Lionel 2046 window struts (sashes)

[Anonymous]

I've always thought that the missing horizontal strut (actually a "sash") in the rear portion of the cab window of #736 Berkshires indicated that the owners had done some "customizing." Now I see that some people are indicating that many #2046 Hudsons (and presumably #646 and #2056 Hudsons also) came this way from the factory. Looking on EBay I see about a 50-50 split between "3 pane" and "4 pane" locomotives. On the #2046 locomotives that I've examined there are always minute "stubs" present which might indicate that the strut had been broken out- but often there is no bare metal present at the stub- the stubs on these locos are painted black like the rest of the cab.
Your opinions please! Richard W.

[Big_Boy_4005]

Alright, you got me. The 2046 is one of my favorite postwar engines, I have 4 of them, but I never paid attention to the cab windows. I loved them for the way they ran. So when I read your question, I went downstairs, and as luck would have it, found the correct box on the first try. JACKPOT!!!!

Guess what, two of each!! I see what you mean. They don't look broken.

Theory: variation? Two thoughts here. Deliberate, for some years of production that tiny segment of the mold was plugged creating the 3 window effect. Accidental, some castings had a defect with that detail, and were salvaged by removing that segment.

I lean toward deliberate. I find it odd that after all of these years, the price guides haven't mentioned it. If it is actually a 50 - 50 mix, then it shouldn't effect price.

[Chris F]

As noted, the 2046 used the body from the 736. From the Greenberg Postwar Guide (2001):

"Cab window: 1950-51 [736] (and 726RR in 1952) typically three-window style with rear horizontal frame omitted. Because of the Berkshire number change in 1950 [from 726], we assume Lionel wanted to make the model appear "different" from previous issues. Most later production reverted to the typical four-window frame."

Therefore, a 2046 from 1950-51 typically had three windows, while the 1953 version typically had four. If the 2046 has plastic side frames on the trailing truck, it's the 1953 version.

FWIW, my 2056 (1952 non-Magnetraction version of the 2046) has four windows.

[lionelsoni]

I think the word is "muntin", not "sash".

[EdA]

[quote user="Chris F"]As noted, the 2046 used the body from the 736. From the Greenberg Postwar Guide (2001):

"Cab window: 1950-51 [736] (and 726RR in 1952) typically three-window style with rear horizontal frame omitted. Because of the Berkshire number change in 1950 [from 726], we assume Lionel wanted to make the model appear "different" from previous issues. Most later production reverted to the typical four-window frame."

Therefore, a 2046 from 1950-51 typically had three windows, while the 1953 version typically had four. If the 2046 has plastic side frames on the trailing truck, it's the 1953 version.

FWIW, my 2056 (1952 non-Magnetraction version of the 2046) has four windows.

Is there anyway you can tell the specific Lionel set that the three window 2046 came in. I have a 2046 three window. I know theres five possible sets they came in. Did all sets come with the 3 window 2046? Thank you

[EdA]

Is there any way you can tell the specific Lionel set that the three window 2046 came in? I have a 2046 three window. I know there is 5 possible sets. Did all sets come with the 3 window? Thank you.

[rtraincollector]

well if the set was made in 50 or 51 it had a three window if, the set was made in 52 it had 4 windows, Now if it was made say 51,52 it could be either.