Lionel pw-2020 classic

2020 6-8-6 PENNSYLVANIA RAILROAD S2 STEAM TURBINE

 

  • Lionel 2020 steam locos were built with a worm drive from 1946 until 1953, and nothing made today compares in quality and durability. They will operate for the next 100 years!
  • The 2020 was Lionel's "O-27" version of the S2 6-8-6 turbine model. Identical mechanically to the 671`s, 2020's came in sets with O-27 track, and 671's came in sets with 0-gauge track. In 1946, the 2020 was the first Lionel engine (along with the O gauge 671) to have a smoke generator. It came with a bunch of different tenders over the years, some of which included the 2020W, 6020W and 6466W. The designation "Classic" in our system means that the engine and tender may not be an exact match from the same year
  • There was only one prototype S2 on the Pennsylvania Railroad. #6200 was designed in a collaborative effort between the PRR in-house engineers and those at Westinghouse and Baldwin. It was delivered, ready to run, in 1944. It was revolutionary because it used a steam-powered turbine (like the ones found in steam-driven ships and power plants) to propel gears connected to the drivers instead of the conventional piston method on all other steam locos. It had a second, smaller turbine for reversing up to 22 mph. It was surmised that this new system would distribute the power to the drivers more evenly and with more fuel efficiency. In reality, World War II was the designs' undoing. Originally intended to be a 4-8-4, a shortage ofpremium metals due to war rationing meant that heavier materials had to be used. The 6-8-6 wheel arrangement had to be used instead to support the heavier engine. But all of the extra weight killed the fuel efficiency, especially at lower speeds. The clear advantages of diesels began to manifest themselves once World War II ended (especially considering the coal shortage caused by government price freezes intended to combat Post-War inflation), and the 6200 was withdrawn from service in 1949
  • As for the 2020, it was mechanically identical to the 671 of equivalent years. The body is diecast and is painted black. The cab numbers are both rubber- stamped in silver. It featured one powerful Pullmor motor, a three-position reverse unit (E- unit), headlight, wire hand rails running the length of the boiler, a PRR Keystone on the front nose with the number 6200, an operating smoke unit, and whistle in the tender.

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