Factory Error Lionel Postwar 6466W tender lettered for 2046W

[Terry]

I've had this tender for decades. When I got it I showed it to some postwar collectors  and held it back for trading. It got mixed into the storage and buried.

It's a simple 6466W tender that was erroneously stamped 2046W on the frame. It dates from the early 1950s as the 2046W tender was new in 1950.  The tender has both a staple end and a bar end truck. It's been rewired so I don't know if that's the way it came.

 

 

 

The gold colored plastic on the air chamber is interesting. I'm not aware of anything Lionel made in that color.

It's not unique as I've seen others.

[starfire700]

I have one too, a 6466w that is mistakenly stamped 2046w. Mine has a mottled white whistle chamber.

[starfire700]

Another odd one that I have had for decades.......makes no sense
It is a 6466 type, numbered 6466T underside, but has a whistle. Odd part is thick black finish and heat-stamped lettering over PINK paint, not pink plastic.
Time-line-wise and for all other reasons, it makes no sense. 2 thick coats of paint have covered most of the rivet detail.

[pjdog350]

Could these be an item that someone tried to restore maybe switched out frames maybe. Just a thought?

[starfire700]

The 2046w that both Terry and I have has to be factory error, as the 2046W frame does not interchange with the 6466 type, frames are different  size.
My black over pink tender is a Frankenstein, as the finish on the cab is factory-done, due to heat-stamped lettering. It may be on a frame that pre-dates the tender, curtsey of a previous owner. Some things we will never know, can only speculate, based on the facts that the item displays.