Lionel 2026 postwar steam

These go for around 60 bucks or so, unless its the early model with the nickel rims, which is worth a little more.

Rob

its worth more coming from your father,

than if you had picked it up at a train show.

Sentimental and nostalgia values trump

everything else.

enjoy and remember your dad everytime

you run her!!

have fun!

Hi there,  I have the nickel 1947 version of the 2026.  It is a cute little engine that runs very well.  Your track needs to be tight because the front pilot often derails, but tinker with it and you will be OK.  I converted the smoke unit to liquid and it puffs out perfect smoke rings.  The last operating point is the engine runs on 10 volts, you can't push it up because it will fly off the track. 

For me it is a memory.  This was the first train my Father bought for me and my brothers and I loved flying it off the tracks at high speed. 

Unless you're planning on selling it for a bundle, its worth is irrelevant.  You sound as though you've already decided it is a piece of disposable junk.  But as Pop! has already said:

"It's worth more coming from your father than if you had picked it up at a train show.

Sentimental and nostalgia values trump everything else. Enjoy and remember your dad every time you run her!!"

As for the running qualities, well, I've had mine since 1951, and never in all that time has it failed me.  It's an amazingly smooth runner from the Korean War era that just goes on and on and on.  Rugged as an axe. The only thing I've ever replaced is the smoke unit, and even that was because as a small kid, I kept popping pills in it till I clogged it.  I don't know about the 1947 version, but mine has never had any problem keeping its front truck on the rails. 

It's a very underrated postwar 027 locomotive, with a connection to historical events of the day (no MagneTraction because of Korean War materials shortages).  If someone was going to ship one to me, I wouldn't hesitate for an instant.

tell Dad to ship it to me, and I'll take good care of it...

I "rescued" my 2026 from an antique show, and it is one of my favorites. I wish I had had one as a kid. It blows perfect smoke rings, and I've always liked the chunky look of the trailing truck. 

I agree with the other opinions, this loco is a modest puller, but on a small layout that is no handicap. Six freight cars with the loco and tender looks great on a modest layout. The nickel rim drivers and the valve gear give it a "big loco" look, I run my 2026 and my 221 with the nickel drivers, they both get a lot more attention than newer items. 

I'll chime in too, with a favorable opinion for this underrated old relic.   Mine is the 1949 model and I think it came into the family about 1951.  It has been repaired a few times in the ensuing 62 years, including rebuilding the smoke unit to use fluid.  It's the best smoker I have.

My dad bought me one of these too as my first engine. I still have it.

This past York I looked at every 2026 (ones made '48-'49) I could find. I saw a few in very nice condition, with tenders, in the $100.-$125. range. The ones I saw that were less were a bit banged-up or did not have tenders. I decided to pass (at least for now) because they all seem to need smoke pellets ( I am not interested in the "cheaped-up" later models made in '51-'53 that use smoke fluid).

That puppy will easily fit in a Priority Mail Large Flat Rate box. For $17, you can't find a better engine anywhere!

quote:

. I decided to pass (at least for now) because they all seem to need smoke pellets ( I am not interested in the "cheaped-up" later models made in '51-'53 that use smoke fluid).

Lionel did not make any 2026 locomotives that used smoke fluid. They all left the factory with pellet type smoke units.

According to the Lionel factory service manual, the 746 was the first engine to use liquid smoke, it was introduced in 1957.

The older version with with the handrails is one of my favorite engines. I have  a couple of them. One of them is LN+ and I paid $140 for it. If it is the older version, it is well worth the shipping PLUS insurance!

Not to mention that the 2026 is a great smoker using any modern(or vintage) smoke fluid from a bottle.

I have repaired a few of these for others and I own the late version myself. Its a fine little post war engine to have.

Rob

that whole series is great. I have the Pre&Postwar 1666,and the 2037. The early 2026 is near the top of my wishlist.

1949 series with nickel-rimmed drivers and 2 trailing wheels.

We'll I am not sure about the shape but I will see what it will cost me