726 in CTT

That's an excellent article--and not just for those at Lionel.

Excellent loco and article. That is why I have three of them. Great runners and proportioned "just right".

Just curious:

Is it difficult to replace the smoke lamp in early 726 with the pellet type?

quote:

Is it difficult to replace the smoke lamp in early 726 with the pellet type?

Lionel issued conversion kits for the Berkshire and Turbine. The one for the Berk was 726S. It included a new boilerfront door, smokestack, flapper, light bulb assembly, and smoke unit. There were a few other odds and ends.
The instruction sheet is probably available on the Olsens web site. It is reproduced in most of the Lionel factory service manual reprints.

The 726S kit itself is very collectable.

The train is yours, do as you choose.
IMHO, doing the conversion will diminsh its interest to collectors, and therefore it's value.
On the other hand, if you sell the complete smoke bulb assembly, with the correct smoke bulb holder for a Berk, that is worth a few bucks. (The holders for the turbine are common)

This engine is on my wish list as well as a nice turbine.

Matt

All of the Berkshires produced by Lionel were great but the early version 726 in my opinion was the best of all. I loved that short article in CTT. What a beautiful engine.

I would hope that the back head is NOT at the rear of the cab like with the 2056 CC.
Rob

726 from pw celebrations set. Just received set #2129ws a few days ago. Just a few comments:

details differing from originals:

1.  the hand rails do not protrude thru the cab as the original

2.  the hand rail stanchions appear to be from the 1946 model

3.  the cowcatcher appears to be from the 1948 model, noting  the simulated coupler. The 1947 model did not have this. I have all three originals, '46, '47 and '48. The rear cab's handrails and backhead detail is a nice touch. Can't wait to run it.

Rob

I received my 726 CC Madison Set from Charles Ro about a month ago. I love that engine, nice whistle and decent smoke. It is a great puller, and to me, looks awesome! I have two Post War 2046 steam locos but this is my first Post War styled Berk. I have two small Lionel Berks from the early 2000's, a C&O and a NKP. The new 726 blows them out of the water. I like the new larger tender also.

Cobrabob.

Below are four photos. Two are of the new 726, one is of a small Berkshire from Lionel and the last photo has one of my 2046's along with a newer Lionel 0-8-0.