Lionel 6026W dates questions

Got some pics?

sure do, see attached, the first three are 1, and the last three are 2

My research indicates that the tender with the "6026w" stamped on the sides is the later version.  Probably 1960s.

There is No Definitive answer to actual dating, as such.  The shells are “Santa Fe” style tenders, which came in the numbers 233/243/6026.  Some issues with respective loco’s, showed the numbers on the shells, of all three versions; i.e. 233-243-6026, and the locos listed were mainly made in 1953-1956 timeframe.  The actual run, per Doyle’s book shows 1953-1959, and then later into early 1960’s.  I would have to agree with Doyle that the early runs had the numbers added, UNTIL the supply ran out, and the unnumbered shells were made around 1956 & later.  

My guess, numbered made pre 1956** unnumbered post 1956.

Locos listed using Santa Fe tenders, 665,685,2016,2018,2037,2055, & 2065.

I have my original 2037 from 1957 it the tender has the 6026w stamp on the body. So it was likely 56-57 timeframe as Doc posted. The same time frame as 2046w tender bodies were stamped. 233 and 746 bodies were also stamped. The 233 was early 60's.

My above post was after searching both the Greenberg Guide(Paul V. Ambrose), & Doyle’s Guide books.  Neither gives a definite answer, and we can only assume what I posted as an educated guess.  

 The shells are “Santa Fe” style tenders, which came in the numbers 233/243/6026.

Also 234W, with the number on the side.

Most were lettered "Lionel Lines".
I don't know whether there is any variation in the lettering.

Folks should be aware that there were high quality reproductions made of these shells.

Chuck Sartor posted:

I have my original 2037 from 1957 it the tender has the 6026w stamp on the body. So it was likely 56-57 timeframe as Doc posted. The same time frame as 2046w tender bodies were stamped. 233 and 746 bodies were also stamped. The 233 was early 60's.

Hi Chuck, can you share some pics(bottoms and sides) of your original 2037 and 6026W pair.  It will help me pair mine, thanks much.

Thanks to all with the information, I can always count on everyone here