Toy train operating and collecting

Not that I'm aware of, other than the 2056 was available only one year (1952) it may be a little harder to find and always has a die-cast trailing truck. I think occasionally the 2046 is seen with a sheet metal trailing truck.

I'm sure there are others out there with more experience than I who can weigh in. 

I have a 2046 and it runs fairly smooth and smokes up a storm. 

Mike 

   The 2056 was simply the korean war issue 2046. The magnetic material was not available in quantity during the war(if anyone has more info on what the military used it for i'd like to know.), so they removed the magnets, and the motor side plates are blackened steel instead of shiny aluminum,  other than that they are identical. The 2056 looks better in my opinion without the aluminum side plates showing up.

I agree with Ivesboy that the sideplates on the 2046 are a distraction, but the magnetraction to me is worth it in the exchange for the pulling power.  My 2046 is the 3 cab window version (1950) and runs like new, decent smoker as well, especially when under a heavy consist load.

Jack

ivesboy wrote:

The 2056 was simply the korean war issue 2046. The magnetic material was not available in quantity during the war(if anyone has more info on what the military used it for i'd like to know.), so they removed the magnets, and the motor side plates are blackened steel instead of shiny aluminum,  other than that they are identical. The 2056 looks better in my opinion without the aluminum side plates showing up.

i run a 2056 a lot. a real nice engine with a surpring amount of pulling power. you won't be disappointed!

mike s.