Opinions On Post War "Streamline" Choice

[Frank53]

I have been looking for what I refer to as a "streamlined" loco and it seems the pickins are kind of slim in the post war lionel offerings. The 746 4-8-4 is the look I am seeking, and I like the red/yellow accents, however, I am trying to stick to a northeastern layout and the Norfolk & Western Railway kinda sorta doesn't quite fit in. Most of the existing power and stock I have are NY Central, Pennsylvania, Leihigh Valley and the ever-nebulous "Lionel Lines".

I am seeking the bullet nose styling, and the only other offering I see is the 221 which has a New York Central tender.

Does anyone have one or both and shed some light on the desirability of either of these. I will probably have to comb ebay for either and would be interested in reasonable price input and the chances of buying one on ebay that actually runs.

Any input will be greatly appreciated.

[Frank53]

746 shown below:



221 from ebay:


the 221's seem to get beat up easily because teh NY Central on the Tender is a decal.

[Anonymous]

There was the prewar pennsy torpedo too. 16 something-something.

[1688torpedo]

How about a prewar 1688 Lionel Torpedo .? They are plentiful,run well, and will last forever . I have three of them and a 1668 which is another variation of the Torpedo. They are easy to find and parts are not too hard to get. If you need any help contact me at my e-mail...........Keith

[Frank53]

Keith - I'm guessing you're a fan of this particular model???

I just took a wild guess.

I don't have a pre-war reference - off to ebay to see if I can find a photo.

Thanks!

[Chris F]

The pre-war PRR "Torpedo" was issued under the numbers 238 (4-4-2), 1668 (2-6-2), 1688 (2-4-2), and 1588 (0-4-0, clockwork). Lionel reissued the Pennsy Torpedo as a 4-6-2 in 1997 with the number 18052.