I’m using an old LGB Stainz to pull my holiday train.
I bought it and a power tender used and they run great.
How do you tell when this was built? I don’t find a serial number.
this modell was first built in the beginning of the eighties.
and the plug-in on the tender indicates, that it might be of the older production.
The power tender does handle the plug but the engine doesn’t. I was amazed that they are geared alike.
They run together well because they both use the same power brick…I had several of these way back in the late 80’s. the loco was the first LGB locomotive marketed as "A US STEAM LOCOMOTIVE WITH TENDER catalogue # 2017D The loco and powered tender came with a deck plate, and two wires to connect the loco and tender together electrically. There should be recepticals on the back of the loco, as well as the ones showing on the front of the tender.
I don’t have an earlier LGB catalogue handy, but it is listed in the 1991 Walthers LS publication. I do know that it was available before the Mogul came out, because that’s when we bought the first one.
Fr.Fred
Thats a good lookng set and the perfect colour for a Christmas train.
I always thought these were as American as a Sergio Lionis western, USA …via Spain LOL
Looks good Doug 
I’m pretty sure the loco dates from the mid-70s. I seem to recall it being in the first LGB catalog we got, which was 77 or thereabouts. It was the second LGB loco dad and I bought for the railroad, which puts it to late 70s when we bought it. It still runs every bit as good as it did when we bought it, though it looks quite a bit different now.
(Copy/paste the entire URL; it’s not going to display here.)
Later,
K
It seems it was discontinued around 1992, or so…the tender was still available after…there was a dark red version marketed around that time…# 2017I…I think…
I’m not an expert on this LGB stuff, but I have had some of their locomotives over the years…I still have old #1…the first LGB 0-4-0 tank loco, my father bought, when we found that the Mogul was not quite available yet, in spite of being in the catalogue…
German quality!!
Wegman’s Foods, a regional grocery, has trains running 24/7/52 in each of their 70+ stores. All with Stainz engines. The trucks last from 5-6 years with little maintenance.
Thomas the store near me runs the clear F7
Mike
Doug Arnold said:
The power tender does handle the plug but the engine doesn’t. I was amazed that they are geared alike.
Doug,
the same motor block is used under both drives with the exception the tender drive should not have a traction tyre fitted. As regards not being able to connect power between the two, there are two holes marked “+” and “-” on the cab floor. Most models had brass ferrules located here to take the typical old LGB ‘banana’ plug (still available). However, on some locomotives, typically starter set models, the holes are just that, holes with no electrical connection.
If you ever wanted to electrically connect the two drives then it is simple enough to disassemble the loco and wire extension leads to the screw terminals located under the cab.
As regards age, if the loco driving wheels are solid with a plastic spoked insert then the model is a #2017 from 1977 - 1982. If the driving wheels on the loco are open spoked then it is a #2017D with smoking stack from 1983 - 1990. If a later version then the smokestack does not seem to be correct as a Cooke type was fitted to the #2017D model. This leads me to believe it is an earlier #2017 model from 1977 - 1982 as this was a non-smoking stack.
All tender wheels were solid disc wheels (not spoked).
I just took my limited eyesight and a good flashlight and that plug is on the floor of the Stainz! Thanks a bunch, now my questions are answered.
I actually got the link to tie the two together but I see no reason to use it.
I’m sure glad they made them in that holiday green color. It sure fits with the holiday-themed train.
Use the link/cable between the engine and tender.
You get much better power pickup for both and less gear stripping issues as bad power pickup on one will not stalll the motor while the other is running.
Saves on wheel wear as well!!!
Not a Stainz, but Stainz drive. Like Ferd said, 2017D. I have one, still…identifiable by the US pilot, and headlamp.
Mine is still track powered, with skates.
I have a 2015D that is the euro version, radio/battery.
If you cannot find the banana plugs, I may still have a bag of them in a drawer. Put your own wire in them (screw tightened).
TOC
this pic is taken from the 1981 catalogue.
notice, that if your loco has a smoke generator, it has to be newer than 1981.
(http://kormsen.info/locos/bilder/lgb2017.JPG)
this (slightly bashed) loco i bought in 1983.
it has the old “clamshell” motor block.
(http://kormsen.info/locos/bilder/yellow1.JPG)
this one i bought in 2009 or 2010 used.
it got the new motor block.
(http://kormsen.info/locos/bilder/lok10-09.JPG)
and this one i bought also used in january this year. it was a comemorative modell in the year 2001.
I just checked and I do have the “smokeless” version.
I’ll check to make sure but I have the original hookup plugs and wires for the tender and engine. They’ll be a lot more dependable than the newer plugs that don’t work worth a darn!
Old motor blocks are clamshell. Easy spot…if there are screws holding the wheels onto the axles, it’s older style.
Newer ones are like the last photo above, solid axle visible in middle of drivers, bottom cover comes right off for maintenance.
Mine is newer than 81, as I didn’t start buying until after the house fir 29 years ago.
Tab below the stack, between cylinders. Move it to contact button on stack bottom.
didn’t I read in GR where Marc H said they debuted in 1968?
Cale Nelson said:
didn’t I read in GR where Marc H said they debuted in 1968?
LGB did. with the first Stainz. (the so called “Growler”)
but not this modell with the tender.
Mine must be the “newer” version because I don’t see screws holding the axles.