Is the LIONEL 221 the smallest 6 wheel drive loco? And, any better tenders for this?

Teach yourself to paint? Sounds like a perfect opportunity.

Roving Sign posted:

Is the LIONEL 221 the smallest 6 wheel drive loco?

 The 0-6-0 B-6 switcher mechanisms were smaller, I believe.

I, too, like the 221.  The tender is a pre-war style tender that was used in low end sets like the ones pulled by the 1684 loco, etc.  Biggest problem I have with that particular tender is the water decals used to decorate the sides of the tender.  The decals are usually partially rubbed off and rarely found in perfect condition.  It is a small loco, but I love the style.

  If you need another 249 tender I have one I'd part with on trade, etc.

  It's engine shell died and the motor had the e unit removed to shoe horn into a 9053, so no loss to me except its my only streamlined tender. With the stripe there, I don't really use it. Email is listed. (it's not the pre war 249, but the post war plastic one labeled for PRR....right?)

I think it looks good with its sheet metal tender.
To each their own.

I would say the "smallest" 6-wheel drive locos were the relatively rare 201 and 203 switchers from before WWII.  They use the body that was later used for the 1615 / 1656 and are smaller than the "scale" B6 (227, 8976, etc.)  They're also geared lower than a 1656 which makes them better for switching, except that you have to install a postwar knuckle coupler.

"Also - I think the tender that goes with this looks toy-ish - moreso than the loco."

I'm a big fan of the 221, also (linked to me a big fan of the NYC Century Hudsons). I have a modest collection, but I don't have the rare silver-wheel version. The gearing is indeed good on this "motor block" (it shares it with others), considering the times and market. I have even got an AC Commander that I would like to put in the tender one day...

...another tender, for sure. That sheet metal box tender really doesn't do that handsome little loco any justice. And how could you do an ERR antenna in that thing?

So - I ran across a K-line Marx-clone plastic NYC-style tender with low-end plastic trucks (easy upgrade to die-cast) that I intend to use...one day... These small tenders were used behind some - not all - K-line versions of the old S-scale/O-gauge Marx 999 4-6-2. You can find them and the Marx ones on eBay. Usually cheap. They are even NYC-based. Try to lower it on the trucks, or mount it on some modern low-bolster trucks.