Top 5 prewar engines and why?

 Im gonna play the other side of the field here and argue the case of the little guys. The 700E is without doubt an amazing piece that ushered in a new era of toy trains. But we must not forget it's predecessors. 

 1. 259E- This little guy held out on the bottom of the line from 1932(without auto reverse) until the early forties. It was also even modified into the 258 for the O-27 line. It introduced thousands to model railroding and combined the looks and details of the top line 400E with an inexpensive, rugged engine. 

 2. 752E- The M-10000 was Lionel's first scale model, appearing in 1934, 3 years before the hudsons.  Sales were excellent for this model, and it helped bail Lionel out of the depression. It found a place in the publics heart as a model, toy, and thing of beauty.

 3. 1688E/1689E- These rugged little workhorses were IMHO better models than their O gauge counterparts, they ran well (if not at a brisk pace!), had fantastic looks, and were arguably more realistic than many similar priced models offered by Lionels competitors.

 4. 224E/1666E- These two very similar engines contained Lionel's "sewing machine motor," perhaps the smoothest running open frame O gauge motor ever conceived. For those who have never owned a well kept one, they are so smooth they almost act as if they contain a flywheel. Beat that AF!

5. 227/228- Lest we not forget these amazing locos. Preferably the models equipped with "Magic Electrol," and "Teledyne" couplers. How much fun did these new gadgets offer the operator in their time. 1940's Legacy!

If you are looking for a rare train, ask i might surprise you with an asking price!!! A guy asked if i liked fast track, and i replied i used t-rail. He said eww that old stuff you bolt together???? Ignorance must be bliss!