Lionel 249E vs. 262 locos

[Train77]

Thank you.  If I am seeing the images correctly, they are essentially the same, aside from obvious color and trim.  

Much appreciated!

[pennytrains]

aboard!

Here's a 262e paired with 600 series cars:

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/568720259178430188/

And a 249e paired with the S G 600 cars you have:

http://www.dakotapaul.com/items/showitem.asp?iid=10

Both are a better size match for the cars than the 259 you have.  I run my 259 with the Ives derived 1690 and 91 passenger and 1680 series freights.

[Train77]

Hello, I have very nice O gauge passenger cars, 607, 607 & 608 in the Girard green combination.  My research shows the set engine/tender that would have come with these is (1) black 262/262T, (2) gunmetal with nickel 249E/265TorW, (3) gunmetal with nickel 259E/1689TorW, (4) same color as cars green 253E, (5) black with nickel 259E/259T or 261T.

Having a black 259E already with a freight set, I am leaning towards the first two on the above list.  Having not seen either of these in person or finding out much about either, I was looking for opinions of anyone who has experience with them both. 

Thank you, Joe