Ok here goes, I purchased a restored postwar 1946 Lionel #726. Both the flag holders and headlight shaft are black. I have seen pics of this loco with black flag holders as well as nickel ones. Also I have seen the shaft of the headlight black as well as nickel. Were there variations or did the restorer just paint everything?? Any help would be appreciated. So much to learn about postwar hahaha
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Curious: Does the cowcatcher have a simulated knuckle, or is it plain?
I have an original 1946 726 Berkshire on display. It's flag holders are blackened brass. According to the Berkshire article in the 1984 edition of Greenberg's guide to postwar, it came both ways. My headlight is unfinished. I would not call it nickel, it isn't shiny, its dull. I guess that could be age.
I did not see where the article mentioned the finish on the headlight. The one pictured in the article appears to be blackened to me.
The cowcatcher is plain so it's from 1946 right?
According to the article, and some other sources, the 1946 and 1947 cowcatchers were plain. In 1946 the cowcatcher was staked to the frame. Later cowcatchers and repaired cowcatchers were mounted with screws.
So I guess the headlight shaft painted black and the flag holders pained black are a true restoration. Before I go removing the paint from them I wanted to make sure. Thanks for the info.
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