Question for the prewar experts
Thinking of getting a 259. Which one is better- the 1932 version with reverse lever and red wheels or later version with sintered wheels and e unit?
Does the 1932 version with reverse lever have an e unit?
Do the later versions have less trouble with zinc rot?
thanks
Northernpike
I can't answer the first two questions, but concerning zinc rot I don't think that should be a concern. If it hasn't happened by now (80+ years) it's not likely to happen at all. Zinc rot typically sets in long before an 80 year time span.
The 259 with the reverse lever is a manual reverse loco. It does not have an 'E' unit.
Larry
I agree with Firelock wrt zinc rot.
The 259 has a reversing lever in lieu of an "E" unit. The later vesion, 259E, has the "E" unit.
As for preference, I think the earlier version with red spoked wheels is "cuter" and since my 259E's often switch to neutral when going through a turnout, I lock the "E" unit in forward, so the lack of the "E" unit on the 259 is not an issue.
swede
I have both, appearence wise I prefer the 259, as stated it has the red spokes, operation wise I can't comment as I don't have a layout scine I got these. Both of mine where refurbished as there bodies are to shiny and new looking, but thats fine with me.
Life's hard, even harder if your stupid John Wayne
http://rtssite.shutterfly.com/
The 259 (no E) was made in 1932 only and had a manual reverse lever in the cab. It was painted gloss black, had red center wheels and brass and copper trim and came with the 4 wheel 259T.
The 259E had 8 variations, most of them cosmetic.
I have only the 1932 259 in black with copper and brass trim. The only issue it has is that the axle bearings are worn and so it "wobbles" and rides up (and off) tubular track. It runs well on "T" shaped solid rail though. The early spoked wheels are see-through by the way. The change-over to solid castings appears to have taken place around 1934. Personally I like the early wheels because they enhance the toy-like charm of the loco.
Trains, trains, wonderful trains. The more you get, the more you toot!
Thanks.
Did not realize there were so many variations. Nice looking engine.
It's one of my favorites! But my photo demonstrates that high def camera + flash = dust you didn't know was there!
Thank-you penny for the info on the 259/259E
This is my 259 and I guess like a dummy I got rid of the 259T tender as didn't like just the 4 wheels. I replaced it with a 262T tender
and here is my 259E in grey
Again I believe both of these where redone prior to my purchase of them.
I'm sure it's not original, but mine pulls an orange striped, 8-wheel 258T tender. Which I also like better than the 4 wheel 259T!
The 258t tender is my favorite early tender. I would love to have a 258 with 258t looking like the pair in the following links, advertised by dakotapaul.
http://www.dakotapaul.com/items/showitem.asp?iid=3298
http://www.dakotapaul.com/items/showitem.asp?iid=1791
rrswede The 258t tender is my favorite early tender. I would love to have a 258 with 258t looking like the pair in the following links, advertised by dakotapaul. http://www.dakotapaul.com/items/showitem.asp?iid=3298 http://www.dakotapaul.com/items/showitem.asp?iid=1791 swede
I'm surprise he didn't fix the coal load in the first listing. It's in backwards in his pictures. The slope of the coal should drop going towards the engine. But still a very nice looking engine. That tender reminds me of the 262T tender. they are very simular if not the same.
rtraincollectorI'm surprise he didn't fix the coal load in the first listing. It's in backwards in his pictures.
Huh! I didn't notice that! Good eye!
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