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Need advice for what Lionel prewar engine to transform my ‘249e’ prewar motor

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  • Member since
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Need advice for what Lionel prewar engine to transform my ‘249e’ prewar motor
Posted by James Huff on Wednesday, July 24, 2024 1:42 AM

I posted this a few weeks ago and haven't gotten any response from anyone so i figured I try this again So I now in a interesting position! I successfully put on the wheel and it runs great! now that the motor is running, what prewar boiler, frame and steamchest should I rebuild this engine as? I pretty sure it's a 249e motor, but apparently there are at least 8 prewar engines that used this type of motor, 249e of course, 259e, 260e, 261e, 262e, 263e, 264e, and 265e. I have a blue 265wx tender that works and I kinda was leaning towards rebuilding the motor into a 265e but  Something inside me thinks that is a bit off. which of those prewar engines is best suited for my motor?

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Posted by Flintlock76 on Thursday, July 25, 2024 9:20 AM

Welllll, since no-one else has said anything...  Hmm

I'm not sure which direction to tell you to go.  It sounds like what you're looking for is an empty Pre-War shell to drop on that rebuilt motor assembly and I don't know where you're likely to find one that doesn't have the motor still inside.

The best thing I can tell you to do is visit train shows, bring the motor assembly with you, and see what's available and what comes close.  You might wind up getting a complete engine and keeping the motor assembly as a back-up.  If you're lucky you might find a show exhibitor or two who bring "junk boxes" to the shows and who may have some Pre-War shells in the boxes.  

Great job on the rebuild!    

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Posted by James Huff on Thursday, July 25, 2024 1:54 PM

Ok knowing that, Which prewar engine shell and frame would most likely fit that motor?

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Posted by Flintlock76 on Thursday, July 25, 2024 7:18 PM

James Huff

Ok knowing that, Which prewar engine shell and frame would most likely fit that motor?

 

Sadly, I have NO idea.  Your best bet for finding out would probably be finding a Lionel Pre-War parts and service guide and then checking your motor against what's in the guide.  I'm guessing there may be some reprints out there (From Greenberg's maybe?) that you can use for reference.  I don't know what else to tell you. 

I just had an idea.  Why not send a photo or two to Henning's Trains:

https://www.henningstrains.com  (for the address)

Ask for their advice as to what that motor might fit, they're Pre-War experts.  Include your e-mail or a SASE for a written reply.  I'm sure they'll get back to you when they can.

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Posted by pennytrains on Thursday, July 25, 2024 8:00 PM

The 259e would have the smallest shell since it was meant to pull 600 and 2600 series cars. The  drivers look a lot bigger on that engine than they do on the 260 series locos.

The 262e was paired with the 265t tender as was the 264e.  Strangely the 265e was originally released with a 261tx tender with 2 drawbars to connect with chrome plated articulated passenger cars.  When Rexall put out their real life blue and white train set, Lionel brought out both the 265tx with dual drawbars and the 265wx with the same drawbar configuration.

Based on all that, I'd suggest either a blue 265e or a blue 263e (baby blue comet) shell would make for an interesting match for your tender.

Big Smile  Same me, different spelling!  Big Smile

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Posted by James Huff on Friday, July 26, 2024 1:57 AM

pennytrains

The 259e would have the smallest shell since it was meant to pull 600 and 2600 series cars. The  drivers look a lot bigger on that engine than they do on the 260 series locos.

The 262e was paired with the 265t tender as was the 264e.  Strangely the 265e was originally released with a 261tx tender with 2 drawbars to connect with chrome plated articulated passenger cars.  When Rexall put out their real life blue and white train set, Lionel brought out both the 265tx with dual drawbars and the 265wx with the same drawbar configuration.

Based on all that, I'd suggest either a blue 265e or a blue 263e (baby blue comet) shell would make for an interesting match for your tender.

 

 

So if I going to choose the 263e or 265e, what frames would I need for each and are the driving and valve rod assemblies the same parts? the first part I would order would be the frame, since everything is connected to it including the motor. Did the 263e come with a 265w tender?

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Posted by pennytrains on Saturday, July 27, 2024 11:12 AM

I don't know the part numbers for the frames etc., but I do know the blue 263e came with a 2263w Vanderbilt tender.  Pairing a 263e loco with a waffle top "coffin-style" tender would be unique.

Big Smile  Same me, different spelling!  Big Smile

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Posted by James Huff on Saturday, July 27, 2024 9:07 PM

The only regret of me having the 265wx tender is that I can pull any regular Lionel prewar cars except the ones that would have came as part of that special set.

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Posted by pennytrains on Sunday, July 28, 2024 9:16 AM

Not familiar with the "drawbar" arrangement of the articulated passenger cars, but would a combination latch coupler on the tender allow universal use?

Big Smile  Same me, different spelling!  Big Smile

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Posted by James Huff on Sunday, July 28, 2024 11:09 PM

pennytrains

Not familiar with the "drawbar" arrangement of the articulated passenger cars, but would a combination latch coupler on the tender allow universal use?

 

the only thing is I don't want to ruin the value of the 265wx tender. The whistle sounds great dispite all these years.

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Posted by pennytrains on Monday, July 29, 2024 6:20 PM

How about creating a canteen car?  As Norfolk and Western called their auxiliary water tenders.  It could go behind the 265wx.

Big Smile  Same me, different spelling!  Big Smile

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