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I don't think that any 2046 had an opening boiler front from the factory. But- since the boiler shell is the same as a 736, it's easy to substitute one if desired. You could even install the boiler front with the Elesco feedwater as used on the 665-- that's what Lionel MPC did in 1980 with the Blue Comet.
Sorry about the posting mix-up.
I recently purchased two 2046 engines and tenders and upon second review, I found some interesting features that my original 2046 does not have.
It appears the two I recently purchased have many features that never came on the 2046 (only the 726 had them). The ornamental whistle and swinging bell are 726 features. I don't know if these are early factory versions of the 2046 or revisions done by a previous owner. The numbers on the cab are rubber stamped and show no previous alterations. The slot(s) in the shell (for the E-units) appear perfect and identical to my original 2046 in the photos. Both engines have magna-traction (as does my original).
Any ideas?
The boiler front and bell are easy mods that can be done with service station parts and a screwdriver. The whistle involves opening up a mounting hole in the casting. The one on the left in your photo also has hex-base stanchions on the pilot deck. But the pilot assembly is a separate part, not integral to the boiler casting. At least one of yours has the 3-pane window, which I believe is the earliest version of this casting. My guess is that someone upgraded these at some point, but there's really no way to be sure.
I suspect you are right.
BTW, both of the modified 2046 engine have three windows.
