Which Postwar Hudson to buy?

Get a 2046. Good looks and Magnetraction. A 685 is pretty much identical to the 2055. A 2056 is a 1952 only non Magnetraction version of the 2046. 

The 685 is the same as the 2055. They also made a 2065 which is also the same, but has a different boiler front (I think it looks nicer, but others may not) these engines are supposed to resemble engines on the Santa Fe. Sometimes they come with the 6026 type tender and sometimes they have a 2046w tender.

 

the 2056 and also the 646 and 2046 are supposed to look like Hudsons from the New York Central. The 2056 lacks Magnetraction, otherwise the three are the same. Some of the 646 and 2046 have a plastic trailing truck, and some are cast metal. I think the 2056  always had the cast metal rear truck.  I think these engines always had a 2046w tender wIth them. 

 

I own a 2055 and a 2046 in operator grade condition, perhaps very good condition at best. They both run very well, and pull pretty good. Smoke putput is nearly identical as I think they use the same smoke units. In my opinion the 2046 gets the nod because it has the metal rear truck, whereas the 2055 has a plastic one. They are both nice engines and they should sell for about the same amount when comparing ones in similar condition. 

 

So to answer your question, I would get which ever one comes your way first 

 

J White

 

I have a 1950's version Lionel #2046, with Magne-Traction, headlamp, puffing smoke and a three position E Unit.

My wife bought it for me in the early '70's, it was a second hand locomotive, I had the E Unit electrical contact drum replaced and the locomotive overhauled and it is still a work horse!

It's a great puller, which I used many a year now and I enjoy the heck out of it!

Ralph 

With the exception of the 2056 which lacks magnetraction (some exceptions), they all have the same motors. I like the 665/2065 with 6026 tender and the 2046 with a 2426 tender. Of course Lionel never offered this combo until after the PW era choosing instead to PRR type 2046 tender with a NYC/B&A type engine.

 

Pete

Go for the top of the line, 773 scale hudson from 1950.  Great tender 2426.  Prices have come down a lot on these engines.  You won't be sorry

 

Paul Edgar

I went to the bay, those 773s look way too cool. 

What kind of track, (especially radius) do you have?

IMHO, while a 773 Hudson will run on traditional 031 track, it looks bad going around curves. I think wide radius curves are needed.

All just a matter of opinion, I'd go with a 2046, or the non-magnetraction version, the 2056 for 027, or 031 track, Same goes for Super "O".

I have a 2046 from 1951 that still runs as well as it did when new. The smoke output is great and it has plenty of pulling power. All that I have ever needed to do to it, is to oil and grease it when needed, and to replace the headlamp bulb once. 

I just picked up a Hudson 700e pre-war which I got it in pieces, I'm restoring it now,

it's a challenge but so far it's going good, I been getting parts here and there and it's

coming along slowly, enjoy your train when you get it. Go for a 646 or 2046!

 

Tin  

 

I would suggest the 646/2046 as well. These engines have a solid, proportioned look, require just basic maintenance, and smoke well using SP, or like, pellets. 

 

Yes, you can't go wrong with a 773, but as mentioned it looks better running on wider radius track. I run my 783 (the first MPC re-issue of the 773) on 036 Fastrack, and thats about the tightest radius I would recommend for these beasts.

 

Speaking of MPC re-issues, the 646/2046 was re-created in 1976 with the 8600.

The 8600 was the first MPC steamer with mangetraction, it also has a liquid smoke

unit, and the Mighty Sound of Steam, although more often, than not, the sound board no longer work.

 

Ken

 

 

 

 

 

To give an idea of the loc sizes, here are (2) pics of my 8600. The 2046/646 is made from the same mold, the 2046/646 do not have the painted boiler front.

 

 

 

I have a 646 also.  Not only does it run like a stallion, it smokes like crazy using smoke fluid no problem.  Like to find a decent "affordable" 665/2065 someday to complete my PW Hudson mini-collection.

 

Pete

 

773!

 

     Hoppy

I'll second that.  My 736 and 2046 are my favorite postwar locomotives, and of the two, the 2046 is the one that I run most often.  It's a very smooth runner and looks great at the head of a string of 027 passenger cars.

 

Thanks for all the info.

 

Between tube track & Fastrak - I probably have O27 - O60 covered.  I just have Carpet Central for now, nothing permanent setup.  I have Fastrak setup now with the LRRC Hudson from 2000 running around with test out the Lionel Premium Smoke.  I got to thinking it would be nice to have a postwar model, without the electronics.

 

Headed to the LA area next month, I hope to hit a few stores & see what is out there.  If I don't find anything I like, I'll check out the bay.  773s look nice, but I'm not looking to spend that much right now.

The 2055 (and its permutations) Santa Fe-inspired small Hudson, for sure. Much

better detailing and tooling than the 2056 (etc.), and SO much easier to take

apart that the Berkshire-based 2056. The Berkshire-based Hudsons do have a generic

NYC look (which is good), but that 2055 ATSF is just a sweet little piece. They have

been made - as Pacifics - well into the Modern era - like 10 years ago - so you could

actually buy an effectively new one.

 

The valve gear also looks much more realistic than that on the Berk-Hudsons,

also (what was with that 18-foot eccentric rod, anyway?)

 

 

The 685 is essentially the same as the 2055, 2056, and 665. I think I would initially agree with D500 re: those Santa Fe inspired Hudson for a postwar-type steamer, if you want more of a "western road" look.  The 665 has a simulated Elesco feedwater heater on the smokebox front that makes it stand out from the others.

I have a gorgeous 2055 I'm willing to sell for a fair price. Email me if interested.

The 773 is THE PostWar Hudson to buy....  

 

One of the reasons I prefer the 2046 over the 2055 style Hudson is the construction.

The 2046 has a separate casting for the steam chest / cowcatcher. In theory, if you damage the cowcatcher, it can be replaced.

The 2055 has a single casting for the boiler, steam chest and cowcatcher.

 

I think the 2046 boiler / steam chest combination is heaver too.

 

Finally, the 2046 should have a die cast metal trailing truck. I think the 2055 trailing truck is sheet metal with plastic side frames.

Have to agree with the 773 advocates although there is a premium you would have to shell out. If that is not doable then the 2046 would be my choice.

I have the 2046 and 2056. I think they are the same basically. They both just run great. They are easy to work on an spend a ton of time running on my layout with my 675, 2333, and my 2023.

For me the order would be the 700E, the 770, followed by the 2065 / 665, and lastly the 2055 depending on my spending limit for this. 

 

I'm always keeping an ongoing eye out for a 770 and / or 2065 / 665 in the right bang for the buck category and one day will probably have both.

 

The 700E is a prewar locomotive though.  Postwar is the era that the original poster was inquiring about in regards to opinions on what Hudson is recommended.

 

I've never heard of a 770 Hudson.  Are you sure you're not referring to the 763e?  If so, that's also a prewar locomotive.

I guess i am not seeing something? Wanting a Post War Hudson? Why not a Little bit Later Post War, and My Reccommeded Version would be the Century Club 773 with the TMCC Electronics.....The sounds are Worth It....Although the 1950, 773, which is a Really  Nice Looking Engine and Tender, this engine is plain...Good Luck on Your Quest for a Hudson....I just Love all the New Electronics that Lionel Legacy Cab 2 Has to offer.

its 2014. Now let's run trains...

I didn't state it in the original post, I posted in another thread.  I have a LRRC Hudson from 2000.  I upgraded it to TMCC & Railsounds.  I thought it would be cool to have a Postwar Hudson to go with my other Postwar items.

Couldn't agree more.

 

 

Over 30 years between when the last postwar 773 Hudson was made to when the Century Club version was released is considered "a little bit later"?  

 

He stated quite clearly in his original post, he's looking for recommendations on postwar Hudsons, not contemporary remakes/reproductions with electronics.

 

Personally, if you are interested in a scale or close to scale, as compared to a "baby Hudson"  (have those as well and love them) I would go with the 1950 773.  Maintain it and you will be running it still in 50 years and it will become a family heirloom. 

 

That being said, if you want to make the best possible decision, you should try to find a train shop local to you that specializes in postwar and see what they have so you can go look with your eyes and get a sense if that locomotive would be satisfactory to you.  There is a website -- postwarlionel.com -- that is also a helpful resource.  If you see the older ones and decide they aren't realistic enough, the newer model Hudsons are certainly beautiful runners with great sound.  One concern I would have about the newer models, besides the longevity of the electronics, is how the sounds "mesh" with the scale Hudson's drivetrain.  As you may know, the straight driveshaft and worm gear drive of Hudsons make a distinctive noise.  If you are really bent on a scale experience, I would jettison concerns about longevity and get the newest model you can as I suspect they may use can motors or other techniques to quiet the drivetrain a bit to enhance the sound experience.  Again  I would suggest  trying to see and hear one for yourself.  Talking about this stuff is only helpful to some extent, you need to go experience it for yourself.

 

Finally, if you like the postwar style but decide you don't need the modern electronics, and don't want to shell out the big bucks associated with a primo post war Hudson (although this can be mitigated by shopping wisely or at York), I would suggest checking out the MPC Hudsons.  Those can be found very reasonably.

 

Thanks for the Postwar link.  I had that site saved in my Favorites in my old computer & didn't move it to the new computer.

 

Closest train store to me in Alaska is 3 hours away.  Prices marked up way too high & for some reason all the Postwar & Prewar items have signs on them, Please DO NOT Touch.  Some have prices on them & some don't.  I'll stop back in there in a few weeks when I'm in the area.  I'll see what they have, I spotted a few Scouts.  There was also a Big Blue engine - maybe Standard Gauge?  I want to look at that some more, but it is behind the counter.  Looked like more of a museum than a items for sale.  A lot of items in glass display cases with no prices.  They were a little busy selling paint brushes & paint when I was there last.  I'll see if the items are for sale or show.

 

I hope to check out the following places in the LA area:

Train Shack

Arnie's Trains

Allied

Milepost 38 

Oops, I meant 773.  I hate when die hard "know it alls" on the forums just make a comment to show how "smart" they think they are without really helping anyone. 

 

Yes, the 700E is technically a prewar Hudson, but I would lump it in with looking for a great post war hudson even though it's technically pre-war.  It would be easy to convert the coupler on the tender or have a transition car to connect it to other post war cars.  The "770" in my post is an obvious typo, you mean to tell my you never have a typo, and you never heard of a Lionel 773 locomotive?

 

What really bothers me is you didn't bother answer his post in anyway suggesting any post war Hudson locomotive.  Type of comment on forums as being a "troll" and is not welcome here.

 

I stand by my post war recommendations, and my one pre war one.  Also, I would add Williams Hudsons thinking out of the box with the post war look and feel, but modern.  It just doesn't have the Lionel name on it or the same brand history, but it may be a good cost alternative and they are very good runners.

 

Paul,

 

I think you are misinterpreting my intentions.  If you care re-check, I did in fact give an answer to his inquiries earlier, a concurrence to D500's post about recommending the 2055 Santa Fe-type postwar Hudsons and the variants of them.

 

As for the know it all reference, I've never claimed to be one.  I never heard of a 770 Hudson, thought that was some obscure variation that I never heard of.  Erring on the side of caution, I asked if you meant the 773.

 

As for the assumption that I was not helping, I figured it was helping by keeping the post on track due to the fact he was asking about postwar, and not prewar or modern Hudsons to consider, that's all.

I have a 2056, 2055, 646 & 2065.   All of them run pretty much the same.

My favorite style would be the 2065 w/ the feedwater heater.   If you really wanted to get creative, get a 2046/56 & get a boiler front from a 665/2065

Or from a 736, which I did.  It's a simple drop-in replacement.