Engine To Run My Tinplate Freight Trains

Sure they are.  There are several on ebay  right now.  They haven't had a new catalog in the past couple of years, but for the most part there are plenty on the market.  If you have the larger 800-2800 series cars, probably a 260E, 255E, or 263E would look best with them.  Someone can correct me but I think the most recent produced have PS3 in them so they should work fine with your existing controls.

Blue 263E, Black 262E, Gunmetal 249E, Red 264E and both a Gunmetal 265E and a black 265E.  I'm sorry these shots only have passenger cars, but maybe you can get an impression of the relative size of each of the loco's.  The 263E is the largest by far and will look great with those cars.

These locos are all original 1930's Lionel production, but the new MTH locos look the same.

I forget which ones, but MTH is in process of delivering 390’s or 392’s. 

Steve

Joe, I'm hardly an expert here.  Like you I'm just getting involved in tinplate.  Let me share what I'm doing and maybe it will give you some ideas.  I bought a 392E to pull 200 series freight cars (the big ones).  I only have one car in-house so far but I have three more on the way. 

Next, I have a 390E preordered to pull 500 series cars.  The dealer told  me the 390E won't be arriving until at least April so I'll be acquiring some 500 series cars in the meantime. 

And finally, I'm waiting for the next MTH catalog to order a 400E and matching Blue Comet, brass trim, passenger set.  If you're looking for steam, I believe those are the big three to go for: 400E, 392E, 390E.  You can branch out from there and see where your interests take you.

As to MTH producing tinplate, I have spread this rumor a few times on OGR already (so why stop now?): I was told by the dealer I do business with to expect a new 2018 MTH/Lionel Corporate Tinplate catalog this April.  He is a big tinplate dealer, if not the biggest, so I believe him.  And lastly, I ordered my 392E from him last week.  I've had it a couple days.  It is PS3 and I controlled it with DCS just like my O-gauge stuff.  It is phenomenal.  Go for it!

Dang, I see now you said O-gauge.  Never mind. 

New catalog= happy Dennis

Dennis Holler posted:

New catalog= happy Dennis

You and me both.  I was beginning to think I took an interest in tinplate right when they stopped making it.  I hope not.

Joe,

   I recommend either a Gray 263E P2 or P3, or Black 260E P2 or P3 to start out with.  Both come with 12 Wheel Tenders so make sure of the Track you plan to run with them.  They look fantastic with the 800/2800 series freight cars and by all means invest in an original Lionel 810 Crane Car, maybe even 2 of them, and turn your freighter into a fantastic Tin Plate Work Train.  Of Course you will want to collect the different 817 Cabeese to go along with your serious 263E Work Train.

PCRR/Dave

Tin Plate Trains the real Little boys Toys, and some Big Boys Too!

Steve "Papa" Eastman posted:

I forget which ones, but MTH is in process of delivering 390’s or 392’s. 

Steve

Looking to get the green 390E with PS3!

Joe

Joe,

  Like to add that one myself!

Dennis Holler,

   I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed you posting the pictures of your Tin Plate, just a fantastic original collection!

Thanks for posting the nice pictures of your very serious collection!

PCRR/Dave

Don’t be afraid to run different colors. This is my Blue comet  that pulls my comet passenger cars but I also pull freight with it which is why I needed the matching caboose. 

Beautiful engine and caboose Chris.  I've narrowed down my search to the 263E.  At this point passenger or freight sounds is not a priority.  The tinplate engines look great on there own.  Will be attending a show this weekend and hope to pick one up there.  Loving my research on tinplate trains.  

Chris,

   Where did you get your great looking (42985) 2817 Blue Comet Caboose?  Might want to add it to my 817 collection also!

PCRR/Dave

Pine Creek Railroad posted:

Chris,

   Where did you get your great looking (42985) 2817 Blue Comet Caboose?  Might want to add it to my 817 collection also!

PCRR/Dave

I pre ordered mine from Charles Ro. They just became available in the last week or 2 so you shouldn’t have any problem finding one. 

Pine Creek Railroad posted:

Dennis Holler,

   I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed you posting the pictures of your Tin Plate, just a fantastic original collection!

Thanks for posting the nice pictures of your very serious collection!

PCRR/Dave

Thank you Dave, you are too kind. There is a lot I need to do to improve my layout   And finish some projects. I will keep posting until they won't let me lol.

Joeceleb posted:

Beautiful engine and caboose Chris.  I've narrowed down my search to the 263E.  At this point passenger or freight sounds is not a priority.  The tinplate engines look great on there own.  Will be attending a show this weekend and hope to pick one up there.  Loving my research on tinplate trains.  

Did someone say 263e? 

Here is my B&O.

George

George S posted:

Joeceleb posted:

Beautiful engine and caboose Chris.  I've narrowed down my search to the 263E.  At this point passenger or freight sounds is not a priority.  The tinplate engines look great on there own.  Will be attending a show this weekend and hope to pick one up there.  Loving my research on tinplate trains.  

Did someone say 263e? 

Here is my B&O.

 

George

Actually, MTH called it a 263e, but it may be a 260e. This one came in a set (11-5502-1), which I was happy to get for the price with the extra cars, track and power supply. Forum sponsor, Western Depot, has the set in stock.

George

Joe,

 What you need is a Lionel prewar switcher with a bell-ringing tender. What class! I see you spent time in Yonkers in your profile and are willing to admit it! 

Tom 

Chris,

   Thank you sir!

George S,

   You are correct it's a 260E the 263E comes with a 12 Wheel Tender, the 260 looks similar and has a 4 Wheel Tender.  MTH misidentified your Engine and Tender.

Beautiful 260E just fantastic!

Dennis,

  They will have to throw us both out then.

PCRR/Dave

Pine Creek Railroad posted:

Chris,

   Thank you sir!

 

George S,

   You are correct it's a 260E the 263E comes with a 12 Wheel Tender, the 260 looks similar and has a 4 Wheel Tender.  MTH misidentified your Engine and Tender.

Beautiful 260E just fantastic!

 

Dennis,

  They will have to throw us both out then.

 

PCRR/Dave

 

I think you mean an eight wheel tender with 4 wheel trucks instead of 6. Very good observation! My engine also has flags, not marker lights. I think Steve said in one post that the 263e had marker lights, not flags. I don't have my Greenberg book or train with me to analyze. However, the two engines are very similar.

George

George,

  You are correct sir, 263E's have lights not flags, and a 12 Wheel Tender.   The 260E has 8 Wheels, 4 on each set of Trucks, the 249E has Lights not flags, and 8 Wheels on it's Tender also.

Still the 260E is a very beautiful Engine & Tender, especially in the Classy Black!

PCRR/Dave

The 249ERR pulling her 8 Wheel Tender and the Green on Green 817.

Lionel Tin Plate the Real Stuff!

Don't know if it's DCS but:

http://marketplace.trainzaucti...ffer/details/8363571

Brian Liesberg posted:

Don't know if it's DCS but:

http://marketplace.trainzaucti...ffer/details/8363571

It’s conventional, not DCS.

Steve

Steve "Papa" Eastman posted:

Brian Liesberg posted:

Don't know if it's DCS but:

http://marketplace.trainzaucti...ffer/details/8363571

It’s conventional, not DCS.

Steve

Steve beat me to it. There's no tether, and you can see the large armature from the side in one of the pictures. A DCS engine will have a can motor.

George

Here's an eBay item number for a black 263e with PS/2. 112834481262

I still think they are a better deal if you can get them in a set. Looks like MTH sold the 263 in the beer tank car set, but that one is pretty unattainable.

George

Ah, Ok.

I usually run conventional so I wouldn't know what DCS equipment looks like.

TY all for you input anyway....will be attending a train show tomorrow....hoping to get lucky....will keep you posted.....

Joe

Joe,

  Some guys may disagree with me, but I would purchase a set brand spanking new, not used.  No matter if it is P2 or P3.  Usually you can pick up a good deal from one to the businesses on line store.  Some times even get free shipping.  However the local Trains Shows are usually good places to get deals also, if they have the Tin Plate you really like.

Good luck with finding what you most like at the Train Show.

PCRR/Dave

Joe one other thought...you mentioned Greenberg's Volume I.

This is my favorite and I would recommend it, too:

It might be a bit pricey (I've seen them go from $50 to $150). There is one on eBay for $83 (+ $6 shipping) but it also has the "Make an offer" option. I like them so much I have 4 of them spread throughout my house. 

Tom 

Tom, The new one is only 100 plus shipping.  Much more data than the old Vol 2,,, but it only covers 1915-1928.

Hi Rob,

  Yes, I know about Bruce's new exploits on getting the new releases printed. The version I need, 1939-42, is still in the works. Very much looking forward to it and I might be doing some proofreading for him. Thanks. 

 Tom