The Lionel No. 256 with cab removed to expose dual reverse switches and connecting linkage. The two screw heads to the left and right of the reverse switches are the pivot points for the twin motors.
One thing missing in the design of this locomotive is space for the Lionel reverse unit. Without the "E Unit" distant reverse unit that was featured in mid level and premium locomotives, the 256 was at a disadvantage and had to give up its position as top of the line locomotive. The 256 was the only O-gauge twin motor locomotive in this period.