Note: Lionel changed the gearing on the later issues of this locomotive. The Lionel Service Manual states, "In order to increase their drawbar pull the later models of the 726 locomotive are equipped with a 25-tooth gear wheel [Part No. 726-125] instead of the 23-tooth [Part No. 671-180]. Either wheel can be used, but if the 23-tooth wheel is replaced by the larger 25-tooth wheel the motor must be shimmed up by the use of a motor mounting shim [Part No. 726-127], to provide sufficient clearance between this gear wheel and the armature shaft worm."
This is only one of the many production changes that occurred during the short period that this engine was manufactured. We’ve noted the major differences below:
Variation A: Produced in 1946, this version has the fire box plate on the bottom that would extend beyond the ash pan and reach above the rear drivers. These drivers would be "Baldwin Discs" that have the "Baldwin" name cast into them. A close up of these driving wheels is shown to the right. This variation has nickel plated flag holders on the pilot, with no simulated front coupler.
Variation B: Produced in 1947, this version has a revised boiler casting with lengthened sand domes, and the directional unit’s lever protrudes though a slot in the top of the boiler. It has blackened flag holders and the bottom plate reads, "Made in U.S.A. / The Lionel Corporation / New York, New York."
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