Help identify early 70's(?) 8010 SW2 switcher

The motor looks correct for the very early '70s. Examples of the 8010 using leftover postwar 634 shells are a recognized variation, so it is likely that the shell is correct with that chassis and with those trim pieces. Perhaps 1970 or '71.

I am always curious about MPC. Did your engine come with a set? Did you learn anything about its history before it found you?

I found it at a local FB marketplace, advertised as Lionel #634. It was just the engine in an old cardboard box with both brown and black tie tracks, some switches, and power supply. So no set.

The seller said he got it at an estate sale, as part of a larger purchase, so unfortunately no history.

The holes for the radio wheel (which is missing) and the bell, look like the are drilled afterwards.

One theory i have is that it could be a MPC 634, the original shell got damaged, and the exact replacement shell couldn't be found so they took a prewar 634 shell, drilled the holes and transferred the wheel and bell over from the old shell.

It is just a theory, but if other details indicate the train is indeed from the early days, this could be a MPC 634 engine. I don't want to claim that, though, if i am not sure about it.

You can see in this pic these holes don't look original.

Those hollow rollers tell me its from the very early seventies. I believe the number 634 diesel cab was from the mid sixties.

The holes in the body are original. Early 8010 engines with left over 634 cabs had a full compliment of accessory parts. Radio antenna and the bell had a round stem. Another give away it is from the 1970 is the black plastic bumper in the box.

These are the items in the box:

I did some research on these engines for an LCCA club magazine article in 2009. Over a fifty year period (1950-1990), Lionel produced 60 models of this engine in 24 different road names (also 3 military and 6 private brands). One of the most popular road names was the blue Santa Fe #634. This engine was also included in some sets, which it appears you have. They were all conventional with a universal motor and an E-unit. The ones I have are still operational.

@nickaix posted:

The motor looks correct for the very early '70s

Would that refer to black vs. white top on the motor (sorry don't know the correct terminology)?

@jim sutter posted:

Those hollow rollers tell me its from the very early seventies.

I wonder if it is known when they moved away from the hollow rollers (scout style pickups)?

@BOB WALKER posted:

I did some research on these engines for an LCCA club magazine article in 2009.

It would be interesting to read that article!  I wonder if it is available to the public?

Hollow rollers were tried in 1970 and 71. 1971 was probably leftover 1970 production.

I would like to thank you all for your responses! It has been very helpful to me!!

Being new to Lionel, I have learned quite a lot the recent days, reading up on anything I could find on the Internet, and visiting great forums such as this one.

I am excited for owning one of these old engines! It might not have high monetary value, but it is valuable to me, and it is a keeper!