Lionel 624 or something similar

They are about the best engineered diesels Lionel ever made. Look at the similar 622, 6220, 623, & 6250. MPC & LTI made some pretty decent re-issues, however sans the electrocouplers/coil couplers(magnetic disk couplers instead).

You can't go wrong with one of these. Classic PW Lionel! Mine runs like it was made yesterday.

The 623, 624, and 6250 are the best due to improved magnetraction over the earlier 622 and 6220. They are same mechanically and all run very well but the three later ones will pull a few extra cars. 622 actually came in two versions. The 1950 engine being slightly improved over the 1949 engine which was the first year for the NW2. Don't get me wrong, they all are fine runners just some pull better.

Pete

I've got two 623s, a 6250 and a 624. All are terrific little engines. Strong pullers, very reliable and smooth. You can't go wrong. And.....you can put a relay in them to control one of the couplers and have the other one controlled separately by UCS. Gives you much more flexibility. Teledyne.

Roger

I really like my 622.

I picked up an excellent 624 over the summer. It joined a well-used 6250 and mint/NIB 6220 already in my collection. These first gen NW2 switchers (which includes the 622 and 623) debuted at the pinnacle of Lionel postwar design (late '40s/early '50s) and as someone stated, they are some of the best diesels Lionel ever built - diecast frame, wire handrails, diecast dual axle drive Magnetraction trucks, electrocouplers, F/R headlights, and sometimes a mechanical bell (622/6220). They are excellent runners and pullers (esp. low speed performance) and look fantastic. Sadly, later postwar switchers got cheaper and were almost embarrassingly so by the '60s - stamped frames, no wire handrails, single headlight, and eventually stamped single axle drive trucks w/open gearing. I will say though they've always looked bigger than scale FWIW. Not sure if that's the case though.

For what it's worth, I have a 6220, and I believe it to be 1949 issue, and it has Magnetraction.

Sal, they all have magnetraction but there are three different versions. The magnetraction in 1949 is different from 1950 and both are different from the 623, 624, and 6250. The earlier versions are not as effective as the third setup. If you check the parts pages at Olsens you will see different parts listed.

http://pictures.olsenstoy.com/cd/locos/loc622p8.pdf

Pete

Thanks all for the feedback, I'll probably grab the 624 that I have been looking at on Ebay for a week.

Looks like a fun little engine.

Don't forget the 18503 Southern Pacific and 18501 Western Maryland made by LTI.

These were re-makes of the postwar NW-2 bell ringer models.

I think kids really like the bell ringer model. 

You can also you can turn it off if not needed.

Thanks for the info. Yes, I have the Greenburg's repair book. Do you have further info on the third type of Magne-traction for the NW2? I did not find info on that website but I do have that same book and it shows only two types: 622/6220 (1949) and 622/6220 (1950) and for the 623, 624 and 6250 one is directed to the 1950 version. Interesting my 624 and 6250 do not match 1950 (or 1949). The truck matches the 1950 type, including the the cutouts for the rectangular magnets (a la postwar GG1), but there are no magnets (but there is Magne-traction):

Used locos are a gamble. If it has high mileage and heavy wear it may be uneconomic to repair. Some locos may develop worn gears that bind in reverse direction.

Sal, I was hoping to find a parts blowup for a 623 also. It appears the 623 went back to the magnetic axles like the 1949 engine. The parts list shows a 623-10 and 623-13 geared wheels on magnetic axles. I assume these axles were made of stronger magnets than the early 622.  Similar parts for the 622 are listed as 622-143 and 622-144. It begs the question whether the 623 magnetic axles could be made to fit the 622s

FWIW I only have an early 622 and a 623. No 1950 622.

Pete

My Lionel guide book says the early  Magnetraction, 1949, is often demagnetized and not detectible. Says all 622s are excellent runners.

Ace, is right about the possible high mileage problems.  I like to see used pieces in person to see the details that the seller may say "looks great/runs great".  

From my experience, an engine in nice cosmetic shape usually ran great.  It just showed a lack of run time, or immaculate care was given to it.  Either of which was good for me.

Looking on Dr.Bay the 18503 completed sales showing units between $68 - $85.  The 18501 going as low as $49 - $79.  Unless you were wanting a specific roadname like C&O,  I would spend the extra money and get one of the much newer units.

It's all been said...highly recommended.  Careful though...You might not know when to quit.

Bruce

Thank you all for the feedback. I've got a lot to look at now. There are a few shows coming up soon that I can go and check out as well maybe find an ok deal.

I also just saw the little Lionel 8635 0-4-0 switcher too that is a neat looking little engine. And I like the look of the newer NW2 Bell Ringers that have been mentioned, I bet my son would get a kick out of them.

So many trains, so little money.