boiler detail to see what pleases you the most. I have a 2046 from 1950 for example and like the 3 window cab setup versus the others.
A 773 would be the nicest in my mind but they are pricey for a good specimen......also a tad larger (scale?) which might create problems without wider radiused curves. MagneTraction was not available on all of the postwar steamers (Hudsons) due to material shortages during the Korean war......something else you might consider in your decision-making process.
Jack
IF IT WON'T COME LOOSE BY TAPPING ON IT, DON'T TRY TO FORCE IT. USE A BIGGER HAMMER.
They're identical except for the numbers and boiler fronts, they have the exact same motor assemblies. Whichever one you think looks better (...I like the 2065 ...).
Trevor
Yes, either one would be a great engine. I like the way the 2065 looks with the feed water heater up front.
Roger
I would say either one will run great both very nic engines
Between the Lionel 2055 and the 2065, which would be the best runner?
Brody
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