726 and 736 Differences 1949-1950/51

Larry, don't know if you've ever checked out the on-line postwar library, but I have found it helpful in the past when I've had questions about postwar products.

Here's a couple links for the locos you mentioned.

http://postwarlionel.com/motiv...shire/726-berkshire/

postwarlionel.com/motive-power...shire/736-berkshire/

Larry Neal posted:

I have some questions about the differences between a 1949 726 and a 1950/51 736.

The cab window arrangement seems confusing to me. Greenberg guides say the 1950-51 736 only had 3 to distinguish the new  model. My 726 has the three window cab, while my 736 has four. I have also seen the 3 window 736 was mainly 1953-54 rather than 1950-51. I have seen so many different descriptions, I am not sure which is right. Tandem Associates doesn't mention cab window differences in the 726. 

My 736 also has the headlight wedges, hexagonal bases to the flagstaffs and silver numbers on the cab. The flagstaffs were changed to round bases in 1953, I think, when the numbers were changed to white. The 726RR Korean War version has the wedges under the headlight (based on internet research) and either a 3 or 4 window cab. I wonder if they started using the wedges under the headlight by the end of the 1951 production, which would lead into the 726RR.  I have the 2671WX small letter LL tender for my 736, which is correct for 1950/51. 

Has there been a published (print or internet) definitive article on the yearly differences between the 726, 736 and 726RR to determine exactly what year it was made, other than Tandem Associates? 

I can take photos tonight of the two locomotives when I get home if that would help solve any questions.

Thanks for the help. 

Tom McComas and James Tuohy's Lionel-A collector's Guide and History-Volume ll-Postwar, on pages 47 and 48 has detailed descriptions of the differences in the Lionel Berkshires from 1946 to 1966.  Hope this helps.

Greenberg's Guide to Lionel Trains 1945-1969 Vol 2, Behind the Scenes has a detailed chapter on the 726/736. Don't believe the book has been printed in many years, definitely worth checking out.

Thanks for all the information. I think I have the Volume 2 Behind the Scenes book, so will check it out. I forgot about the Lionel Library website, good information.

Volume 2 book is the winner! Has all the information I needed to verify the differences. 

I will say, though, the 726RR model from 1952 did have the extra braces under the headlight which no one mentions anywhere. It can be easily seen from examples on the internet. 

Mine appears in all accounts to be a 50/51 model 736 except for the fact of the headlight braces. Wonder if this could have been changed at some point due to damage?

I know it’s 2 years after the last post to this topic, but I recently got the 1950 736 with the small-lettered LL 2671wx tender, three window cab and NO flagstaffs. I’m searching around, once again I’m on a wild goose chase with a postwar Lionel item to find out if this was something done intentionally or if the flagstaffs are missing off my engine. The engine itself runs great and cosmetically it’s beautiful. It was kept in its box and stored well. Not sure why those would be missing. In looking at every available listing on eBay to compare, I have come across a bunch of these from 1950 with the three window cab/same tender that are missing the flagstaffs. Anyone know if this was supposed to be like that? Also, is it possible to see digital images of those pages from Greenberg Vol. 2? I’d love to read about the Berkshire. Thanks I’m advance.
James

From Tandem site...

Flagstaffs appear on the pilot in early issues. The earliest issued had hexagonal bases, while later issues had round bases and were sometimes painted BLACK. These extra detail parts would be eliminated after 1956.