1960s Lionel 773 Hudson

This is not a fixit video -- it's a little educational video about the 773 Hudson. I start by showing you the 1950 773, which is sought after because it was only made for one year, was high-quality, and came with the best diecast tender Lionel ever made, the 2426W (this tender also was standard with the early 726 Berkshires). For some reason Lionel brought back the Hudson, with slightly less detailed valve gear, from 1964-1966, and with a smaller plastic tender. This one is like new, and I have replaced the stock underpowered Hudson motor with a Gold Seal High Stack motor, which was developed by Lionel for the Hudson to correct low pulling power issues, but the Hudson was discontinued by the time this motor was created. You can still get the motor if you look, and while the 773 goes a slower, more realistic speed than most Lionel trains, the High Stack motor adds a great deal of pulling power.

[@willslowik7264]

Nice layout!

[@Spikeman50]

I have that same 1950 773 Hudson but it’s the semi scale prototype 773 Hudson

[@gregleuze6657]

One of my favorite engines as well. I wish I had space for a layout. Thanksgiving is nearly here, I get the familyroom floor for 60 days.

[@tonyvtc3]

My 1950 773 is able to pull 13 plus 6464’s and caboose. She is all original I also have original boxes.

[@greenbeacon394]

Would a motor from a 783 784 785 5340 fit in the 1960’s 773 ?

[@tonyvtc3]

They were geared for scale speed

[@MartyInLa]

Some good info here. I'm a Flyer guy, but I'm thinking of picking one of these babies up for comparison. That whistle sounds exactly like a Gilbert whistling billboard.

[@robertnielsen2461]

Gilbert put an air chime whistle in some of their earlier 3/16 in.trains,however Lionel took them to court for patent infringement and barred A.F.from putting a whistle onboard.Thats why you have a whistling billboard.

[@AZToyTrainRepair]

What a kind thing to say! Thanks very much!

[@DavidKeaInOldOrcuttCA]

Thanks for posting. I've got an old 736 and am unsure what year it is from. Could anybody help?

[@robertnielsen2461]

The 736 has been around since 1950 and is a favorite ever since it first was produced

[@typicaltriller1127]

Yeah sometimes we need to clean the tracks that have rust on them sometimes this is a great hobby to have :D

[@typicaltriller1127]

Omg that's like the same one my gramps gave to me I want to set it up for Christmas theirs a freight n a passenger train w the set tracks trees and train cars lol I see you have a massive collection man that's good keep'me

[@RenaissancePeopleNYC]

you need new glasses the plastic one is bigger!

[@robertnielsen2461]

Renaissance People NYC No it is longer but narrower.

[@RenaissancePeopleNYC]

you would THINK he would take the time to SHOW the differences - but NO! just one more wasted video in youtube waste land!