1946 Berkshire

A 726 Berk was my first train, from Santa, Christmas of 1946; i had just turned 3. By Christmas of 1947 i had learned to take it apart and put it back together again (successfully) with no more than pliers and a screwdriver. As this was a few years before i learned to read, i didn't have a "source of info", but as i recall it was about as technologically advanced as a stone. Just go at it.

jack

Keep in mind the 1946 berkshire is very different from the 1947 on up. Its the only one with bulb smoke unit and the drivers are attacked very differently from the later models, and a very different motor setup. Enjoy!

Scott

I think your best guide is this forum.  Start working on it and ask any questions you have along the way.  There are a few different service manual books out there (I've never used one).  I think Greenbergs makes one.  I kind of just taught myself to work on them.  It's not real difficult as long as you're careful about things.

If you are looking for service information, get a copy of one of the many reprints of the original Lionel service manual. It has been done in hardcopy by Aurotec and Greenberg. There are also DVD's with scans of the pages.

If you are looking for article(s) detailing Berkshire variations, look to the Greenberg series of guides. One of them has a multipage article detailing Berkshires. This article was reprinted from a TCA publication (with permission), and originally appeared in one of the postwar price guides. I beleive it was reprinted in one or both versions of the "Rarities" books.

While researching the early 726s recently I encountered an error in the Greensburg guide referencing the pilot detail on p80 in the hardcover edition where it states that (C) 1948-49 version "lacks the simulated front coupler found on the 1947 model".

It has been pointed out here on the Forum that the opposite is true - the early two versions had the plain pilot and that it was added to later production.

I'm working from memory here and if incorrect, please set me straight!

quote:

I'm working from memory here and if incorrect, please set me straight!

I remember the thread.

You are correct about the pilots.

Did we draw any conclusion on the 1949 variation, where the book claims that a 622 style brushplate, (as opposed to coil spring 2020 style brushplate) was used?

Olsen's Toy Trains at olsenstoy.com has the repair diagrams and parts listed. Enter 726. Becareful with the 726-24 plastic insulator for the pickup plate. Mine turned to dust as I took it off. Also if you are removing the handrail stanchions, they will snap if overtightend. The 1946 has the bulb smoke unit, unless it was replaced with the Lionel kit.