I was recently able to acquire this Lionelcompatible new old stock O gauge O27 KLine Alco S2 switcher for a really great price. Though not a scale model train by any stretch of the imagination, I have always liked the look of the Marx/KLine/RMT switcher and it is proportioned just right to go with undersize Marx and Lionel Scoutderived rolling stock.

After acquiring most of the old Marx Trains tooling, KLine began producing its version of the ALCO switcher in 1989. KLine improved the appearance of the Marx tooling by adding a full set of metal handrails to the sides and by adding an ornamental bell. The Marx stack design was kept, however. Below the walkway, the KLine version uses a traditional twotruck drive both of which are powered by can motors. With both traction tires and considerable added weight, for traction, these little KLine models can pull a mighty load!

The trucks on the KLine version represent the AAR type truck similar to the ALCO FA models, actually making these models more akin to S4’s than S2’s. With one exception, all KLine ALCO switchers are equipped with a 3position electronic reverse unit. The single exception is the #2326 Southern Pacific in Black Widow colors. Part of the basic starter set, this model was made for operation on DC power only, and has no reverse unit and only a single motor. Later, KLine made a different, ACpowered #2326 SP ALCO. This one includes the words “San Francisco” under the number on the cab to differentiate it from its cheaper predecessor.

With smoothrunning can motors and operating couplers at each end, these KLine models are great switchers especially with O27 track and rolling stock. But, as nice as they are, these KLine models are not perfect. First, the powered trucks on these models are rather inflexible on the vertical axis, so they don’t work well on trestles or steep grades. The flatter the track, the better.

*As an Amazon Associate and a member of other affiliate networks, We may receive commissions on qualifying sales generated from the links on this channel.**

Visit Our Virtual Storefront! https://walmrt.us/3sIUMQu

Toy Train Tips And Tricks is a channel devoted to the operation, repair, history, and collecting of classic 3rail O and O27 gauge trains made by Lionel, Marx, KLine, Menards, and other manufacturers.

Keep the trains running!

Music and Visual Effects Courtesy of Pixabay.com

Facebook:   / ttttlocomaniac  
Twitter:   / ttttmike  
Instagram:   / mrmoore2001  

#Promotion #Lioneltrains #Trainset #Trainrepair #Traincollecting #Ogauge #Oscale