There aren't a lot of differences, but a few. The 2037 is a 2-6-4, as opposed to the 2026 2-6-2 set up. ALthough later models of the 2026 had the 2-6-4 set up. The 2037 is a nicer engine - in my opinion - just due to the nicer tender, as opposed to the basic tender which came with the 2026. I would be tempted to believe the 2026 is a smoother runner, as in my experience the late 40's engines ran much nicer than the 50's models -but that could be a fluke.
Whether $85.00 is a good price depends on the condition. If it is in typical condition - some play wear, no boxes, runs good, the usual nicks and scuffs - it's probably a bit high - but in the grand scheme of things, if the price is high, it's only high by about $10 or $15.
Thanks for the info. The 2037 was in typical condition you could tell it had been played with and had a few miles on it. My 2026 is the later model, 2-6-4. There was also a 2-6-2 model of the 2026. Is this the more desirable of the two? It is going for about $90. Thanks
Bruce
The 2037 has Magnetraction, The 2026 does not.
Rob
In addition to magnetraction, the 2037 has drivers that are all the same size. In a misguided attempt apparently to improve the magnetraction of the 2026, the blind middle drivers were made slightly larger than the others. The magnetraction was cancelled because of the Korean war; but the drivers remained mismatched. When my 2026's motor wore out, I replaced it with a 2037 motor.
Neither the 2-6-4 version of the 2026 nor the 2037 has an American prototype. They are sometimes called "Adriatics", because some were built here for export to there. Lionel called them "Prairies", which was correct for the earlier 2-6-2 version of the 2026.
Bob Nelson
Go to postwarlionel.com and check out the differences for yourself. The earlier 2026 with handrails, extra running gear, and late 40s motors are IMHO superior visually and mechanically. Magnetraction is nice but visually these are two very different locos.
Mike S.
Yep Bob I was. Bruce did mention the earlier model and if it was any more desireable. I believe it is, but just my two cents worth.
I looked up the 2026 on postwar.com and saw the picture of the early production model with the wire handrails. I don't think the 2-6-2 at my LHS had them. Is it posible that a new body was put on an older mechanism years ago and would this affect the collectability of it? Could/should I try to talk down price if I decide to go for this? Thanks
Bruce,
It's not just the handrails but the extra running gear too. I would say if the engine's missing one or both it sure does affect the value. Run out a pic from postwarlionel and go and compare. Very early untouched 2026s have a smoke unit wire that hangs down and you can see it in front of the pickup assembly when you flip over the loco. This is in 1948 models. 1949 model don't have this as this wire sometimes shorted against the locos frame and it was corrected.
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