Lionel 224 Engine discussion on the major differences between prewar and postwar.

A short discussion on the differences of Lionel's 224 engine.
Prewar 224 was cataloged 1938 - 1942
Silver Hand Rails, Squared off cab floor, long silver drawbars on both,
Variations include: Black with black metal 2224W Tender
Black with Black plastic 2224W Tender
Gun Metal Gray metal 2224W Tender
Gun Metal Gray sheet metal tender 2689W
Postwar 224 cataloged in 1945 as part of the only set which was outfit 463
Black Hand Rails, Squared off cab floor, only engine had a long black draw bar
The 1945 tender also had black hand rails and an oval punched out in frame
*Note that the postwar tenders did not have side hand rails on tender vs prewar
Postwar 224 cataloged in 1946
Silver hand rails engine & tender(a few are known to have black handrails)
Cab floor changed to a rounded end and not squared off like previously
Both engine and tender now have black draw bars

[@TwistedMacGyversTrains]

Thank you so much for the history lesson on the #224 Al. 💯❤️😎

[@alsvintagetoytrains7042]

Absolutely! I was about to start a video of my recently acquired 2103W set with the 1946 224 engine, when it dawned on me that it might take me a few minutes to describe the differences with the prewar carryover engine.

[@TwistedMacGyversTrains]

We really do appreciate you and your knowledge. Outstanding video Al!

[@alsvintagetoytrains7042]

​@@TwistedMacGyversTrains Much appreciated for all your support. I have a deep appreciation for the quality and feel of these old Lionel trains and I like to share what I know and what I discovered along the way.

[@XCELERATIONRULES]

The Baldwin nickel plated wheels are responsible for the smooth operation.They got cheaper and cheaper over the years.love the 224.
Great job on the information.

[@alsvintagetoytrains7042]

@@XCELERATIONRULES Thanks! It was an enjoyable project researching and learning about the differences in the 224s. I actually learn a lot by trying to make the videos informative for others.

[@chiconian49]

I love the Balwin drivers.

[@alsvintagetoytrains7042]

I agree. They look great.

[@TwistedMacGyversTrains]

I feel the same way Chuck.

[@johnknippenberg-LandmarkYards]

I love running my 224Es, one black with a super heavy diecast tender (2224WX) and one gunmetal with a tin whistle tender (1689W).

[@alsvintagetoytrains7042]

Awesome! I don't have a gun metal 224, but do have the 1666E in GM.

[@ronalddevine9587]

Excellent video. There must have been shortages of chromium right after the war.

[@alsvintagetoytrains7042]

That is most likely the case. Postwar track was cadmium plated from 1945 to 1949 and not nickel plated.

[@jrmeindl]

Thanks for posting some interesting history on this locomotive. I always enjoy the history of these items. I would have to say that Lionel was pretty frugal as I would be with stock. No sense to toss things if they can still be used.

[@alsvintagetoytrains7042]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video. It was good business sense to use up old stock when feasible. Also, the people doing the assembly only used the parts provided in the bins given to them.

[@johnfroio4910]

Another well done video, Al!

[@alsvintagetoytrains7042]

Many thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@paulbervid1610]

Very nice

[@alsvintagetoytrains7042]

Thanks!

[@TroublesomeSlateTruck]

Good Job. 👏🏼

[@alsvintagetoytrains7042]

Thank you! 😁

[@therosejewelrailroad489]

Very interesting. I need to go down to the basement and figure out which one I have now.

[@alsvintagetoytrains7042]

Go for it!