Been looking at info on prewar Lionel, especially the 259e (really want to add one to my collection). I noticed that there was also a 258. I saw a picture of the two and it looked like the 258 was the poor sibling of the 259. No shiny domes and simple single drive rod. Then I saw some other 258's that had the shiny domes and rods/valve gear of a 259. Looked just like a 259 except for the headlight.
So what is the difference between the 258 and the 259?
Thanks.
Andy
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Andy,
The 258E and the 259E are almost identical engines, both came with all the goodies and both came stripped, depending on what train set they were with, when purchased. Many people believe the stripped versions came from the Gas Station Sets, however I can not really say that is true. If you take a look at the 259E in the thread I started for Steamer (Dave), you will see the entire 259E original Tin Plate Train with the additional solid steel Pipe Car. Remember if you are going to invest in one of these small engines, they were engineered to pull the 2600 rolling stock, further these little engines also sound like mixers, the originals are completely different than anything made today, IMO that is what makes them so special.
PCRR/Dave
The 263E P2 on the left & the original Lionel 259E on the right.
Andy
There was an earlier cast version of the 258. It was similar to a 257. The early 258 had the nice trim.
Steve
Andy,
Steve is definitely correct and a lot of those engines came on the Gas Station Set here in the Pittsburgh, Pa area also. When I was a kid I wanted one of those cast 258's never did get one however.
PCRR/Dave
Thanks for the info guys.
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