Lionel 736 vs 726

[lionel2]

Which one is better: the lionel 736 from the 1950's or the 726 from 1946 with double worm drive??...i am not sure which one to buy...i know the 736 runs around 300 to 400 dollars and the 726 from 1946 runs around 400 to 600 depending on conditions of course and boxes...I wanna know what you guys think is a better engine for a collector...i have a 726 from 1947 and i love it...just do not have a 736 yet and i hear its a good puller...thanks

[Jim Rotella]

The 1946 model is unique in many ways, which is why it's more expensive than the later models. The  larger, more desireable 2426 tender drives the price up also. The double worm motor is a nice feature, but I think the 736 with MagneTraction is a better runner. For collectabilty, the '46 726 is probably the way to go, but if you want a Berkshire to run, you're better off with the 736.

 Jim

[Jumijo]

The 1946 726 was almost a completely different locomotive than 726s made from 1947-49. It had a different boiler shell with a smaller dome. The drive system and smoke unit were also different from the later versions. It different from the 736 in that it had nickle rimmed Baldwin drive wheels instead of sintered iron.

My experience is that Lionels made in the 1940's run smoother than their magnatraction counterparts of the 1950s. I'm not knocking the magnatraction models. I own and enjoy many of them. But it seems to me that the mechanisms in the 40's models are smoother.

I have a 736, and would jump on a 726 with a large tender if I could find one in my price range.

Jim 

[DMUinCT]

Adding to what has been said.  Remember, the 12 wheel die cast tender is half the price asked for a 1946 - 1949 Berkshire.  In some cases the cast tender is worth as much as a 736 Berkshire. To put that tender in demand, except for the number stamped under it, its the same as the 773 Hudson tender.

[NYC Fan]

If the asking price for each locomotive is fair, based on the current book values, then I would let "condition" be the deciding factor. A few years ago at York I bought an absolutely mint 736 in the outfit box. I chose to buy it over a Exc-Ln 726 at close to the same price. 

[martinden]

Just to keep the record straight, the number of the quality, die-cast tender is 2426W, with both the 726 and the (1950) 773. (The 773W is a tender that was supplied with some of the 1960s 773s -- a plastic 2046W-type with plastic AAR trucks.)

[Frank53]

I have a 736, Jim 

oh really - is that the one you scooped right out from under me?

[LS1Heli]

The non-Magne-Traction steam engines are much better runners than their Magne-Traction counter parts. Thats just a given. I personally do not care for the Magne-Traction engines due to their "harshness" on the tracks, noise level, don't stop as realistically and the sintered iron wheels looks horrible compared to the baldwin drivers and nickel rims of the prewar and early postwar engines. For collectablilty I feel the 1946 726 with diecast 2426W tender is the most desireable. Remember that these engines are heavy and are great pullers with or without the Magne-Traction. I think the 1947-49 726 with the revised heater element (forget that bulb crap) with single worm drive is the best operator.

[Anonymous]

The non-Magne-Traction steam engines are much better runners than their Magne-Traction counter parts. Thats just a given. I personally do not care for the Magne-Traction engines due to their "harshness" on the tracks, noise level, don't stop as realistically and the sintered iron wheels looks horrible compared to the baldwin drivers and nickel rims of the prewar and early postwar engines. For collectablilty I feel the 1946 726 with diecast 2426W tender is the most desireable. Remember that these engines are heavy and are great pullers with or without the Magne-Traction. I think the 1947-49 726 with the revised heater element (forget that bulb crap) with single worm drive is the best operator.

 

 

[Cheese]

Hmm,

This is tough because I like both. I'd say go with the 736 for pulling power, but the 726 pulls good too and the drive wheels are the Baldwin Disc Drivers (Pre 1950) and they look better than the later sintered iron drivers.

If you do get a 736 and want a bigger tender, its not hard to find one. There is an add in CTT from a man who sells orginal and refurbished Postwar Tenders. The large one that came with the 726, pre 1950 is the 2426W. Its very nice. I'd like to get a few and maybe another to repaint for another road.

Cheese

[cwburfle]

I currently own three 1946 Berkshires, and have owned two others. Being a collector, my trains don't get run very much, but I as I recall, the 1946 verison (my favorite Berkshire) runs slower and noisier than the later ones. It should also have a smoke bulb, with a bulb holder that has what looks like a hollow wire nut on the front (light shines through). Lionel did offer a coversion kit, so they are sometimes found with a pellet type smoke unit. The conversion kit may not have sold very well, because I have looked at many 1946 Berk's, and only recall seeing one with the conversion kit. I have seen them with the incorrect, turbine style smoke bulb holder.

 If you like nickle rims, and want the big tender, you may wish to consider the 1947-49 models. They have the same style drive mechanism as the 736 (no magnetraction).

[Jumijo]

I have a 736, Jim 

oh really - is that the one you scooped right out from under me?

Why yes it is, Mr. Headbanger! Mike told me you were interested in it. I said "good, I get the 736 for a good price AND I get to bust Frank's balls for a change!"

It runs and smokes extremely well, Frank. 

HA HA!  

[lionel2]

Ok guys...thanks alot...i do have a 726 from 1947 and a 726RR from 1952(not sure).  They run fine I like the 726 from 1947 better than  the 726RR...but i need the first model made which was from 1946 to add to my collection....and i also need a 736...guess i will be busy at the show in April..oh well...looks like i need about a grand to be safe....cause you know i like them big tenders and nickle rims and such...thanks again

[cwburfle]

After you get your 1946 version, you may be hooked, and decide you need a 1948-49 version too. Then there are a number of variations of the 736............