I'm trying ti figure out which is the correct pilot truck for the 1938 gunmetal 259E. An old black 259E with copper fittings has a red spoked truck.with diameters of .88” for the flange and .64 for the wheel. I also have a truck with black spokes with the same dimensions (in the photo). And I have another truck with disc wheels (all with the same frame) that has diameters of .81” and .54”. Did Lionel change to a smaller truck for the later 259E, or is there still another version, i.e. solid wheels of the larger diameter ? In the Hennings catalog is a truck described as 259-PT PILOT TRUCK, LG DISC WHEELS.
The truck with the smaller wheels came attached to that odd front piece with the crosshead guides.
So now I have four possibilities. Which truck do I use to get an authentic restoration.
