Double heading postwar Lionel

[pjdog350]

I pulled 18 6456 two bay hoppers this morning with a 6457 caboose using the 2026’s. The lead 2026 did a little wheel spin to get started but the double heading worked perfect. The lead 2026 seem to be stronger than the next one in line. The new type coupler arm is working out very well. I was also able to make a replacement arm for the 675 just like the 2026 arm. It’s painted and waiting on the drying process? I’ll still have to adjust the arm to be sure a coupler matches up as well as the 2026’s. I have changed out the steam chest and got the 675 ready for the pilot truck with the front coupler. Will still need to add some electrical tape to insure no shorting out.

I made a template so the next arm I make should be allot faster.

These old Lionel O gauge trains sure are allot of fun. Keeps out of trouble as I’m always at home!

[pjdog350]

Got the new drawbar with the front coupler on the 675 replacing the very long drawbar. It works perfect just like the 2026. I made a pattern for more drawbar on the other 675’s and 2026’s. This worked out very well.

Just ran the 675 doubled and it was great.. Now I have 2026, 675 and 224 doubled.

Wonder if I could work out a pair of prewar 1700 JR’s doubled headed? That would be really cool!

[starfire700]

You would have to take 2 1700 power cars, place them back-to back like AA F-units, connect with a vestibule. The motors would have be connected to a single E-unit and a coupler installed on the pilot of the rear unit, then you could pull freight cars. Marx did this with their tin litho M-10005 brown/yellow UP units. The rear unit is a dummy with a pilot coupler and pair are connected with a dogbone connector.
The Lionel 1700 AA units is a good idea, if you have some spare power units around.
You could also make a push-pull train, like American Flyer's Comet, with a power car both ends of a train with articulated coaches between. 

[pjdog350]

Maybe no e-unit. One 1700 forward and one running backwards and a veritable between the power units. Then a Latch coupler from the rear 1700. Latch coupler to the first 1701 coach. In gray & orange paint?

[starfire700]

My double-headed smoking 1862 Generals are in a video just published.

[pjdog350]

Great video as usual Jim. Think I counted at least 6 Generals on the layout?

[starfire700]

I was catching-up on my backlog of reading and noticed an interesting twist on the double-head concept in the Nov/Dec 1936 issue of Lionel's Magazine Model Engineer.
It is a loco developed and actually built by Wm Mason in 1871. The Janus Is a "Double-ender" two 0-6-0 locos spliced together at the cab. The 0-6-6-0 was actually in service a short time, article attached, but no others were built.
Next time I have 2 General locos with broken cab roof corners, I am definitely trying this concept, but will be 2-4-4-2 wheel configuration. Locos would have to be connected and both motors wired to one E-unit.

[pjdog350]

That was interesting. Never saw one like that.