Williams 746 Norfolk "J" Reproduction or Lionel 736 - VG + BOTH SAME PRICE!??

[FEClionel]

OK guys, I've been on a train buying spree - mostly because I want to have my shopping list done before the holidays. I still need a steam engine to run arround the tree. I came across a 736 with the 12 wheel tender in Very Good + condition at my local train shop - however, he also just got in a Williams Golden Memories 746. Both are really nice and I've always liked the 746 a lot. My question is this - which is a better deal? I will be pulling 1955-1957 Lionel rolling stock all in Excellent condition. I guess for me it comes down to which is a better deal - would you rather have an original 736 or a new 746 by williams? Any thoughts?

[3railguy]

How much are these engines? A lot depends on your tastes too. 736's are good runners, easy to service, and very reliable with mechnical reverse and magnetraction. But then condition is a factor too. You say very good plus. Scratches, touch up paint, repro parts, etc are the kinds of things that would turn me off.

[FEClionel]

The williams 746 - new in box - $255
Lionel 1950-1951 vintage 736 - very good + -$300

[3railguy]

The Williams 746 looks like a good deal. The 736 with 6 wheel trucks is desireable too. If it were clean and all original, I'd favor the 736 because of the 6 wheel trucks. the 736 would definately look better with postwar rolling stock. The paint on the Williams unit would be too sharp in comparison. You may consider getting a williams unit later. After that, look for some N&W powhattan arrow cars.

[cbq9911a]

It depends on your tastes. The 736 is a good runner that's easy to service and quite reliable. The Williams J can pull stumps. On the downside, old Lionel whistles can be catankerous, while Williams has that glossy paint.

[SPFan]

If the Williams loco is recent issue it will have satin paint. There may have been some overlap but most of the locos now sold with True Blast II will not be glossy.
As for the Berkshire, if it has the 2426W NYC style 12 wheel tender that came with the original 726 that would be great as its closest to the B&A prototype the engine is based on. The 2671W is actually a PRR style tender. I know these are toys but the Williams Berkshire does come with the 2426 style tender.

Pete

[FEClionel]

Well I got the Williams 746 - I don't know what it is but I love the 746. I do have some reservations - the tender - no air whistle and too many axles- and second its not a lionel. The 736 is very nice and clean but I just wasn't sold on it. I Love postwar lionel and besides my first train set Amtrack Silver Spike Passenger set this is my only non-postwar purchase. I hope I made the right decision.

[3railguy]

If you like the Williams engine better than you made the right decision. We've only offered our personal tastes which may not always be right for you. $255 isn't a bad price for the Williams 746. Plus you've got some change for a car or two.

[Anonymous]

Id take the 736/2426 hands down.