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Featuring reviews of
more than
100"0"gauge>(fomotives
ALLEN COUNTY
BUS 3 1833 03984 8830
•
Buyer's Guide to Toy Train Locomotives From the pages of Classic Toy Trains
Magazine - 1990-2000
Compiled and condensed by Ray
ra
KALMBACH
BOOKS
L.
Plummer
—
©
2001 Kalmbach Publishing Co. All rights reserved. This book may not be reproin part or in whole without written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations used in reviews. Published by Kalmbach Publishing Co., 21027 Crossroads Circle, Waukesha, WI 53187.
duced
Printed in the United States of America 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2
1
our website at http://kalmbachbooks.com
Visit
Secure online ordering available Publisher's Cataloging-in-Publication
(Provided by Quality Books, Inc.)
Plummer, Ray
L.
Buyer's guide to toy train locomotives 2001
:
from
the pages of Classic Toy Trains magazine, 1990-2000 /
compiled and condensed by Ray p.
L.
Plummer.
—
cm.
Includes index. ISBN 0-89778-473-1 1.
Railroads
Collectors II.
Title.
—Models.
and
III.
collecting.
Art director: Kristi layout:
I.
—
Models Plummer, Ray L.
Railroads
Title: Classic toy trains.
TF197.G73 2001
Book
2.
625.F9 QBI01-700021
Ludwig
Linda Wen/el
1st ed.
Contents
4
Introduction What's included; what's not General notes about the guide
About the reviews
Overview of the decade
6
Notable recent and future locomotive releases
8
gauge
diesel locomotives
gauge steam locomotives gauge Other
electric locomotives
121
gauge motive power
131
Retro reviews: Eight Lionel
gauge locomotives
135
Index to
gauge locomotives
140
Index to
gauge locomotives by manufacturer
142
Introduction ally
What's included; what's not
production models; however, on
occasion This book contains condensed prod-
we
uct reviews for even' piece of three-rail
graph, and
O gauge motive power that appeared
ferent
in Classic Toy Trains
magazine and
its
website from 1991 through 2000. It is
focused on motive power that
was offered for individual sale only; therefore, train sets are not included,
nor are trolley cars and the so-called "motorized units," which were not designed to pull a train.
Road names
listed are
those that
appeared in the magazine Over time manufacturers gen-
receive preproduction or
early-production samples to photoso, cab numbers may be diffrom those on the production
models.
The condensed reviews reflect comments made at the time the review was written and evaluate the product sample we had in-house. Subsequent releases may have been improved. Also, manufacturers have made tremendous improvements in general over the past 10 years. Sound is better, detail and smoke is more What was a fine model 10 ago may not hold up well against
originally
painting are improved,
reviews.
copious.
erally release the
ety of
same model
in a vari-
road names. Check manufac-
turer catalogs, magazine ads,
and
price
guides for additional road names.
The
reviews are divided into four
major categories: Diesel, Electric, Steam, and Other. Each category is organized according to locomotive type or classification. That is, Hudsons, Northerns, F units, GGls, etc.,
current standards. Be sure to note
when
the original review was written by
looking at the bottom of the page.
Take this into account when making a purchasing decision. Finally, the prices
suggested are
whenever possible, from Greenberg pocket price guides: Lionel, Flyer, MTH, Marx. For other manufactaken,
mod-
turers,
we consulted ads
facilitate
Trains,
auction reports, eBay, and club
are positioned next to like
by other manufacturers to easy comparison. els
years
For the sake of further comparison
newsletters. In
all
in Classic Toy
cases, prices
be considered "ballpark"
should
only. In addi-
you should attend shows,
with well-known products, eight classic
tion,
Lionel postwar locomotives - three
your local hobby shop, or consult with
diesels,
one
electric,
and four steamers
- were tested under the same conditions
and
criteria
used for the new
engines. These "RetroReviews" appear at the
end of the
visit
a knowledgeable collector. In cases where features are optional (sound, smoke, etc.), the price given generally reflects the "fully
loaded" model.
listings.
About the reviews General notes about the guide
The locomotives reviewed
Some
roster
numbers
in the listings
from photos that accompanied the CTT reviews. These are usu-
are taken
Toy Trains
in Classic
Magazine (and now,
pages of the Buyer's Guide Locomotives,)
to
in the
Toy Train
undergo the same
thorough
set
of
tests
on
model
way
their
the pages of the magazine.
visually inspected for loose or
is
missing parts or
damage
rough handling during shipping. run,
We
it is
from
resulting
passes that phase of testing, it is
one CTT staff member runs the locomotive - with a train behind it least
to
the
First,
If
it
and before
photographed. it according
then lubricate
and run
it
in at
ates
At
it
quantitative testing begins. First
is
comes
entire circuit of the layout without stalling.
The
that point
(distance
voltage level
is
recorded
at
and a mathematical formula
vs.
time)
is
applied to deter-
mine the locomotive's
The locomotive
is
then run,
first at
Time and
is
tested using (as applicable)
four power sources: a postwar Lionel
transformer
TrainMaster
and
is
each locomotive's power (meas-
ured
at the
or, in
And
only time an
is
to ask a techni-
the case of poor per-
a manufacturer magazine is not a consideration in selection of products to be reviewed. The key determining factor is whether or not the product is judged to be of significant interest to some poradvertises in the
tion of the magazine's readership.
There are only two caveats that need be made regarding these reviews:
certain elements of a review may be subjective (color, sound, etc.); and second, the product you own is different from the specific product we
and
so,
there
may be
differ-
ences in both appearance and per-
formance. Usually those differences
be minor. take seriously the responsibility
effort to ensure that
consistent
make
every
our reviews are
and helpful
hope they are helpful
as possible.
slip) is
measured using an
all this
testing
is
completed,
to you.
-Dick Christianson Editor-in-Chief at
as
We
point where the wheels
electronic digital force meter.
When
The
of reviewing products and
for drawbar
pull;
begin to
published.
it is
question
We
Power 027. The engine is also test-run on a variety of tracks, including both tubular and solid rail. final technical test
magazine.
representing the quality of the product.
will
MRC Dual The
cal
review,
(KW or ZW), a Z-4000, Command Control or con-
ventional (with PowerHouse),
at all in the
first,
dis-
tance are again measured. Each loco-
motive
before
to
volts.
be
will
they are never allowed to see a review
slowest consis-
tent (crawl) speed.
12 and then at 18
per-
it
Whether or not
we reach the point engine is able to make an
applied until
where the
how
formance or mechanical problem, to request a second sample to avoid mis-
the slow-speed test during which volt-
age
mentioned
ing a product review
negoti-
point the qualitative and
this
layout to see
editor contacts a manufacturer regard-
speed, listening for squeaks or other
and observe how well curves and switches.
home
simply announced, reviewed, or even
moderate
noises,
his
advance whether their product to
manufacturer specifications or instructions. With the locomotive appropriately oiled and lubed, we put it on our test track
on
forms under load and under the normal home-layout-operating conditions. Manufacturers are not notified in
Kalmbach Books
Overview of the decade Over the past 10 years there has been a emphasis from toy train collecting to toy train operating. According to shift in
Classic Toy Trains'
reader surveys, in
and
quality of
new products have kept pace
with the growing expectations
1990 about 70 percent of the respondents considered themselves to be collectors
Without getting into the question of which came first, both the quantity and
operators; about 15 percent
claimed to be exclusively operators and
demands of hi-rail
trains are better looking (tending in
the direction of scale proportion
new
15 percent said they were collectors.
(incorporating
precision engineering
decade
where about 70 percent consider themselves to be both and 20 to a point
percent are
now
Some
of the younger
came in as operators - they move over from the ranks of
hobbyists didn't
those
who were
collectors
first.
That's a
healthy sign. Part of this trend can be attributed to the lessening of
childhood nostalgia
Most new entrants
years ago.
tions that have long attracted scale
life,
railroaders
- creating a
slice
They sound
often
better too,
audio components on board.
The decade also gave birth to several new electronic control systems to enhance operation by making the model trains behave more prototypically;
manufacturers have also devel-
oped
at least
of
being in control of a perfect world
That can be a heavy motivation, and it is a lot better for the in miniature.
three very realistic
new
track systems.
"Competition" was the operative
word
under age 40 probably didn't play with O gauge toy trains as children. They came to the hobby for many of the same reasons, challenges, and gratifica-
model
and construc-
tion) than their counterparts
as a motivating factor leading to entry
into the hobby.
technologies with
thanks to miniaturization and digital
primarily operator,
with 10 percent claiming to be primarily collector.
and
super detailing) and better running
The balance
shifted during the
and
operators. Today's
in the 1990s.
It
was responsible
not only for lowering prices
(slightly)
but also for most of the major innovations seen during the decade. There were many changes, and most of them were for the better. That gigantic nostalgia factory at
Chesterfield (formerly
Mount
Clemens), Michigan - i.e., Lionel Trains L.L.C. - was forced to redefine mission and rethink
hobby's future than trying to recapture
its
the past.
several times during the decade, as the
its
objectives
competition, which had only been nip-
ping at
its
heels,
moved higher up
corporate anatomy. For the
first
the
time
more than 20 years, Lionel actually came out with some totally new locoin
Weaver entered the three-rail market from the two-rail scale arena. Many Weaver models are available both ways. Third Rail came on very strong with big, super-detailed brass locomotives.
motive models - not just reruns of past glories with
new and
exciting paint
jobs. Lionel's pricing policies,
which
had been driven for years by middleaged collectors in search of their lost youth,
had
to turn to other criteria
Atlas entered the its
and
were not necessarily dictated by what the traffic could bear. Lionel faltered for a few years, but re-emerged swinging. The strongest contender for Lionel's throne literally came from nowhere in establish price points that
O gauge field from
HO. Two locomotive manufacturers/ established base in
importers dropped from the scene
during the decade - Red Caboose and Right-of-Way Industries. So, the last
decade of the century among the most
certainly has to rank
exciting
from the point of view of toy com-
train fans: lots of choices, lots of
petition, lots of interest.
interesting to see
if
It will
be
the next decade
is
1990 to become the giant's only head-
even bigger and better for the three-
to-head competition as the decade
rail fraternity.
closed. field
MTH aggressively covered the
and deluged the market with
good-looking, operator-friendly loco-
motives in two price ranges, both of which were lower than Lionel's. Long-time manufacturer Williams methodically continued to produce reasonably priced (comparatively speaking) basic scale and scale-like
models that ran well. Williams also began to offer new models as well. K-Line evolved from toy-like sets into some excellent scale pieces, a major shift in direction.
- Ray
L.
Plummer
Notable recent and future locomotive releases The
last
decade of the twentieth century was
toy train hobbyists.
Some remarkable
detail,
and variety of offerings.
If
ments are an indication of what's byists in the
new millennium, the
good one
made
great
enhancements, scale
recent product announcein store for
toy train hob-
future looks bright. The
next 15 pages give you a glimpse of what's recently been released or
is
soon to be released.
for
locomotives were
brought to the market, and manufacturers strides in quality control, electronic
a
BB
Em:
.tit*
Amtrak AEM7
When
It's
gauge AEM7,they
Atlas introduced their
the toy train bar
in
terms of scale detail on
perfect scale in height
detail, including
46 grab
and a two-man crew.
It
and length and
irons!
raised
a plastic
is
model.
loaded with
The engine has two cabs
carries rear-view mirrors, five-
chime horns, and loads of rooftop wiring. Decoration superb (available undecorated too), and for
MARC
Minimum
or SEPTA; as an
ALP44
it's
it
comes
is
lettered
lettered for NJ Transit.
curve diameter for the locomotive
is
0-42
(its
passenger cars require 0-54, however). The engine weighs in
at 4
motor.
pounds, 14 ounces and Its
low-end speed
high-end speed exceeds pull,
the electric
came
review on page 122.
is 1
is
powered by
high at 41
a single can
.6 scale
mph, and
its
25 scale mph. As for drawbar
in at a
respectable 2.2 pounds. See
K-Line
i-Kiilii ililililalliillii Southern
Pacific
GS-4
Scheduled for a winter 2000/2001 release, K-Line's streamlined
GS-4 features
a die-cast boiler, chassis,
and tender;
all
kinds of lighting features, including operating Mars light
and illuminated
firebox;
smoke;
interior cab detail
and
engineer; metal handrails and ladders; flywheel; and
worm-gear marker
drive. The
lights
and
accompanying tender has operating
rear directional lights,
The locomotive features
ing unit, Lionel RailSounds digital sound,
Command black
lots of detail.
and TrainMaster
Control. K-Line's highly detailed red, orange,
model promises
real predecessor.
10
and
a three-position electronic revers-
to live
up to the standards set by
and its
Rio
Grande PA-1 AA
Another winter release
is
this streamlined racehorse
AA
of Alco locomotives (also available in
PRR
Measuring more than 30 inches long,
this beautiful pair
set
livery).
features dual vertical motors with brass flywheels; threeposition electronic reversing unit (linking both units);
eight-wheel drive; Lionel RailSounds digital sound; TrainMaster
Command
trucks, pilot, couplers,
rotating roof fans,
Control; metal chassis; die-cast
and
fuel tank; lighting features,
opening cab doors, engineer, and more.
Matching extruded aluminum passenger car sets have also
been announced.
11
Amtrak F40PH Anyone who has ridden
or seen an
Amtrak
train during the
past 25 years will recognize this workhorse diesel locomotive.
Now
power
K-Line brings this stalwart to
line.
Equipped with dual
vertical
its
growing motive
motors with brass
flywheels, a three-position electronic reversing unit, Lionel
RailSounds digital control, and TrainMaster Control, this
able
in
baby should be
New Jersey Transit
Command
a great performer. Also avail-
livery,
the engine features oper-
ating metal couplers; die-cast trucks, pilot, and fuel tank;
operating running
lights, headlights, ditch lights,
and num-
ber boards. Lots of additional detail will be found on this
model, announced to be available spring.
12
Matching passenger cars
this past
will also
winter or
be produced.
Lionel
The Challenger This past fall Lionel their
Union
Pacific Challenger.
the Joshua Lionel ited
announced production of what may be
most ambitious model
Cowen
to date: a die-cast 4-6-6-4
The
first in
Series,
quantities.The locomotive
3985 engine
in
it
is
what they
will
are calling
be available
in
lim-
being offered as the no.
3977
black with coal tender and no.
"Greyhound" (gray with yellow striping) with
oil
tender.
Features include the Odyssey System; die-cast boiler,
frame, and tender.
It's
TMCC equipped, and
features a high
torque Pittman motor, articulated RailSounds with Crew Talk,
TowerCom, and DynaChuff, Multi-Whistle, wireless
tether, traction tires,
and
promises to have
the bells and whistles.
all
a lot more. In short, this
and negotiates 0-72 curves.The 3985 three-rail version only; no.
3977
will
will
It's
model
32" long
be offered
be offered
in
in a
both
two- and three-rail.
13
&&&
N&W A class, 2-6-6-4 Released
in
2000, the Norfolk
created quite a
stir.
& Western
A-Class 2-6-6-4
The model of this big coal-burning,
coal-hauling loco weighs
in
at a
whopping 16 pounds, 9
ounces and measures more than 30 inches from coupler to coupler.
backup
It
features illuminated headlight up front and a
light
illuminated,
on the tender; the number boards are also
and add-on illuminated marker
of the package.Tooling tion
is
exquisite.
counterpart!
and
14
is
pull
It
excellent
Performance
mph and
speed of 1 3.4 scale
mph. Drawbar
is
is
also
is
excellent with a crawl
a top
speed of 60.4 scale
almost as good as
comes with
RailSounds-equipped.
lights are part
and the paint applica-
its
"real-thing"
a powerful
smoke
unit
Marx
Park Avenue Trolley
From the modern tinplate world of Marx trains comes no. 5200, Park Avenue Trolley. The
little
lithographed beauty
is
motorized (one direction only) and features headlight,
overhead pole, and lithographed interior details. The Park
Avenue
will
be available
in
three color combinations:
maroon and cream, blue and cream, and green and cream. The perfect connector for use on urban and Park
Avenue
carries a
suggested
retail price
rural lines,
the
of $129.95
plus shipping.
15
Marlines 0-4-0 tinplate locomotive Rolling
down
the tinplate
rails
comes the unmistakably
red no. 8401 Marlines 0-4-0 locomotive. With
its
crisply
lithographed boiler and spotlight tender, this beauty catch the eye of
Marx
the Marlines name, the is
1
940s and
'50s.
collectors.
Suggested
will
they'll easily identify
made famous on Marx
$249.95 plus shipping.
16
And
retail for
locomotives
the
little
in
steamer
MTH
New Haven Rectifier Now here's an unusual
locomotive that, not surprisingly,
bears a resemblance to the postwar Lionel Virginian rectifier.
Both had the
same prototype
postwar version was built as a
parent, but Lionel's
child's toy,
model was
built to satisfy today's adult
new model
features illuminated
marker is
lights;
the headlight
is
while the
MTH
expectations.The
number boards and
directional.
The locomotive
festooned with detail: grab irons, door and hinge detail,
see-through screens; engineer and fireman; and add-on
wiper blades.The frame
is
sheet metal, and the trucks and
couplers are die-cast. Paint
comes decorated
is
nicely applied.The
for Conrail also.The 5
model, available with ProtoSound,
speed scale
is
15.2 scale
mph, and
its
mph. With two can motors
is
a
good runner: low
high-end speed it's
model
pound, 5 ounce
is
122
a terrific puller;
draw-
bar pull tops out at 3 pounds, 6 ounces. See complete
review
in
March 2000
CTT.
17
Amtrak F59 In
the race to be
introducing
The
its
futuristic
first off
Premier
the blocks,
line
this one, in
2000.
model does an excellent job of mimicking
the prototype with
its
gently sloping nose, see-through
screens, mirrors, grab irons,
model
MTH won
gauge Amtrak F59
and windshield arms.The
also features illuminated headlights, ditch lights,
marker
lights,
and number boards.Two crew members run
the model from inside the illuminated cab. Detail
is
quite
nice.The trucks, couplers, and pilot are die-cast.The locomotive, a good runner, negotiates 0-31 curves, has a low-
end speed of 20.7 scale
mph. Drawbar you'll
18
pull
is
mph and
a top
speed of 79.6 scale
about 3 pounds, probably more than
ever need to pull a passenger train.
Third Rail
Pennsy Nls-class Santa Fe-type 2-10-2 Third Rail has
done an exceptional job commemorating the
giants of western
steam power: the UP Big Boy and SP
Cab-Forward, for instance. But
many
of their most inter-
esting products celebrate the eastern giant: the Pennsy. This N1
s
model
is
certainly a "looker." She's also a
good
runner. The engine features scale detail, a point of pride
with Third plate,
Rail.
On the
front there's a readable
number
operating headlight, and twin grab irons.
And
work your way back to the cab, you'll see that the
as you
detail
continues: simulated turbine, bell, builder's plates (also readable); the cab features three-dimensional instruments
and controls, and red-painted valve handles.This high of detail continues onto the tender. This big
minimum
level
baby requires
a
of 0-72 curves. Engine performance matches
engine appearance.
Low speed average
and top speed
Drawbar
is
52.
pull
is 1
is
5.8 scale
mph
pound, 13 ounces.
She features a QSI sound system.
19
Weaver
Reading G1 and G2sa The Reading G1 (and G2sa) 4-6-2 uled for spring 2001
.
It is
is
a brass release
actually the
Crusader"undressed," without
its
streamlined shrouding.
This limited edition will feature all-brass tion, scale
sched-
famous Reading
body construc-
dimensions, operating smoke unit, Pittman can
motor, flywheel coasting drive, sprung drive wheels, authentic coal load, detailed interior with engineer and fireman, and operating marker lights. two-rail, three-rail
TMCC and
will
be offered
Railsounds. Three-rail without sound will be
compatible with TMCC.
20
It
without sound, and three-rail with
in
Baldwin 2-8-0 Weaver's Baldwin 2-8-0 Consolidation will be their second die-cast release, bit as
good as
and the
detail level
their die-cast
PRR
promises to be every
C-1 At press time, six .
roadnames are planned: Reading, Baldwin Locomotive Works, Western Maryland ("fireball"), Pennsylvania Railroad,
Boston
& Mainland
Consolidation will be offered
sound, and three-rail with
without sound
will
Nickel Plate
in
Road.The
two-rail, three-rail without
TMCC and
Railsounds.Three-rail
be compatible with TMCC.
21
Williams
EMD NW2 Look familiar? Williams
It
should.This superb model
calling a "Classic Reproduction."
is
the foot-long locomotive couplers.The safety
locomotive
is
cab, the other
rails
is
also
and
die-cast, as are the trucks
motors (one
a pair of can
under the hood) and weighs It is
what
The frame of
are metal. This beautifully painted
powered by
than 4 pounds.
is
in
the
in at a little less
equipped with traction
tires.
For
comparison purposes, the Williams model generates twice as
much drawbar
ounces
vs.
1
pull as its
postwar counterpart: 25
2 ounces. Naturally, with
handles 0-27 curves system, but does
easily. The
come with
its
short wheelbase,
a bell
sound that
is
easy to
deactivate. As with
most Williams models, the N W2
available in several
roadnames - including ones
never offered! See complete review
22
it
engine has no diesel sound
in
is
Lionel
January 2001 CTT.
Lehigh Valley Lots of this
AkoFA-1
manufacturers have offered versions of the Alco FA;
one
is
right
up there with the best of them. The
nicely
decorated model measures a scale 52 feet (within a half inch of being right on). Details include
and rooftop
grills;
number
nated headlight, marker lights, and cast
see-through side
separately applied grab irons; illumi-
boards; die-
metal fuel tank and trucks.The powered unit (the sec-
ond A
is
unpowered) weighs
ounces. Paint
is
in at a
cleanly applied
Minimum curve diameter
is
and
hefty 4 pounds, 5 lettering
is
crisp.
0-27, and the flywheel-
equipped, dual-can-motor-powered locomotive puller.
Minimum
consistent low speed
and the high-end speed at 2
pounds, 8 ounces
layout.
is
96.2.
Drawbar
- should be
See complete review
in
is
is
16.8 scale pull
a strong
mph,
measures out
plenty for almost any
September 2000
CTT.
23
gauge
diesel locomotives:
Locomotive type
Manufacturer
4-wheel switcher
Lionel
25
BL2
Williams
26
C-420
Lionel
27
C-630
Weaver
28
Centipede
(Premier)
29
(RailKing)
30
Dash 8-40C
MTH MTH MTH
(Premier)
31
Dash 8-40C
Lionel
32
Dash 9 (C44-9W)
Lionel
33
Dash 9 (C44-9W)
Third Rail
34
Dash9(C44-9W)
Williams
35
MTH
36
Dash8-40B
E8
AA
(B separate)
(RailKing)
Page
E8AA
Weaver
37
F3AA
Lionel
38
F3ABA
Lionel
39
F3ABA
MTH MTH
(Premier)
40
(RailKing)
41
F3
24
1990-2000
AA
(B separate)
F7ABA
K-Line
42
F7ABA
Williams
43
FA-1
AA
Williams
44
FA-2
AA
K-Line
45
FTAA
Lionel
46
GP9
Lionel
47
GP9
Red Caboose
48
GP38-2
K-Line (Classic)
49
GP38-2
Weaver
50
GP60M
(Premier)
51
H-10-44
MTH MTH
(Premier)
52
H-24-66 Train Master
Lionel
53
NW2
Lionel
54
PA1
Lionel
55
PA ABA
Lionel
56
PA ABA
MTH
(Premier)
57
RDC-1 and RDC-2
MTH
(RailKing)
58
RDC(3-carset)
Williams
59
RS-3
Weaver
60
RS-11/RSD-12
Weaver
61
SD9
(Premier)
62
SD45
MTH MTH
(RailKing)
63
SD50
Lionel
64
SD60
Lionel
65
SD60M
Lionel
66
SD60M
(Premier)
67
SD90MAC
MTH MTH
(Premier)
68
SD90MAC
Williams
69
SW8/SW9
Atlas
70
U25B
Weaver
71
U33C
Williams
72
4-Wheel Switcher
Diesel
Road
Name
(original release):
Union
Roster Number:
Pacific
8911
(and others) Manufacturer: Lionel
Original
Catalog Number:
MSRP: $50.00
Greenberg
This
Prototype Information:
is
a mixed-prototype piece - the
18911 $35.00
Price:
body of a Vulcan switcher placed on a
4-wheel truck.
Injection-molded plastic body and die-cast metal construction, electronic E-unit, operat-
Features:
ing headlight, nonoperating couplers.
N/A
Length:
Vital Statistics:
Performance:
Weight: 11 oz.
Minimum Drawbar
Selected
engine
demand
for
0-27
Lionel decided to market
Comments:
this little
radius:
pull: 4 oz.
in
response to a perceived
an affordable selection of good-
reasonably priced motive power for
quality,
operators
and
entry-level buyers.
The new switcher descends from
that
esteemed line of postwar products, the Lionel motorized units. At least the shell does - it's the
same one no.
57
switcher.
The
the
that graced legendary pieces like
Atomic idea
is
inexpensive switchers
Americans
to the
Energy
Commission
that these good-running, will
Volts
Amps
6
.15
Scale
MPH
58.4
7
.20
71.1
8
.25
105.6
9
.25
148.8
around the track effortis high, compensating for its moderate pulling power, which is equal to approximately eight pieces of mixed vintage rolling stock on straight and level track. Our sample took to the air many times when fed 9 volts, so be forewarned. traction
lessly.
Its
tire,
it
zips
speed range
The hood ladder purpose slot.
is
to
is
indeed cheesy;
its
sole
obscure the former E-unit lever
Regardless, this
is
a place to jump into the
low-end market for Lionel.
help reintroduce
fun of toy train model
rail-
roading.
The
shell quality
proportion unit.
is
excellent
bland but pleasant enough.
model
dow
is
glass,
despite
its
on
this 1:48
The frame/truck assembly
stripped:
dummy
Of
is
course, this
couplers,
no win-
colored plastic instead of paint. Yet,
budget
exterior, the
little
switcher
is
a fine runner.
Equipped with a can motor, electronic and single
reverse unit with lockout switch
Original
C7T Review;
May, 1993 (Jim Bunte) 25
BL2
Diesel
Road Name
Florida East Coast
(original release):
Manufacturer: Williams
Original
MSRP: $169.00 (powered)
606
Roster Number:
Catalog Number:
BL2-108
Greenberg
CP
Price:
$109.00 (dummy)
The BL2 is a strange-looking 1,500 h.p. diesel offered by EMD in 1948 and came from the auto industry. It was intended for light dutv on branch "BL'), but most wound up as road switchers. Perhaps the streamlining was
Prototype Information:
1949.
The
lines
(hence the
styling apparently
deemed out of place. Only 58 were Features:
sold.
motors, headlight, plastic shell on sheet-metal frame.
Tv
Length: 13
Vital Statistics:
Weight: 4
Minimum Drawbar
Performance:
in.
lbs.,
5 oz.
radius:
0-27
pull: 2 lbs., 8 oz.
The prototype was a transibetween cab and hood units, and its streamlined appearance makes it unique and a conversation piece on model pikes of all kinds. Yes, it looks more like a Buick or Oldsmobile than a locomotive. The Williams model is of a Phase I BL2. While the detailing is a bit less intricate than some models, it looks fine and has a few features worth noting, including exceptionally smooth tooling and shaped-metal handrails. While it does not have see-through screens,
Volts
Amps
5.2
.98
Scale
MPH
15
12.0
1.4
50
18.0
2.1
98.6
commands. Flywheels
Selected Comments:
respond
tional design
allow the unit to coast gracefully to a stop.
the
model appears
to
be a
faithful representa-
tion of the prototype, although
it is
two scale
to transformer
The BL2's low-speed average was 15 scale The drawbar pull of 2 pounds, 8 ounces means the m.p.h., with 98.6 at the high end.
engine should handle about 120 modern, free-rolling cars
on
straight
and
level track (if
the couplers hold).
The Williams BL2
is
a distinctive diesel with
body that might not appeal to everyone. But if you like sleek trains and 1950s automobiles, you may find yourself wanting to run this locomotive at the head of even train in a rakish
your
fleet.
feet too short.
The and
is
paint
on our sample was nicely applied commendable considering
especially
the complexity of the old Florida East Coast paint scheme.
The BL2 is fun to run and looks good at the head of almost any kind of train. The motors are quiet in all speed ranges and quick to
Original September.
26
CTT Review;
2000 (Bob
Keller)
Diesel
Road Name (also
(original release):
Lehigh
Valley,
New
Delaware & Hudson Haven, Nickel Plate,
Roster Number:
412
Monon) Manufacturer: Lionel
Original
Catalog Number:
MSRP: $249.95, $349.95
Greenberg
18591, 18588 (Commandequipped)
CP
Price:
Lhe Century 42011 was a 2,000 h.p. road switcher offered by Alco between featured improved maintainability and reduced maintenance costs over piv\ u >us
Prototype Information:
1962 and 1968.
It
models and was designed to compete with the - only 131 were made. Features:
EMD GP30 and the GE U25B. Apparently,
0-27 operation, two can motors, RailSounds and command control optional. Length: 15
Vital Statistics:
Weight: 4
Minimum Drawbar
Selected Comments:
The
in.
lbs.,
Performance:
radius:
0-27
pull: 2 lbs., 3 oz.
Lionel C-420
is
one of
silent.
it
was
remarkable. There are awnings
over the cab windows; metal horn; opening
cab doors; and above the windshield,
marker or
classification lights.
pump and
brake
A
The
detail.
add-on grab irons, plenty of hatch
handles, sand door hinges, and even a catwalk
over the rear exhaust. There's traction tread
on the
and walkways. makes the engine a cut above the but see-through screens would have been steps
All of this rest,
nice.
The
bright Delaware
& Hudson
paint
scheme, very well applied, helps accent many of the detail features on the model we tested.
A crosscheck of various prototype gests that Lionel's designers
mark -
it
1.4
56.3
18
1.6
66.2
test runs.
The motors were
Very few engines look
dream
virtually
this graceful al
drawbar pull equals roughly 130 pieces ern rolling stock on straight and
The RailSounds package
six
simulated
m.u. cable receptacle are
other examples of the wealth of shell has 12
12
MPH
low speeds and run without lurching. The
first sight. is
13
Operationally, the locomotive was a
seen. Taking the piece out of the box,
detail
Scale
1.1
8.3
on our
The
Amps
Volts
12 oz.
the finest looking diesel locomotives we've
love at
didn'l
it
locos sug-
were right on the
-
it
sounds
of
mod-
level track.
has a special gusto
great, particularly at lower speeds,
before the noises of the rolling stock become too pronounced.
The only glitch we encountered was when we turned the smoke unit on for the first time. Nothing happened at first. We wound up having to activate
it
with the CAB-1.
worked just
It
fine after that. Probablv the unit was turned off
when undergoing
a final quality assuran* e
inspection at the factory.
Lionel
made
a shrewd decision to offei an
ultra-detailed locomotive as either a hash
rig
or fully loaded with sound and control options in a very
popular price range
has full-scale measurements and very
good-looking die-cast metal trucks.
The
fuel
tank doubles as a speaker housing.
Original
November,
I
I
1
Rt
2000 (Bob
Keller)
27
C-630
Diesel
Road Name
Manufacturer:
Original
Reading
(original release):
Weaver
Catalog Number:
MSRP: $300.00
Prototype Information:
5803
Roster Number:
Greenberg
The C-630 was one of
Price:
1054 $250.00
Alco's better-known entrants into the modern-era
diesel field.
Features: Plastic
and
die-cast metal construction, dual flywheel-equipped
can motors, electronic
E-unit, electronic horn, interior illumination, operating couplers, traction tires.
Length: 18
Vital Statistics:
Weight: 5
Minimum Drawbar
Selected Comments:
and
die-cast metal
umph
Performance:
in.
lbs.,
12 oz.
radius:
pull:
52
0-31 oz.
This massive hulk of plastic is
yet another powerful
Weaver and Samhongsa.
tri-
Volts
Amps
Scale
6
.8
11.6
40.4
8
.9
10
.9
52.8
12
1.0
105.6
14
1.0
136.4
speed range, and coasts
like
MPH
somebody
Crisco on the kitchen linoleum.
spilled
When
you
anywhere, do-anything kind of locomotive that
combine 6 pounds of locomotive with dual wheel action, you're bound to go skating.
makes you forget about all those disappointing and mediocre engines on your roster.
is
yet another excellent loco-
motive offering for
O gauge model railroaders.
for
The C-630
It's
a go-
Weaver's Alco
fly-
integrates a completely die-cast
metal chassis into the standard die-cast truck
and injection-molded plastic format. The result is one very heavy locomotive. Metal handrails complete the sturdy
Decoration quality sharp, paint
is
is
feel.
quite good, lettering
is
evenly and smoothly applied.
The details are dynamite - tiny vents, small hand grabs - the kind you've come to expect from Weaver. On to performance. This locomotive snorted like an angry bull, reared up and delivered 52 ounces of drawbar pull. Don't worry about pulling power - worry you may not have enough cars to operate behind it. You will be impressed with the operation of the Weaver C-630. It's smooth, has a wonderful
Original September,
28
1
CTT Review;
993 (Jim Bunte)
Diesel .
Road Name
Manufacturer:
Original
Pennsylvania
(original release):
MTH
Roster Number:
(Premier)
MSRP: $699.95
Prototype Information:
Baldwin 6,000
h.p.,
5823
Catalog Number:
20-2200-1
Greenberg
CP
Price:
DRS-2-8-3000, 2-D+D-2 (4-8-8-4), 183 feet lone.
First bi
in 1945.
ProtoSound; ProtoSmoke; ProtoCoupler; directional lights; illuminated number boards, and cab interior; two can motors and two smoke generators in each unit; plasti< body. Color: Brunswick green. Features:
marker
lights,
Length: 4634
Vital Statistics:
Weight: 15
Minimum Drawbar
lbs.,
lent.
on
radius:
this very
7.1
0-72
The
length of the
detailing
and decora-
unusual locomotive are excel-
The famous PRR
radiators,
radio antenna runs the
first unit.
and screens are
all
there, just like
on
the prototype. Figures are visible inside the
and
stripes are
clean and crisp. is
superb. Very
acceleration. Motors run quietly in
all
it
are about as
Scale
2.8
12.6
12.0
3.8
60.2
18.0
4.0
91.8
MPH
reduced speed on the downside,
good
as
it
gets.
Smoke production
The
copious.
is
four
generators belch out clouds unseen since the Industrial Revolution.
You
will
ventilation system in your train
mask.
Overall performance
Amps
a slight upgrade, followed by the squeal of
brakes as
Doors, hatches, vents,
lighted cabs. Lettering, logos
smooth
Volts
pull: 3 lbs., 15 oz.
Selected Comments:
tion
Performance:
in.
3 oz.
need a good room, or a gas
the haze gets too thick, you'll find
If
on/off switches located under the units. Because of its size, weight, and tin
trac-
generators,
on the drive wheels, this locomotive is a bit awkward to handle and move around manually when on the rails. A drawbai and a
once,
plug/ receptacle join the units togethei
speed ranges. The amperage drain
is
high, but
considering there are four motors, four smoke
it
and a sound system all going at seems reasonable. The two engines
showed good trackability in spite of their size and the number of wheels, even on bumpy track and grades. This locomotive
is
capable of pulling 180
modern pieces of rolling The startup engine
noises are nice, but
Likewise for the horn and
However, the rev sound as the
cally
and
mate the
electrically, pair.
bell.
train negotiated
and
it
is
out,
you
will
Railing the Centipede can be a
probably want is
attention getter this fine
model
vo-
|>h
challenge to
a
two-person job, so once you have This loco
stock with ease.
the running and cruising sounds are a bit generic.
tion tires
on yeui
it
to leave
huge, and as such and conversation
isn't for
everyone.
It
is
lay-
there.
it
quite an
piece. But <
an dwai
I
a small- or medium-size layout. Merel) parking the thing requires a four-foot storage
ni May,
(
201)1)
1
tra< k.
1
ft
(Bob Keller)
29
Dash 8-40B
Diesel
Road Name
Manufacturer:
Original
Amtrak, Santa Fe
(original release):
MTH
Catalog Number: 30-2003,
(RailKing)
MSRP: $199.00
Prototype Information:
500, 560
Roster Number:
Greenberg
Price:
30-2004
$225.00
This model of a very popular locomotive represents the
latest in
prototype
motive power.
Features:
Two can motors,
Vital Statistics:
traction tires, horn, headlight, die-cast trucks.
Length: 15
in.
Weight: 4.3
lbs.
Minimum Drawbar
Performance:
7.7
0-27
radius:
26
pull:
oz.
The RailKing Dash 8 is a good representation of a modern locomotive that will please not only kids who want an Selected Comments:
engine of their own, but also serious operators
who
scale-size
This
is
don't have the
room
run
to
big,
power. a smaller,
more
toylike representa-
tion of Amtrak's workhorse.
detailed
It is
and
operates well.
The body familiar
GE
design, with
its
wide nose and the
radiator overhang, helps
make
actually
it
the
is.
It
conveys the image of a piece of equipment
Scale
MPH
26.4
2.0
12.0
3.5
89.1
15.6
4.6
134.9
number boards. A plug-in ProtoSounds
board can be
retrofit, if desired.
The intricate paint scheme of our Amtrak test model was neady applied. The lettering clear
and sharp.
The engine operated smoothly and motors were quiet. The flywheels added
the ter-
"coastability." There are four traction which combined with the weight and two motors, result in sure-footed performance. The drawbar pull should accommodate most rific
has
freight or passenger action
This
is
on
a typical layout.
a budget-priced diesel, suitable for
hobbyists desiring something out of the ordi-
ready to work.
The engine
nated)
Amps
tires,
locomotive look larger than that's
Volts
die-cast
trucks,
and couplers. The frame
metal
nary for their small-radius layouts.
stamped equipped with a headlight and an electronic horn that
wheels,
steel with die-cast fuel tanks. It
delivers a satisfactory beep.
from
plastic with a lot
The
is
is
shell
is
made
of door latches, air
and handrails molded in. There are gleaming handrails and painted (not illumi-
vents,
Original February,
30
CTT Review;
1997 (Bob
Keller)
Diesel
Dash 8-40C
Road Name
(original release):
MTH
Manufacturer:
Original
CSX
Roster Number:
(Premier)
MSRP: $300.00
7599
Catalog Number:
20-2006
Greenberg
$425.00
Price:
Prototype Information: The first 4,000 h.p. 8-40C was delivered in December, 1987. It was developed by General Electric to replace the earlier C39-8, which shares a number of its characteristic :s.
and die-cast metal construction, dual flywheel-equipped can motors, directional QSI reverse unit, diesel horn, operating knuckle couplers. Color: gray, blue, and yellow.
Features: Plastic
lighting,
N/A
Length:
Vital Statistics:
Weight: 5
Minimum Drawbar
Selected Comments:
This
lbs.,
radius:
pull:
is
Performance:
15 oz.
48
0-31 oz.
a beautifully crafted
now in full-swing operation. Our sample represented early production.
of Korea are
Normally, you'd expect to find a few glitches first
pieces off the line, but that was
not the case.
The CSX
8's
scheme is expertly applied, numbers well done, but it's the overall look and feel that are noteworthy. The engine weighs almost 6 pounds because of its die-cast frame and trucks. Detail on the shell is as good as any we've seen in a compaint
with lettering and
From
17.4
49.6
9
.8
11
.9
79.8
12
.9
90.9
13
1.0
116.9
MPH
amperage draw never rose above
1
amp,
when
pulling long freights
up steep
toy-train
grades, the locomotive won't overly tax your
transformer. Also interesting is the speed range - from a nice, mellow pace of 17 scale m.p.h. at the low end to 117, when cranked up to the
high end. With a rated pulling power of This
it is
can handle almost 100
IS
cars.
one awesome locomotive
that
is
ready for big train duty.
the scale proportions
hood-door latches, to roof detail, the spacious wide cab, this baby is realistic to tiny
Scale
.7
even during high-voltage operation. So, even
ounces,
mercial product.
Amps
8
model - so tight and perfect it's almost too good to be true. With the release of the Dash 8, MTH and master train builder Samhongsa
with the
Volts
to
in
the extreme.
Our sample was an incredibly smooth perhumming along in almost musical fashion. Power comes from two vertically mounted can motors equipped with flywheels. The Dash
former,
Original
CI
I
Review;
November, 1993 (Jim Bunte)
31
Dash 8-40C
Diesel
Road Name (original North Western
Chicago
release):
&
Manufacturer: Lionel
Original
MSRP: $549.95 w/RailSounds
w/o
$479.95
8501,8502
Roster Number:
II,
Catalog Number:
6-18219,6-18220
Greenberg
$420.00/$335.00
Price:
it
The Dash 8-40C was developed by GE to replace the earlier C39-8. The two The biggest difference is the cab roof. On the Dash 8-40C it was raised to match the height of the long hood over the dynamic brake box. The first 4,000 h.p. Dash 8 was delivered in December, 1987. The real CNW operated 77 of them. Prototype Information:
share a few characteristics.
Features: II
Operating headlights and ditch
Length: 17X
Vital Statistics:
Weight: 5
Drawbar
Selected Comments:
O
operating couplers, electronic E-unit, RailSounds
gauge
Need
Performance:
in.
radius: 0-31
pull:
1 lb.,
12.8 oz.
big motive power for
railroad,
but your broadest
you'd be out of luck. Lionel's Dash 8-40C
runs through regular
O
gauge curves with the
finesse of a ballerina.
Of course, is
Lionel's
Scale
2.5
20.1
12.0
3.2
149.3
18.0
5.0
193.5
MPH
in,
but be sure you have enough power until then. a
Once again Lionel has produced a model of modern diesel that won't overwhelm your lay-
out. II,
model of the locomotive
Amps
8.4
This should improve as the engine breaks
curves are 0-31? Without the magic of toy trains
Volts
lbs., 2.1 oz.
Minimum
your
lights,
Dual Pullmor motors. Color: Yellow and green.
available,
With
the
EMD
its
smooth operation and RailSounds Dash 8-40C may threaten your
CNW
diesels with early retirement.
shorter than the prototype, but that's okay
with me, since
it's
still
recognizable as a big
GE. With its handsome paint scheme, operating beacon and ditch lights, and RailSounds II, this one will be turning heads on many layouts. It sounds just like the real CNW units. But sound and looks are only part of the story.
pull 1.8
No
its
operator wants an engine that can't
weight.
The Dash
pounds means
it
8's
drawbar pull of
can handle close to 85
on straight and level smooth-running engine,
free-rolling freight cars track.
This
although fast
for
The
its
my
is
a
top speed, 195 scale m.p.h.,
is
too
taste.
dual Pullmor motors
make
juice hog, drawing between 2.5
this one a and 5 amps.
Original December,
32
CTT Review;
1995 (Marty McGuvrk)
Diesel
Dash 9 (C44-9W)
Road Name
Demonstrator
(original release):
Roster Number:
Manufacturer: Lionel
Original
5823
Catalog Number:
MSRP: $699.95
Greenberg
Prototype Information: This
a functional
is
modern-era
diesel,
Price:
L8226 $400.00
produced by General
Electric
and
verj
in
cab,
popular on major railroads. Features:
Two Pullmor
motors, Magne-Traction, directional lighting, engineer figure plastic shell over sheet-metal frame.
Command-equipped, RailSounds, Length: 16
Vital Statistics:
Weight:
Minimum Drawbar
Selected Comments:
Performance:
new wide
radius:
0-31
pull: 1.4 lbs.
9
based
is
and mechanism.
shell
new
safety cab,
die-cast metal trucks,
It
fuel tank,
and GE's demonstrator
paint scheme.
As with most toy
The
trains, the
model
is
a
little
nicely designed
cab masks the
shortness fairly well.
GE
As for decoration, the design are,
is
demonstrator
simple and striking. Minimal as the)
the graphics are crisp, clean,
and
well
applied.
The
loco
is
equipped with directional
ing and ditch lights. for
maximum
The high end
Amps 2.5
Scale
12.0
2.9
105.6
18.0
3.5
151.2
is
MPH
37.7
a speedy 151.52. Using the
TrainMaster system, the low end drops scale m.p.h.
The
effort converts to
to
IS
pounds of tractive about 60 cars of the modern. solid 1.4
free-rolling type.
shorter than the prototype - 12 scale feet to be exact.
Volts 8.9
The Lionel Dash
on the Lionel Dash 8 sports a
in.
N/A
light-
is terrific. To find any more lifeambience you'd need to be standing at trackside. The volume is controlled by a knob under an exhaust stack or by the CAB-1 remote controller. The Dash 9 is a fine locomotive. If youi lay-
RailSounds
like
out needs some new, modern motive powei that is at home on sharp curves, you'll wain to
check
this
one
out.
Command-equipped
It is
operating
flexibility
with the
TrainMaster control system.
The newly designed
die-cast metal trucks
are superb copies of the real thing, with clean
and
industrial lines.
This locomotive delivers quality, reliable performance. The low-end speed is typical of
Pullmor motors, averaging 37.7
scale m.p.h.
Ordinal (II Review; June,
2000 (Bob Keller) 33
Dash 9 (C44-9W)
Diesel
(original release): Burlington Northern Chicago & North Western, CSX, Santa Fe, Southern Pacific, Union Pacific)
Road Name
N/A
Roster Number:
(also
Manufacturer:
Original
Third Rail
MSRP: $799.95
The General
Prototype Information:
than 400 were sold in the
first
Features: Brass construction, single
Length: 19
Vital Statistics:
Weight: 6
Minimum Drawbar
modeler's
C44-9W
all
CP
is
Price:
an exceptionally popular locomotive - more It
represents the latest in diesel power.
motor, directional lighting, QSI sound system. Performance:
in.
radius:
pull:
Volts 7.9
0-72
1 lb.
It is
a
new
work of the
replicated. There's even a
recessed fuel cap at the rear of the engine. All
of the screens are amazingly intricate, and the
sprung 6-wheel trucks
Greenberg
was on the market.
Hatches, grates, vents, air hoses,
grab irons are
N/A
lbs.
to brass detailing. art.
it
This engine adds a
Selected Comments:
dimension
Electric
year
Catalog Number:
really stand out. Yes,
they actually spring.
Amps
Scale
12.0
1.4
57.0
18.0
1.4
121.2
middle of the frame, has drive shafts extending to both trucks. This kind of system, using universal joints, is more likely to be found on
on three-rail tinplate. The model we tested had a sound unit by QSI. The diesel sounds, horn, and bell were pleasing, but we found no volume control. The engine performed well. Acceleration
scale trains than
The safety cab's angular snout looks terrific, do the gull wing shades over the side windows. Inside you'll find a control panel. The
will
cab
few practice passes before you get
as
is
dimly illuminated.
This
is
a large engine - a scale
model
that
requires 0-72 or wider curves. All wheels are
and deceleration were
The engine has no
We
it
in.
might take a it
to stop in
noted what sounded like drive train fricappear to hinder performance,
They look great, but they limit the loco's free movement. The couplers have springs to hold them in place and metal "thumbtack" uncouples attached. During our testing, one of the
but
off,
flywheel, so
a realistic way.
tion. It didn't
fell
a bit rough, but that
probably improve as the loco breaks
flanged and the couplers are frame-mounted.
thumbtacks
MPH
23.5
1.4
it
was quite audible.
rendering the coupler
inoperable.
The Dash 9 has all-wheel drive via a drive The single can motor, mounted in the
shaft.
Original
CTT Review;
Jan nan, 1999 (Bob 34
KH/m
Diesel
Dash 9 (C44-9W)
Road Name (original release): BNSF (also Amtrak, Chicago & North Western, Conrail, CSX, Norfolk Southern, Santa Fe, Southern Pacific)
Roster Number:
Manufacturer: Williams
Original
MSRP: $179.00 powered, $129.00
Prototype Information:
were sold the Features:
first
The General
year
headlights,
Length: 18
in.
Weight: 4.8
lbs.
Minimum Drawbar
The
on
is
Greenberg
$189.00
Price:
Dash 9 It
is a very popular locomotive - over 400 represents the latest in diesel power.
Amps
Volts 5.0
radius: 0-31
introduction of the
fairly detailed,
<>l
them
and horn.
line for
a budget.
loco shell
DA601
Performance:
Dash 9 expands Williams locomotive the operator
Catalog Number:
pull: 2.6 lbs.
The
Selected Comments:
Electric
was in production.
it
Two can motors,
Vital Statistics:
dummy
5823
duplicating
most of the essential reference points on the prototype, and can hold its own against similar engines from other manufacturers. The safety cab looks great, and the radiator overhang adds a brawny appeal to the engine. Decoration on the preproduction samples we tested was superb. For those concerned about the Williams "shine," the brilliance has been reduced by about 20 percent - the colors
Scale
MPH
21.0
1.0
12.0
1.5
76.9
18.0
2.0
119.1
should satisfy most freight-hauling needs. The speed range was also very good - 21 scale m.p.h. on the low end, and 1 19 at the top.
The most obvious stamped-steel
cost
frame,
compromises arc the which has rigid
handrails, and the use of die-cast metal tru< ks from the SD45. Lesser compromises include
decorated,
but
not
illuminated,
number
on the nose. If you want to add some modem, smart-looking motive power to your layout without mortgaging your roundhouse, check this one out. boards and
cast-in grabs
are bright, but not glossy.
The measurements compare the prototype - 72 feet in
The engine
of the real one.
favorably to
O scale to the
73'-l"
features die-cast
metal trucks and couplers, as well as a die-cast fuel tank.
Throughout responsive.
The
testing, the
engine was quite power metal
twin can motors
gears for durability
and even, steady perform-
The
2.6-pound drawbar pull
ance.
hefty
Original September,
CTI
/•'
1998 (Bob Keller) 35
E8 (AA Duo.with Separate B Unit)
Diesel
Road Name
(original release):
New York
Central
4084 4045, 6046/6018
Roster Number:
(Lightning stripe). Southern Pacific (Daylight)
Manufacturer:
Original
MTH
(RailKing)
AA w/horn,
MSRP: SI 79.95
$279.95
AA w
B
sound. S59.95
EMD's
Prototype Information:
Catalog Number:
30-2140; 30-2141
Greenberg
S200.00
Price:
w/o sound, $260.00
unit
E-series of diesel locomotives followed a classic design.
Created for
passenger sendee, the locos were longer than the more numerous, but similarly stvled F-units.
More than Features:
1,200 of the E-series diesels were sold.
Horn and
headlight,
Length: IVA
Vital Statistics:
Weight: 4
Minimum Drawbar
Selected Comments:
sound version
available.
Performance:
in.
radius:
Volts
6.4
lbs., 1 oz.
0-31
pull: 2.4 lbs.
Although reduced
in size,
If
Amps
Scale
MPH
15.7
1.4
12.0
1.4
89.7
18.0
1.5
141.8
you've had reservations about adding
the E8 compares favorably to the prototype.
RailKing diesels to your fleet due to their
The A
diminutive
unit, with
oversize couplers, meas-
its
ures 58 scale feet, as opposed to the proto-
size,
the larger dimensions of the
E8 might change your mind.
type's 70 feet.
The
styling of the
engine
is
true.
Windows,
hatches and doors appear in the correct places,
and the
level
of detail
is
what vou'd
expect. All units have rubber diaphragms.
Both the powered and
dummv A units
have
headlights, but lack directional lighting.
The B
something of a puzzle. This mounted to one of the trucks, but with the horn-only A units we tested, there are no matching receptacles. We
dummy
later
unit
is
unit has a tether
learned that
even though
it
all
B
units have this tether,
has no function with the non-
ProtoSound sets. Performance was superb. The engine crawled around the layout without hesitation or balking. The loco is equipped with two can motors and traction tires, so it delivered an excepdonal 2.4 pounds of pull at the drawbar.
Original October,
36
CTT Review;
1999 (Bob Kcllrn
Diesel
E8AA
Road Name
(original release):
Baltimore
(also
&
Union
Pacific
New York
Ohio,
Roster Number:
927/928
Catalog Number:
1994
Central,
Pennsylvania, Santa Fe, Southern Pacific)
Weaver
Manufacturer:
Original
MSRP: $495.00
Prototype Information:
E
units for various
Greenberg
Price:
$400.00
By the time EMD brought out the E8 in 1949, it had produced thousands ,,l American railroads. The E8 was the most dependable of all postwar diesels.
service.
style and flash of curved noses and streamlined design, most were assigned Their 1,800 h.p. allowed for long trains and fast schedules.
Features:
Injection-molded plastic and die-cast metal construction, two can motors,
With the
directional lighting, jacks for optional
Length: 17%
Vital Statistics:
Weight: 5
Drawbar
Selected Comments:
the prototype in
speed
when
Performance:
run on three
to
in part to
to
cision can
model
rails.
At
motors
in
a detailed casting that includes
A brass etching simulates
the ventila-
each
pre-
unit.
We found that some of the wires from each power truck were a bit short, so when the truck can pinch the wire between
motor and frame.
rails.
MPH
good truck design and the dual
swivels
grab
Scale
N/A
it's a mere scale foot short, and on the money when it comes to height. If you want realism, this one's for you. is
reverse,
(Data Not Available)
71 feet long,
shell
Amps
Volts
right
The
I
radius: 0-31
pull:
as close to a scale
trains
OS
traction tires.
(each unit)
Weaver's model is faithful more ways than devotion
(it's fast!). It's
as you'll get
in.
lbs.
Minimum
QSI sound system,
to passengei
it
It
the
wouldn't hurt to add
about a half-inch to each. The Weaver E8 completely upstages the
models of a few years ago (the
late 1980s).
on both sides. The frame is heavy sheet metal and rides on die-cast 6-wheel trucks. Our sample had excellent paint and graphics. tion grills
The shoe
E8's trucks swivel easily - a die-cast
into a corresponding hole in the frame - so the locomotive can negotiate 0-31 curves without binding. There is a rather extreme overhang on the sharp curves, so fits
clear the right-of-way.
The speed range is perfect for the world of The diesel pair can creep and pull
toy trains.
consistently at low speeds, yet also scream
around the curves with
ease.
It's
one of the
smoothest performers we've reviewed, thanks
Original October,
CT1
/'
1991 (Jim Bunte) 37
F3AA
Diesel
Road Name
Santa Fe
(original release):
(freight color
Manufacturer: Lionel
Original
200/200
Roster Number:
scheme)
MSRP: $599.95
Prototype Information:
18117
Catalog Number:
Greenberg
The
$400.00
Price:
cab-type diesel was popular for hauling both freight
General motors sold almost 7,000 of
its
the 18 years they were in production.
3
classic
and passenger
trains.
F units (FT through F9) to American railroads in
and metal construction, cab lights and headlights in both units, mechanical E-unit, in powered unit, operating couplers at front ends and dummies at rear, horn, Magne-Traction. Color: dark blue and yellow. Features: Plastic
two three-pole
Vital Statistics:
AC motors
Length: 13% Weight: 6
Performance:
in.
15 oz.
lbs.,
(powered unit only) radius: 0-31
Minimum Drawbar
Selected Comments:
pull:
22
Volts
Amps
Scale
MPH
36.4
7
2.5
9
2.7
74.4
12
2.9
130.9
oz.
Year after year Lionel has
dummy
unit.
The
freight carries only a horn.
offered Santa Fe F3s in the red-and-silver pas-
For some reason there are a few differences
senger color scheme, because no doubt that is what the public wants. All the Santa Fe freight trains clattering through Lionelville, from 1948 to the present, have been pulled by passenger
in performance between the passenger F unit and the new one. The freight's minimum speed is faster, and - not a bad thing - its top
F3s instead of those designated for freight serv-
Maybe it's the new brushplates. Those who are sticklers on prototype fidelity may be a little disappointed in the decoration. The quality is good, but the accuracy
ice.
With release of F3s
in the blue-and-yellow
freight scheme, things are different.
Lionel's Santa Fe F3
AA
is
painted in the
road's freight livery - dark blue
speed
is
slower.
A local
It
also
draws
less
current.
and yellow. They look good and they run fine. In fact, they're a lot like an old shoe. Anyone who has
yellow should be paler, the nose herald should
a Lionel F3 of any vintage will be comfortable
rear
with the
new
not.
Santa Fe expert pointed out the
have a bronze-gold background, the roof and
end should be painted
black,
low over the cab should look
one.
For comparison purposes, the new freight F is
is
almost identical to the recent Lionel passen-
ger unit pattern, not squared Nevertheless,
I
and the
yel-
like the passenoff.
think most Lionel fans
will
ger unit. They have slightly different brush
be pleased with these engines. They're
attrac-
holders on the motors, and the freight unit's
tive, they run well, they have the F3 look, and they fill a need.
Lionel
frame
is
painted black instead of
silver,
but
The
pas-
classic
otherwise, they are twins.
The
electronics are a bit different.
senger loco has RailSounds equipment in the
Original
CTT Review;
May, 1994 (Dick Christianson) 38
Diesel F3
Road Name
Atlantic Coast Line
(original release):
Manufacturer: Lionel
342
Catalog Number:
MSRP: $975.00
Original
Roster Number:
Greenberg
ABA
Price:
18123 $540.00
The F-class cab-type diesel locomotive was a favorite for both freighl and pasGeneral Motors sold almost 7,000 of them (FT through F9) from 1939 to 1957.
Prototype Information:
senger
Some
traffic.
are
still
in service.
Pullmor motors, Magne-Traction, Railsounds
Features:
II,
command
control. Color: purple with
gray and gold striping.
Length: 13%
Vital Statistics:
Weight: 4.5
Minimum Drawbar
in.
Performance:
7.5
radius: 0-31
pull:
20
oz.
The F3 is probably the most popular diesel locomotive in O gauge model Selected Comments:
and Lionel comes out with
railroading,
version every few years.
review the
one
to
ACL
We
a
new
have chosen to
engine because
have both Railsounds
II
it is
the
first
and command
control features.
is
true
to
Lionel's rendering tion
and sharp
ACL
is
is
The
sharp.
paint
streamliner colors.
good, with clean applica-
lettering.
The powered
unit gives a quality perform-
ance. Starting speed was 24 scale m.p.h., with
end at 164. The two motors ran smoothly and racked up 20 ounces of drawthe high
Scale
1.9
12.0
3.1
65.4
17.5
3.9
163.6
older Railsounds
I
MPH
24.2
engines off the layout. The
sound is full and distinctive with variety and depth that won't disappoint even the most jaded operator. A good range of volume is available. We noticed a rattle on the high end - the speaker vibrating against the unit shell.
Cosmetically, the engine
scheme
Amps
Volts
lbs.
A
slight
plastic
B
adjustment downward
made the noise disappear. The unlabeled switches on the underside the B unit have caused some confusion. <>f
Although not labeled, they simply function on/off controls for the sound system.
The new ACL Lionel F3
is
fun
to
run.
Command
control coupled with the sound
tem puts
in a class
it
by
as
sys-
itself.
bar pull.
Command
control
worked
flawlessly.
Boosting the sound, revving the engine, squealing the brakes, and doing the tle
things that
add character
many
lit-
to a layout with
the TrainMaster.
From
the
first rev,
you and makes you
the Railsounds grin. This
II
grabs
F3 just blows
Original
Novemhn.
(
I
I
) l >h
1
1
Review;
(Bob Keller)
39
F3ABA
Diesel
Road Name
Atlantic Coast Line
(original release):
Chicago. Burlington
(also
Electro-Motive Division. Lehigh Valley,
Northern
Pacific, Texas Special,
Manufacturer:
MTH
New Haven
Western Mankind)
(Premier)
MSRP: $625.00
Original
201A/201C
Roster Number:
Quincv.
8c
Catalog Number:
20-2084-1
Greenberg
S970.00
Price:
Lhe cab-type diesel was popular for hauling both freight and passenger trafGeneral Motors sold 6,829 of its classic "F" units (FT through F9) to American railroads between 1939 and 1957. The F3 has long been the favorite of model train manufacturers. Prototype Information:
fic.
Features: Dual-motored, flvwheel-equipped ProtoSounds with "cab chatter." Sold as AA or
Vital Statistics:
Length: 40
in.
Weight: 10
lbs.,
Minimum Drawbar
Our
Selected Comments:
Special
grills
1
0-31 10.2 oz.
lb.,
Texas
ABA. The models were superbly
detailed. glass,
Performance:
sample was a
test
Molded-in fan blades, a water sight
filler
caps,
and the
headlight and operating Mars
12 oz.
radius:
pull:
A unit, ABA sets.
characteristic
F3
with visible structural supports show the
fied I
Volts
Amps
Scale
7.6
1.5
8.7
34.6
10.0
2.0
12.0
2.5
77.3
18.0
3.0
86.4
light.
MPH
from the prototvpe appealed to me when saw it. Now that I've seen and operated )
first
the
MTH
model, I'm even more impressed.
And when its
beauts
considering
-
is
certainly
its
operating features,
more than
skin deep.
manufacturer paid close attention to prototype details. I put the complete three-unit lashup through its paces on my home layout. The
dual-motored loco performed
The horn sounded light
great.
effortlessly.
The simulated Mars
was spectacular, along with the steady
headlight.
The ProtoSounds option
features
all
sorts of
whining, growling, clanking, and "cab chatter"
- comments radioed from the engineer in the cab. bell,
The sound package
adjustable volume,
The and I
includes the horn,
remote-control couplers, reverse unit,
and other
things.
paint application looked great.
lettering graphics are clean
never saw
the
real
It's
fun.
The logo
and sharp.
Texas Special,
Lionel's version of the paint
scheme
but
(simpli-
Original C.rr Review; December, 1995 (Dick Christiansen)
Diesel
F3AA and
Road Name (also
Southern
Original
(
loasi
Roster Number:
503/504
Central, Pennsylvania,
Pacific,
Manufacturer:
Union
MTH
Pacific)
(RailKing)
AA w/hom,
MSRP: $199.00
$279.00
Florida East
(original release):
New York
B Unit
AA w/Proto
Catalog Number:
30-2007-1
Greenberg
$205.00/$255.00
Price:
Sounds, $79.95 B unit
EMD
Prototype Information:
cab diesel locomotives were popular with American railroads be used by themselves or in combination with other A and B units in either freight or passenger service. The Phase Ill-type F3s made in 1947 and 1948 seem to be the prototypes here.
because of their
Features:
Can motors,
Vital Statistics:
F-class
The A
versatility.
units could
traction tires, die-cast metal trucks, ProtoSounds available.
(AA duo) (ABA) Minimum radius: 0-27 Drawbar pull: 1.2 lbs. Length: 15^
Weight: 6.7
in.
Performance:
lbs.
6.4
To allow for operation on 0-27 curves, MTH scaled these F3s way down. One might justifiably wonder why they had to be made so far under size. A prototype AA duo Selected Comments:
is
100 feet long, compared to the 62 scale feet
of the models. Yet, the proportions seem to be
reasonable,
except for the trucks, which
appear huge under the small bodies.
Mold rific.
There are simulated
is
ter-
fuel sight gauges
and
number of fans and support posts the side grills. The simulated fuel tanks seem
the correct in to
Amps
Scale
MPH
11.5
.9
12.0
1.3
78.0
18.0
1.8
137.0
bells, and squealing brake sounds them up. Our test model was decorated in the Florida East Coast red, yellow, and silver liven, righl tives,
ringing
to liven
down to the Flagler System shield on the There was good color separation and no ness in any of
Don't
detailing of these locomotives
Volts
nose. ln//i-
it.
let their
diminutive size fool you
-
these engines are ready to haul on a moment's notice. RailKing
may be designed
0-27
for
operators, but the quality shines through.
be the most fragile part of the body. Operationally, the F3
and smoothly
is
a winner.
It
runs well
speed ranges, from a low of 1 1.5 scale m.p.h. up to 137 wide open. The flywheel offers great coasting ability, and it racks
up
1.2
The
in all
pounds of drawbar
pull.
optional ProtoSounds system
powered
A
unit.
Having
this
locomotive priced
this
small layouts can
now have
low
is
is
in the
system in an 0-27
remarkable. Even roaring locomo-
Original September,
(
/
/
/'-
1997 (Bob
Keller)
41
F7ABA
Diesel
Road Name
Baltimore
Chesapeake
(original release):
&
& Ohio
8012/8013/8506
Roster Number:
Rio Grande,
(also Pennsylvania,
Ohio)
Manufacturer: K-Line
K21 5-80 12/K251 5-80 13"B"/
Catalog Number:
K25 15-8506 Original
MSRP: $699.95
Prototype Information:
senger
traffic.
Greenberg
The
cab-type diesel locomotive was a favorite for hauling both freight
General Motors sold U.S.
equipped versions from 1939 Features: Six
to 1957.
lines 6,829 of
Some
are
motors, single E-unit, 12 traction
Length:
Vital Statistics:
NA (ABA over 40
still
tires,
in.)
them (FT through
tests
Note that the performance
former.
The average
starting
ZW trans-
speed was low-
ered from 40.4 to 28.8 scale m.p.h. when using
No matter what power source is used, this engine resembles a missile on wheels. This offering marks K-Line's move into scale-length, scale-detailed models for the hirail end of the toy train market. Rivet counters a Lionel TrainMaster system.
will
note that although
this rig
is
sold as an F7,
submerged screen for dynamic brakes above and behind the cab suggests it is a late model F3 instead. If the top had been solid, rather than screened, this would be an F7 without dynamic brakes. These same people will the
also indicate that the
A unit is a tad longer than
the prototype - four scale feet, to be exact.
The
blue,
gray,
scheme on our
test
no graphic design and are sharp with
and yellow
sample
is
blurring. its
C&O
terrific
The
- the
paint lines
distinctive
execution are up to a
high standard.
Performance:
The motors
in
each unit are mounted
A
single reverse unit
and
pas-
in passenger-
Volts
Amps
6.8
.03
12.0
1.37
155.6
19.1
1.91
252.7
Scale
MPH
40.4
all six motors, via a plugged cable between the units. You can run the outfit as an ABA, AB, AA, or just the lead A unit. The trailing A will not run by itself. The connecting
controls
cables are not a distraction, because the rub-
ber diaphragms between the units hide them.
How did
the set fare
on the
test track? It
has
gripping power and speed we've never seen before in a toy
train.
Going from
to 40.4
scale m.p.h. instantly practically defines the
term "jack-rabbit
end
home is
likely to
is
start."
The
252.7
on the high
challenge the curves on any
The 3.2 pounds of drawbar pull more than 100 modern, free-rolling
layout.
equal to
and level track. horn was a little anemic-sounding, and we detected a grinding noise from the leading A unit during low speed testing. It disappeared once the speed was nudged upward. K-Line confirmed this as a common sound that vanishes when the train is under load, cars
on
The
straight
outfit's
drawing more than 6 or 8
volts.
model of a popular locomotive, which has tremendous speed and This
across the truck frames.
many
headlights, horn.
lbs.
above were done with a Lionel
F9),
in service.
(ABA) Minimum radius: 0-42 Drawbar pull: 3.2 lbs.
Weight: 7.8
Selected Comments:
$320.00
Price:
is
a well-detailed
pulling power.
Original
CTT Review;
November, 1997 (Bob Keller)
42
Diesel
F7ABA
Road Name {Daylight
(original release): Southern scheme) and others
Pacific
Roster Number:
Manufacturer: Williams
Original
MSRP: $589.00
Prototype Information: The F7 was one of the were among the most popular of all time.
Features: Plastic
and
later
6017
Catalog Number:
F7107
Greenberg
$280.00
Price:
General Motors cab
die-cast metal construction, dual
units.
The
F-series diesels
can motors, OMS/True-Sounds diesel system,
1:48 proportion.
Vital Statistics:
Length:
N/A
Weight: 4
Minimum Drawbar
Selected Comments:
Performance:
2 oz.
lbs.,
6.5
radius: 0-31
pull:
34
Volts
oz.
Amps .9
Scale
MPH
11.9
8.0
1.0
24.9
12.0
1.2
61.7
14.0
1.3
148.8
Our sample came decorated
for the Southern Pacific Daylight.
The dual can motor operation is smooth quiet. The F7's speed ranges from a mere
and
With powered wheelset, our
11 m.p.h. to a toy train standard of 148.
one
traction tire per
sample produced 34 ounces
at the drawbar,
roughly equivalent to 68 cars on straight and level track.
The "True-Sounds" system
among
is
the
Apply 6 volts to the track and the system rumbles. After about 5 seconds, there's departure conversation between engineer and tower. Juice it a bit more and the best we've heard.
engines rev up.
The
as the voltage stays
On
bell
can be tolled as long
under
8,
then
it
cuts out.
awesome too. All the sounds were recorded from authentic Burlington Northern E8s. You must the main line, blast the horn.
hear
it
It's
in action.
Original
CTT Review;
May, 1993 (Jim Bunte) 43
Diesel
FA-1 (AA)
Road Name
(original release):
New York
Central
Lehigh
Manufacturer: Williams
Original
586/588
Roster Number:
Valley,
MSRP: $269.00
Catalog Number:
FA1-2003
Greenberg
CP
Price:
Between 1946 and 1950, more than four hundred 1,500 h.p. Alco FA-ls were The FA shared its squared-off nose with more glamorous legendary PAs. Engineers liked the engines, but the maintenance crews had other thoughts. The locomotives were not reliable performers. Prototype Information:
sold to 21 railroads.
Features:
Two can
motors, headlight, True Blast digital horn.
Length: 13
Vital Statistics:
Weight: 4
Minimum Drawbar
Performance:
in.
lbs.,
radius:
staple since 1950.
0-27
Kusan, K-Line, Lionel, is
often in a
MTH, and Weaver. The
an excellent representation
This model offers great value for the opera-
The
shell
metal side
grills
features see-through etched-
and
a similar rooftop
simulated fan blades cast
in.
grill
with
The engine has
separately applied grab irons, headlight,
illu-
minated markers and number boards, as well as the correct AAR type-B road trucks. It is within six scale inches of being right on the prototype mark.
The
is
Amps
Scale
0.86
16.8
12.0
1.4
49
18.0
2.2
96
MPH
fun to run and looks good on the
point of any train. Motors are quiet in
all
speed ranges and quick to respond to transformer commands. Flywheels allow the loco to coast nicely to a stop.
age
of the classic prototype.
tor.
The FA
a toy train
smaller 0-27 version, has been offered by
Williams entry
5.5
pull: 2 lbs., 8 oz.
The FA has been The locomotive,
Selected Comments:
Volts
5 oz. (powered unit)
is
is
The
FA's low-speed aver-
16.8 scale m.p.h.; the high-end average
96.2.
With a drawbar pull of 2 pounds, 8 ounces, the loco should handle about 120 modern, free-rolling cars. Very hefty indeed.
The FA
good looking, good value. Whether you operate your railroad on a tight budget or is
carefully designed,
a great performer,
not, this piece
is
and
a
worth a closer look.
painting and decoration are top notch,
including minute nomenclature items, class lettering,
and
builder's plates.
The FA uses Williams' new True Blast digital horn. The sound is realistic, and although basic, still a quantum leap ahead of the standard battery-operated horns found on many other locomotives.
Original September,
44
CTT Review;
2000 (Bob
Keller)
Diesel
FA-2 AA
Road Name
Santa Fe
(original release):
Roster Number:
Manufacturer: K-Line
Original
MSRP: $162.50
Prototype Information:
2120 2128
Catalog Number:
K-2126 K-2128
Greenberg
$115.00
Price:
The
distinctive, square-nosed Alco FAs were intended to give the EMD F-sei ies Although many major railroads bought them, Alco FA-2s never even came figures racked up by the General Motors engines.
diesels competition.
close to the sales
Features: Plastic
plers at front
Vital Statistics:
and metal construction,
ends and dummies Length: 11
in.
Weight: 3
lbs.,
(powered
Minimum Drawbar
Selected Comments:
oz.
MPH
Scale
unit)
7
.3
45.5
radius: 0-31
8
.4
79.8
10
.4
116.9
24
oz.
inevitable.
about 9 feet short of scale.
simply cry
How
can
On
closer examina-
become apparent. The
K-Line model has clear lenses in the engine
room doors - Lionel has filled in portholes. A more noticeable difference is Lionel's black exposed frame - a contrast to K-Line's, which is concealed inside the body. The K-Line sits about a scale foot lower than Lionel, giving it a slightly more streamlined appearance in its
Amps
32.7
At first glance, the two locomotives look almost identical. They are in length - both
spite of
Volts
.2
you not compare K-Line's Santa Fe FA-2 with Lionel's FA-2 from the Super Chief set?
tion, the differences
yellow.
6
pull:
It's
and
Performance: 1 1
Some products
out for comparison.
electronic reversing unit, dual can motors, operating cou-
at rear. Color: silver, red,
stubby length.
tent derailment problems, likely related to the traction
tires.
The low speed range
is
comparable, bin
K-Line's gearing allows for a higher top speed.
The K-Line motors draw
slightly less current.
Both units feature electronic reverse units and a single bulb in the cab for the headlight and interior illumination.
couplers in front and
The
Both have operating
dummies
K-Line's drawbar pull
in the back.
24 ounces.
is
Lionel's was tested at 18. Perhaps the
main
area where K-Line's loco definitely excels is decoration. The "plain Jane" look oi Lionel's
economy model
pales next to the fanciei look
of the K-Line, which has yellow and black side stripes
and a more complete warbonnet.
Neither one has the prototypically correct truck sideframes. Lionel's looks like an
EMD
based on an
AAR
type,
while K-Line's
is
design. Unfortunately, the models are of an
Both engines are powered by can motors on the front and rear trucks, and both use traction tires. We experienced intermit-
Alco.
Original
<
II R
May. 1994 (Dick Christianson) 45
Diesel
FT (AA)
Road Name (also
New York
(original release):
Central
1602,1603
Roster Number:
Santa Fe)
Manufacturer: Lionel
Original
MSRP: $349.95 traditional,
Catalog Number:
18160,18163
Greenberg
CP
Price:
S449.95 Command-equipped Prototype Information:
This 1,350 h.p. locomotive was the
rounded nose and streamlined but between 1939 and 1945. Features:
first to
feature the now-famous gently
utilitarian carbody. Electro-Motive sold
Two can motors, RailSounds,
headlight, TrainMaster
command
almost 1,100 of them
control,
stamped
steel
frame, plastic body.
Length: 26
Vital Statistics:
Weight: 3
Performance:
in. (.AA)
lbs.,
(powered unit only) radius: 0-27
Minimum Drawbar
Selected Comments:
This
pull:
is
the
it
first
rails.
its
debut for
two years. close
to
detail
is
scale
a nice-looking model, very
is
proportions, the
amount of
only moderate for the price range. are not lighted, the horns
and the rooftop grills are not seethrough. There are nose grab irons and clear portholes, though. Major detail points are present and the tooling is well executed. are plastic,
The cab interior is bare, but illuminated. The paint job and decoration are very good. Overall performance is comparable to a benchmark postwar F3 in speed, but slightly less in drawbar pull - yet the FT should pull roughly 84 pieces of modern rolling stock. The RailSounds diesel sounds are excellent
Of special note
13.6
12.0
1.5
40.9
18.0
1.7
73.5
MPH
features an
ElectroCoupler and
directional lighting, but in a way both features
are only half there, most notably in
mode. There units. So,
this
The number boards
as usual.
The FT
time the leg-
was originally cataloged in 1998,
delays in production held back
While
Scale
1.2
5 oz.
1 lb.,
endary FT has been made for three
Although
Amps
8.9
Volts
10 oz.
is
is
no
electric tether
although the powered unit's lighting
directional, the
dummy
The ElectroCoupler the
command
between the
dummv
is
unit's
is
always on.
on the powered
unit -
has a conventional magnetic cou-
These compromises seem strange. instruction manual suggests, in command mode, running the A\ units with pler.
Lionel's
the
dummy in
the lead. This better utilizes the
ElectroCoupler but negates front-end directional lighting. Worse,
pushing the
dummv A
unit simply invites derailments.
are rev-ups as the loco
climbs an incline, and the compressor spurts
when running
at
low speed.
Original September,
46
2000 (Bob
Keller
and
CTT Review;
Neil Besougloff)
Diesel
GP9
Road Name
(original release):
Southern
Pacific
New York
Central,
Manufacturer: Lionel
Original
Roster Number:
2380
Catalog Number:
MSRP: $299.95
Greenberg
18563, 18562
$210.00
Price:
Prototype Information: The EMD General Purpose diesel locomotives, known affectionately as "Geeps," were legendary performers in the second half of the Twentieth Century. Almosl ever) American railroad used them for everything from yard switching to freight and passenger sei vice Features:
Pullmor motor, Magne-Traction, Railsounds, Command-equipped, directional headlight,
and couplers.
strobe light, metal trucks
Length: 14
Vital Statistics:
Weight: 3
Minimum Drawbar *The above
in.
lbs.,
results were from
Scale
1.4
45.1
12.0
1.4
75.4
16.3
2.1
138.3
8.9
radius: 0-31
pull:
Amps
Performance:* Volts
5 oz.
12 oz.
using
ZW power.
The average low
scale speed
MPH
using the TrainMaster system was
13.3 m.p.h.
Selected Comments:
the-art
The
Lionel took a 40-year-old
up a bit, and added state-ofelectronics, and the result is just great.
design, spruced
shell
is
it
painted plastic with lettering
neatly applied, over a stamped-steel frame, plastic fuel
On
tank and die-cast metal trucks.
20-plus
and
modern,
straight
The Railsounds audio
is
superb. There's a
very realistic idle tone, air brakes, horn.
and
air
compressor. You'll need to
tery for the
The
the underside, there's a volume-control
knob and switches for selecting Railsounds or SignalSounds and for placing the loco in run or program mode - needed if the TrainMaster
on
free-rolling cars
level track.
It
is
shutdown sounds -
well built,
performs
worth
well
case for this locomotive
ww
is
and
well,
hell.
install a bat-
is
it.
strong.
loaded
with electronic extras.
Command system is to be used. A single Pullmor motor and MagneTraction provide the power. We tested it with a
ZW
and TrainMaster.
In both cases, the 2380
to commands. Operationally, the major difference was the low speed reaction to TrainMaster's pulsed power - a more prototypical 13 m.p.h.
ran smoothly and was responsive
instead of 45.
The drawbar
pull
is
modest, averaging 12
ounces. You won't be pulling stumps with
it,
but the engine should easily handle a train of
Original
March,
(
l
<
><>7
II Review; (l>«>l>
Krllm 47
GP9
Diesel
Road Name
Burlington Northern
(original release):
1704
Roster Number:
(and 20 other road names) Manufacturer:
Original
Red Caboose
MSRP: S395.00
EMD
Prototype Information:
1949.
A little more
than
duction through 1959 and
Features:
introduced the
five years later, is still
the
first
of
Catalog Number:
RC-0015
Greenberg
$329.00
its
"general purpose" (GP) road switchers in
company brought out
AC/DC
the 1,750 h.p. GP9.
One
It
was in pro-
EMD
ever produced.
horizontally
mounted motor
the most popular diesel locomotive
Injection-molded plastic and brass construction.
to all wheels,
Price:
(Kit)
linked
operation, electronic reverse unit, directional headlights, two coupler-shank
lengths available.
N/A
Length:
Vital Statistics:
Weight: 3
Minimum Drawbar
Selected Comments:
rate scale
model.
This
is
radius:
pull:
Not Specified
6 oz.
all
and accu-
of the details
of the prototype. The exhaust fans rotate when you blow on them, and the cab windows open and close. The side and end railings are made of flexible plastic, so there is litde danger of damaging them when handling this handsome locomotive. Since the model track,
it
is
is
Amps
Volts
6
a beautiful
has almost
It
Performance:
lbs., 1 oz.
designed to run on
Scale
.5
5.3
9
.8
33.7
12
1.0
40.4
15
1.4
65.5
a disappointment to
manv
MPH
operators. This
represents a train of about a dozen mixed vintage cars.
The Red Caboose GP9 is an excellent examdone to mix the beauty of a scale model with the ease of hi-rail operation. ple of what can be
hi-rail
furnished with Lionel-compatible
couplers. For the couplers to swing far
enough
to negotiate tight curves, they have to stick out
a bit
far.
But
this leaves the front
skirt intact, so all
end fender
of the details are present.
The GP9 is powered by a horizontallv mounted Pittman AC/DC motor in the center of the frame. Drive shafts on either end of the motor connect are powered.
to the trucks. All of the wheels
A QSI
reversing unit controls the
and the headlights. The model's speed performance
direction
is
very
close to the range of the prototype. But the
drawbar pull of onlv
six
ounces may come
as
Original September,
48
1
CTT Review;
994 Tom Rollo) (
Diesel
GP38-2
Road Name
BNSF
(original release):
Roster Number:
Manufacturer: k-Line Classic
MSRP: $333.00
Original
Prototype Information: This 2,000 h.p. locomotive
duced
Can motor, horn, and silver. Length:
Vital Statistics:
Greenberg
CP
Price:
exceptionally popular, with
more than
,800 pro-
1
153* in.
Minimum Drawbar
Selected Comments:
This
Performance:
radius: 0-31
a rugged, scale-like
locomotive, replete with fine detail. External details include illuminated
number
marker
lights
boards, a radio antenna, horns,
and bell,
fold-down steps at both ends for multiple-unit operation,
screens
rings, adjustable side vents,
lift
made
and
of photoetched metal at the
There are two figures
and a
in the cab,
Geep even exhaust fans on top,
shield hides the can motor. This
powered rotating
adding a unique touch
The applied.
heritage
The
but in normal
The horn
to the operation.
paint
scheme
lighting looks nice in
room
light,
it
is
dim
neatly light,
appears dim.
leaves a great deal to
be desired -
it has a traditional sounding electronic bleat which is out of place on so fine an engine. However, K-Line has announced that it is developing a sound system, and upgrades will be available. The engine performance was smooth in all speed ranges. It should be able to pull 90 mod-
We
Amps
Volts
lbs.
pull: 2.2 lbs.
is
offering
directional lighting, die-cast metal trucks. Color: orange, dark green,
Weight: 4.7
offers
K241 1-2099
North American railroads since 1972. The GP38-2 was actually a retro concept, less power but without the high maintenance of a diesel turbocharger.
Features:
rear.
Catalog Number:
for
slightly
gold,
is
2099
Scale
6.8
1.0
12.0
1.2
88.8
18.0
1.9
129.0
MPH
31.8
tested the unit with the Lionel Train-
as well as the MRC DualPower 027 and the MTH Z-4000 transformers. There were no unexpected operating characteristics
Master and ZW,
we got to the MTH Z-4000. The manufacturer advises thai
until
there ma) he
a slight flow of voltage to the track even
the Z-4000's throttle lexers are
enough
to
keep the Geep's reverse
when
1'his
oil.
unit
was
from
We put a Williams heavyweight illuminated car on the track with the engine to draw
cycling.
off
some of
this
current leakage, and
reverse unit worked.
the
(Perhaps Mill should
pack one of those with ever) Z-4000 they sell.) As with some other K-Line diesels we tested,
we noticed
a rumbling sound from die reverse
nudged
unit below 6 volts. As the voltage was
upward, the noise vanished. This is a well-made scale-like model anything on the market
rugged
as
detail
pleasing,
is
the engine
make
I
that
is
as
lie level oJ
and the operating qualities oi it a good freight hauler.
ern, free-rolling cars.
Original
i
I
I
/•'
November, 1998 (Bob Keller)
49
GP38-2
Diesel
Road Name (also
(original release):
Baltimore
&
Southern
4823/4835
Roster Number:
Pacific
Ohio, Conrail, Delaware
&
Hudson, Lehigh Valley, Reading, Santa Fe Seaboard Coast Line, Union Pacific)
Weaver
Manufacturer:
Original
MSRP: $250.00
Catalog Number:
7530
Greenberg
$180.00
Price:
From its introduction in 1972 until the end of production in 1980, 1,545 made and sold in both the domestic and foreign locomotive markets. Virtually every
Prototype Information:
GP38-2s were
major and most minor roads an ideal prototype. Features: Scale
in the
United States have rostered GP38-2s
at
some
point,
making
this
proportions, can motor-equipped.
Vital Statistics:
Length: 15Kin. Weight: 2
Minimum Drawbar
lbs.,
Performance:
9 oz.
radius:
pull:
0-42
1 lb.,
3 oz.
Volts
Amps
Scale
6.7
0.50
5.6
10.0
1.25
43.2
12.0
1.50
65.7
17.9
2.50
106.0
MPH
Although Lionel offers a (it's also been called a now we've been missing a
Selected Comments:
model of the GP38 GP38-2), until
model of
detailed
this
go-anywhere, do-any-
Now Weaver
thing workhorse.
through with flying
colors.
has
The engine
come is
an
accurate scale model of the prototype, and captures
The
all
it
the visible external features.
handrails
and couplers need
to
be
installed before putting the loco into service.
These parts are packed separately to prevent damage during shipping. With a maximum draw of 2.5 amps, Weaver's Geep ran nicely over our test track. From a realistic switching speed of 5 scale m.p.h. to a manifest freight speed of 106, this engine can handle any assignment the dispatcher dishes out. The drawbar pull of more than a pound equates to 85 free-rolling cars on straight, level track.
Whether you're shopping
for a mainline
freight engine or a yard switcher, Weaver's
GP38-2
is
a
good choice.
Original December. 1995
(S.
VI 1 Review;
Marshall Poindexter)
Diesel
GP60M
Road Name
Manufacturer:
Original
MTH
Roster Number:
(Premier)
MSRP: $399.95
Prototype Information:
modal
Santa Fe
(original release):
Catalog Number:
20-2180
Greenberg
CP
Price:
bought 63 GP60Ms to power some of its hottest interwarbonnet paint scheme, the 3,800 h.p. units ramrodded a licet
In 1990, the Santa Fe
Decked out
trains.
157
in the
of piggyback trains that arguably kept the Santa Fe in the black. Features:
Two
motors, ProtoSound, directional lighting. Color: red, yellow, and
Length: 15^
Vital Statistics:
Volts
Amps
10.0
2.7
0-31
12.0
2.8
32.2
pull: 1.95 lbs.
18.0
3.1
141.3
Weight: 4.1
Minimum Drawbar
Selected Comments:
superb.
The
The
in.
Performance:
lbs.
radius:
tooling
side screens are
on
this
model
made from
mesh, and the frames for the top cooling fans
beneath the screens. The model's fuel tank matches the shortened tank as shown in the prototype photos.
The paint job is first rate. The historic warbonnet looks great, and the lettering is all clear and in place. This loco has plenty of
light,
lights,
lights:
constant
volt-
accurately off-center head-
and illuminated
cab.
The
reverse lights
mounted inside the body. The trucks appear to be an older style EMD truck, rather than the more modern type on
are
the prototype.
The most obvious difference between the GP60 and the GP60M is the latter's wide-nosed cab. The model depicts this accurately, but overall,
it
is
On
is
fine
look good. There are free-turning fan blades
age ditch
silver.
It
Scale
MPH
31.4
the test track, the unit performed well.
ran a bit roughly in the lower ranges, and
from time to time it seemed as if the motors were fighting each other. This should smooth out with running time. The draw on our test track was between 2.7 and 3.1 amps. This seems a bit high and may have something to do with the fighting motors
mentioned above. The Protosound includes cab the general diesel sounds were
chatter.
fairly
While
ordinary,
the startup and shutdown sounds were neat.
Our sample had a defective The inside of the knuckle had a
rear coupler.
ridge of flash
from mating properly. A pass file would probably fix it This interesting model of a unique lo< omotive should appeal to operators looking lot East power for their intermodal trains, and anyone that blocked
it
<
>i
two with a round
who
likes the old
warbonnet.
a scale 7 feet shorter than the
prototype.
Original
C
1
1
Review;
January, 1999 (Bob Keller)
51
H-10-44
Diesel
Road Name
Chicago
(original release):
&
North
1053
Roster Number:
Western (and Frisco, Milwaukee Road, New York Central, Pennsy, Santa Fe, Southern Pacific,
Union
Pacific)
Manufacturer:
Original
MTH
(Premier)
MSRP: $349.00
Prototype Information:
Catalog Number:
20-2078
Greenberg
$640.00
Price:
The Fairbanks-Morse opposed-piston diesel engine was so successful in powWar II that the company decided to adapt it to peace-
ering U.S. Navy submarines during World
time use in the railroad industry. This resulted in a line of diesel locomotives, starting with the
H-10-44 in 1944.
Features:
A total
of 227 of these 1,000 h.p. engines were
built.
Operating remote couplers, sound system, prototypically slow speed.
Vital Statistics:
Length:
N/A
W eight:
4
7
lbs.,
Minimum Drawbar
Performance:
9 oz.
radius: 0-31
pull:
1 lb.,
11 oz.
For years, O gauge railroadwere forced to switch cars using engines that ran too fast or couldn't pull a decent load.
Volts
Scale
7
7.5
10
33.2
15
46.8
18
62.0
MPH
Selected Comments:
With good looks and a drawbar
ers
81 free-rolling freight cars, this engine will be
With this model, MTH delivers the power and performance your yard crew needs.
The model tion of the
FM
is
a faithful
switcher.
A
O
pulling mainline sendee on
pull equal to
many
O
gauge
railroads.
scale reproduc-
check of prototype
measurements confirmed the dimensions. It looks tall - taller than a Lionel F3 - but
FM diesel was an opposed-piston had to be considerably taller than the EMD 567 model found in early F units. The lettering and detailing are perfect. The sound system is available with an interestbecause the engine,
it
communibrakeman and the engieven announces when it's time to
ing "cab chatter" effect, featuring cations between the neer.
It
"head for beans." Performance was silkv smooth, even maneuvering through 022 switches without a hitch. Operating couplers are a real plus. The heavy weight and great performance don't limit this beast to within the yard
limits.
Original July,
52
GIT Review;
1995 (Marty McGuirk)
Diesel
H-24-66 Train Master
Road Name
Pennsylvania
(original release):
Roster Number:
Manufacturer: Lionel
Original
8699
Catalog Number:
MSRP: $469.95
Greenberg
Price:
18307 $350.00
Prototype Information: The Train Master was a big, beefy workhorse locomotive produced In Fairbanks-Morse in the early 1950s. For some reason, it didn't live up to its full potential and was
overshadowed by engines from other producers. popular than the prototype.
A
Lionel postwar model of
it
was probabl) more
Features: Injection-molded plastic and sheet-metal construction, two vertically mounted worm-drive motors, diesel horn, electronic reverse, twin headlights. Color: Brunswick green and gold.
Vital Statistics:
Length:
N/A
Weight: 4
Minimum Drawbar
Selected Comments:
the
Performance:
lbs.,
radius: 0-31
pull: 1 lb., 13 oz.
For the 40th anniversary of
introduction of the
first
Lionel Train
Master in 1954, the company reissued the
model in Pennsylvania livery. The Brunswick green color
is
authentic for
the nine Train Masters the Pennsy owned.
Unfortunately,
on our sample, the color
didn't
cover the inside of the exhaust stacks completely, so a little
Volts
11 oz.
of the gray body shell color
is
showing. Other distinctive features are black-
diesel
horn
horn
Amps
6.7
2.0
Scale
MPH
0.4
8.0
2.3
43.6
12.0
2.3
148.8
15.0
2.3
327.3
that works with the no. 6-5906
control.
It
can be deactivated with
a
under the loco. Magne-Traction provides an impressive drawbar pull that translates into a train of
switch
more than 50 mixed-vintage cars. Put all this together and yon have
a
mm
dependable workhorse. Lionel can still out an excellent O gauge locomotive, as the return of this classic indicates.
ened handrails and a radio antenna. Foil reflectors reflect
above each headlight bulb
heat and light downward so the body
doesn't warp. The bulbs have clip-on brackets which can dislodge during shipping. Check
yours before operating the engine.
Our sample was more responsive than postwar models at the low speed range - it crept along at 6.5 volts. We didn't go above 15 volts, because at that level the loco had a scale speed of 327.
A
It
was almost airborne!
pair of vertically
mounted worm gear
motors power the engine.
It
has an electronic
Original September,
(
l
>
(
(
>l
I I
Review;
(Tom
Rollo)
53
NW2
Diesel
Road Name
Seaboard
(original release):
Original
MSRP: $499.95
Prototype Information: fairly close to
1954.
It
Features:
.Although originally based
the prototype in scale, this
model
Pullmor motor, Magne-Traction,
1 1
Weight: 3
full
Greenberg
$475.00
Price:
EMD
upon an
design for
its
NW2
switcher,
Performance:
updated with
technology.
radius:
0-27
pull: .85 lbs.
all
the latest electronic
The locomotive
is
not an exact
copy of the original from the 1950s, but Lionel's
prototype
The
close.
NW2 is itself a fairly good copy of a EMD switcher - very nearly exact level
of detail the original Lionel
Corporation committed
to
this
engine
is
commendable. Like the original, this switcher
model. The shell
is
crisp
is
a top-of-
and
clean,
with only a few subde changes in the tooling.
some details, such as bolts and hinges, more pronounced on the new engine because the paint isn't quite as thick. The wire and the circular radio volume control. The die-cast metal frame and truck sideframes are flawless. The decoration is immaculate, far better than the original. The same goes for the lettering and herald. The Railsounds system is the crown jewel of this locomotive. It has a bell and a MultiHorn
MPH
29.9
12.0
2.1
98.0
18.0
2.4
159.6
But what about performance? The new version's average
low speed was a brisk 25.9 scale
m.p.h., with 159.6
on the high end. We noted would occasionally derail
that a string of cars
when pushed through
switches by the 6250 -
probably due to the jack-rabbit starting speed
and the very light contemporary rolling stock. Drawbar pull is on the anemic side. There was a bit of lurching going over sections of Atlas track, where electrical connecwere
tions
as a Railsounds
Scale
1.7
electrocouplers, a real plus for a switcher.
rollers
terrific,
Amps
8.6
sound effects. Lionel's TrainMaster system is needed to access all of its features, such as the
are
handrails are
die-cast frame, plastic
function, allowing for several different horn
Actually,
antenna serves
Volts
9 oz.
Selected Comments: This is from Lionel's Postwar Celebration series, a re-creation of a classic product from a bygone time, made the old
less
on both
would minimize this. fault could be the track here. There is an audible
Admittedly, ascribed to
than perfect. Having pickup trucks
some of the
clicking noise caused by an axle attachment
sound system. you missed the 6250 the first time around, here is a chance to buy a new model that replicates the design and quality of the original, yet comes equipped with the latest in that tracks r.p.m.s for the If
high-tech gadgets.
Origiiuil
September,
54
and
an updated version of a postwar Lionel loco from
sound and control packages,
in.
lbs.,
Minimum Drawbar
the-line
18582
and orange.
Length:
Vital Statistics:
scale.
is
Catalog Number:
even has the same number!
body. Color: blue
way, but
6250
Roster Number:
Manufacturer: Lionel
Switcher
CTT Review;
1999 (Bob
Keller)
Diesel
PA1
Road Name
New York
(original release):
Central,
Roster Number:
2000/2000
Santa Fe Manufacturer: Lionel
Original
Catalog Number:
MSRP: $299.95
A
Unit,
Greenberg
1
8953/ 8952 1
$220.00
Price:
$334 B Unit w/RailSounds
The Alco PA was one of the more
Prototype Information:
The model
represents the DPA-2
class,
which pulled
distinctive designs to
fast
New York
come out of the
I
9
l(k.
Central passenger trains from
1948 until they were retired in 1962.
Two Pullmor motors, B unit.
Features:
able in
Vital Statistics:
Length: 16.5
(A Unit)
Weight: 4.7
Minimum Drawbar
its
PA
in.
Performance:
radius:
0-31
pull: 2.1 lbs.
in 1992, only
The current control
and
Command
stripped-down
model of The digital
RailSounds, called SignalSounds.
roar of a diesel might be missing, but the unit delivers a prototypical
the control button
is
horn
blast every time
pushed, rather than the
traditional buzz of a "toy train" horn. Full
RailSounds can be added with the B
The PA model most major rotors cast
and a
unit.
duplicates the prototype in
and has simulated fan into the fan exhaust grate. Other details
details include
metal horns, wire handrails,
nicely detailed grill along the sides.
The
cab holds an engineer figure.
The
paint
and
12.0
2.0
60.5
17.1
2.0
110.1
improved only
version features
a
lettering are flawless.
appearance of the models could have been
if
avail-
MPH
15.6
Lionel had
The only notable
numbered them
shell imperfections
are two slight dimples on the nose top caused by internal screw supports. You might want to take a look before you bin.
The engine is equipped with a good power package - two Pullmor Direct motors and traction tires - delivering quiet, smooth pei foi mThe speed range was good in our tests, and the drawbar pull was adequate to satisf) most expectations. The engine does have a big overhang on tight curves, so you'll have to keep an eye on your trackside scenery and accessories during the maiden voyage. When operated with an ance.
LW
transformer,
the speaker generated
i
creaking noise, possibly from vibration, al lower speeds. This disappeared once the
speed increased. Lionel's effort to place a top-qualit) locomotive in
The
Scale
1.4
correctly.
units also available.
Amps
7.0
two versions were
Grande ABA set and an Erie Lackawanna AA. The marketing strategy for the rerun is unique - both New York Central and Santa Fe versions can be had as single A
B
Volts
Lionel originally
offered, a Rio
units, with
Command-equipped; RailSounds
lbs.
When
Selected Comments:
fielded
traction tires, Signal Sounds,
able.
the mid-level price range
The PA1
real thing,
and
is its
is
commend
an excellent rendering
performance
is
Original September,
of the
top notch.
t
1
1
Review;
1998 (Bob
Keller)
55
PA ABA Set
Diesel
Road Name
Rio Grande
(original release):
Manufacturer: Lionel
Original
6001/6002
Roster Number:
Catalog Number:
MSRP: $900.00
Greenberg
Price:
18107 $1,150.00
The Alco
Prototype Information:
was one of the more distinct designs to
come out
number of major railmade by General Motors.
of the 1940s. Although a
roads used them, they were no match in popularity for similar units
and metal construction; powered unit includes two can motors; QSI electronic Mars light, RailSounds, operating couplers on A unit noses. Color: vellow and silver.
Features: Plastic
reverse, interior lighting,
D&RGW
Vital Statistics:
Length: 49
Minimum Drawbar
Selected Comments:
in.
(ABA)
Performance:
radius: 0-31
pull:
32 oz.
The Lionel Alco PAs
well-tooled, run great,
are
and have plenty of
extra features. Finally, Lionel offers an every-
man
locomotive that
better than
is
its
postwar
PA's looks are stunning. Details are
extremely
Scale
.28
20.58
10
3.0
28.96
12
3.1
48.85
14
3.2
83.92
ABA
set
represents
MPH
another step
towards the ultimate "scaleization" of Lionel. Don't get me wrong - Lionel trains will always
run on
three-rail track with pilots that
swing
wide on ridiculously tight turns. But the
competition.
The
This
Amps
9
Volts
N/A
Weight:
fine, right
down
ism factor
is
real-
gaining on the toy quotient.
to the intake fans,
which actually turn when you blow on them. Doors open and close. Interior lighting is kept
an acceptable minimum, and the number It's a darn cool set! Our samples operated smoothly, though they are amperage hounds. If that's a big concern, you may be displeased, but to most it will be worth the extra juice. We tested the engine in the set configuration, and it's smooth as silk. But the speed range is most unexpected - it's nothing like to
boards illuminate.
the hell-bent frenzy of
The Alcos pull,
some Lionel products.
deliver 32 ounces of
drawbar
equaling 64 mixed-vintage pieces of
rolling stock
on
four traction
tires
straight
do
and
level track.
The
it.
Original
CTT Review;
January, 1993 (Jim Bunte)
56
Diesel
PA ABA Set
Road Name
(and
Southern
Roster Number:
51/53
Central, Pennsy, Southern,
Pacific,
Manufacturer:
Original
Santa Fe
(original release):
New York
Union
MTH
Wabash)
Pacific,
(Premier)
MSRP: $695.00
ABA w/ProtoSound
Catalog Number:
20-2024
Greenberg
$970.00
Price:
Prototype Information: The Alco PA was one of the more distinct designs to come out of the 1940s Although a number of major railroads used them, they were no match in popularity foi similai units made by General Motors.
Features:
reversing,
Injection-molded plastic and sheet metal construction, two can motors, electronic ProtoSound features available. Also sold as A-A consist and without sound.
Length: 48+
Vital Statistics:
Weight: 11
Minimum Drawbar
Performance:
in.
radius:
0-31
pull: 3 lbs., 3 oz.
Apart from the obviously
Selected Comments:
oversized wheel flanges
and couplers, these
are scale models - accurate representations of the real thing. sist is
You'll sters.
And
they are big!
more than four
Volts
6 oz. (A-B-A)
lbs.,
The ABA con-
to
Scale MPII
2.4
11.8
10
2.5
43.6
12
2.6
52.0
14
2.6
99.2
boards, engineer figure in both portholes,
and roof fans
A
units, clear
(though
that turn
not powered).
The
trains
come
with an easy-to-undei stand
12-page instruction booklet.
feet long.
need a large layout
Amps
8
run these mon-
Nevertheless, they are designed for 0-31
curves.
Our
Of course,
there's a lot of overhang.
numbers reflect the powered unit with two dummies in tow. Even at that the amperage draw wasn't excessive. With traction tires on both trucks, the engine registered a drawbar pull of 51 ounces. It should have no test
trouble pulling a long string of cars.
Although available without ProtoSound, the ProtoSound-equipped units earn' the following features:
DCRU
reverse unit, horn, bell,
remote-control coil-wound couplers (front of
both
A
units
only),
self-charging battery
backup system, reverse unit lockout, and remote-controlled adjustable diesel volume.
Other features include operating Mars light, directional lighting,
illuminated
number
Original
'
I
I
Review;
November, 1994 (Dick Christiansen)
57
RDC-1 and RDC-2
Diesel
Road Name
&
Baltimore
(original release):
Ohio,
9920 and 9932/191 and 192
Roster Number:
Santa Fe Manufacturer:
Original
MTH
(RailKing)
MSRP: $279.95 w/sound, $179.95
w/horn
Catalog Number:
30-2144-0/30-2145-0
Greenberg
CP
These RDCs were Budd's answer
Prototype Information:
Price:
to the railroads'
need
to lower the cost of
passenger service in postwar America. They were self-contained units, which could be run individually or in multiple lashups,
up
the cars at speeds
Features:
Two can
Weight: 6
Drawbar
Selected Comments:
O
in.
lbs.,
Minimum
of the
(each unit)
radius:
0-31
pull: 3.4 lbs.
gauge
models
three-rail
thanks
Marx, K-Line, and Williams. The
RailKing duo comprises an all-coach RDC-1
and a baggage/coach RDC-2. In spite of being compressed into 64 scale feet, as opposed to the 85-foot prototypes,
MTH's
design captures
the look of the real thing.
The is
tooling of the aluminum-colored units
excellent.
smooth
We
as silk,
Performance:
13 oz. (both units)
RDC have been around for years,
to Lionel,
service.
noted no flaws - sides are and the detail areas rendered
horn-only
MPH
13.9
12.0
1.4
77.1
18.0
1.7
127.6
in evidence.
holiday displays or even performing com-
muter service on a hi-rail line. These models should appeal railroaders,
who
to
O
gauge
(like the real railroads in the
1960s) primarily want to haul freight, but feel
service.
the
Scale
1.0
The minimum curvature is 0-31, but there is some overhang. Suffice it to say, the wider your curves, the better the RDCs will look gliding around them. They look right at home on
Decoration
We examined
Amps
8.0
motor noise was
they have to
simple, but well done.
Volts
except at the high speed end, where some
texture that can be felt with the fingertip. is
diesel engines propelled
motors, directional lighting, ProtoSound or digital horn. Color: aluminum.
Length: 16
Vital Statistics:
depending upon demand. A pair of 275 h.p. Popular and durable, many are still in
to 85 m.p.h.
make
a final attempt at passenger
version.
Performance-wise, the units work well in pas-
senger service, but with the dual can motors, there's
enough punch
to
double
as freight
haulers on layouts lending themselves to
The drawbar pull is equal about 128 modern free-rolling pieces of
mixed-train service. to
what the protowould pull. The two motors delivered excellent performance - they ran very quietly rolling stock, far in excess of
types
Original
CTT Review;
January, 2000 (Bob
58
Keller)
RDC
Diesel
Road
Name
Baltimore
Pennsy
(original release):
&
Ohio,
New York
(also
Amtrak,
Roster Number:
420,421,422
Central, Santa Fe,
Southern Pacific) Manufacturer: Williams
MSRP: (3-car set) $368.00 w/True Sounds,
Original
w/o
$299.00
Catalog Number:
BC204
Greenberg
$220.00/$200.00
Price:
it
RDCs were Budd's answer
to the railroads' need to lower the cost of passenThey were self-contained units, which could be run individually or multiple lashups, depending upon demand. A pair of 275 h.p. diesel engines propelled the cars speeds up to 85 m.p.h. Popular and durable, many are still in service.
Prototype Information:
ger service in postwar America. in at
Injection-molded plastic and sheet metal construction, two flywheel-equipped can motors,
Features:
electronic reverse.
Length: 16
Vital Statistics:
Weight: 4
Minimum Drawbar
Selected
Comments:
Performance:
in.
radius: 0-31
pull: 2 lbs., 3 oz.
The tooling is crisp and the model is good. The scale
overall look of the
speed range
is
about 102.
to
good, running from 10 m.p.h.
One amazing
feature of the
smooth-running powered unit, attributable to traction tires on the inboard wheelsets of each truck,
is
Volts
5 oz. (powered)
lbs.,
a drawbar pull of 2
lbs.,
Amps
Scale
MPH
9.7
5.5
1.0
8.0
1.2
52.0
12.0
1.4
102.3
All three units feature operating couplers at
both ends. If
you are
in the
Williams units ing
market for RDCs, these
may be just what you
are look-
for.
13 oz. (Just
think of the freight train you could pull with
your RDC!)
The
three-car set
we
tested consisted of nos.
sound and 422, a dummy. Running the three units together, the ammeter registered 3 amps at 7 volts; at greater voltages, the 3-amp meter 420, the dual can-motored unit; 421, the trailer;
topped out. Dual motors, three
lights in
each
and electronic sound eat up the juice. Our set came equipped with a three-position electronic reversing unit and the Williams True Sounds option. The digital sound runs at car,
low speed until 9.5 volts at that
is
applied to the track;
point the sound chip simulates high
speed running. There is also conversation between the engineer and dispatcher.
Original
CIY Review;
January, 1995 (Dick Christianson) 59
Diesel
RS-3
Road Name
(Black
Pacific
Weaver
Manufacturer:
Original
Southern
(original release):
5447
Roster Number:
Widow Scheme)
MSRP: $225.00
Catalog Number:
N/A
Greenberg
$180.00
Price:
The RS-3 was an early version of Alco's "road switcher" concept of a general The Alco RS series was no match for EMD's Geep, which outsold them handily.
Prototype Information: utility
locomotive.
Features:
Injection-molded plastic and metal construction, Pittman can motor, traction
dummy couplers,
tional lighting,
Length: 13K
Vital Statistics:
Weight: 2
Minimum Drawbar
Amps
Scale
6
.60
7.2
0-42
8
.80
27.5
4
10
.85
40.4
12
.95
55.5
16
1.20
96.3
Performance:
in.
8 oz.
lbs.,
radius:
pull: 1 lb.,
oz.
Selected Comments:
claim big
it
has
name
Weaver's ads for the RS-3 - "double pulling power" - a
DPP
for a simple
and
trusted concept:
They sent us one with the Southern Pacific "Black W idow" paint scheme for testing. It looks great. This model is a three-rail version of an O scale model that has been around for five years. As such, its thin shell and lacy T
make
it
hands. This train
is
The locomotive Pittman
a bit too delicate for
little
for adults.
gets
can motor.
its
A
power from a Dallee
large
electronic
Volts
happiest running With a consist in
direc-
MPH
in the 8- to 10-volt range. tow,
it
should operate very
smoothly.
One
traction tires.
handrails
tires,
electronic E-unit.
thing that could be redesigned
roller pickup.
We
with pickups snagging
And why
the
is
the
experienced some problems
on our
dummy
sectional track.
couplers?
Though
Weaver's roots are in the scale market, they
produce the best O gauge knuckle coupler on the market today. Yet, those couplers don't appear on their domestic motive power. Even so, this is a dynamite locomotive that belongs on every hi-rail layout.
reverse unit handles sequencing duties with silent reliability.
A small
drive shaft
to a vertical chain-drive
powers the long-hood truck. shaft transfers
has traction
power
is
attached
mechanism, which
An
articulated
to the rear truck,
which
tires.
Our sample produced 20 ounces
of pulling
power. That equals 40 mixed-vintage cars on straight
and
level track.
speed range -
it
The model has
a
good
creeps along nicely, but was
Original April,
60
CFF Review;
1992 (Jim Bunte)
Diesel
RS-11/RSD-12
Road Name
Lehigh Valley
(original release):
7643
Roster Number:
(and others; see text below)
Weaver
Manufacturer:
Original
MSRP: $299 w/sound, $259
Prototype Information:
Two can motors,
Features:
of
w/o sound
Alco's 1,800 h.p. DL-701
EMD's GP7 and GP9, but
steel
1401/1501 (6-wheel)
Catalog Number:
Greenberg
CP
Price:
and DL-702, introduced in 1956, designed to rival Only about 500 sold, compared to 4,000 Geeps.
didn't score very well.
directional lighting, illuminated
number
boards, plastic body, stamped-
frame, die-cast trucks, optional sound system. Newly designed headlight actually casts a
beam
light.
Vital Statistics:
Length: 14K
Selected Comments:
12.0
1.8
83.8
2.5
128.4
The model
captures the
and grab irons are
in place.
We exam-
ined a Lehigh Valley unit and found the tooling flawless and the decoration superb.
locomotive has a nice heft to
it
and
The
feels very
The Alco has bell,
a great-sounding
somewhat
plain
and generic.
A remarkable
feature
is
the newly designed
beam of -a worthy innovation that
headlight that actually casts a focused light
down
the track
others will have to emulate.
built, nicely detailed,
Hudson, Lehigh Valley, New Haven, New York Central, New York
horn and
but the diesel sound system comes off as
Both the four-axle RS-11 and the six-axle RSD-12 are available undecorated and in Chesapeake & Ohio, Chicago & North
&
MPH
28.8
1.4
solidly constructed.
Western, Delaware
Scale
18.0
5.2
lbs.,
general lines of the prototype. All of the doors, hatches,
Amps
Volts
pull: 1 lb., 8 oz.
Minimum Drawbar
Performance:
in.
lOKoz. radius: 0-31
Weight: 4
Weaver's model has a lot to
them, and has a
size
home on many
offer. It is well
performs with the best of
and shape
that will look at
layouts - particularly those
modeling the steam-to-diesel
transition period.
Central lightning stripe, Nickel Plate Road,
Norfolk Pacific,
8c
Western, Pennsylvania, Southern
and Union
Pacific
road names. They
are also available in multiple road numbers.
The locomotive demonstrates
a
good speed
range and performs smoothly throughout, thanks to an efficient flywheel. There's a lot of reserve
power
built in.
The model should
pull
70 modern pieces of rolling stock without
much
effort.
Original
CTT Review;
May, 2000 (Bob
Keller)
61
SD9
Diesel
Road Name
Chessie System
(original release):
&
(and Burlington, Denver
Roster Number:
1831
Rio Grande Western,
Nickel Plate, Pennsy, Southern Pacific)
Manufacturer:
Original
MTH
(Premier)
MSRP: $379.00 w/sound,
20-2108
Greenberg
$600.00
Price:
w/o sound
$299.00
Prototype Information:
Motors
Catalog Number:
in late 1953.
Features: Diesel
A successor to the SD7, the SD9 road switcher was A total of 471 of these 1,750 h.p. units were sold.
introduced by General
exhaust, operating remote couplers, ProtoSounds optional. Color: yellow, orange,
dark blue. Length: 17
Vital Statistics:
Weight: 5
Minimum Drawbar
Selected Comments:
Performance:
in.
lbs.,
Volts
radius:
0-31
pull: 2 lbs., 15.6 oz.
This model measures within
dimenwith underbody
inches of the prototype in every
critical
and
Scale
.75
8.2
10
1.25
23.9
15
1.50
68.4
18
2.00
106.1
Once power
MPH
applied,
smoke
pours out of the two exhaust
stacks.
delightful.
literally
Amps
8
2 oz.
is
some liberties details, pilot front, and steps common to all toy trains had to be taken. Other than that, this is an accurate scale model of EMD's first-
There's an on/off switch for the smoke unit
generation, six-axle road switcher.
The diesel exhaust and ProtoSounds may seem to indicate the SD9 relies on gimmicks. Nothing is further from the truth. Here's an engine that doesn't need mirrors and smoke to earn a place on any roster.
sion. Naturally,
Our sample model was
nicely painted
and
lettered for the Chessie System, with clear sep-
arations between colors tering.
The number
and
easy-to-read
accurately reflects
bers applied to Chessie SD9s
when
repainted from their original
B&O
The SD9 shared
the
let-
num-
under the engine, so you can stop if
your train room
starts to
it
for a while
resemble a fog-
locked harbor.
they were colors.
same exceptional oper-
ating characteristics demonstrated by other
MTH scale-sized locomotives. The speed range of 8 to 106 scale m.p.h.
is
within the acceptable
range. With a drawbar pull close to three
pounds,
it
should be able to pull 140 freight
cars of the straight
and
modern,
free-rolling variety
on
level track.
In addition to the
ProtoSounds option, our that's new - simu-
sample included a feature lated diesel exhaust.
The
effect
is
entertaining
Original
CTT Review;
March, 1996 (Marty McGuirk)
62
Diesel
SD45
Road Name (also
Pennsylvania
(original release):
Union
Manufacturer:
MTH
(RailKing)
MSRP: $229.95 w/sound,
Original
6176
Roster Number:
Pacific)
Catalog Number:
30-2153-1
Greenberg
$210.00
Price:
$129.95 w/horn only
C-C truck diesel took America by storm. More than and 1975. But because of high maintenance costs, this 20-cylinder engine did not measure up favorably against the 3,000 h.p. SD40, so the emphasis and popularity shifted to the less expensive unit. However, many SD45s are still in service today. Prototype Information: This successful 3,600 h.p.,
1,600 were sold between 1965
Features:
Two can
motors, nondirectional headlights, ProtoSound system. Color: Brunswick green
on Pennsylvania model. Length:
Vital Statistics:
N/A
Weight: 4
Minimum Drawbar
Selected Comments:
version
is
The
Performance:
6.5
radius: 0-31
pull: 2 lbs.
MTH RailKing O gauge
a nice downsizing of this classic sec-
It is a good- looking model, made smaller for tight-radius opera-
ond-generation diesel.
tion,
but done so in good proportion.
well-balanced. However,
Volts
6 oz.
lbs.,
it
It
looks
Amps 1.0
Scale
MPH
12.2
12.0
1.4
80.2
18.0
2.1
127.4
The two pounds of drawbar move 120 modern pieces of rolling
127 scale m.p.h. pull should
stock
on
level track.
This SD45 RailKing
is
a
welcome addition
to
the
fleet.
definitely looks out
of place with scale-like cars.
The simple one-color
scheme
paint
smoothly applied. Lettering
is
is
clear.
This plastic-bodied engine has die-cast trucks
and couplers, and metal
The
tooling
detailing
is
is
handrails.
very well done.
The
plenty of simulated hatches the roof detail
is
sparse.
nated, although there
The headlight
is
of
and hinges, but
The cab
no
level
There are
respectable, yet basic.
is
illumi-
interior detail.
isn't directional.
The sound
system offers brake squeals, engine revs, and
the usual array of idle and acceleration sounds.
The
and the
freight yard
and horn are loud and clear, sound feature is fun. Our sample engine delivered good performance in all speed ranges, from about 12 to bell
Original February,
CTT Review;
2000 (Bob
Keller)
63
SD50
Diesel
Road Name
&
Denver
(original release):
5512
Roster Number:
Rio Grande Western Manufacturer: Lionel
MSRP: $665.95 w/RailSounds,
Original
$595.95
18221
Catalog Number:
Greenberg
$475.00
Price:
w/o RailSounds
Prototype Information:
The
SD50s were delivered
first
to the
Kansas City Southern in May, 1981. Early
production units were rated at 3,500 h.p. After delivery of 60 units to the Missouri Pacific in
December, 1984, the horsepower rating was increased SD50s in late 1984.
Command-control equipped, working ditch
Features:
Grande
N/A
Length:
Weight: 4
Drawbar
This
Selected Comments:
uct available with that the
4
0-31
pull: 2 lbs., 11 oz.
the
is
first
command
Lionel prod-
control.
This
model can be run anywhere on on
a layout without having to switch blocks
The TrainMaster Command Control
off.
system
is
needed
tures. Place this
out,
and
it
command
to enjoy the
SD50 on
handles
fea-
a conventional lay-
like every
handling 86
2.2
10.9
15.0
3.0
131.3
17.0
3.0
164.3
O
gauge freight cars on
It's
watch and
really neat to
locomotive as
The Lionel SD50
best described as a
is
same the company's SD60M. The
frame and drive
as
only visible difference
is
shares the
It
straight,
erates onto the main, out. Better
still,
listen to this
idles in a passing siding, accel-
it
and
with the
travels
over the
command
control
laysys-
tem, you can follow the loco around the layout.
What
the
new Lionel SD50 model
under the hood may very
stand-in of the prototype.
MPH
level track.
other Lionel
locomotive.
Scale
7.7
oz.
radius:
Amps
Volts
Performance:
lbs.,
Minimum
and
motors. Color: black and Rio
lights, twin
vellow.
Vital Statistics:
means
D&RGW received a total of 17
The
to 3,600.
the toy train hobby. as
RailSounds
II
Command
make
it
hides
well be the future of
control as well
a state-of-the-art loco-
motive, just as the prototype was.
the conventional cab
on the SD50.
We
ran our sample using
command and
conventional control. Performance with both
was almost identical. The speed range meas-
ured between 10 and 165 scale m.p.h. Although prototype SD50s are used for hotshot freights, they
pulling
fast. The amount of
never move quite that
model's two motors give ability.
it
a fair
With a drawbar
three pounds, the
pull of nearly
SD50 should be capable of
Original
CTT Review;
May, 1996 (Marty McGuirk) 64
Diesel
SD60
Road Name
Burlington Northern
(original release):
Catalog Number:
Manufacturer: Lionel
Original
9413
Roster Number:
MSRP: $499.95
Command-equipped,
Greenberg
18241
CP
Price:
$399.95 traditional
American railroads ordered more than 530 of these 3,800 h.p. between 1984 and 1991. BN had more than 150 of these units.
Prototype Information:
haulers from
Features:
EMD
Two can
motors, directional lighting and illuminated
Command-equipped. Color: Cascade green, Length:
Vital Statistics:
N/A
Weight: 6
Selected Comments:
radius: 0-31
pull: 2 lbs., 4 oz.
Lionel's
first
SD60 model,
needed
est version
away from
model
for tighter radius curves. This
is
its
lat-
symbolic of Lionel's stepping
roots
and marching toward
railroading. This
is
scale
a formidable piece
The on
tooling
is
superb - no flaws detectable
body - and the paint professionally
this
Power comes from a pair of flywheel can motors and traction tires, instead of the usual Pullmor motors and Magne-Traction. The SD60 has ditch lights and directional lighting, eight add-on grab irons, a deck with diamond traction tread, and even a cab door that opens. Nomenclature notations are accu-
The
Volts
Amps
Scale
7.0
1.4
12.0
1.7
70.0
18.0
1.7
110.1
MPH
12.5
engine a
solid,
deep-throated tone.
The motors ran
very quietly during our test. With the RailSounds turned off, the wheels going over the rail joints made more noise
than the motors. locomotive's speed was excellent and
quite in line with the prototype. pull
is
The drawbar
equal to about 130 modern, free-rolling
on straight and level track. While the SD60 can negotiate 0-31 curves, it looks much
cars
applied.
rately detailed
boards, RailSounds,
placed in the die-cast metal fuel tank, gives the
The
of equipment.
number
black.
Performance:
offered in 1994, had the usual stubby dimensions
and
lbs.
Minimum Drawbar
white,
six-axle freight
down
on wider radius track. At the bottom line, this well-detailed performer is a solid contender for the dollars of modern-era operators. better
to the microscopic.
diesel exhaust unit will generate
smoke
at a five-alarm level, particularly in the 18-volt
Command mode. The RailSounds
quality
is
diesel noise aptly reproduced.
superb - the
The
speaker,
Original July,
CTT Review;
2000 (Bob
Keller)
65
SD60M
Diesel
Road Name
Conrail
(original release):
Manufacturer: Lionel
Original
MSRP: $649.95
This
Prototype Information:
Many
EMD
5500
Roster Number:
Catalog Number:
18216
Greenberg
$425.00
Price:
product represented 1990s
locomotive design.
state-of-the-art
of the powerful beasts were used in intermodal service.
Features: Plastic
body on a metal frame, two Pullmor motors, operating ditch
lights,
RailSounds
II,
with MultiHorn. Color: Conrail blue with white lettering.
N/A
Length:
Vital Statistics:
Weight: 4
Minimum Drawbar
it
radius:
good
lately.
0-31
modem
diesels
There's an ever-
increasing variety of this kind of motive power
Amps
Volts
pull: 2 lbs., 2 oz.
Fans of
Selected Comments:
have had
Performance:
Scale
MPH
10.2
8.2
2.5
10.0
2.8
56.9
12.0
2.6
90.1
15.0
3.0
109.0
lbs.
and slipping in a 9-volt battery, comes out of the box ready to roll. The SD60M is powered by two heavy-duty
safety chains
the engine
available today.
Pullmor motors, capable of pulling a 100-car
model of the prototype SD60M. It is considerably shorter, making the long hood and cab look too wide and giving the engine a chubby appearance that doesn't
freight
capture the long, sleek look of the prototype.
diesel
This
isn't
a scale-sized
The rounded roof
fans look
more
like the
on
straight
The RailSounds should be, since
sound of a
and
level track.
II is it
full-sized
extremely
SD60. The four
sounds have
to
be heard
to
The new MultiHorn sounds
EMD units.
brute makes.
Does
all
that
make this managed
a
bad model?
to capture the
overall feel of the prototype, without
the
model
so big that
home layouts. The SD60M offers
it
overwhelms
all
RailSounds
II,
of
be appreciated. a bit different
each time, adding variety to the noise
this little
The volume control is conveniently located on top of the engine. From its user-friendly volume control to
making
excellent RailSounds
but the
lot
going for
it.
Let's
II,
Lionel's
SD60M
has a
hope the innovations
in-
troduced continue with each additional model.
largest
flashing warning
levels
roar and the start-up and shutdown
ones found on F-units and early Geeps and don't resemble those on current production
Hardly. Lionel has
realistic. It
was recorded from the
operating ditch
light
a great
lights, a
on the roof, and new sound system.
Painting and lettering are both top-notch.
Other than needing
installation of the end-rail
Original
CTT Rmiew;
May, 1995 (Marty McGuirk)
66
SD60M
Diesel
Road Name
Soo Line
(original release):
Western, Conrail,
Union
North
Norfolk Southern,
Rail,
Pacific)
MTH
Manufacturer:
Original
CP
&
5823
Roster Number:
(also
Burlington Northern, CSX, Chicago
(Premier)
MSRP: $349.95
Prototype Information: Electro-Motive Division's
motives.
Catalog Number:
20-2044
Greenberg
$355.00
SD60M
is
Price:
one of the new generation of diesel locoThe first production models were deliv-
has a 16-cylinder engine that delivers 3,800 h.p.
It
ered in 1985. Features:
Two motors
with flywheels, plastic shell with metal frame, electronic reversing, operating
ditch lights, ProtoSound.
Vital Statistics:
Length: 18 Weight: 8
Minimum Drawbar
Performance:
in.
3.5 oz.
lbs.,
radius: 0-31
pull:
4
lbs.,
14.2 oz.
Like the prototype,
Selected Comments:
this
model is big. Although it is a "toy train," the model is very close to an O scale replica of the SD60M. The diework on the body shell is particularly impressive, especially around the fans and doors. Our sample arrived painted in the Soo Line's candy-apple red scheme. Both the color and lettering capture the look of the prototype. The model is available painted for seven other roads as well, and each road name comes in three numbers, so you can create
and "cab tions of
This
Amps
Volts
Scale
7.3
1.0
7.9
10.0
1.1
40.4
12.0
1.2
67.4
15.0
1.4
105.6
MPH
chatter" - recorded radio conversa-
crew members speaking
MTH model
is
to each other. an outstanding replica of
one of today's most modern and powerful iron horses. It will look great heading up a string of modern freight cars on any O gauge layout.
realistic lash-ups.
The locomotive performed our
tests.
It
started smoothly
throttle response.
impressively in
and had good
The SD60M has an astound-
ing drawbar pull of 4.9 pounds. That equates to
235 free-rolling freight cars on straight and
level track.
Electronics are rapidly changing the train hobby,
and a few
and
this
surprises.
model has
Among
all
toy
the features
the latter are oper-
ating ditch lights, a digital diesel start-up
sound
Original
CTT Review;
March, 1995 (Marty McGuirk) 67
SD90MAC
Diesel
Road Name
(original release):
Manufacturer:
Original
MTH
EMD
Union
liven (also Conrail,
(Premier)
MSRP: $329.95
The pinnacle of
Prototype Information:
8205
Roster Number:
75th Anniversary
Pacific)
GM
Catalog Number:
20-2184
Greenberg
$340.00
Price:
A new design being tested, scheduled maintenance. 6,000 h.p.,
locomotive development.
offering greater fuel efficiency, better traction,
and
less
80 feet long. Features:
Two can
number
motors, directional lighting, ProtoSound, smoke, illuminated
boards,
ditch lights. Color: two shades of blue, white, black.
Vital Statistics:
Length: 20^ Weight: 6
Minimum Drawbar
Performance:
in.
lbs.,
13 oz.
radius:
0-42
pull: 3 lbs.,
4 oz.
on the shell looks model captures all the detail one can see with the naked eye. The sides duplicate the array of doors, hatches, and accessways. The top is smooth, and the little drop at midframe accurately portrays the downward slope of the prototype. Simulated screens and fans all look sharp. The handrails are scalelike, and the platforms are crowned by safetv Selected Comments: Detailing
the
terrific;
feet.
length
is
track,
its
on die money - 80 scale model is said to work on 0-42
right
Although the
Scale
1.9
16.7
12.0
2.2
57.1
18.0
2.4
95.7
MPH
even when the loco was idling in neutral.
When under way,
the engine roar
and
squeal-
ing brakes were top notch.
The smoke
unit will chase you out of your room, unless you have good ventilation. on/off switch is on the frame, if it gets too
train .An
thick for you.
The speed range although a
bit
is
probablv prototypical,
slow by toy train standards. This
babv should pull more than 200 modern,
chains. Six (count 'em) windshield wipers.
The
Amps
8.0
Volts
rolling pieces of rolling stock
on
straight
free-
and
level track.
length challenges even 0-72 curves.
The decoration clean stripes.
And
is
great - flawless paint
there's
an
and
EMD emblem on
the nose.
The
unit
we
tested
delivered absolutely
superb performance. The two can motors
were quiet, and the speed was both smooth
and even in all ranges. There was no hesitation in moving out, whether it was pulling 20 or 40 cars, and the engine nicely glided to a halt. The ProtoSound effects were excellent.
Original
CTT Review;
Jan nan. 2000 (Bob Keller) 68
SD90MAC
Diesel
Road Name
Union
(original release):
8068
Roster Number:
Pacific
Norfolk Southern)
(also
Manufacturer: Williams
Original
MSRP: $179.00 powered,
Catalog Number:
SD90-104
Greenberg
$140.00
Price:
$129.00 unpowered Prototype Information: This
is
the peak of
EMD's locomotive development - 6,000
h.p. to replace two
or three older units, extended scheduled maintenance intervals, better adhesion and fuel economy.
Features:
Two can
motors; die-cast trucks, couplers, and fuel tank;
plastic body; scaled
down
Length:
Vital Statistics:
Minimum
Selected Comments:
This
Performance:
1714 in.
Weight: 4.8
Drawbar
lights;
horn; sheet-metal frame;
to negotiate tight curves.
radius:
0-31
pull: 4.8 lbs.
an economy model
is
Volts
that delivers top-notch freight-handling per-
Scale
1.0
17.7
12.0
1.6
109.1
18.0
1.7
155.0
bit stubby, this
Williams shell
Amps
4.7
lbs.
MPH
may be the most interesting The company continues its
yet.
formance - a powerful and
visually interesting
trend to create detailed, scale-like loco shells
addition to any locomotive
fleet.
and place them on economical stamped-steel frames. This way, hobbyists can have some of the latest motive power without draining their bank accounts.
The model
scales
about 70
feet, as
to the prototype's 80 feet, but
opposed
it
looks pro-
loco
delivered
portional.
On
the
test
the
track,
smooth, quiet performance and did well average speed department.
about
190
straight
and
modern,
It
in the
The Williams SD90MAC
looks like
it is
right
out of the pages of Railway Age.
should pull
free-rolling
on
cars
couplers hold.
level track, if the
Detail items of note: Whispercab, with
its
centered headlight and cast-in door. Add-on
grab irons and sandcaps.
Many hatches and
latches dot the body, giving
The
top of the shell
is
it
a rich texture.
smooth, but
it
does
have four simulated fans and those large radiator wings.
The painting of both samples we saw was superb, but on the Norfolk Southern, the road
name and
stripes
Although
appeared
to
safety cabs always
be a
bit
seem
too low.
to look a
Original
CTT Review;
December, 1 999 (Bob Keller)
69
SW8/SW9
Diesel
Road Name
(original release):
Western
Roster Number:
Pacific
Manufacturer: Atlas
Original
MSRP: $349.00
General Motors
Prototype Information:
1,200 h.p. switcher that saw service
EMD SW8
on many
601
Catalog Number:
6130-1
Greenberg
CP
Price:
and SW9 (one or two stacks respectively) was a from the 1940s to the 1990s. Some mav still
railroads
be around.
Can motor, sound
Features:
Vital Statistics:
Length: 11
in.
Weight: 3.8
lbs.
Minimum Drawbar
Selected Comments:
locomotive. tures the It
It
system, die-cast metal hood, illuminated cab gauges.
This
is
Performance:
radius:
0-36
pull: 2.1 lbs.
the
first
Adas
O gauge
has scale dimensions and cap-
major
detail items
on the prototype.
has a die-cast metal chassis, truck side-
frames,
and engine hood. The tooling
hands.
The
plastic
cab has two crew figures
and illuminated gauges on the control panel. The loco has two directional control switches on the belly of the fuel tank. They are recessed and very tiny - you might need a paper clip or change their positions. The horizontal can motor is in the center of the engine, and drive shafts connect to each truck, giving it 8-wheel drive and a drawbar pull equal similar instrument to
to
50 modern pieces of rolling stock.
Performance
is
commendable. You can
actuallv switch with this switcher, because the
low-end average speed Score one for
is
about 14 scale m.p.h.
realistic railroading.
We
heard some complaints by owners and hobby shop staffers prior to testing this model, so
we thought
On
proper to address them: curves of 0-42 or less, the couplers occa-
sionally
it
pop open. This
is
14.5
12.0
.9
55.2
18.0
.9
82.3
on the
pilot steps
going over rough
notches in the button or the step, or
re-lav
The
unit does not properly reverse some-
times.
The company
briefly
touch their directional controls instead
suggests that owners just
of holding them down.
If
held too long, the
re-
verse unit often cvcles back to the original direction.
The
third criticism involved the
tem and
ume
it
isn't
of the diesel roar
is
sys-
The
vol-
overtaken bv
easily
the sound of the train running. ity
sound
so easily remedied.
could be better overall. This
And is
the qual-
partially
due
to the limitations of space within the engine,
severely limiting speaker size.
Cosmetically, the engine
is
a
gem. The
of detail, painting, and decoration
level
commendable. Operationally, switching speed and drawbar pull are great. The sound is a bit is
more to an engine than The positives far outweigh
limited, but there's
the audio system. the negatives.
caused by the couOriginal February,
70
when
track. Solutions are to either
the offending track.
is
superb and you can feel the quality in your
Scale
.5
pler button catching
file
MPH
Amps
5.6
Volts
1
CTT Rn>ieiv;
999 (Bob
Keller)
Diesel
U25B
Road Name
Union
Southern
(original release):
Pacific,
6715/638
Roster Number:
Pacific (also Conrail, Chessie,
Erie Lackawana,
New York
Central, Pennsylvania,
Santa Fe, undecorated)
Manufacturer:
Original
Weaver
Catalog Number:
MSRP: $345.00 w/sound,
Greenberg
1332/1331 $299.00/$259.00
Price:
$269.00 w/horn only
These first-generation 2,500
Prototype Information:
1959.
Dubbed
More than 470 of these U25Bs were Features:
Two can
for each road
Vital Statistics:
Length: 16
in.
Weight: 5.5
lbs.
Selected Comments:
see-through vent
the
radius:
Performance:
grill
number variations
0-31
pull: 2.1 lbs.
This model looks good.
The
a neat feature -
the
is
expensive
if
with solid plastic.
all
they had simulated
The metal
handrails
look sharp and should bear up well.
Decoration was superb on the samples we
and colorful graphics skillfully applied. There is no interior cab detail, but a shield hides the cab's can motor from view. Motor performance is terrific. The motors delivered smooth, silent power over a broad speed range, from 16 to 200 scale m.p.h. The drawbar pull is equal to 90 free-rolling modern cars on straight and level track. The sound system is a basic QSI model, with good diesel noise, horn and bell. Unfortunately, the unit has no external volume control. If the novelty of the sound wears off, you don't have an easy way to kill it or reduce the inspected, with the paint
level. If this is likely to
Volts 6.3
impressive since tooling probably would less
in
EMD's "Geeps."
sold to U.S. railroads.
motors, headlight, optional QSI sound system; three
Minimum
have been
General Electric road switchers arrived
available
name.
Drawbar
more
h.p.
"U-boats," these utilitarian classics were very distant competitors to
The
Amps
MPH
Scale 16.3
1.4
12.0
1.4
104.3
18.0
2.6
200.3
reverse unit has
no
reset
mode;
it
merely provides standard neutral-forward-neutral-reverse
most
sequence. While
situations,
it
means you
this
is
good
can't lock
it
for
into
forward for traditional two-train or multipleunit operation.
Note that the reverse unit and sound boards if momentary, surges in track power. We blew one out when our MTH Z-4000 briefly peaked at 24 volts. QSI is offering a new product to detect and suppress such spikes and power surges. It's called "Power Guard" and will cost you an are very sensitive to sudden,
additional $87.00.
be a problem, consider
the horn-only model.
Original
CTr Review;
November, 1998 (Bob Keller)
71
Diesel
U33C
Road Name
Milwaukee Road
(original release):
Manufacturer: Williams
Original
MSRP: SI 79.00 powered, S129.00
5553
Roster Number:
dummy
Catalog Number:
U33-16
Greenberg
S150.00
Price:
Nicknamed "U-boats" because of the "U" for "universal" designation, 375 of U33Cs were produced by General Electric between 1968 and 1975. This locomotive was a
Prototype Information:
these
step toward creating the 4,000 h.p. diesel, which at the time was
Features:
and
Two
motors, headlight, traction
tires;
a goal, not a reality.
numbered
available in two
versions. Color:
orange
black.
Vital Statistics:
Length: 17 Weight: 5
Minimum Drawbar
Selected Comments:
Performance:
in.
radius: 0-31
pull: 2.2 lbs.
Williams
is
shooting for
dimensions and it succeeds. The proportions are also good - even the slight widening of the U-boat shell toward the rear
is
copied. Doing a hatch-by-hatch comparison with prototype photos suggests that virtually
even important detail on a real U33C is duplicated on the model. Decoration meets the company's high standard. Paint separation is clean and the lettering and numbering are crisp. The cab herald easy to read.
The U33C has
trademark high-gloss appeal to
all
finish,
hobbyists -
Construction
is
it's
Amps
Volts
lbs.
scale-like
is
still
Scale
5.8
.9
25.1
12.0
1.2
107.8
18.0
1.5
175.1
passable. The owner can add tem from Williams, Ott or QSI.
it's
This
two-motor,
engine runs very
a
traction-tire
quietlv.
MPH
sound
svs-
equipped
The speed range
is
good, from 25 to 175 scale m.p.h.. and it produces 2.2 pounds of drawbar pull - perhaps
more than
will
ever be needed, even on a
fairly
large layout
This unit
lives
for good-looking,
up
to Williams' reputation
value-priced locomotives
that pull like a truck.
the Williams
which may not
a matter of
taste.
very sturdy, with a sheet-
metal frame, die-cast metal trucks and couplers.
The
trucks are
from the SD45, and while The frame has
not accurate, thev look good. sturdv,
and
if
unrealistic, stamped-steel handrails
a die-cast metal fuel tank.
We've heard better horns, but
in
keeping
with the value-priced concept of this model,
Original December,
72
C7T Review;
1997 (Bob
Keller)
gauge steam locomotives: 1990-2000 Locomotive type
Manufacturer
0-4-0 Docksider
Right-of-Way
74
0-6-0
Weaver
75
2-4-2 Columbia
Marx
Trains
76
2-4-2 Columbia
MTH
(Prewar
2-8-2 Mikado
Lionel
78
2-8-4 Berkshire
MTH
79
2-10-0 Decapod
Third Rail
80
2-10-4 Texas
Third Rail
81
4-4-0 (William Mason)
(RailKing)
82
(RailKing)
83
4-6-0 Rogers 19th-century Ten-Wheeler
MTH MTH MTH
(RailKing)
84
4-6-2 Pacific
Lionel
85
4-6-2 Pacific
Weaver
86
4-6-2 Pacific K4s
(RailKing)
87
4-6-2 Pacific (Streamlined)
MTH MTH
(RailKing)
88
4-6-2 Pacific (Streamlined)
Weaver
89
4-6-2 Pacific (Streamlined)
Weaver
90
4-6-4 3450-class Hudson
Pecos River Brass
91
4-6-4 HI -class Hudson
Weaver
92
4-6-4 J-class Hudson
K-Line
93
4-6-4 J-class Hudson
Lionel
94
4-6-4 J-class Hudson
Williams
95
4-6-4 L1 -class Hudson
Lionel
96
MTH MTH
(RailKing)
97
(Premier)
98
USRA Switcher
Reproduction)
4-6-0 Camelback
(Premier)
Page
77
4-6-4 Alco F7 Hudson (Streamlined
Hiawatha) 4-6-4 E4-class Hudson (Streamlined) 4-6-4 Jle-class Hudson (Streamlined
Commodore
Vanderbilt)
Lionel
99
4-6-4 Jle-class Hudson (Streamlined
Commodore 4-8-2 L-3a
Vanderbilt)
Mohawk
MTH
(RailKing)
100
Lionel
101
4-8-4 Northern
Lionel
102
4-8-4 2900-series Northern
MTH
103
4-8-4 GS4-class Northern
Lionel
104
4-8-4 GS4-class Northern
MTH
105
(RailKing)
(Premier)
4-8-4 J-class Northern
Lionel
106
4-8-4 J-class Northern
MTH
107
(RailKing)
6-8-6 S-2 Turbine
Lionel
108
6-8-6 S-2 Turbine
MTH
109
6-8-6 S-2 Turbine
Third Rail
110
2-6-6-6 Allegheny
Lionel
111
4-4-6-4 Duplex (Q2)
Third Rail
112
4-6-6-4 Challenger
MTH
113
4-6-6-4 Challenger
Third Rail
114
4-8-8-2 Cab-Forward
Third Rail
115
4-8-8-4 Articulated Big Boy
Lionel
116
4-8-8-4 Articulated Big Boy
Third Rail
117
6-4-4-6 S-1
Third Rail
118
Shay
Lionel
119
Shay
Right-of-Way
120
(RailKing)
(RailKing)
73
Steam
0-4-0 Docksider
Road Name
Baltimore
(original release):
& Ohio
Manufacturer: Right-of-Way
Original
MSRP: $399.95 plus $15.00 shipping
Prototype Information:
and
Catalog Number:
5006
Greenberg
$750.00
Price:
The prototype locomotive was designed
for the
B&O
for use in waterfront
where curves were sharp.
industrial locations
Features:
97
Roster Number:
Brass construction,
smoke
unit, directional lighting
(equipped with jack for use with
Right-of-Way sound system boxcar) Color: black. .
Vital Statistics:
Length: 8
Minimum Drawbar
Selected Comments:
The
rate. It is a great little
Performance:
in.
N/A
Weight:
radius:
0-27
pull: 7 oz.
B&O
Docksider
is first
runner, one that hardly
Amps
Scale
8
.32
13.93
10
.37
24.24
12
.42
41.43
16
.47
55.45
Volts
The Docksider tive,
a good-looking locomo-
is
but deviates from prototypical correctness
Most noticeable are the on the fireman's side - pho-
uses any electricity but really pulls well, in
in several small ways:
spite of
six-pane windows
its
diminutive
size. It's
operates smoothly, and
nicely detailed,
great fun to watch
is
in action. as a
demonstra-
numbers reflect a broken-in locomotive. The 14 m.p.h. low end is surprising so the
7
an engine
more
our library suggest that they should have the cab roof has been flattened, the oil bunker is shaped differently, and the tank steps are not right. But none of these nitpicks detracts seriously from the overall impression. Perhaps the strangest attribute is the smoke unit switch which is mounted just in tos in
four.
Our sample had been used tor,
this small
should creep along
much
slowly, like the prototype.
However, throughout Docksider ran
very-
its speed range the smoothly - no hitches from
the connecting rods, noise. Best of
all
no wobble, and
operational
traits is
little
the small
power requirement - only half an amp. The Right-of-Way switcher is equipped with nonmagnetized, non-traction-tired, die-cast wheelsets and managed a drawbar pull of seven ounces. In a shop test, it managed to
MPH
The arch of
front of the stack,
where the
water-fill fixture
should be. Right-of-Way 's Docksider to the
world of three-rail
O
is
a great addition
gauge.
It's
a lot of
locomotive in a small package.
pull 14 pieces of mixed-vintage rolling stock
on
level track.
Original L'lT Review; December, 1991 (Jim Bunte)
74
Steam
USRA 0-6-0 Switcher
Road Name
(original release):
Pennsylvania (and
7011
Roster Number:
about 20 other road names) Manufacturer:
Original
Weaver
MSRP: $399.00
Catalog Number:
1026
Greenberg
$495.00/$400.00
Price:
Model based upon a World War I United States Railroad Administration produced during the war followed USRA guidelines.
Prototype Information:
design. All locomotives
Formed
Features:
brass
and stamped sheet-metal construction, can motor, QSI
electronic reverse,
constant voltage headlight, directional lighting, firebox glow, operating couplers. Color: black with silver
smokebox. Length:
Vital Statistics:
Weight:
N/A N/A
Minimum Drawbar
Selected Comments: is
a smart
little
Performance:
radius: 0-31
pull: 21 oz.
The Weaver USRA
switcher
engine that has loads of
runs decently and
high-end world.
is
We
detail,
quite a value in today's
experienced a few minor
problems with our sample but
still
came away
Volts
Amps
8.5
1.0
9.92
10.0
1.1
26.83
12.0
1.3
44.23
14.0
1.4
71.14
was installed incorrectly and the tender wobbled. Easy fixes.
A
little
added weight
tender helped to alleviate the
There was no play
curves.
struction.
nism. I'd
latter
in the pivot
mecha-
recommend snipping a small
portion
up
slightly.
diminutive size
of the centering spring to loosen
complements undersized Lionel and K-Line rolling stock. The model looks very nice, though its shininess might be objection-
But these are small problems
This
is
a scale piece, but
able to some. lost
its
it
wax
The amount of detail
castings are
all
is
in the
problem. Most troublesome was a coupler problem the locomotive derails rolling stock on 0-31
pleased with the quality of design and con-
means
MPH
Scale
it
in
an other-
wise very nice product. After the recent glut of
big brass smokers, less really
is
more.
amazing:
over the boiler, near
and on the tender. Our model ran nicely but noisily, even after lubrication. The noise seems to come from the transfer of power between the motor and drivers, and from the motor itself. the drivers,
The engine has
a well-defined speed range
and a drawbar pull of 21 ounces, equal to 42 mixed vintage pieces of rolling stock on straight and level track. On our sample, one of the valve gear rods
Original December,
CJT Review;
1992
(Jim Bunte)
75
Steam
2-4-2 Columbia
Road Name
Manufacturer:
Marx Trains
Prototype Information: in the 1930s.
Length: 15 2
Minimum Drawbar
Selected Comments:
S195.00
maroon,
classic
Price:
Marx locomotive that was introduced upon Canadian Pacific designs.
new
Performance:
in.
radius:
0-27
a look
all its
own.
more were designed and
drive,
compatible with new
addition,
and
shout about.
Amps
Scale
5.6
.10
13.4
Volts
pull: 10.4 oz.
Marx has tools
motor
silver.
lbs., 1.8 oz.
original tooling was long gone, so
100
Greenberg
an updated version of a
trains. Color: black, gray,
Weight
than
8341
construction, three-position reversing unit, can
Marx
Vital Statistics:
The
is
Catalog Number:
has an outline and major features that were based
It
Features: All-tin
original
This
3003
Roster Number:
Pacific
MSRP: S195.95 (plus S6 shipping)
Original
and
Canadian
(original release):
9.7
.15
50.5
12.0
.26
55.7
18.0
.55
91.7
gives
It is
Marx
MPH
fans something to
a celebration of traditional
tinplate values without apology.
constructed for this engine's sheet-metal
components.
The handsome paint scheme is highlighted CP lettering on the tender. Even the
by gold
famous beaver herald
is
beneath
clearlv visible
the cab windows.
The steamer
is
rent production
Marx
original
or
tilt
compatible with
Marx
the cur-
all
Trains as well as any
rolling stock having either
hook
couplers.
The model runs smoothly and should offer many hours of trouble-free service. With a total
weight of
2.1
of 10.4 ounces, dling 31
and
O
pounds and a drawbar
this
steamer
is
pull
capable of han-
gauge free-rolling cars on
straight
level track.
The "new" Marx
Trains line was inaugu-
rated in 1991, with a colorful array of both freight
ing
CP
and passenger cars).
cars (including match-
This locomotive
is
a
welcome
Original
CTT Rrviexo;
November, 1995 (Marty McGuirk)
76
Steam
2-4-2 Columbia
Road Name
(original release):
Manufacturer:
Original
Pennsylvania
260E
Roster Number:
MTH
Catalog Number:
MSRP: $399.95 traditional,
Greenberg
Price:
10-3001
$420.00
$499.95 contemporary Prototype Information:
This model never had a real-railroad prototype.
1"= 1" of a toy locomotive
made by
It is
a copy, in the scale of
Lionel from 1930 to 1935.
Features: Die-cast and sheet metal. The contemporary version has a can motor, ProtoSound and ProtoSmoke. The traditional has a knockoff of the original Lionel motor and mechanical air whistle. Both have headlights and firebox lights.
Vital Statistics:
Length: \9 A l
Weight: 5
Minimum Drawbar
Selected Comments:
Performance:
in.
lbs.,
radius:
0-54
pull: 8 oz.
Although Lionel produced
the 260E locomotive from 1930 to 1935, the colors of the
and
MTH reproduction - black boiler
cab, green frame, red pilot
and wheels -
are those from 1931 to 1933. All are appropri-
and quite close to the original. The combination of copper, brass and
ately glossy
nickel trim accents the excellent paint job well.
We
Volts
13 oz.
contemporary version that features a can motor and includes ProtoSound and ProtoSmoke. Both the smoke and sound were very good, once we got past the shock of experiencing such things on a 1930stested the
how
it
Amps
Scale
6.5
1.4
12.0
2.5
80.0
18.0
2.7
112.0
MPH
14.8
was with trains back then. Three- or
norm. For some reason, Lionel put Standard gauge wheels with O gauge axles on the origifour-car sets were the
nal
260E tender. The
MTH version carries this
feature also. While this was in the
no problem back and/or
1930s, operators using 0-27
contemporary low-profile track systems will encounter some tie-hitting, bumping, and jumping due to the larger flanges, especially when going over switches. All things considered, this
real
gem
-
it
locomotive
is
a
duplicates a classic Lionel de-
era toy train.
sign in a virtually forgotten style of toy train
Performance of the 260E was smooth and good, with a surprisingly slow speed of under
manufacture.
15 scale m.p.h. In true toy train fashion,
high end our sample
hit 112,
on the
probably faster
than any real 2-4-2 might go.
By today's standards, the drawbar pull seems light for an engine of this size - it registers only 8 ounces on our gauge. But that's
Original July,
CTT Review;
2000 (Bob
Keller)
77
2-8-2 Mikado
Steam
Road Name
Southern
(original release):
Manufacturer: Lionel
Original
MSRP: $1,200.00
Prototype Information:
4501
Roster Number:
Catalog Number:
18018
Greenberg
$1,000.00
Price:
Southern Railway's no. 4501 Mikado once pulled Southern Steam Specials It was then purchased by the Tennessee Valley Railroad
(excursion trains) during the 1960s.
museum
in Chattanooga. This
Features: Die-cast
lighting,
the
is
last
of
its
metal construction, precision
kind.
AC/DC
can motor, electronic reverse, directional
steam RailSounds with volume control, smoke, coal load. Color: green, with
silver
smoke-
box, tuscan cab roof, and gold trim.
Vital Statistics:
Length:
N/A
Weight: 11
Minimum Drawbar
Selected Comments:
This
Performance:
lbs.
radius:
0-31
pull: 2 lbs.
is
a scale
model -
close representation of the original.
It is
a
well
and has a sturdy feel that says "Lionel." hard to accept less-detailed offerings once you've been accustomed to scale ones built
It's
like this
Mikado. Tiny piping passes over
sized drivers, real coal
fills
scale-
the tender bunker,
a scale-sized front coupler connects
to
an
tive's
traction
Amps
Scale
8
2.4
20.58
Volts
10
2.6
34.45
12
2.9
57.42
14
3.2
81.82
tires.
MPH
They come on four
drivers
- two front and two rear. The good news is that replacements are available from Lionel service centers, which should correct the problem. One has to ask if an 11-pound locomotive really needs traction tires? This not-so-mean green machine will be a natural on all kinds of layouts - maybe yours. 1
operating release mechanism - even the boiler front opens.
The Mikado has quite a voracity for amperis odd for a loco equipped with a
age, which
can motor.
Of course,
it is
heavy.
It is
also noisy
- more so than other imported Lionels. After lubrication the noise quieted down some.
The RailSounds operate nicely, although seem comparatively spartan. The
the effects
and sequences dependably. marker lamps are most excellent, getting their light from LEDs. The valve gear and side rods are very entertaining. Most undesirable about this otherwise nice offering is the wobble caused by the locomoreverse unit clicks
The
boiler-front
Original
CTT Review;
January, 1993 (Jim Bunte)
78
Steam
2-8-4 Berkshire
Road Name
(original release):
Manufacturer:
Original
MTH
Nickel Plate
Road
(Premier)
MSRP: $899.95
Prototype Information:
NYC's Boston
&
Named
Albany
Roster Number:
765
Catalog Number:
20-3032-1
Greenberg
$1,000.00
Price:
for the grades they mastered through the Berkshire
line, this
engine
is
based upon Lima "S"
engines. Nickel Plate had 80 of them, built between 1934 1944, retired in the 1960s, restored in 1979 for the Fort
Mountains on super-powered fast freight
class
and 1949. Number 765 was produced in Wayne Railroad Historical Society, and
used in excursion service through the 1990s.
can motor, ProtoSmoke, ProtoSound, flashing Mars
Features: Die-cast metal,
light over headlight,
back-up light on tender, illuminated markers, and firebox glow. Color: black with gray smokebox. Vital Statistics:
N/A
Length:
Weight: 12
Minimum Drawbar
It
12.0
2.1
44.7
18.0
2.3
102.4
and decoration on
even has readable builder's and
equipment trustee plates (if you have good eyes and a magnifying glass). The model is replete with rivets, with much added-on piping, handrails, pop valves, and generators. There is even a simulated lift-pin uncoupler on the flat pilot. The cab interior has a backhead and two figures. The piece is nicely
reverse
is
elaborate and includes
equipment normally omitted from
mid- and low-market
O
gauge steam engines. the locomotive in
The tender matches wealth of detail. The coal is made up of individual
load appears as
if it
MPH
8.6
1.6
engine moving faster than yard speed, and the pistons will be chattering.
The
bell
had a hard
time punching through the locomotive steam noises
and tended
to get lost.
The ProtoSmoke out. There's
unit will fog
The Berkshire moved
lay-
effortlessly
and
qui-
siderods and tender wheels were
etly (after the
lubed).
up your
an on-off switch below the cab.
The speed range matched
large steamer.
It
that of a
should pull about 180 mod-
ern pieces of rolling stock on
painted, with crisp lettering.
The running gear
Scale
0-54
radius:
pull: 3 lbs., 12 oz.
massive and burly locomotive are both
excellent.
Amps
Volts 6.3
Selected Comments: Detailing this
Performance:
lbs., 15J* oz.
level
ground.
Some tracking problems were in evidence. The loco is tail-heavy and tends to derail easily on
less
than perfectly aligned track, even on
0-72 curves.
It
simply walks off the
added weight up front and
rails.
We
that helped greatly.
The on them.
pieces of coal.
6-wheel trucks have "Buckeye" visible
The backup light works only when in reverse. The audio effects are generally excellent. A volume control is located on the bottom of the frame. Chuffs and assorted sounds were great, and the whistle sounded very good. Get this
Original
CTT Reviau;
March, 2000 (Bob
Keller)
79
2-10-0 Decapod
Steam
Road Name
Manufacturer:
Original
4585
Roster Number:
Pennsylvania
(original release):
Third Rail
MSRP: $799.95
Catalog Number:
3RI1
Greenberg
CP
Price:
The Pennsylvania Railroad put 598 Decapods to good use hauling long coal through western Pennsylvania between 1916 and 1960. With their small drivers and long wheelbase, they ran slowly, but had tremendous power. Prototype Information:
trains
Features:
Formed
brass construction,
AC motor,
operating tender coupler. Color: Brunswick green,
gray smokebox.
Length: 29
Vital Statistics:
Weight: 9
Minimum Drawbar
The
Selected Comments:
Performance:
in.
2 oz. (engine only)
lbs.,
radius:
4
pull:
0-72
lbs.
slow speed, power, and
look of the Pennsy Decapods have,been niceh
captured by Third quarter-inch scale
modifications to
Rail.
The engine
model with
make
it
all
is
a brass
the necessary
.8
6.2
10
.8
20.5
17
.9
49.6
engine. (A shorter tender
rate
backup controls
the deck. All of this
in a
to the
engine
which
in profile look like
the rivet heads are sharply defined. This fine-scale brass
model
The headlight
is
in every sense.
volts.
operates with a grain-of-
wheat bulb. Production models have working marker lights on loco and tender, and smoke, although these were not on our preproduction sample.
Power comes from
motor conand fourth pair are flanged, allowing the model to a Pittman can
nected to a gear box. The of drivers
first
negotiate 0-72 curves. Each driver set vidually sprung,
The tender motive.
is
and some have just as
Top speed
a
traction
is
indi-
tires.
is
is
required sepa-
cab on the rear of
rides on 8-wheel The power system
It
trucks, individually sprung.
heaters, compressors, bell, whistle, grab irons,
reproduced. Even
also available.)
it
the electronic reverse
and a sound system.
and the
like are faithfully
is
MPH
faithfully re-created.
is
The tender houses unit
All of the piping detail, handrails, water
Scale
7
This tender was so long that
compatible with
three-rail operation.
Amps
Volts
contained in four black wires,
hose connections.
a realistic 49.6 m.p.h. at 17
At the low end, the locomotive
will
crawl
Drawbar pull is an impressive 4 pounds! That equates to almost at
6.2 without stalling.
200
cars. That's quite a train.
Decapods weren't generally popular in the United States. Many that were built here ended up being shipped to Europe. The Pennsy was the exception. This is your chance to
own an unusual locomotive
place next to your
that will have a
GG1 and
other
classic
Pennsy power.
outstanding as the loco-
Our sample came
distance tender," which
is
with
a
"long-
longer than the
Original
CTT Review;
May, 1994 (Torn Rollo)
80
Steam
2-1 0-4 Texas
Road Name
(original release):
Third
Manufacturer:
Original
Pennsylvania
Rail
MSRP: $999.95
Prototype Information:
When
the Pennsy
6465
Roster Number:
needed
a
Catalog Number:
3RT1
Greenberg
$950.00
Price:
new high-horsepower
freight engine, wartime
prevented them from creating their own design. The company turned to the
restrictions
C&O for
and the Ahoona shops constructed a fleet of 125 of these J-class engines. Of course, Pennsylvania designers added a few touches to mask the origin. The Texas types proved exceptionally successful and were the last steamers operating on the Pennsy. They were dropped in 1959.
a blueprint,
Features: Brass construction,
marker
lights.
Pittman can motor, headlight, QSI sound system, smoke, illuminated
Color: Brunswick green, gray smokebox, red cab roof, gold trim.
Length: 29X
Vital Statistics:
Weight: 11
Minimum Drawbar
Performance:
in.
Volts
Amps
6.4
lbs.
radius:
0-72
pull: 1.5 lbs.
As a high-end brass scale an exceptional level of detail
Scale
12.0
1.6
60.8
17.3
2.0
110.4
which should enable opera-
Selected Comments:
force of 1.5
model, there
tors to pull a 70-car train with ease.
is
present. The intricate maze of piping, valves and grab irons maximizes the realism, but also makes the model a bit fragile. The engine
requires careful handling.
The
front
coupler
The
is
end
is
terrific.
headlight, keystone,
front scale
and compressors
a Pennsy look to the basic
rod action
The
designed to be raised and lowered.
is
C&O
design.
give
The
The
lbs.,
MPH
12.7
1.5
reverse unit control
is
on the
tender,
which houses the QSI sound system. The various at-rest steam noises are delightful. The chuff rate, which seems a bit fast at low speeds, evens out as speed increases.
The smoke
unit
functions quite well too.
This
is
a great brass
model of a freight-mov-
ing monster from steam's final glorious years.
dazzling and the cab well deco-
rated with plenty of backhead detail.
The work of
massive eight-axle tender art,
is
mirroring the prototype
the brakeman's doghouse.
another
down
to
The tender has
illuminated markers and a realistic coal load, with individual pieces glued in place.
Drawing power from a Lionel
ZW
former, the loco's performance was very
trans-
good
- smooth running in all speed ranges. The drivers have no traction tires, but an extra wheel set with tires is included. Without the traction tires, the engine delivered a
drawbar
Original
CYT Revieiu;
January, 1998 (Bob Keller) 81
4-4-0 William Mason
Steam
Road Name
Designated
(original release):
Roster Number:
5
The Wanderer
Manufacturer:
Original
MTH
(RailKing)
MSRP: $329.95 w/whistle only,
Catalog Number:
30-1155
Greenberg
$375.00
Price:
$429.95 w/ProtoSound package Prototype Information:
The William Mason was
built in
1855 and has been on display
at the
Baltimore
& Ohio Railroad Museum in Baltimore. It starred in The Great Locomotive Chase movie and Wild West TV series and film. The name "The Wanderer" came from the TV series.
the Wild
metal construction, smoke, free-coasting motor; available with either whistle or
Features: Die-cast
ProtoSounds. Length:
Vital Statistics:
1
Weight: 6
Minimum Drawbar
Selected Comments:
TA in. lbs.,
Performance:
1 lbs.,
5 oz.
Old-time 4-4-0 steamers have
a niche in toy train history: American Flyer, Lionel, Marx,
and Thomas
the postwar era. In
has re-issued
its
all
made them
more recent
in
times, Lionel
postwar General with a variety
of road names and
MTH made its own
General,
is
nearly
solidly
constructed.
The
graphics are neatly applied, and the effect of
maxed
reserve.
13
12
1.8
48.4
18
1.85
99.5
moving
out, with
But then,
type William
it
little
MPH
speed held in
isn't likely that
Mason could get a
the proto-
similar train
in the real world.
The ProtoSound system functioned and the conventional sounds were
The
as well as the Texas.
This engine
Scale
1.4
7.6
radius: 0-31
pull:
Amps
Volts
9 oz.
well,
satisfactory.
special Wild Wild West station sounds, with
gunfire,
horses,
and Will Smith chattering
away, left us grinning.
the gold-tone handrails, steam and sand domes, and other accoutrements is very appealing.
The Wanderer has a quiet and smoothrunning motor. The peppy 4-4-0's speed range was very good, with a low average of 13 scale
We noticed a few through switches, and once or twice the engine lost power, but this wasn't m.p.h. and a high of 99.5.
bumpy
transitions
a major problem.
The drawbar pull equals about 63 pieces of modern, free-rolling stock. In operational testing, however, running with a 22-car mixedvintage train, the steamer appeared to be
Original Website, Posted
82
CTT Review;
May, 2000 (Bob
Keller)
Steam
-6-0
Road Name
(original release):
Central Railroad of
Camelback
Roster Number: 631
New Terse) Manufacturer:
MTH
(RailKing)
MSRP: $399.95
Original
w/ sound,
Catalog Number:
30-1141
Greenberg
$375.00
Price:
w/o sound
$299.95
Prototype Information:
The Camelback locomotive was developed because many Northeastern
railroads
mines that produced anthracite. To make the most efficient use of this cheap coal, a special wide firebox was developed by John Wooten, general manager of the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad. This wide firebox gready diminished crew visibility, so the engineer's cab was mounted
owned
coal
on a virtually unprohad hazardous duty.
alongside the boiler in front of the firebox, while the fireman could be positioned tected rear deck in front of the tender.
Can motor,
Features:
The crew on
these Camelbacks
headlight, whistle, smoke, traction
tires, die-cast
metal; Protosound available.
Color: black with gray smokebox.
Length:
Vital Statistics:
N/A
Weight: 7
Minimum Drawbar
Performance:
lbs.
radius:
0-27
pull: 1.5 lbs.
The MTH Camelback is one of the most interesting locomotives ever modeled. The prototype looks like it was designed by someone who had no preconceived notion of loco construction and the model duplicates this very well. Selected Comments:
truly
This
is
a sturdy engine, with a lot of detail,
The headlight is great. The amount of cast-in piping and several pumps. The walkways from the rear of the loco to the cab are super, with numerous all
neat and
tidy.
boiler has a fair
handrails.
On
Amps
Scale
6.6
1.2
12.0
1.8
85.3
18.0
1.9
149.0
MPH
18.9
Operationally, the engine ran very well.
The
motor was quiet, and the smoke generator puffed up a dense plume. Speed response was smooth in all ranges. This little brute develops enough pull in the drawbar to haul 70 modern cars on straight and level track. The Camelback delivers top-rate performance. With its 4-6-0 wheel arrangement and center cab, it should be a standout on just about any layout.
top of the boiler are two air
brake reservoirs, a whistle, a
pop valves. The tender
Volts
is
a stubby
little
bell,
and three
rascal that mir-
rors the real thing - a short haul freighter.
There
is
a fair
amount of detail on
but the crowning point
is
the tender,
the backup light,
which for some reason is not functional. A bulb in it would have made such a big difference!
We
tested the whistle-only version
underwhelmed by the sound of ProtoSound model is available.
and were it.
A
full
CMginal
CTT Review;
November, 1999 (Bob Keller)
83
4-6-0 Rogers Nineteenth-Century Ten-Wheeler
Steam
Road Name
Manufacturer:
Original
Denver
(original release):
MTH
Rio Grande
Roster Number:
(RailKing)
MSRP: $429.95 w/ProtoSounds,
$329.95
w/o
Prototype Information:
Features:
Catalog Number:
30-1160
Greenberg
$380.00
Price:
1890s-vintage Rogers Ten-wheeler.
on western
A
very popular wood-burning type loco-
railroads of the day.
0-27 operation, can motor, headlight, ProtoSounds optional. Length: l&A
Vital Statistics:
Weight: 6
Drawbar
Selected Comments:
to
gaugers -
radius:
pull:
0-27 12 oz.
1 lb.,
railroading
among
O
and HO modelers. There is a tremendous amount of potential for opening up a new venue for fantasy railroaders: the Old West as we wanted it to be. The Rio Grande road name suggests gold mines, gunplay, and buffalo steaks on an open fire. The model is a surprising mix of detail and fans
bare bones. For example, there
Amps
8.6
period has a good following
large-scale
Volts
9 oz.
This loco might open the
pre-1900 this
Performance:
in.
lb.,
Minimum
among
781
it
motive, particularly
door
&
is
nice rivet
on the steam chests and smokebox, but practically none on the boiler. There are boiler bands though. There are ovals for builders plates, but no plate detail. The grab detail
and square
room ures. is
in the
The
Scale
12
.9
45.3
18
1.0
90.0
oil
MPH
22.8
.9
headlamp are
There
nice.
wide-open cab to place crew
boiler front
is
fig-
good, but the tender
is
rather basic.
The
4-6-0
performed quite
- the motor
well
was quiet and the movement smooth. The low-
speed average was measured
and the high end
m.p.h.,
at 90,
at
22.8 scale
which was prob-
ably high for the prototype but right trains.
The drawbar
straight
and
level.
pull equals
The
on
for toy
84 cars on the
optional ProtoSound
system generates appropriately Western period effects
(including wagons rolling and horses
neighing).
Smoke output
is
generous.
irons are neat, especially those that stand high
and away from the catcher.
The
boiler
though this engine bones operation.
The
and those on the cow
siderods look a is
little
sparse, even
from a period of bare-
catwalks are wider than usual, but they
wood detail. The The diamond stack
lack any sort of simulated
domes
really jut
out at you.
(higinal
November,
84
CTT Review;
2000 (Bob
Keller)
Steam
4-6-2 Pacific
Road Name
Southern,
(original release):
1390/2055
Roster Number:
Pennsylvania Manufacturer: Lionel
Original
Catalog Number:
MSRP: $499.95
Prototype Information:
Greenberg
This locomotive
is
N/A
Length:
Weight: 4
The model
traces
its
look.
Drawbar
Selected Comments:
Performance:
lbs.,
Minimum
radius: 0-31
pull: 15.5 oz.
This locomotive could be
time-honored body
Volts
6 oz.
classified as traditional Lionel: die-cast
light,
had a Santa Fe
Spur-gear mechanism, headlight, Magne-Traction, whistle, smoke.
Vital Statistics:
in a
$350.00/$400.00
Price:
not based on a specific prototype.
origin to the Lionel no. 665 of 1953, which
Features:
18044, 18050
style,
smoke
engine
unit,
head-
Pullmor spur-gear mechanism, Magne-
Traction, electro-mechanical E-unit,
and an
air
The what
Amps
Scale
8.2
1.4
39.4
12.0
2.6
100.6
16.9
2.9
139.2
MPH
concept, doing have done for 60 years - hit
air whistle fits the retro
air whistles
and
the button
it
The tender pickup
toots.
roller for the whistle
has been eliminated,
replaced by a plug-and^ack arrangement to
whisde in the tender. There's no electronic stuff - it's back to the basics for that part of the
tap
hobby
power from the locomotive.
Operationally, the engine took a
little
time
the
Performance numbers were what one would expect from a light Lionel steamer. With a ZW, the average in the low-speed range was 46.4 scale m.p.h., with 139.2 at the top. The low speed was brought down to a more realistic
colors of the
22.4 by using the TrainMaster control system in
ited edition for 1996.
speed went up
The
that values traditional Lionel products.
loco looks great in both paint schemes.
No. 1390
is
in bright
and
beautiful Southern
Railway green and gold, and no. 2055 wears
more subdued Brunswick green and gold Pennsylvania Railroad. The Pennsy model was the annual J. C. Penney limThe Southern locomotive has
a red
number
to break in.
the conventional mode. Meanwhile, the high
made
to
almost 164. So, pulse power
a notable difference
One word
on both ends.
board under the headlight and one of the cab windows filled in to display the "Serves the
of gravity
South" herald. The engine needs a feedwater
so you should avoid racing
heater above the boiler face to
copy Southern practice, but
Of course,
the headlight
is
more
it's
a
in the
accurately
gem
anyway.
wrong place
on the Pennsy engine, but who cares? These are great toy trains, pure and simple.
is
top speed.
of caution: This engine's center
quite high, just like in the old days,
It
around curves
at
tends to tip over, in spite of the
Magne-Traction.
Good
old-fashioned fun!
Both versions of this engine are superbly decorated and should evoke memories of the locomotives many hobbyists grew up with.
Original December,
CTT Review;
1996 (Bob
Keller)
85
Steam
4-6-2 Pacific
Road Name
(original release):
Santa Fe
Weaver
Manufacturer:
MSRP: S975.00 w/sound,
Original
$875.00
1369
Roster Number:
(Valley Flyer)
Catalog Number:
G1088-LP
Greenberg
$940.00 w/sound
Price:
w/o sound
who might attend the World were spruced up and paired with redecorated and air-conditioned heawweight passenger cars to run between Bakersfield and Oakland, with bus connections to Los Angeles and San Francisco. .After the Expo closed, both trains moved on to become the Sa)i Diegan. The engines were scrapped between 1950 and 1951. The
Prototype Information:
\
alley Flyer
Features: Brass construction,
and
silver,
was born
can motor, directional lighting, traction
Length: 21
in.
Weight: 6.8
lbs.
Minimum Drawbar
Selected Comments:
Performance:
tires,
QSI sound. Color: black
radius:
0-54
This locomotive has a won-
brake hoses and simulated coupler release
The headlight
brilliant,
is
and the red
marker lights striking. The usual add-on pipes and other details are excellent. The cab is fully detailed with engineer and fireman figures.
The spoked
trailing truck
when
whirling effect
.Amps
Scale
7.0
1.3
10.6
12.0
1.4
37.5
18.0
1.4
63.8
Volts
pull: 2.9 lbs.
derfully detailed nose, with streamlined pilot,
bar.
light Pacifies
with red and yellow trim.
Vital Statistics:
air
to snare passengers
Two conventional
Exposition in San Francisco.
programming are
terrific.
options.
MPH
The whisde and
However, the chuff rate
is
too
bell fast.
no external volume control - the seemed a bit loud to us. The Weaver Valley Flyer looks good and per-
.And there
sound
is
level
forms nicelv indeed. power, check
it
If
you
like
snappy steam
out.
wheels create a neat
motion.
in
Decoration of engine and tender are quite good. The paint application
The
of smearing.
backup
is
in,
free
to test.
Lnlike
a bit of time to
one delivered great low-end
this
speeds from the
start
- averaging 10.6 scale
m.p.h., about as low as get.
and
light.
The Weaver Flyer was fun many brass engines that take break
clean
tender has a bright
oil
The high end was
2.9-pound drawbar
most
O
gauge engines With a should pull the
also very good.
pull,
it
longest passenger car consist.
The smoke sound svstem
unit is
performed very well. The QSI package with no
a basic
Original February,
86
CTT Review;
1999 (Bob
Keller)
Steam
6-2
Road Name
MTH
Manufacturer:
Original
Pennsylvania
(original release):
Roster Number:
(RailKing)
MSRP: $299.00 w/whistle,
Pacific
K4s
1361
Catalog Number:
30-1115
Greenberg
$425.00
Price:
$399.00 w/ProtoSound
The Pennsylvania K.4 has been called America's most popular 4-6-2. Between 1914 and 1928 the Juniata Shops built 425 of them. No. 1361 was retired in 1956 and placed on display at Horse Shoe Curve, outside of Altoona, Pa. Prototype Information:
Can motor,
Features:
headlight, smoke, ProtoSound. Color: Brunswick green, gray smokebox, red
cab roof.
N/A
Length:
Vital Statistics:
Weight: 7.2
Minimum Drawbar
Performance:
radius: 0-31
pull: 1.6 lbs.
Although scaled down
1.0
12.0
1.9
83.0
18.0
1.9
145.2
very good.
The
in neutral,
but
duplicates every major feature of the original
the engine
is
run on 0-31 track,
this die-cast
K4s, except for the area above the pilot
to
The headlight and
is it
set
out separately from the
casts a bright light.
The
headlight also illuminates the green marker lights
on both
The Other
sides of the boiler.
siderod action
is
dazzling.
details
this
on the fireman's
side,
a distinctively Pennsy loco.
The tender
great - a copy of a Penn-
is
m.p.h.
scale
can be activated only while
will
continue to clang when
in motion. well.
Using a
ZW
for
Drawbar
pull
of 1.6 pounds
should accommodate roughly 70 modern, free-rolling cars.
The
swirling
include piping along the engineer's side and a battery of compressors
making
it
MPH
10.1
power, the speed range was from 10 to 145
the cylinder sides.
boiler face,
bell
The K4s performed
and
Scale
5.8
metal model
Selected Comments:
Amps
Volts
lbs.
noisy,
fan motor
but
it
on the smoke unit
can be shut
off.
is
a bit
Smoke production
on the copious side. This may be the finest looking locomotive yet produced for the RailKing Line, and it is
runs well too.
sylvania long-range tender with increased coal capacity.
The design
is
prototypical
down
to
the trucks.
The recorded ProtoSounds
are
great,
reportedly taken from the lone operating K4s
when
it
Railroad.
sounds
was in service on the Strasburg
There are typical steam engine and compressor clunks, as
like chuffs
well as squealing brakes.
The
whistle sounds
Original December,
CTT Review;
1997 (Bob
Keller)
87
4-6-2 Pacific (Streamlined)
Steam
Road Name
Manufacturer:
Original
Pennsylvania
(original release):
MTH
3768
Roster Number:
(RailKing)
MSRP: $299.00 w/whisde,
Catalog Number:
30-1118
Greenberg
S355.00
Price:
$399.00 w/ProtoSound
Sheathed in a Raymond Loewy-designed streamlined
Prototype Information:
K4 and eventually
shell in 1936, this
was dubbed "The Torpedo." The shroud was reworked a couple of vears
later
removed.
Can Motor,
Features:
headlight, smoke,
ProtoSound system. Color: Brunswick green with gold
stripes.
Length:
Vital Statistics:
N/A
Weight: 7.4
Minimum Drawbar
Selected Comments:
to
Performance:
lbs.
radius:
0-31
pull: 1.5 lbs.
bit
more
Scale
1.4
12.0
2.0
46.8
18.0
2.2
166.6
MPH
19.1
sleek than the model. is
turbine locomotive. To draw another Lionel
is
a scaled-down version
ing photos with the prototype, the real engine die-cast metal shell
Amps
6.9
back to match the contours of the streamlined passenger cars it pulled. This tender is of a Pennsy prototype, but of much later design - it was introduced with the experimental steam
This
be used on tight-radius curves, and compar-
does look a
Volts
The on the wide and tubbv
somewhat mitigating the speedliner image and resembling an old Lionel 238E. The production quality of the shell is superb, and the details are a good rendering side,
of the major surface features of the original.
The curved cab windows, the interior cab detail, the downward angle of the boiler top,
parallel, this
one looks
like a
2671 with
stripes.
The good performance of this engine ical
of
all
is
typ-
the RailKing models we've tested.
It
ran smoothly from a starting range of 16 to a top speed of 166 scale m.p.h. The Torpedo's sound system delivered excellent reproduction.
the raised steps along the front of the nose,
and the cab teristics
side doors
all
are Pennsy charac-
of the era. The marker lights are in
place and illuminated, and there's a swanky winged keystone above the headlight.
Decoration
The gold
is
crisp,
clean,
and subdued. on
striping applied to raised surfaces
the casting adds the right touch of authenticity
to the
model.
But the tender
is all
wrong! The prototype's
top was even with the cab roof and ran straight
Oiiginal December,
CTT Review;
1997 (Bob Keller)
Steam
4-6-2 Pacific (Streamlined)
Road Name
Lehigh Valley
(original release):
Roster Number:
2102
(The John Wilkes)
Manufacturer:
Weaver
Catalog Number:
MSRP: $995.00
Original
Greenberg
Price:
1078 $950.00
In response to declining passenger business, the
Lehigh Valley shops transmodernized, bullet-nosed streamlined steamers in 1939. Well-known industrial designer Otto Kuhler handled the make-overs. Both locomotives were assigned to pull The John Wilkes, one of the most handsome trains ever to grace American rails. In all, five LV Pacifies were eventually converted to streamliners. Prototype Information:
formed two
Pacifies into
Features: All-brass construction,
Length:
Vital Statistics:
accurate paint and lettering, sound-equipped, matching cars
and maroon with chrome
able. Color: black
N/A
Weight: 7
Minimum Drawbar
Selected Comments:
Performance:
11.7 oz.
lbs.,
0-42
radius:
pull: 2 lbs., 6.4 oz.
Models of The John Wilkes of, so this model is sure
are virtually unheard to earn
an honored place
O gauge steam Operators brass
any collection of
locomotives.
will
performance of
The
in
be pleased with the top-notch this
model has
handsome
avail-
striping.
streamliner.
Volts
Amps
Scale
6.7
1.5
4.3
12.0
2.0
43.2
16.0
2.1
82.1
MPH
pounds equates to 115 free-rolling cars on straight and level track.
A complete set of passenger match the locomotive is also train will
O
gauge
cars painted to available. This
be a gorgeous sight as
it
races along
your railroad.
a factory-applied finish
that captures the look of the real train.
Even
on most steamer modand includes a firebox
the cab, an afterthought els,
is
nicely detailed
door, throttle,
The
and brake
loco performs as
stand.
good
as
it
looks
and
responds well to a variety of throttle settings. The speed range is excellent. The model did
shimmy when
it
negotiated
switches at low speeds. This
Lionel is
a
0-72
common
occurrence with many of the new brass steamers - their wheel flanges are finer than those
found on older toy train motive power. The engine matches the prototype in every major dimension. With its draw of 1.5 to 2 amps, it won't tax most control systems. The impressive drawbar pull of more than 2
Original September,
CTT Review;
1995 (Marty McGuirk) 89
4-6-2 Pacific (Streamlined)
Steam
Road Name
Union
(original release):
2906
Roster Number:
Pacific
Forty-Niner
Weaver
Manufacturer:
Original
MSRP: $1,050.00,
SI, 150.00
w/ sound
Catalog Number:
G1087-LP
Greenberg
$1,100.00
Price:
system
Union Pacific no. 2906 was one of two locomotives the railroad streamlined 1937 to pull the air-conditioned, all-Pullman Forty-Niner between Chicago and San Francisco. Both engines were in service until the end of the steam era. 2906 was scrapped in 1951. Prototype Information:
in
Features: Brass construction,
smoke
unit,
QSI sound system,
directional lighting. Color: a multi-
shade mix of brown and vellow. Vital Statistics:
Length: 21
in.
Weight: 7.3
lbs.
Minimum Drawbar
Selected Comments: ful scale
radius:
Performance:
0-54
pull: 1.8 lbs.
Weaver's model
is
a delight-
representation of the prototype.
You
can almost imagine the engine blasting through the Wyoming prairie with a gleaming streamliner in tow. Detailing is exceptional and includes the rounded angles of the streamlined shroud, the water pipes around the cab, the cab interior with figures, and the big vent on the nose. The model also features directional lighting and
operating markers.
The
rate
Amps
Scale
7.6
1.8
16.6
12.0
2.0
56.0
18.0
2.3
84.6
Volts
MPH
was off slightly. At one point, the thing was
chuffing while standing
The
Forty-Niner lives
still.
up
to Weaver's fine rep-
O
gauge steam locomotives. If you are a fan of the U.P., you'll certainly want to consider adding it to your roster. utation for
siderods look great, as
do the painted drivers. The QSI sound system was quite good - nice reproduction and four chuffs per rotation of the drivers.
It
programming
does not have a reset
mode
or
options.
Using a Lionel ZW, the loco delivered excelperformance in all speed ranges. With 1.8 pounds of drawbar pull, it can pull 80 modern, free-rolling cars. For comparison, we hooked lent
up
several other
power sources and noticed a
quirk with the Lionel TrainMaster; the chuff
Original July,
90
CTT Review;
1998 (Bob Keller)
Steam
4-6-4 3450-class Hudson
Road Name
Santa Fe
(original release):
Roster Number:
Manufacturer: Pecos River Brass
Original
MSRP: $1,350.00 w/sound,
3450, 3451, 3458
Catalog Number:
N/A
Greenberg
CP
Price:
w/o sound
$1,250.00
Prototype Information:
New
drivers in 1927.
The
first
of the ten 3450-class engines was delivered by Baldwin with 74-inch A rebuilding in 1942 to upgrade per-
79-inch drivers were installed in 1936.
formance included a larger tender. A final rebuilding took place in 1948. The 3450s handled some of the hottest Santa Fe trains between Kansas City, Colorado, and New Mexico.
Three versions are offered: 3450
Features:
as delivered in 1927, 3451 as rebuilt in 1942, and 3458 1948 configuration. Brass construction, Pittman can motors, headlights, and optional
in the final
sound systems. Color: black with Length: 24%
Vital Statistics:
Weight: 8.3
Minimum Drawbar
Selected
Comments: This
silver accents.
Performance:
in.
radius:
0-42
pull: 2.6 lbs.
is
a beautifully crafted
brass locomotive with a wealth of fine detail not
found
typically
in the three-rail field.
The
pilot
has 17 cross braces for the cow-catcher and a
simulated scale knuckle coupler.
The
headlight
and very bright. The bell, which is positioned just ahead of the smoke stack and num-
is
large
ber boards, has
The
its
own
lanyard running back to
and the various added-on piping, whistles, generators, and compressors are as nice as one could hope for. The cab is remarkably detailed, with two crewmen, a redhandled throttle, firebox door, and sunshades on the windows. As the engine is finely the cab.
catwalks
too
so
detailed,
is
the
oil
tender, with
its
and backup and lettering are first-rate. Measuring from the pilot to the oversize
hatches, handrails, 6-wheel trucks, light.
The
paint
tender coupler, the engine measures about 7
Note there whistle
in
no smoke
nor
is
there a
the loco without sound.
Sound
effects are a
is
unit,
matter of personal
system in this locomotive
left
taste,
but the
something
to
be
desired. In the end, after consulting with the
MPH
Scale
29.2
9.1
2.0
12.0
2.1
53.1
18.0
2.1
107.3
Model Railroader and Trains magazine staffs, we concluded that the Pecos River sound was probably more prototypical than not, but wasn't especially robust, nor did
additional
features
that
it
it
have the
Railsounds
or
ProtoSound have. In other words, it didn't sound like what we believe a toy train sound system should sound like. The engine delivered good performance in all speed ranges - good acceleration and deceleration - and the Pittman motor was ultra-quiet. This loco
modern
cars
on
should pull about 150
straight
and
level track.
more deland we expeof trouble with screws that had
Brass trains in general tend to be icate
than
many
rienced a bit
die-cast models,
worked themselves loose during shipment. Give the locomotive a thorough check, and tighten
No
scale feet longer than the prototype.
Amps
Volts
lbs.
all
screws before attempting to run
it.
owner's manual or other instruction
sheets were packed with the model, which led
us to a bit of confusion
when
trying to trou-
bleshoot our loose-screw problem. In the end, the troubles were correctable, and running these smart-looking
Hudsons was a Original
lot
of fun.
CTT Review;
January, 2000 (Bob Keller)
91
4-6-4 Hi-class Hudson
Steam
Road Name
(original release):
Manufacturer:
Original
2858, 2860
Roster Number:
Pacific
Weaver
1074
Catalog Number:
MSRP: $899.00
Prototype Information:
HI
Canadian
Greenberg
Popularly
known
as the "Royal
$900.00
Price:
Hudson"
series, these
models represent
class
locomotives built by the Montreal Locomotive Works in the late 1930s.
Features:
Formed
brass construction with applied plastic details, can motor,
QSI reverse
unit;
QSI
steam sound can be added by owner. Available in British Columbia, Royal Hudson markings (no. 2860) and Canadian Pacific fleet markings (no. 2858). Vital Statistics:
Length: 25% Weight: 8.5
Minimum Drawbar
Performance:
in.
6
radius:
0-42
pull: 3 lbs.,
13 oz.
Selected Comments: Weaver has faithfully reproduced the originals from the paint scheme and lettering to the distinctive Canadian Pacific grab irons and tear-drop smoke stack. The paint job is excellent, lettering and outlining sharp. Name plates and builder's plates
Of
Amps
Scale
9
1.8
26.2
12
2.0
52.8
18
3.0
105.6
able to pull 200 Weaver freight cars
and
level track
long,
-
if
MPH
9.1
1.0
on
straight
you have a straightaway that
and the couplers hold.
Weaver's Canadian Pacific Hudsons represent
welcome additions
roster of
to the ever-growing
O gauge motive power. Imagine these
course,
stunning Hudsons on display in a collection or
on the running boards
pulling a string of matching Weaver or Lionel
are finished with raised lettering.
the royal crest appears
Volts
lbs.
Canadian
above the cylinders.
Pacific passenger cars.
Constant-voltage headlight, working marker
on both loco and tender, and a working backup light are highlights. Motive power comes from a horizontally mounted can motor that may be operated with any AC transformer. Traction tires are on the first and third drivers. The motor is smooth and quiet and didn't lights
stall at
the lowest transformer voltage.
The
fly-
wheel coasting feature works well without creating a runaway effect if the power is shut off suddenly.
Drawbar
pull
is
an impressive 3 pounds, 13
ounces, which means the engine should be
Original July,
92
l
CT1
c)94
Review;
(Tom
Rollo)
Steam
4-6-4 J-class Hudson
Road Name
New York
(original release):
Central
Manufacturer: K-Line
Original
5335
Roster Number:
MSRP: $399.00
Catalog Number:
K3270-5335
Greenberg
CP
Price:
The New York Central J-class Hudsons saw service pulling the The railroad owned 275 of these built-by-Alco steamers.
Prototype Information:
line's hottest
passenger trains for years.
Features:
Can motor
with flywheel, constant voltage headlight, smoke, illuminated marker lights,
digital whistle, traction tires. Color: black.
Vital Statistics:
Length: 20
in.
Weight: 7.3
lbs.
Minimum Drawbar
Selected Comments:
Performance:
8.2
tional-sized
12.0
.9
74.3
18.0
1.7
119.0
Without a doubt,
this J-class
engine
is
heft. It
described as that "postwar
feel," a
tion of weight, a solid feel,
first
has what
backup light. The tether that joins the loco and tender is of proper length and doesn't cause a dangling distraction.
The
is
combina-
and the look of
clean tooling and smooth paint. In it is
tradi-
many ways
model, but very proportional. This engine packs a surprising level of detail into a
through a
and
sharp
The cow catcher has see-through and a pivoted simulated front coupler.
clean.
struts
The
is
boiler features cast-in piping as well as
add-on handrails,
The
bell,
and
The spoked
drivers are
Although
all
it
-
has the
it
cuts off a micro-
good.
is
unit produces
under way with 10
best
its
when
or more. Rather nice
volts
puffing effect.
overall,
and
lettering application
smooth
is
but there was a smudge on one of the
compressor shields on the
The engine had
pilot of our sample.
and stops, and motor noise was
gentle starts
excellent speed response,
The
virtually nonexistent.
whistle.
side rods are suitably captivating
in motion.
truly elegant
quickly, the tone
The smoke
Paint
tooling for the die-cast boiler
is
valley.
second too
relatively small space.
The
whistle
haunting sound of a steam engine echoing
akin to the postwar Lionel 2046 - not a
scale
MPH
35.3
radius: 0-31
Hudsons ever produced. The this
Scale
.7
pull: 1.75 lbs.
engine qualifies as one of the finest impression of
Amps
Volts
consistent average
when
low speed of 35 scale m.p.h.
black.
high-end speed of 1 19
is
The traction tires actually have treads. The cab has a fully decorated backhead
average drawbar pull of
with a red lens for firebox glow and a sitting
O
Hudson should meet
is
more
1 .8
a bit
fast.
in line.
The
With an
pounds, the K-Line
the needs of most typical
gauge freight and passenger
service.
engineer. There are illuminated marker lights
on both the engine and tender and
a working
Original
CTT Review;
May, 1999 (Bob
Keller)
93
4-6-4 J-class Hudson
Steam
Road Name (also
New York Central
(original release):
Chesapeake
&
Ohio, Chicago
8c
5405
Roster Number:
North
Western, Santa Fe) Manufacturer: Lionel
Original
MSRP: $499.95
Command- and
Catalog Number:
28007
Greenberg
$425.00
Price:
RailSounds-equipped, $399.95 traditional
New York Central J-class Hudson, one of 275 such Alco locos owned bv the They saw sen ice pulling the line's hotshot passenger trains for years.
Prototype Information:
railroad.
Features: New tooling for this scaled-dowai version of what was undoubtedly the classic tov train steam engine prototype. Die-cast construction, can motor, smoke, headlight, firebox glow, 12wheel tender; available with RailSounds and command control. Color: black.
Length:
Vital Statistics:
N/A
Weight: 7
Minimum Drawbar
Performance:
Volts 8.3
lbs.
radius:
0-27
pull: 2 lbs.
Produced in Korea, this model resembles other models made in the Far East for .American companies - immaculate tooling, smooth, clean decoration, and great operability. Although it is scaled down, the design is a good representation of the original. Comparing the model with various prototype drawings and photos, we can say that the
The sound
Selected Comments:
Amps
Scale
MPH
39.5
1.3
12.0
1.5
80.4
18.0
2.6
130.4
is
beautiful,
particularly
the
which clangs realistically as if operated by hand. The whistle sound tapers down and up authentically, with a faint echo. No rude bell,
cutoff here.
the markers in the face of the smokebox. Most
There were a couple of intermittent gremshowed up on our sample. The loco rotated through the workshop as well as several home layouts, and these phantom problems did not occur on all of them. One was a drop out of some steam sounds when at idle, another was random ctit out of the sound svstem after about 10 minutes of running, and
photos of the J-3 engines we've seen have no markers. The J-2 class units had them
stay shut. Regardless, the
mounted above
all
engine
nails the essential flavor
NYC. steamer.
The add-on
particularly the plates
One might
of the classic
details are all nice,
beneath the headlight.
quibble about the placement of
the smokebox.
Speed control was very good. Drawbar was exceptionally high for equal to
a small
lins that
the last was an ElectroCoupler that wouldn't
rave reviews from
all
locomotive got over-
who
ran
it.
pull
steamer -
120 modern, free-rolling cars on
straight and level track. The smoke unit was one of the best we've seen; one could actualh see a ring of smoke drifting from the stack
when
at rest.
Original December,
94
CTT Review;
1999 (Bob
Keller)
Steam
4-6-4 J-class Hudson
Road Name
New York
(original release):
Central
Manufacturer: Williams
MSRP: $599.00
Original
Features:
New York
Built by Alco, the
Prototype Information:
formers, which could be seen
on the point of the
Large can motor with flywheel,
5205
Roster Number:
Catalog Number:
CS100W
Greenberg
$460.00
Price:
Central J-class Hudsons were legendary per-
road's finest passenger trains.
digital whistle, constant-voltage headlight, optional front
coupler, die-cast construction. Color: black.
Length: 24
Vital Statistics:
Minimum Drawbar
Selected
Comments: This
The
metal steamer.
large, well-detailed
price.
There
is
is
is
radius:
6.4
0-31
pull: 2.7 lbs.
Williams' is
first die-cast
to
produce a
locomotive at a competitive
much about
this
classic
model
that
700E.
six-axle
tender features a
rivet detail. It
digital whistle
sound
full
50.2
12.0
1.7
106.8
18.0
2.2
168.0
at
MPH
home. Even then, the blind
center drivers were way off the
rail.
The smoke unit provides adequate output, but ours seemed to puff in spurts rather than The Hudson performed like a champ. Even though there is a lot of metal to move, starts were gentle and speeds were even throughout the throttle range.
The
coal load
houses the simple
that tapers off gently
and
No
No
balking.
hesitation.
lowest average speed for our test loop was
50 scale m.p.h., the high speed a rocketing 168. In this regard, the Williams
model, but runs
like a scale
The engine comes
Hudson
looks
like a toy train.
with an extra pilot
assembly with a nonoperating knuckle coupler
To swap pilots, all you remove three screws. This is a ter-
for doubleheading.
have to do
minimal, but well done.
The
seemed more
Scale
1.5
a steady stream.
a fine representation of a J-class
Hudson. It matches the prototype's 96-foot length and most of the detail and points of reference are there, although there may be a bit more see-through space beneath the boiler than on the prototype. The spoked drivers look great, and the running gear appears very busy when under way. There isn't any cab detail because the large can motor takes up so much space. Paint application is smooth, but a bit shiny. Decoration is
and ample
Amps
Volts
lbs.
firm's goal
reminds one of Lionel's This
Performance:
in.
Weight: 10.3
rific
is
innovation.
Williams one.
is
at the
top of
The Hudson runs
its
game
well, looks
with this
good, and
of anyone looking for two
realistically after the blast.
should head the
Although Williams points out that the Hudson can run on 0-31 curves, we did most of our testing on tubular 0-42 track, where it
handfuls of die-cast metal steamer that don't
list
cost a fortune.
Original
CTT Review;
May, 1999 (Bob
Keller)
95
4-6-4 L1 -class Hudson
Steam
Road Name
Chesapeake
(original release):
& Ohio
18043
Catalog Number:
Manufacturer: Lionel
Original
490
Roster Number:
MSRP: Si, 265.95
Greenberg
SI, 250.00
Price:
C&O's postwar LI class streamlined Hudsons were originally shrouded-oyer new trailing trucks. Designed to pull a daylight coach streamliner called "The
Prototype Information:
F-19 Pacifies with
and Cincinnati, the
Chessies" between Washington, D.C.,
L-ls
were rebuilt
in 1946. Ironically, the
Chessie trains were cancelled, so these locomotiyes saw service between Washington and Charlottesville, Va.
By 1953, the
C&O
had dieselized
its
passenger
trains, so the L-ls
went into
early retirement.
Accurate model of prototype, die-cast boiler
Features:
RailSounds
II.
Color: Yellow boiler
Length:
Vital Statistics:
N/A
stripe, silver
command-control equipped.
shell,
and
gray.
Volts
Amps
Scale
11
2.0
11.7
0-42
14
2.5
32.2
pull: 2.07 lbs.
16
2.7
57.1
Weight: 12.5
Minimum Drawbar
and tender
Performance:
lbs.
radius:
C&O
The
MPH
motives produced by several manufacturers.
example of the diehatch, and recess found on the prototype has been included on
The model combines
the model.
Selected Comments: Lionel's
a string of streamlined
RailSounds
package that
O
work,
heft, beautiful die
and command control
II,
will certainly
a collection or
is another in gauge steam loco-
in
a
garner attention in
on a layout
Lionel certainly took a risk with this model,
The
boiler shell
cutter's art
The
- even
is
silver paint
lettering clear
a fine
rivet, bolt,
is
evenly applied, with
and evenly
on our sample, there was poor color separation between the yellow and the silver. The yelalong
run-
low didn't completely cover the
silver
ning gear and drive components are identical
both walkways and the boiler top
fluting.
but
it
started with a solid foundation.
found
to those
New York
in the
smooth-running
This particular version of RailSounds tures
all
steamer,
The
scale
Central Hudson. II
the nuances of sound from a real
The Canadian
Pacific's Royal
caplive
Hudson.
all
registered. However,
We had some
trouble with bent pins
on the
connector between loco and tender. They could be straightened, but one doesn't expect to find
such flaws on a product costing more
than a grand.
and whistle are melodic, not the static found is some other sound systems. The loco is command-control equipped for use bell
pulses
with Lionel's TrainMaster system.
The Chessie ran silky smooth, negotiating 0-42 curves with finesse. With a drawbar pull of 2.1 pounds, it is capable of pulling 96 freerolling O gauge freight cars on straight and level track.
Original July,
(
TTT Review;
1996 (Marty McCUiirk)
4-6-4 Hudson (Alco F7) (Hiawatha)
Steam
Road Name
Milwaukee Road
(original release):
100
Roster Number:
(Hiawatha)
Manufacturer:
Original
MTH
(RailKing)
MSRP: $329.95 w/whistle
Prototype Information:
became
drivers, they
Six of these locos
Catalog Number:
30-1127
Greenberg
$385.00
Price:
were delivered by Alco
in 1938. Streamlined, with 84-inch
the fastest steam-powered locomotives in regular service in the world.
The F7s
were assigned to Hiawatha service between Chicago and Minneapolis. They were scrapped between 1949 and 1951. Features:
gray,
Headlight, smoke, ProtoSound or whistle, die-cast construction. Color: maroon, orange,
and
black.
Vital Statistics:
Length: 23
in.
Weight: 9.2
lbs.
Minimum Drawbar
Selected Comments:
This
Performance:
7.8
radius:
0-27
pull: 3.4 lbs.
may be
a scaled-down
version of the real Hiaivatha, but
it
faithfully
captures the beautiful lines of the original,
from the smooth contours of the nose
to the
fluting of the tender.
The see-through spoked rific,
drivers look ter-
and the running gear catches the eye
as
faint noise
Amps
Scale
MPH
22.0
1.1
12.0
1.5
72.3
18.0
2.7
103.0
from running gear
friction virtually
vanished after a second lubrication. Overall, the performance was as good as one could hope in both the low and high ranges. The drawbar pull should be enough to
handle any
train, freight
or passenger.
it
The cab includes side on the windows, and a nicely detailed interior. The engine has a powerful headlight and illuminated marker lights. The tender is a good copy of the original, with sixwheel trucks and fluted sides. Decoration is superb. The colors are rich and well-applied, and lettering and nose herrolls
down
Volts
the track.
doors, safety bars
ald are excellent.
The smoke
unit delivered such a torrent of
fumes that everyone knew an engine was being tested without actually entering the workshop.
The
digital electronic whistle sounded good and delivered a deep tone. A version with ProtoSound is also available. The engine is driven by a can motor with flywheel; it coasts well and operates silently. A
pretty
Original December,
CTT Review;
1998 (Bob
Keller)
97
4-6-4 (E4-class) Hudson (Streamlined)
Steam
Road Name
Chicago
(original release):
&
4008
Roster Number:
North Western
MTH
Manufacturer:
Original
(Premier)
MSRP: S899.95
The North Western's
Prototype Information:
motive streamlining. Nine of them, oil
all
E4-class
Catalog Number:
20-3034-1
Greenberg
$1,000.00
Hudson
reliable loco.
Features:
Mars
Most pulled premium
Length: 25^
Minimum Drawbar
Selected Comments:
This
Performance:
in.
lbs.,
3 oz.
radius:
0-54
pull: 3 lbs.,
MTH
art-deco styling
on
its
9 oz.
model compares
well to the prototype's dimensions.
oration.
and 1961. The E4 had a reputation and the Challenger.
as a fast
trains like the Forty-Niner
headlight,
Color: Pullman green.
Weight: 12
lights
mark of loco-
Can motor, ProtoSound, ProtoSmoke, ProtoCoupler, illuminated markers,
light.
Vital Statistics:
rific
represents the high-water
coal burners, were delivered by Alco in 1938. Converted to
a decade later, they were scrapped between 1953
and
Price:
It
has
ter-
and enough red and white
nose to qualify as a Christmas dec-
The
and the recessed located in a cavity on the
vents at the top
Amps
Scale
6.8
1.4
14.9
12.0
1.6
36.4
18.0
1.6
59.2
Volts
MPH
The engine packs ProtoSound and The sound
usual array of ProtoFeatures.
tem
is
good, and the throaty whisde
is
the sys-
a notch
above most we've heard.
MTH offers a matching streamlined passen-
"down flat" whistle roof add a neat futuristic element. The understated paint scheme reflects a "less is more" philosophy. It is basic Pullman green, with yellow accent stripes. We noted no
ger car array to go with the E4, similar to those
flaws in the paint or the application of letters
ber seeing one quite regularly at the point of the afternoon mail/express train - eight or
and
heralds.
looks great,
The and
builder's plate
C&NW the
on the
logo on the nose
engine has an Alco
side of the boiler.
The E4 handled our
test train
0-54 and wider curves very
with ease and
well. There were no tracking problems, and the engine offered sure-footed acceleration and deceleration. The locomotive had a low-speed average of about 15 scale m.p.h., and a high-end of just under 60. While this seems slow for a toy train, it is very close to prototypical. The drawbar pull roughly equals 170 modern pieces of rolling stock on straight and level track.
the real engine pulled during
its
many other
kinds of service as well.
(I
remem-
nine heavy-weight head-enders and one lone yellow and green "rider car" -
bound from Green Bay to Chicago in the early 1950s.) The E4 weighs a ton, looks great, and runs well. You can't ask for more than that, can you?
Original September,
98
glory years.
But don't get locked into that prototype trap, because this stunning locomotive looks great in
CTT Review;
2000 (Bob
Keller)
4-6-4 Streamlined Hudson J-le (Commodore Vanderbilt)
Steam
Road Name
New York
(original release):
Central
Greenberg
MSRP: $1,295.95
New York
Prototype Information:
Central J-le Hudson,
1934, as the Commodore Vanderbilt, a
it
became
the
first
shroud designed by Henry Dreyfuss replaced the
was returned to
its
Minimum Drawbar
This
Selected Comments:
gunmetal
light
Length: 2414 Weight: 12
Alco in 1931. In
engine
traction tires, directional headlight,
II,
gray.
Performance:
in.
radius:
0-54
pull: 2.6 lbs.
a beautiful locomo-
is
and Lionel's engineers went out of
way
to recapture the one-of-a-kind
their
look of the
A
comparison with prototype photos shows the model to be right on target, down to the sheet metal-like wave in the texture of the skirt.
built by
Commodore Vanderbilt vestments. The
lbs.
tive
original.
number 5344 was
original configuration in 1948.
Command-equipped. Color: Vital Statistics:
$900.00
Price:
streamlined steam loco in America. In 1939,
Pullmor motor, Magne-Traction, Railsounds
Features:
18045
Catalog Number:
Manufacturer: Lionel
Original
777 (5344)
Roster Number:
The model's length and height compare
Volts
Amps
Scale
10.5
1.7
19.7
14.1
1.8
65.4
16.5
2.1
91.1
firebox door are nice touches.
MPH
The smoke
when not
in the
command
control mode.
The drive systems from 1990's 1-700E scale Hudson, with modifications and improvements,
in the Commodore Vanderbilt. an upgraded version of Magne-
used
is
There
Although the shroud styling is great, the roof molding above both windows is a bit rough. We couldn't determine if it was a mold defect or a
Traction for better traction and adhesion.
process.
some point
in the
Minute imperfections
production
also
appear in
the metal finish at several points in the
The shade of gunmetal
skirt.
gray that Lionel used
sparked a good deal of controversy with enthusiasts
who contend
that the engine was actually
darker. Lionel contends
the original to go by.
had paint chips from Lettering and graphic it
design are prototypically pure understatement. Details worth noting:
The
grillwork in front
of the stack beautifully crowns the nose.
backhead
in the
gauges. Directional light
that glows
The
maze of pipes and lighting and a red firebox
cab
is
a
through the holes
in
The
disc drivers look great.
favorably to the prototype.
flaw created at
unit
produces a goodly amount of smoke even
is
also
The motor ran smoothly and was quite more noisy than expected.
responsive, but
Perhaps the metal amplifies
the
shell acts as a resonator
armature helped a
The
little.
die-cast metal tender holds
Railsounds
II
and
motor's whirring. Oiling the
system and speaker.
both the
The sounds
generated were impressive - the chuffs, thumps, and compressors will liven any operating session. There are two coupler choices regular magnetic and the Electrocoupler for
use with the TrainMaster system.
The speed ranges were very good and the 2.6-pound drawbar pull should handle any O scale express easily.
the Original
CTT Review;
May, 1997 (Bob
Keller)
99
4-6-4 Streamlined Hudson J-1e (Commodore Vanderbilt)
Steam
Road Name
Manufacturer:
Original
MTH
5344
Roster Number:
Central
(RailKing)
MSRP: $429.95
$329.95
New York
(original release):
w/ sound,
Catalog Number:
30-1133
Greenberg
$390.00
Price:
w/o sound
Prototype Information:
The New York Central advertised the Commodore Vanderbilt as the world's first train when it was unveiled in 1934. The locomotive was a regulation
steam-powered streamlined J-class
Hudson
Features:
with a sheet-metal shroud to give
Headlight, traction
tires,
it
a sleek appearance.
optional ProtoSound, die-cast construction. Color: dark gun-
metal gray.
Length: 2VA
Vital Statistics:
Weight: 7.5
Minimum Drawbar
Selected Comments:
Commodore
Performance:
in.
lbs.
0-27
radius:
pull: 2.1 lbs.
In the toy train world, the
Vanderbilt has
certainly
made
its
mark. Both Lionel and Marx produced mod-
during the prewar
els
Lionel
made
a
era.
More
recently,
Commodore that
scale-like
sparked a controversy over the color shade of the original.
This engine was designed with obvious
erence to the prototype, but
down
for the RailKing line.
it is
It is
ref-
plainly scaled
a
full
10 scale
and a foot lower than an exact scale model would be. To some, it seems to be a little too squat and a little too short.
feet shorter
The
metal shell
die-cast
is
detailed to reflect major points type.
Of particular
impressive,
on the proto-
Amps
Volts
Scale
MPH
33.7
8.8
1.5
12.0
2.0
59.9
18.0
2.9
115.7
applied, as are the words
"New York
Central"
and "Commodore Vanderbilt."
The six-axle tender is a beauty. There is what seems to be a simulated light or a receptacle for a backup light on the rear, but, alas, none is installed. The spoked drivers have metal
rims,
and
the silver running gear beneath the skirting really stands out.
The Vandy's operation is in line with other The motor is fairly quiet,
RailKing products. the sound system
is
good, and the engine
delivers quick response in
Drawbar
pull roughly
all
speed ranges.
approximates 90 mod-
ern, free-rolling cars.
note are the recesses along
the top of the boiler where the smokestack, whistle,
and
bell are place.
The
sides replicate
the locomotive's steel plating nicely.
The New York the headlight
may be
is
Central Lines shield under
a nice touch.
Many
familiar only with the later
Central System herald.
The dark
hobbyists
New
paint
is
York
neatly
Original July,
100
CTT Review;
1999 (Bob
Keller)
Steam
4-8-2 L-3a
Road Name
(original release):
New York
Central
MSRP: $1,300.00
Original
The
Prototype Information:
freight service; however,
majority of
18009
Greenberg
$820.00
Price:
L-3a was built by Alco in 1940 and was designed primarily for fast
first
demand
the
them served out
Catalog Number:
required, they could also be used
their lives pulling
NYC
on passenger
light,
trains.
The
passenger consists.
Die-cast metal construction, smoke, RailSounds, operating headlight,
Features:
backup
if
3000
Roster Number:
Manufacturer: Lionel
Mohawk
marker lamps,
firebox glow, improved Pullmor motor. Color: black.
Length:
Vital Statistics:
Weight:
N/A N/A
Minimum Drawbar
radius:
pull:
Volts
Performance:
0-42
N/A
Amps
MPH
Scale
9
1.75
9.10
12
2.20
47.43
15
2.50
71.14
boiler, tender, pilot,
Perhaps the main unhappiness factor surrounding the Mohawk is its price. Lionel pleases operators by redesigning the Pullmor motor to improve performance, yet prices it at
high as
a level to
Selected Comments: Lionel did a
creating the
good job
NYC Mohawk. The
in re-
dimensions
and the level of detail on the and running gear is just as the detail on the Hudson.
are very close,
Although many will probably spend their lives in boxes or display cases, these locomotives were designed to run. The Pullmor motor is
a completely
new
bearings for the
smooth, thanks
Mohawk range.
design, incorporating ball
first
to
time.
its
The gearbox
is
also
bearings. As a result, the
ran splendidly with a scale-like speed
The
The
accommodate
"investors."
L-3a represents the culmination of the
great design Lionel. But
it
and
quality advances
also serves as a
production and pricing crossroads the toy train industry stands.
performance have appear
to
cost
made by
symbol for the
Do
at
which
beauty and
more?
It
would
so.
thing creeps along with the best of
the can motor crowd.
The RailSounds comes with an amplifier board and volume control, so that even battered ear drums can enjoy the synchronized sound of steam, the bell, and the whistle. Like the loco, the tender also has operating
marker lamps and a backup light. Our sample worked without a out of the box. It was awesome.
hitch, right
Original
CTT Review;
February, 1 991 (Jim Bunte)
101
4-8-4 Northern
Steam
Road Name
Northern
(original release):
Pacific
Manufacturer: Lionel
Original
MSRP: $850.00
2626
Roster Number:
Catalog Number:
18016
Greenberg
$520.00
Price:
Alco built this unit in 1929-30 as a demonstrator. It was the first steam engine be equipped with roller-bearing trucks. Originally numbered 1 1 1 1, it made the rounds of 14 different railroads before being purchased by Northern Pacific in 1933. Renumbered as 2626, it Prototype Information:
to
pulled long-distance passenger trains for 20 years.
Features: Die-cast
It
was scrapped in 1958.
metal construction, steam RailSounds, smoke, Magne-Traction. Color: gray and
black.
Length: 23
Vital Statistics:
Weight:
Minimum Drawbar
engine
is
radius:
0-31
Northern
Pacific
generally faithful to the appearance
It has the correct wheel arrangement and comes close to matching the dimensions of the actual locomotive. Few compromises with details have been made. Even more interesting, the piece isn't a generic 4-8-4, but rather a model of a locomo-
of the prototype.
tive that
occupies a special place in the devel-
opment of
steamers: Alco's no. 1111,
dubbed
"Four Aces." Overall, the loco and tender is about 20 percent shorter than a scale model, but correct in height. As for details, especially pleas-
ing are the bell, boards.
The
smokebox door, and number and green classi-
large headlight
fication lights nicely
do the
copy the prototype. So
Volts
Amps
8.5
2.2
Scale
MPH
51.14
10.0
2.3
83.92
11.0
2.4
112.85
some
controversy
regarding
Lionel's paint job. Existing (black
and white)
pull: 12 oz.
This
Selected Comments:
Performance:
in.
N/A
There
is
photographs show the smokebox to be lighter
The black and gray seem to be right, so could Lionel have reversed them? The locomotive generally performs well. It has a drawbar pull of 12 ounces, which means it can handle 24 cars on straight and level track. Where this 4-8-4 disappoints is that it does not operate more like the real loco - it than the rest of the engine.
colors
way the Northern it starts fast and quickly exceeds the prototype's record speed of 88 m.p.h. But then, that's part of the fun of can't pull at slow speeds the
Pacific version did. Rather,
toy trains.
Operators
will
be happy that Lionel
is
mak-
and white-painted
ing a Northern, particularly one with decent
but in about the right position.
The sand dome is too large The 12-wheel
drawbar pull. They will probably enjoy the smoke, the firebox glow, and never grow tired
tender has ladders and railings that follow
of the simulated steam sounds.
siderods, handrails,
number and
class.
the prototype.
Original
CTT Review;
March, 1993 (Roger Carp)
102
Steam
4-8-4 2900-series Northern
Road Name
(original release):
Manufacturer:
Original
MTH
2926
Roster Number:
(RailKing)
MSRP: $429.95
$329.95
Santa Fe
w/ sound,
Catalog Number:
30-1140
Greenberg
$410.00
Price:
w/o sound
The Santa Fe 2900-series Northerns, constructed by Baldwin in 1943 and upon an earlier design. They delivered superb performance in both freight and passenger service until they were retired in 1959. Six of these engines are still on public display at various museums and points along the line. Prototype Information:
1944, were based
I
Headlight and smoke unit; ProtoSound version available. Color: black.
Features:
Vital Statistics:
Length: 24X Weight: 15
Minimum Drawbar
Selected Comments: sized. It
is
type, but
Performance:
in.
lbs.,
radius: 0-31
pull: 3 lbs., 15 oz.
This Northern
is
not scale
20 scale feet shorter than the proto-
it
Volts
3 oz.
looks great anyway. All the tooling
made for this specific locomotive. The nose is well-balanced and, with its bell above the headlight and twin shields on the used was
deck above the pilot, is unmistakably Santa Fe. Marker lights are set in the boiler face, and the smokestack simulates a stack extension in the lowered position. Train number boards are placed mid-boiler, and piping, riveting, and other details have been incorporated into the body.
Amps
MPH
Scale
26.0
7.5
1.5
12.0
2.1
80.8
18.0
2.1
138.4
Unbelievably, the Northern
is
operate on 0-31 track, although
designed to its
size
and
overhang make it look a bit awkward doing so. We encountered a few problems with the pilot overhang bumping into things, so you might want to take the first lap or two around your layout carefully.
We tested a whistle-only model and it sounded good. A ProtoSound version is also available. The smoke unit worked generously. Operationally, the only problem we encountered was a tender coupler that tended to pop open. Performance was superb, smooth, and
The siderods and running gear look great and provide a focal point when the engine is under way. The drivers are of the silverrimmed variety, currently popular among
even regardless of load. The drawbar pull
manufacturers.
high for detail and operability.
The tender is also unique
to this
a close match to the original, with
is
equal to about 70 pieces of modern, freerolling cars
on
straight
and
level track.
RailKing's Santa Fe Northern sets the bar
model, and
its
elaborate
and correct four-axle trucks. Its sharp angles, and hatches are all in the
rivet detail
curves,
right places too.
Original October,
CTT Review;
1999 (Bob
Keller)
103
4-8-4 GS4-class Northern
Steam Road Name
Southern
(original release):
4449
Roster Number:
Pacific
(Daylight)
Catalog Number:
Manufacturer: Lionel
Original
Greenberg
MSRP: S994.95
18071
S900.00
Price:
The Southern Pacific GS4-class Northerns were produced by Lima Prototype Information: Locomotive Works and entered service in 1941. With 5,500 h.p. and a speed of 110, many believe these engines were the best performers of the SP steam era. They were replaced bv diesels in Daylight service in 1955. Bv 1959. all but two of the Northerns had been retired. Pullmor motor, RailSounds, Command-equipped. Color: orange, vermil-
Features: Die-cast metal,
ion, black,
and
Vital Statistics:
silver.
Length: 23
in.
Weight: 10
lbs.
Minimum Drawbar
Selected Comments:
Performance:
0-31
radius:
pull: 1.4 lbs.
This
is
the third Daylight
locomotive Lionel has produced in the past two decades - the no. 8307 in 1983 and the no.
18007 in 1991 preceded it. As were the earlier versions,
The only
postwar offering.
model
is
N&W
real differ-
ence is in the nose and the streamlined sides. Although this is a physically impressive locomotive, it is far from a scale model in manv ways, not the least of which is length - 16 scale top-qualitv decoration.
Paint application was clean as silk.
Of special note
is
and
clear -
smooth
the delicate Daylight
lettering near the steam chest
and the nomen-
clature data beneath the cab windows.
The GS4 has lights,
bright over-and-under head-
two green marker
lights,
and
illumi-
nated number boards. The metal tender fea-
and two markers that work when the engine is running in reverse. tures a large headlight
Cosmetically, the only distraction
tether that,
no matter how you
is
the engine
try to
secure
plops out the side of the engine. This visual
is
it.
a real
The RailSounds from
the prototype 4449 are
Running or
sounds are second
to
46.6
16.0
3.2
118.1
18.0
3.2
144.9
Scale
MPH
and the air horn in command You now have two ways to the crossings, and both sound good.
the steam whistle
mode clear
is
a great idea.
the loco
is
disappointing.
our normal break-in period and a layout run, the performance was so poor that we acquired a second sample to test. It was bet-
Even
ter,
after
but unfortunately
still
below reasonable
expectations. Both locos took fairly high voltage to get
around our
test track
without
stalling.
Lubrication was not the answer. Entering
own, even when within two feet of the lockon. Performance noticeablv improved the longer the trains ran, especially the second sample.
Using a conventional transformer, the lowoperating speed was 46.4 scale m.p.h. That was the lowest speed at which we could run the engine without it stalling on our 0-42 curves. Using the TrainMaster system did
est consistent
not significantly alter that performance.
at rest, the
engine
none, and having both
Daylight does not have Magne-Traction.
but uses the engine's weight and two traction tires
to deliver a respectable 1.4
drawbar
pounds of
pull.
Original
CTT Rei'ieiv;
March, 1999 (Bob
104
some
and at lower speed, it stalled and required a push to get through. On 0-72 track, the engines performed moderately better, but thev sometimes lurched and slowed down on their
The
annoyance.
outstanding.
2.4
0-42 curves, the engine wheels seemed to bind,
feet short of the mark.
Our samples had
Amps
11.4
Operationally, this
based on the tooling developed for the J-class
Volts
Keller)
Steam
4-8-4 GS4-class Northern
Road Name
Southern
(original release):
4449
Roster Number:
Pacific
(Daylight)
MTH
Manufacturer:
Original
(Premier)
MSRP: $999.95
Catalog Number:
20-3029
Greenberg
CP
Price:
Prototype Information: The Southern Pacific GS4-class Northerns were produced by Lima Locomotive Works and entered service in 1941. With 5,500 h.p. and a speed of 110, many believe these engines were the best performers of the SP steam era. By 1959, all but two were out of service, and they were on public display.
Features:
Large can motor, ProtoSound, ProtoSmoke, ProtoCoupler, directional lighting. Color:
Daylight paint scheme.
Vital Statistics:
Length: 29
in.
Weight: 13
lbs.,
Minimum Drawbar
Selected Comments: Yet
Performance:
radius:
7.0
0-54
pull: 2.9 lbs.
another Daylight engine?
O
gauge models by a
number of manufacturers
in recent years, this
Yes,
amid the
variety of
one may indeed be the top dog of the pack. is one magnificent hunk of die-cast metal.
The
It
clean streamlined elegance of the pilot
sets the
tone for the rest of the model. The
nose features two large headlights: a Mars
on top and
light
a conventional headlight
below. There are illuminated
and twin marker
The
lights
number boards
on the
boilerfront.
streamlining on the flanks looks great,
and many
and extra touches add the model. Seen from the side,
details
authenticity to
the top of the boiler has a gentle arch, a slick
nod to the prototype. The GS4 has a great-looking set of drivers with polished rims. The all-weather cab interior
is
illuminated, with a decorated backhead,
engineer and fireman.
MPH
19.7
12.0
1.9
60.9
18.0
2.4
120.0
to connect.
The ProtoSound has
the usual array of fea-
tures: digital whistle, bell,
enhanced passenger
steam sounds, and
station
sounds that have a
delightful echo, suggesting a train shed in a
big terminal. However, there wasn't a diesel
horn sound audible
in
our
test.
The GS4s had
both horn and whistle.
The smoke
unit generates the expected
plume. The locomotive comes with a comprehensive instruction manual and parts list. The Daylight is smooth and responsive in all speed ranges and has a drawbar pull far greater than might be needed in passenger service. In short, it runs as good as it looks. billowing
white
this
is
supposed
to
be an 0-54
engine, we ran into a few problems with pilot
silver,
and vermilion colors
make a
loco that stands out,
and cab overhang even on our 0-72 track. Keep an eye on your trackside scenery and switch machines the first lap or two around
orange, black, to
Scale
1.6
details and a ProtoCoupler for uncoupling anywhere on the layout. The reverse unit tether between loco and tender is somewhat difficult
Although
The
Amps
rich flat
Paint application
combine
Volts
11 oz.
streaking like a
The tender
is
precise.
comet down the main also
line.
has plenty of realistic
the layout.
Original September,
CTT Review;
1999 (Bob
Keller)
105
4-8-4 J-class Northern
Steam
Road Name
Norfolk
(original release):
& Western
Catalog Number:
Manufacturer: Lionel
Original
Greenberg
MSRP: $899.95
To meet the need for a fast,
Prototype Information: J,
612
Roster Number:
Price:
18040 $1,150.00
reliable locomotive,
incorporating some proven features of older engines.
The
N&W engineers designed the had 18 of them,
railroad
built
between 1941 and 1950. Features: Die-cast
locomotive and tender, RailSounds
maroon and gold Vital Statistics:
Length:
N/A
Weight: 7
lbs.,
Minimum Drawbar
is
striking.
smoke, MultiWhistle. Color: black with
Performance:
The
Volts
Scale
9.0
11.0
12.0
46.0
18.0
65.4
6 oz.
radius: 0-31
pull: 2 lbs., 2 oz.
Selected Comments: Lionel's latest version of the
J
II,
striping.
colors
and
finish
are ex-
more
Lionel could have found a to
handle
MPH
attractive
way
this detail. It's a noticeable flaw in
and the black has just the right amount of luster. The most apparent difference between this model and the earlier ones is the new die-cast tender. The metal walls resonate the sound
both conventional power and the TrainMaster
better than the earlier plastic version.
freight cars
quisite,
The steam
version of RailSounds
II is
great.
Instead of the whisde and chuff-chuff of a
typi-
sound I remember hearing when I saw the prototype on an excursion run a few years ago was there in the room. To use a cal toy train, every
tech-speak buzzword,
it is
"virtual reality" steam.
Lionel included the unique
N&W steamboat
more mournful sound than Another neat feature is the synchronization of the smoke with the steam sounds. Each chuff produces a puff from the stack. The exterior appearance of the model was diminished by the frayed wrapping on the wires between the engine and tender. On an upper-end model like this, it would seem that
an otherwise outstanding model.
Our system.
sample responded smoothly to
test
With a drawbar
pull of
more than two
pounds, she's capable of handling 93 if
on
straight
the couplers hold!
and
We
That
is,
experienced a prob-
lem with the tender constandy uncoupling from a string of passenger cars. The cause was a weak spring on the tender coupler - a simple fix,
but
bothersome.
still
Although
it is
fun to highball, the J has
able slow-speed response,
whistle - a lower,
enjov the
usual.
valve gear.
movement
making
it
reli-
easy to
of the side rods and
Hopefully, the no. 612
is
the start of a
new
era in Lionel steamers. Top-notch perform-
ance and dynamite sound make fire
this a sure-
winner.
Original July,
106
O gauge
level track.
CTT Review;
1995 (Marty McGuirk)
Steam
4-8-4 J-class Northern
Road Name
MTH
Manufacturer:
Original
Norfolk
(original release):
& Western
(RailKing)
MSRP: $399.00
Prototype Information:
Roster Number:
611
Catalog Number:
30-1105
Greenberg
$500.00
Price:
Fifteen of these locomotives were built between 1941
and 1951. At
first
pulled hot passenger trains. Later, they saw service as freight haulers as well. Fast, reliable, and ish,
they styl-
these powerful steamers established an enviable record. After retirement, no. 611 was given a
second chance
as
an excursion engine on the Norfolk Southern. engine and tender,
Features: Die-cast
digital whistle,
smoke. Color: maroon and gold striping on
black body.
N/A
Length:
Vital Statistics:
Weight: 6.59
Minimum Drawbar
Selected Comments:
Performance: lbs.
35 oz.
This prototype
the toy train field. Both Lionel
have used
it
N/A
radius:
pull:
previously.
is
a legend in
and Williams
MTH has attempted to
duplicate this engine in a size
and
price to
fit
most layouts and budgets. This design
is
a beautiful, sleek locomotive.
is
well done, with
The
good proportions most enthusiasts would
and a level of detail hope to find. The side rods look wonderfully busy, and the nickel-rimmed drivers, while not prototypical, add a nice touch. This die-cast engine and tender are heavy, built for
rugged
Our sample
use.
The
shell
is
durable too.
survived a half-dozen leaps off
0-72 curves with only a few nicks in the paint. The only reservation about the appearance of the piece goal was to
is
the shortness of the tender.
make an engine
Volts
6
(loco only)
Amps .5
Scale
MPH
13.6
12
1.6
81.1
18
2.1
163.6
you don't have good ventilation, reach for the switch under the engine. The engine delivered steady slow speeds as low as 13 m.p.h. and 163 on the high end. The drawbar pull peaked at 35 ounces, which is probably more than enough to pull almost any train. Our test loco was very noisy until we lubricated it three times and ran it about two hours. Once broken in, it quieted down considerably. The electronic whistle leaves something to be desired. It sounds rather fiat and lifeless. A ProtoSounds upgrade is possible. MTH has produced a fine model of a locomotive superstar. The value and performance won't disappoint.
The
that could handle
small-radius curves, but the loco appears close to scale in length, while the tender looks like
a shorty.
The J proved to be a smooth runner. The smoke tends to get out of hand quickly, so if
Original
CTT Review;
November, 1996 (Bob Keller)
107
6-8-6 S-2 Turbine
Steam
Road Name
18010
Catalog Number:
Manufacturer: Lionel
Original
6200
Roster Number:
Pennsylvania
(original release):
MSRP: $2,000.00
Greenberg
$1,550.00
Price:
Prototype Information: Built by Baldwin in 1944, the Pennsy S-2 steam turbine was an experimental locomotive - a last-ditch effort to continue using coal-burning motive power. This enormous and
powerful-looking machine burned too
much
fuel
and needed too much maintenance.
It
was out
of service bv 1949.
Features:
Pullmor motor, electromechanical E-unit, turbine
Die-cast metal construction, single
RailSounds, firebox glow, operating coupler and backup light on tender, four smoke units. Color:
Brunswick green and Vital Statistics:
gray.
Length:
N/A
Weight: 16
Minimum Drawbar
Selected Comments: is
Performance:
radius:
0-72
pull: 21 oz.
The new Pennsy
a truly incredible locomotive.
Turbine go out on
and say it's the best locomotive Lionel has produced since the 1937 no. 700E Hudson. Big words, but they're true. At first glance, you see the locomotive shell.
a limb
It's
absolutely beautiful, filled with the detail
MPH
Scale
7.75
1.4
7.92
10.00
1.5
43.63
12.00
1.6
57.42
14.00
1.7
88.45
This one even hangs over on 0-72 curves, so
S-2
I'll
Amps
Volts
lbs.
it
shouldn't be run on anything
it
on your
less.
Operate
layout's widest-radius curves.
drawbar pull of 21 ounces should equate
The to a
mixed-vintage consist of 42 cars on straight
and
level track.
job, provided
The
it
is
scale
Turbine
is
up
to the
operated on a track plan
some resemblance to the real world. The Turbine RailSounds is authentic, provid-
you'd expect from a handcrafted model, yet hefty and solid - die-cast - like a Lionel engine
that bears
should be. The hand-applied details are plen-
ing a big "swoosh," instead of the usual chuff-
and expertly done. And you won't find equally impressive: real coal load, scale
ing. The four smoke units are definitely overkill - within a minute I was chocking on the thick clouds of lamp oil smoke - and I'm from LA.!
and
For some reason, the engine "puffs" the smoke,
tiful
any unsightly die parting lines der
is
length, eight-wheel trucks,
either.
backup
The
lights,
ten-
operating knuckle coupler.
The Turbine
operates as superbly as
like a regular piston-type locomotive. it
looks.
equipped with a new-generation Pullmor motor, which needs almost 8 volts before it gets moving. Ours started smoothly and proceeded It is
down
We had
a problem with
sequencing and discovered trical conductivity.
this
unwanted E-unit it was poor elec-
Keep the track clean with
one.
the track without a hitch or hiccup
throughout the speed range. Expect a large amperage draw from such a large locomotive.
Original ('IT Review;
June, 1992 (Jim Hunte)
108
Steam
6-8-6 S-2 Turbine
Road Name
Manufacturer:
Original
Pennsylvania
(original release):
MTH
6200
Roster Number:
(RailKing)
MSRP: $399.95 w/ProtoSound package,
Catalog Number:
30-1149
Greenberg
$400.00
Price:
$329.95 w/whistle only
The
Prototype Information:
machine
S-2 Pennsylvania
Turbine locomotive was a one-of-a-kind experimental
that was in service for only five years - 1944 to 1949 - but will never die, because hun-
dreds of thousands of models of it were made. This the prototype was not successful for a
popular in toy train Features:
the
latest.
Although
among
the most
history.
Length: 25 Weight: 9
Minimum Drawbar
Selected Comments:
Performance:
in.
lbs.,
14 oz.
radius: 0-31
pull: 2 lbs.,
6 oz.
RailKing locomotives com-
tighter radius layouts, but the steam engines
don't appear to be as compressed as the diesel
The S-2 model length, compared to
electric models.
100 scale feet in totype's 122.
Within
this context, all
about
is
the pro-
the pro-
portions seem right on the model, except for
the drivers, which appear too small.
appropriate locomotive details are
The tooling is excellent. The tender is a good rendition smooth
Amps
Scale
1.1
15.4
12
1.4
51.3
18
1.4
82.4
Volts 7.1
promise on their dimensions to accommodate
type:
is
the models have been
Headlight, illuminated markers, ProtoCoupler, Proto-Sound (optional), smoke.
Vital Statistics:
and
MTH Rail King version
number of reasons,
all in
The
pull of 2
pounds, 6 ounces,
this
MPH
baby should
handle 114 cars on the straight and
level.
Since the real Turbine didn't huff and puff like a
conventional steamer, we didn't
know
what the ProtoSounds would be like. As the thing accelerated, it sounded like a B-52 ready to lift off. Not bad at all. Couple that with the torrent of smoke billowing from the stack, the overall effect was convincing.
place.
of the proto-
sides, nice cast-in coal load,
and
eight axles. Like the locomotive, the original S-2's
tender was quite long.
The model
will run on 0-31 track, but looks doing so. While there is no serious overhang problem, 0-42 or 0-54 curves should be used for best visual effect.
silly
Performance of our test sample was commendable. The 9-pound, 14-ounce locomotive
had a low-speed average of
15.4 scale m.p.h.,
while the high average was 82.4. With a drawbar
Original October,
CTT Review;
2000 (Bob
Keller)
109
6-8-6 S-2 Turbine
Steam
Road Name
Third
Manufacturer:
Rail
MSRP: $699.95
Original
The
Prototype Information:
strong and
fast,
S-2
6200
Roster Number:
Pennsylvania
(original release):
Catalog Number:
OG3R3
Greenberg
CP
Price:
steam turbine locomotive was built as an experiment in 1944. While
the locomotive proved to be very inefficient and uneconomical at lower speeds.
Only one was made. Features:
Formed-brass construction,
ating coupler
on
AC
motor, electronic reverse unit, directional lighting, oper-
able at extra cost. Color: Brunswick green
Length: 30
in.
Weight: 10
lbs.,
Vital Statistics:
marker lamps, smoke or sound and gray.
tender. Delivered without
Minimum Drawbar
While
Selected Comments:
its
8
0-72
radius:
pull:
34
oz.
parent company.
Sunset Models has been in the brass locomotive business for 20 years, this
model of the Pennsy
S-2
steam turbine marks Third
the
hi-rail
market.
This babv
From
is
It is
entry into
Rail's
a credible
accurate,
Volts
Performance:
2 oz.
start.
down
to the inch.
all
of these are
Amps
Scale
1.6
35.2
9
1.9
57.4
11
2.2
69.6
12
2.3
86.1
avail-
MPH
The most critical shortcoming is excessive amperage draw - 2.3 at top speed. Also, her slowest scale speed is 35 m.p.h., which isn't as good as it could be. At 12 volts, the loco husded along at 86. 1 didn't want to open her up farther than that.
The drawbar
pull
of 34
from its driver centers to its trailing and pony truck centers, this engine is right on. Third Rail paid close
ounces is quite good. Sound, smoke, and marker light packages are available from the manufacturer at addi-
attention during the design process.
tional cost.
its
Other
height to
to
what
naked
stark
length,
positives include accurate
cate detail is
its
as
little
steam engines go.
deli-
The S-2 It was meant
detail there
be sleek and smooth, with a
and
is.
minimum
of
piping and valves cluttering up the boiler. Like the real thing, the
smokebox front
is
is
gray,
On our sample, the rear tender wheelset rubbed against the coupler mounting bracket on curves. It may not be that all models rub there, but
if
yours does, a
little filing will
solve
the problem.
window trim is brass, the and the keystone on the
Tuscan, with gold numbers.
A neat
fea-
smoke deflectors. The Turbine has a QSI reverse unit, directional lighting (headlight on front and red backup lights and headlight on the tender). The tender has an operating knuckle coupler. ture
is
the removable
Original
CTT Review;
Jan nan. 1994 {Dirk Christianson)
110
Steam
2-6-6-6 Allegheny
Road Name
Chesapeake
(original release):
& Ohio
Manufacturer: Lionel
MSRP: $1,399.95
Original
Roster Number:
1601
Catalog Number:
28011
Greenberg
CP
Price:
Prototype Information: The C&O needed a new type of engine to haul coal over the Allegheny Mountains. Lima proposed a 2-12-6, but the curves on the railroad's main line were too sharp. What was delivered in 1941 was a de-coupled 2-12-6 - a 2-6-6-6. C&O had 60 of these behemoths,
and not all of them were freight haulers. Some were equipped during World War II. The loco was 125 feet long and could remained in service until 1956.
for passenger
and troop
train use
Many
easily pull a 160-car train.
can motor, RailSounds, command control, smoke, directional between locomotive and tender. Color: Black with white trim and
Features: Die-cast construction, large lights,
and
wireless infared tether
yellow lettering.
Vital Statistics:
Length: SVA Weight: 18
Minimum Drawbar Selected Comments:
4 oz.
radius:
0-54
pull: 3 lbs., 8 oz.
fourth
Lionel's
is
O
many
and the
Right-of-Way's
the
gauge
in
as
MTH
Premier Line and RailKing Line engines pre-
ceded
is
a highly detailed scale
comes within pressors,
and
stacks,
railings.
cast-in
it
jaunty deck above the
superb - smooth
shower of the
Smoke
92.9
innovation.
Gone
are the often too-tight, too-
and unsightly plugs that got in the way and looked so grotesque on previous modshort wires
els.
The
umbilical
is
forever severed.
its
finish,
field. It
our sample loco perdream, gliding around the lay-
out smoothly in
all
speed ranges on
level track
At no time did the wheels
slip,
no matter what was coupled behind
should pull 200 free-rolling modern cars on
and
takes a back seat to
no
belches out a torrential
when
straight
the loco
command control mode. and command switches are
beneath the cab.
and
it.
It
level track.
The RailSounds system was a delight. The chuffing rhythm seemed right on target. The whistle
sounds.
clean lettering.
18-volt
unit
like a
are in place,
articulation
effluent, particularly
formed
and added-on
pilot.
The smoke generator other in the
in
43.1
2.9
slight grades.
Painting and decoration of this model are
is
2.1
18.0
and
The most eye-catching fea-
the front end, with
is
12.0
MPH
com-
bells, lights,
whistles
along with an array of piping and
model -
3 scale inches of the exact length
of the prototype. All of the
ture
26.6
After lubrication,
it.
This
Scale
2.0
9.2
Allegheny model offered in years.
Amps
Volts
Performance:
in.
lbs.,
different and unique came through loud and clear.
had a half-dozen
The
bell
Shutdown sounds are included. On-off switch and volume control are under the tender. There were some starting and stopping sputters at the lowest voltages, but they seemed sporadic and didn't interfere with the enjoyment of the train.
The wireless infrared tether between the engine and tender are perhaps the greatest
Original February,
CTT Review;
2000 (Bob
Keller)
111
4-4-6-4 Duplex (Q2)
Steam
Road Name
Manufacturer:
Original
MSRP: $1,449.95
to dieselization.
6184
Roster Number:
Third Rail
Prototype Information:
up
Pennsylvania
(original release):
Catalog Number:
3RQ
Greenberg
$1,250.00
Price:
The Pennsy built 26 of these between 1942 and 1944, and they soldiered right The Q2 was probably more successful than the more-famous streamlined Tl.
Features: Brass construction,
unit with a "use at your
own
two can motors, QSI sound system, directional lighting, and a smoke risk" warning. Color: Brunswick green, dark gray smokebox, Tuscan
cab roof, gold lettering.
Vital Statistic:
Length: 33
Minimum Drawbar
Selected Comments:
Performance:
in.
Weight: 11.7
lbs.
radius:
0-72
pull: 1.8 lbs.
This beautiful model cap-
tures the spirit of the engine, a fast freight
hauler, ready to is
move cargo
This beast
swiftly.
unmistakably Pennsy, from the drop coupler
cab windows. All the main reference
to the
points are nicely duplicated.
The
number
piping, keystone
and
plate,
that massive tender are outstanding
and
will
have you gazing at the model from even' angle.
Apply track power and
The headlight icate
is
brilliant
pinpoints of
it
gets even better.
and the markers
light.
The Q2
del-
Amps
Volts
Scale
MPH
13.9
6.7
1.7
12.0
1.4
51.5
18.0
1.8
108.2
neat "echo." As the engine moves along,
it
an out of synch. Very cool! Engine performance is as good as one could hope for. There is virtually no motor noise, and the loco runs smoothly in all speed ranges. The drawbar pull is equal to 60 mod-
slowly goes in
ern free-rolling
cars.
Everything
is
very
satis-
performance department. The Third Rail Q2 is a good runner and a
factory in the
great candidate for a display case.
A
classic
locomotive.
nicelv
is
detailed, yet not overly fragile. Just take care
how you pick it up and where you store the warning in the instruction sheet,
it.
we
With
didn't
the smoke unit. Why tempt fate? The sound system and reverse unit are made by QSI and do not offer programmable features. The whistle and bell are nice, but the steam sounds outshine all other features. The test
chuffs
from these two steam chests
start in
synch as they would on a real duplex, then slowly they rotate out of synch, providing a
Original
CTT Review;
November, 1998 (Bob Keller)
112
Steam
4-6-6-4 Challenger
Road Name
Manufacturer:
Original
Union
(original release):
MTH
(RailKing)
MSRP: $499.00
Prototype Information:
3985
Roster Number:
Pacific
Catalog Number:
30-1108
Greenberg
$730.00
Price:
The Challenger was one of the most popular locomotives of all and power on the Union Pacific.
time, with an
enviable record of durability
Features: Die-cast
locomotive, two can motors, digital whistle.
N/A
Length:
Vital Statistics:
Weight: 12.8
Minimum Drawbar
Performance:
radius:
pull:
Amps
Volts 7.6
lbs.
46
0-31 oz.
The RailKing Challenger is who want a major-league
.8
Scale
MPH
28.4
12.0
2.9
75.0
17.0
4.5
116.7
freight hauler capable of negotiating tight-
Cosmetically, our sample had a very obvious mold seam along the top of the boiler. A few seconds' buff with a machine tool might have
radius curves. This locomotive
cleaned
Selected Comments:
great for operators
appearance.
realistic in
The
is
exceptionally
shell
is
well de-
The finish is smooth as silk, and the gray smokebox gives a nice contrast to the flat-black body. Numbers and letters are cleanly applied. tailed.
Cast-in hatches, pipes,
and pumps, along
this up.
Two can motors
sit atop the powered wheelEach driver assembly pivots, and the trailing truck is connected to both the cab and the
sets.
rear set of drivers to maintain
alignment
through tight turns. The loco has traction
tires
with hundreds of rivet heads, are impressive.
that probably aren't really needed.
The amount of
ounces of drawbar pull, most people don't have enough cars to challenge the Challenger. The engine is responsive, and the speed
detail
molded
into the shell
probably exceeds that of any other die-cast locomotive in stacks,
steam chests ship.
its
price range. Twin smoke-
metal pop valves, and moving flexible reflect a
The cab
detail
is
high
level
great
of craftsman-
and includes sim-
ulated firebox, pipes, valves, and throttle. front deck
is
light, steps,
The
outstanding, with the low head-
and
handrails.
die-cast centipede
detail that
tender has more
you'd expect, from the metal hand-
and simulated wood grain on top of the rivets on the front end. has a pivoting two-axle truck and a fixed five-
rails
water tank, to the 277 It
The
axle truck.
range
is
excellent.
Overhang on
could be a problem
if
With 46
tight curves
your trackside scenery
and accessories are too nearby. Go slowly as you check the clearances first time out. The smoke unit performs well, but the digital whistle has room for improvement. It sounds like a looped recording with a dropout in the middle. This could be upgraded with ProtoSounds or the new QS-2 system by QSI. Bottom lines: this engine is well made, well detailed,
This
and has exceptional pulling power. a landmark loco for MTH.
may be
Original
CTT Review;
January, 1997 (Bob Keller) 113
4-6-6-4 Challenger
Steam
Road Name
Manufacturer:
Original
Union Pacific and Denver & Rio Grande)
(original release):
(also Clinchfield
Third Rail
MSRP: Si. 599.95
3949
Roster Number:
Catalog Number:
3RCB
Greenberg
Si. 500.00
Price:
time.
The Challenger was one of the most popular Union Pacific locomotives of all The Rio Grande leased six of them during World War II. At war's end they returned the
locos,
and the coal-hauling Clinchfield bought them.
Prototype Information:
Features: Brass construction, directional lighting,
Vital Statistics:
Length:
N/A
Weight:
1 1
Minimum Drawbar
Selected Comments:
This
Ott sound system, smoke unit. Performance:
radius:
0-72
pull: 1.4 lbs.
is
a very limited pro-
duction run.
was 95.1. 1.4
The model
looks great.
It
has scale dimen-
and an exceptional level of detail, including illuminated marker lights on the engine and tender, a folding pilot coupler that can be left extended or hidden behind the pilot, optional smoke deflectors, and a tender top sions
this a
dead-on copy of the prototype. The engine runs well. It has a can motor which propels it smoothly through all speed little
The
reverse unit
1.4
58.9
18.0
1.5
95.1
The sound svstem
pull was a satisfactory
is
a solid product
tions said that
made
an activation button would be
required to operate the whistle and whistle
blew every time the
ZW
bell,
the
lever was
About three-quarters of the time, the up on its own in the low speed ranges and cut off when the speed increased. flicked.
the
ranges.
12.0
bv Ott Machine Services. Although the instruc-
name
and number boards make
MPH
9.4
.2
The drawbar
bell started
plate,
Scale
6.0
pounds.
be made to simulate a coal load or a conversion to fuel oil. Siderod detail is second to none, and the nose details, such as the bell, that can
Amps
Volts
lbs.
Though smoke
the engine has on/off switches for unit
and
reverse unit, controls for
adjusting the volume, chuff rate, and speed are
mounted
internally
on the sound board
itself.
on our sample was a more than one trj
quirky, tending to take
to get
it
into reverse about half the time. This
minor annovance seemed
to
work
itself
out
with use.
The longer
the engine ran, the better
it
per-
formed. By the end of testing, the low speed average was 9.4 scale m.p.h., and the high end
Original September,
114
(
.77' Review;
1997 (Bob
Keller)
Steam
4-8-8-2 Cab-Forward
Road Name
MSRP: $1,549.95
Prototype Information:
Baldwin built a
total
beginning in 1909. They were designed the Sierra mountain range. railroad in 1929.
It
The Third
had 63-inch
4116
Roster Number:
Pacific
Third Rail
Manufacturer:
Original
Southern
(original release):
Catalog Number:
3RAC4,
Greenberg
$1,350.00
Price:
or 6
5,
of 195 Cab-forward locomotives for the Southern Pacific,
through the long tunnels and snowsheds in model is of a later AC-class locomotive, delivered to the and 115,000 pounds of tractive effort. The Cab-forwards
to haul trains
Rail
drivers
served until the late 1950s.
Features: Brass construction,
can motor, sound system by QSI. Color: black.
sngth: 3VA in.
Vital Statistics:
inimum rawbar
Selected Comments:
This
0-72
12.0
1.61
47.3
18.0
1.73
101.0
radius:
may be
the most highly
The
The
pipes, handles,
and
interior has an array of
levers.
The engine has
a
MPH
12.1
pull: 1.54 lbs.
cab has a wealth of detail from the
pilot to the bell.
Scale
1.56
7.2
detailed Third Rail engine we've seen. flat-faced
Amps
Volts
Performance:
'eight: 11.7 lbs.
and deceleration and excellent The two smoke
acceleration
coasting right out of the box. units
worked
well.
However, there was a frustrating problem with our sample.
When
running the engine on
brilliant headlight
and twin marker lights. The tender has marker lights that illuminate
a full circle of Lionel tubular track, the pilot
when reversing. The QSI sound
forward drivers rode up and dragged the pilot system successfully re-creates
truck often derailed.
off the track.
the audio signature of an articulated engine.
the curves
The
We
whistle
is
almost magical.
The
cylinder chuff sounds terrific as
it
great four-
goes in and
out of sync, just as with a real Mallet.
The 11-pound a very
good
tractive
force of
more than
a
pound-and-a-half, which should equate to
more than 70 modern electrical
and
1.5
free-rolling cars.
draw was good, using only
amps
lead wheels of the
We found that if we superelevated
slightly, that
corrected the problem.
didn't have a single derailment after that.
Gauge on the If
engine's can motor delivered
The
pilot
wheels
may need
adjusting.
you're a Southern Pacific fan, or
like really big
room,
this
if
you
steam power and you have the
locomotive
is
a great candidate for
your layout.
The
7.2 volts
for a consistent low-speed aver-
age of 12 scale m.p.h. This
is
remarkable
in the
toy train world.
Our sample required very little break-in The motor and flywheel delivered smooth
time.
Original
CTT Review;
March, 1999 (Bob
Keller)
115
4-8-8-4 Articulated Big Boy
Steam
Road Name
Union
(original release):
Manufacturer: Lionel
Original
MSRP: $1,499.95
Prototype Information: First built in 1941
service loads.
on the Union
It
Pacific
4006
Roster Number:
Pacific
by Alco,
this
during World War
II
Catalog Number:
6-28029
Greenberg
CP
engine
Price:
is
a legendary hauler that saw
and the Korean
conflict,
yeoman
handling incredible
was retired in 1962.
Command-equipped RailSounds,
Features:
directional lighting, die-cast boiler
and
tender. Color:
black with a gray smokebox.
Vital Statistics:
Length: 34^ Weight: 20
Minimum Drawbar
Long
Selected Comments:
among
hobbyists in
the fourth
Performance:
in.
lbs.,
radius:
pull:
4
0-72
lbs,
4 oz.
a popular prototype
all scales, this
Big Boy
is
O gauge hi-rail model to appear on
the scene in the past fifteen years.
Manu-
factured in Korea, Lionel's Big Boy could well
company's new locomotives. The running gear is a real eye-catcher. Watching the two sets of drivers with their rods and hardware moving back and forth can be
What
a show!
The Big Boy looks great and performs The speed range is good and fairly
superbly.
prototypical.
are smooth.
both
sets
Acceleration and deceleration
One
very large can
motor propels
of drivers.
Command-mode performance is fantastic. The constant 18 volts made the smoke, sound, and various command functions operate well. Without the command-control voltage, the smoke output is much lighter. The RailSounds recording contains a worldclass whistle effect, captured from a UP Northern, digitally enhanced until it closely
Amps
Scale
6.3
1.5
9.9
12.0
1.6
55.9
18.0
1.7
80.4
MPH
matches that of an old recording of an actual Big Boy in action. (There were a few glitches in the sound system of our sample - some sputtering during startup and occasional spurious whistle blasts.)
The Big Boy has
be the standard with which to compare the
hypnotizing.
Volts
7 oz.
ing a
stand-out detailing, includ-
UP number number boards, and marker lights. The boiler is flaw-
terrific
front deck with
shield, headlight, train
illuminated lessly cast
metal, with several stretches of add-
on piping, twin smoke stacks, and plenty of pop valves. By opening a small hatch, the front coupler is exposed. The cab is fully fitted with simulated controls and gauges, crew figures, and firebox glow. There is even a simulated weather curtain
There
at the rear
some
of the cab.
on curves, The boiler bob and weave on uneven track. And is
serious overhang
so your right-of-way must be clear.
tends to
more than 20 pounds, the loco is heavy enough to actually damage some model bridges and tresdes. The Big Boy should be able to pull roughly 200 modern cars - if the couplers hold! at
(higinal
C7T Review;
May, 2000 (Bob 116
Keller)
Steam
4-8-8-4 Articulated Big Boy
Road Name
MSRP: $1,500.00
Prototype Information: First built by
service loads.
on the Union
It
Features:
Pacific
4007
Roster Number:
Pacific
Third Rail
Manufacturer:
Original
Union
(original release):
Alco in 1941,
this
during World War
II
Catalog Number:
N/A
Greenberg
$1,695.00
engine
Price:
a legendary hauler that saw
is
and the Korean
conflict,
yeoman
handling incredible
was retired in 1962. Detailed model, accurate paint and lettering, factory-installed sound system. Color: black,
gray smokebox.
Vital Statistic:
Length: 36
in.
Weight: 14
lbs.,
Volts
Performance:
7 oz.
(engine alone)
Minimum Drawbar
radius:
0-72
Boy"
ern, flashy nickname, but
no other name fits. The new Third Rail model captures the look, feel, and details of the prototype. Like previous Third Rail products, the Big Boy is built entirely of brass and comes completely painted, lettered, and ready for service.
you'll quickly agree that
I
Scale
.7
8.2
12.0
1.5
36.4
18.0
1.9
68.6
MPH
pull: 3 lbs., 11 oz.
may not be a modwhat it lacks in dash it makes up for in descriptive power and image. Now you can add a Big Boy to your O gauge roster. One look at this gorgeous model and Selected Comments: "Big
Amps
8.1
variety of throttle settings. Pulling
power? This
baby could walk out of town with every car
in
have power to spare.
It
the yard and
still
should be able to haul 150 or more freerolling freight cars, if the couplers hold.
Everyone at CTT who heard the factorysound system agreed that it would sat-
installed isfy all
but the most finicky sound aficionados.
For sheer Rail Big
size
Boy
is
and performance, the Third just as aptly
named
as the
prototype.
was especially impressed with the detailing
on the front of the model.
It
has finned
air-
cooler pipes, which were replaced within several years
by radiators, so
it
reflects the as-built
version of this famous steam engine.
From deck
all
the
Union
Pacific herald
on the
the way to the rear coupler,
I
find anything about the looks of this that didn't appeal to
motive earns
its
keep
pilot
couldn't
model
me. But how well a locoat the
point of a train
is
the critical question operators want answered.
Our
test
sample responded smoothly to a
r
Original
C FT Review;
May, 1996 (Marty McGuirk) 117
6-4-4-6 S-1
Steam
Road Name
Manufacturer:
Original
Pennsylvania
(original release):
6100
Roster Number:
Third Rail
MSRP: $1,495.00
Catalog Number:
3RS1
Greenberg
$1,300.00
Price:
Engineers from Alco, Baldwin and Lima teamed up with those from the
Prototype Information:
Pennsylvania Railroad to create the ultimate high-speed steam machine. test vehicle for
6-4-4-6,
advanced and
futuristic
number 6100, put into
concepts such as duplex drive.
service in 1939 at the
It
The
was designed to be a
result was the S-1 class
New York World's Fair, where it wowed crowds
by running on rollers. At 142 feet long, the SI was too large for most turntables and curves on the Pennsy, so
it
was exiled to the
service until 1944.
Features:
fast track
between Crestline, Ohio and Chicago. The duplex was
in
was scrapped in 1949.
It
Can motor,
directional lighting
and OSI sound system. Production limited
to
350
units.
Color: Brunswick green paint with gold accent stripes.
Vital Statistics:
Length: 3514 Weight: 13
Minimum Drawbar
Selected Comments:
Performance:
in.
lbs.
radius:
0-72
pull: 1.9 lbs.
Scale
1.8
12.7
12.0
2.0
42.5
18.0
2.1
79.1
MPH
This torpedo-nosed stream-
the post beneath the cab. Third Rail informed
For many symbolized "The World
owners that they should bend the drawbar upward if they encountered this problem. We did so and it worked.
liner looks fast just sitting in the box.
who saw it at the fair,
it
of Tomorrow."
Third
Amps
6.9
Volts
Rail's scale
model
is
very sleek, with a
number of subde seams representing
access
panels along the side of the engine and ten-
The cab is a wonder of detail and has dials and control handles painted white and red. Engine performance was very smooth in all der.
speed ranges. The low speed average was 12.7 scale m.p.h. and the high end 79.1, somewhat slower than the prototype's 100+.
This is Third Rail's best application of a QSI sound system we've heard to date. The volume control is on the bottom of the tender.
We
noticed two operational quirks that
needed correction.
First,
the tender coupler
wouldn't stay closed. The company sent a
replacement that went on
More annoying was
in a snap.
the tendency for the
tender drawbar to uncouple on curves. As the
cab swung wide, the drawbar would
slip
below
Original
CTT Review;
November, 1999 (Bob Rttier)
118
Steam
Shay
Road Name
Western Maryland
(original release):
Roster Number:
Manufacturer: Lionel
Original
Catalog Number:
MSRP: $1,200.00
Prototype Information:
6
Greenberg
Named
of a flatcar and geared
after logger
Ephraim
Shay,
18023 $2,250.00
Price:
who hung
a donkey engine over the side
engines were produced by Lima Locomotive Works in the early 1900s. They were perfect for logging, mining, and industrial applito the wheels, these funny-looking little
it
cations with tight curves,
rough
track,
and steep
standard gauge no. 6 was the biggest and
Features: Die-cast, tires;
last
grades. Built in 1945 for the Western Maryland, Shay made for American railroads.
stamped-metal, and brass construction; can motor; operating couplers; traction
RailSounds; smoke; constant and directional lighting; electronic E-unit.
Length: 18
Vital Statistics:
Weight: 7
Minimum Drawbar
Performance:
in.
lbs.,
10 oz.
radius:
pull:
0-54
25 oz.
Volts
Amps
6.5
.60
Scale
MPH
5.5
8.0
.65
13.2
10.0
.70
19.8
12.0
.70
26.6
14.0
.70
33.7
is a scale model - about due to oversize couplers and extra length between loco and tender -
distinctive
but otherwise right on.
they were going faster than they actually were.
This
Selected Comments:
2 A scale feet too long l
maker's crisp
and
art.
and
Details,
clean.
It is
a credit to the die-
The sound system
doesn't quite capture the
Shay sound. Because of the way
they were geared, Shays always sounded as
if
even those cast on, are
Even the embossed number
builder's plates are readable.
The engine is painted black, except for the silver smokebox and stack. The walkway is trimmed in white. According to some of our (black
and white) photos, one point in the
correct at
The Shay runs
this
appears to be
loco's history.
smoothly, even at the low
speed of 5.5 m.p.h.; the top speed typically
is
unproto-
high at 33.7. Drawbar pull of 25
ounces should handle 50 pieces of rolling stock.
we
Minimum
tried the
failed the test.
radius
is
advertised as 0-54;
engine on 0-42 curves, and
it
Here's an example of "truth in
advertising"!
Original
CTT Review;
January, 1 993 (Dick Christianson)
119
Shay
Steam
Road Name
Western Maryland
(original release):
Manufacturer: Right-of-Way
Original
MSRP: $1,995.00 plus $20.00 shipping
Named
Prototype Information:
of a flatcar and geared
after logger
Ephraim
Roster Number:
Catalog Number:
5009
Greenberg
$2,000.00
Shay,
Price:
who hung
to the wheels, these funny-looking
it
6
little
a donkey engine over the side
engines were produced by Lima
Locomotive Works in the early 1900s. They were perfect for logging, mining and industrial applications with tight curves, rough track, and steep grades. Built in 1945 for the Western Maryland, standard gauge no. 6 was the biggest and last Shay made for American railroads. Pittman can motor, operating couplers, traction
Features: Brass construction,
tires,
sound, smoke,
electronic E-unit, constant lighting.
Vital Statistics:
Length: 18 Weight: 5
Minimum Drawbar
This
Selected Comments:
model, although
is
it
Performance:
in.
lbs.,
8 oz.
radius:
pull:
is
0-42
25 oz.
an accurate
Volts
Amps
Scale
8.3
.80
3.1
6.0
9.0
.85
10.0
.90
6.9
12.0
1.10
18.2
14.0
1.20
29.8
MPH
scale
a few feet too long
because of oversize couplers and extra drawbar length between engine and tender. ing
is
from
excellent, as
we have come
The
detail-
to expect
brass locomotives.
The model is painted dark gray smokebox and
black, except for a stack.
According
to
our prototype photos, this appears to be correct at one point in the loco's history. It has a "Speed-ball" logo on the side, behind the cab, which would indicate a later paint scheme. The locomotive runs smoothly, even at the low scale speed of
3.1
nicely without stalling.
The piece creeps The top speed of 29.8 is
m.p.h.
un pro to typically high. Most Shays ran at about 10 m.p.h. when at work. With the drawbar pull of 25 ounces, it should pull about 50 cars on straight and level track. Because of the way they were made, Shays always sounded as if they were going much faster than they were. The sound system does not quite capture the
effect.
Chiginal
CTT Rn
January, 1993 (Dick Christiansen)
120
gauge
electric locomotives:
1990-2000 Page
Locomotive type
Manufacturer
AEM7/ALP44
Atlas
AEM7
MTH
EL-C
Williams
124
EP-5
MTH
125
EP-5
Williams
126
E60
Williams
127
GG1
Lionel
128
GG1
Weaver
129
GG1
Williams
130
122 (Premier)
(RailKing)
123
121
AEM7/ALP44
Electric
Road Name [also
Amtrak
(original release):
MARC
Roster Number:
911
(Maryland State Railroad
Association),
SEPTA
(Southeast Pennsylvania
(New Jersey Department
Transport), NJ Transit
of Transportation), undecorated]
Manufacturer: Atlas
O
MSRP: $499.95
Original
Catalog Number:
6202-1
Greenberg
$400.00
Price:
Only 66 AEM7s were made by EMD, under license from the Swedish firm 1979 and 1988. In 1990, 15 more ALP44s were assembled in Sweden for American railroads. This loco is a proven workhorse. Prototype Information:
ASEA between
Features:
Can motor with
twin drive shafts,
Length:
Vital Statistics:
1
2M
Weight: 4
This
Selected Comments:
shell
length.
Its
radius:
is
0-42
a scale model.
The
height also matches the prototype's
more
The locomotive
itself
scale detail per inch than
may pack
in
any we've seen
to date. It has two full cabs, headlights, strobe lights,
and marker
lights. Details also
include
four rear-view mirrors, five-chime horns,
of rooftop wiring, and a
and grab
full
lots
array of handrails
is
superb - Amtrak's colorful
paint scheme never looked better. in the paint
Lighting
No
defects
were noted. is
directional, with a headlight in
and three red lights on the trailing end. There are also two strobe lights on each end that are tied to the bell and horn. Between the pantographs is a pop-off housing with six on/off switches and the volume front
control beneath tion,
it.
These control the
sequencing, and
The sound system
coil
is
direc-
12.0
.7
78.2
18.0
.7
125.0
EMD
switcher. This
more room within the shell sound hardware. This one has a 2-
due, in part, to
for the
inch speaker.
The motor perage draw pull
is
very low in
equal to 120
LocoMatic
more
exceptionally quiet; the am-
is
is
It
speed ranges.
cars
on
Its
level track.
a control system that allows
is
the operation of your Atlas
flexibility in
engine.
all
modern
does so by sending a radio signal
tion, lights,
to control the speed, direc-
sound, and couplers. Everything
but the couplers
will
control, however.
It
work with conventional
doesn't appear that Loco-
Matic interferes with other
command
systems
or other brands of locomotives or power supplies,
ucts.
it just
tends to business with Atlas
You can indeed run
O prod-
a LocoMatic-equipped
Lionel
Command-equipped
engines simultaneously
via Train Master in the
engine
with
Command mode.
coupler operation.
significantly
improved
Original December,
122
MPH
41.6
.6
over the one in the Atlas is
Scale
7.7
through the tracks
irons.
Decoration
Amps
Volts
pull: 2.2 lbs.
14 feet, 8 inches to the top of the lowered pantographs.
lighting suite, LocoMatic Control system.
14 oz.
a match to the prototype's 50-foot
is
full
Performance:
in.
lbs.,
Minimum Drawbar
sound system,
CTT Review;
1999 (Bob
Keller)
AEM7
Electric
Road Name
Manufacturer:
Original
Amtrak
(original release):
MTH
924 SEPTA Commuter System
Roster Number:
(Premier)
MSRP: $329.95
Catalog Number:
20-5505-1
Greenberg
CP
Price:
Prototype Information:
EMD
the Swedish firm
reliable service
muter
from 1979 to 1988 under on Amtrak and
license several
from com-
lines.
Features:
and
Only 66 of these were made by ASEA. Proven through 20 years of
Two can
motors, ProtoSound, directional lighting. Color: Amtrak red, white, blue,
silver,
black.
Vital Statistics:
Length: 13 Weight: 4
Minimum Drawbar
Selected Comments:
The
Performance:
in.
lbs.,
radius:
0-42
pull: 2 lbs.
unit really looks sharp.
amazing amount of detail crammed into it. The body has a nice textured, ribbed feel. Each cab door has addedon metal handrails. Twenty-eight other grab irons - many of which are plastic and quite
There
is
Volts
5 oz.
an
fragile
- dot the body. Topside
a large
number of electrical
detail includes
fixtures to provide
power from the pantograph. There are even windshield wipers, rear-view mirrors, and safety warning signs. The engine has cabs on both ends and features an engineer figure. The AEM7 also has marker lights, headlights, strobes, and illuminated number boards on both ends. The headlight is direc-
Amps
Scale
2.1
12.0
2.2
86.0
18.0
2.4
151.5
dled smoothly in
all
MPH
13.8
7.4
speed ranges. The draw-
more than 120 cars on and level track. The ProtoSound system is very good. But don't expect something approximating diesel bar pull
is
equal to
straight
sounds. This electric sounds like a large industrial air
conditioning unit or a motor genera-
The horn is clear and distinct. The loud. The level is adjustable. tor.
While
this excellent
bell
is
locomotive looks good
leading a passenger train, only the road
name
would be out of place on the front of a long, heavy freight
train!
tional, as are the strobe lights.
Decoration
is
The
top notch.
paint was
applied smoothly, with no blemishes. striping
is
clean.
passenger cars
The
The
MTH
loco runs as
colors
The
match the Amfleet
released in 1999.
good
as
it
motors, one over each truck,
mendable performance. Our
looks.
Two can
make
for
test
com-
engine han-
Original February,
CTr Reviexu;
2000 (Bob
Keller)
123
EL-C
Electric
Road Name
New
(original release):
Haven,
302, 130
Roster Number:
Virginian (also Conrail) Manufacturer: Williams
Original
MSRP: $199.00 powered,
Catalog Number:
EF-501
Greenberg
$175.00
Price:
$129.00 unpowered
Developed by GE to satisfy a rather limited market for freight-hauling electric EL-Cs were delivered to the Virginian Railway in October of 1956. Only 12 were made between then and February of 1957. Sold to the New Haven in 1959, and assumed by Conrail some years later, eleven of them remained in service until 1981, when electrified freight operations were terminated. Prototype Information:
locomotives.
Features:
The
first
Two can motors,
headlight, horn, traction
tires,
well-detailed
body
shell over sheet-
metal frame. Length: 18
Vital Statistics:
Weight: 5
Minimum Drawbar
Selected first
Comments:
major toy
The Williams
train maker. It
The body
is
radius:
right
on
this
is
a
Rectifier
is
gem worth
In our
the
locomotive by a the wait.
you are into engine will win you
target. If
rivet-and-hatch detail, this over.
0-31
pull: 3.0 lbs.
model of
scale-like
Performance:
in.
lbs.
and items like add-on grab irons, scalesized warning signs, and that great cab roof overhang are all there. Even a simulated plug and jack arrangement, which was used to run several locos with one pantograph, is included. Paint and lettering are immaculately applied. To keep the price low, Williams did com-
Amps
4.7
.92
19.6
12.0
1.44
112.3
18.0
1.9
128.8
tests,
Scale
MPH
the loco's performance was
The speed range averaged 19.6 scale m.p.h. on the low end and 128 at the top. We suspect it could go even faster on a much great.
longer straightaway. Motor noise was minimal.
Vents and door latches are well repre-
sented,
Volts
With four traction
tires
helping the 5-pound
locomotive deliver 3 pounds of drawbar this beast
free-rolling cars
on
straight
This distinctive looking is
pull,
can tame more than 100 modern-era
another
and
GE
well-built, nicely
level track.
Rectifier
model
appointed, scale-
sized product by Williams.
promise with the design of the undercarriage.
The engine
uses die-cast metal
SD45-style
and the die-cast fuel tank designed for the firm's U33C. The frame has stamped-steel trucks
handrails, actually a plus for rugged handling.
and head of a train of scale-sized and fairly good with the tradi-
Aesthetically, the Rectifier looks solid
industrial at the
freight cars,
tional 6464-sized boxcars.
Original
CTT Rei'ieiv:
November, 1999 (Bob Kel lei)
124
Electric
EP-5
Road Name (also
New Haven
(original release):
377
Roster Number:
Great Northern)
MTH
Manufacturer:
Original
(RailKing)
MSRP: $149.95 w/horn,
Catalog Number:
30-2170
Greenberg
$240.00
Price:
$249.95 w/ProtoSound
The
Prototype Information:
Haven Railroad tremendous Features:
pullers.
Two can
Vital Statistics:
Length: 14
Drawbar
Selected Comments: Like
first
district.
is
delivered to the
New
They had a reputation
1
Rail
O
0-27
lb.,
12 oz.
King models,
scale
in
12 scale feet short, for
to
prototype photos shows that
a
number of
MTH
Amps
Scale
1.2
14.3
6.3
some may be operated on
one thing. Comparing the model
Volts
6 oz.
radius:
pull:
most
it
tight- radius curves. It
Performance:
in.
lbs.,
smaller than
dimensions so that
designers
have captured the key reference points, such as side screens, the interestingly sharp angles
of the windshields, the over-the-cab air horn,
and an equipment bay where the fuel tank would be on a diesel locomotive. There are add-on grab irons by the engineer windows and in the corners of each nose, but the rest are cast-in. Some unexpected details include a simulated outside third-rail pickup on the truck sideframes, and a much smaller pantograph for use in the tunnels of New York City, nested behind the larger pantograph.
On
New York
as
motors, ProtoCouplers, ProtoSounds optional.
Minimum
is
intended for use in the
Only ten were made.
Weight: 4
the EP-5
42,000 h.p. General Electric EP-5
six-axle,
in 1955, was
12
1.6
86
18
2.1
93.7
MPH
The stylish New Haven paint scheme was done on our test sample. The engine is
well
Northern livery. Performance was similar to other Rail King locos, with a low-speed average of 14.3 and a
also available in Great
high-speed average of 93.7 scale m.p.h. The
drawbar pull equals roughly 80 modern pieces of rolling stock on straight and level track.
The ProtoSound
unit does a fair job of imi-
woosh of the blowers. The air whistle is true to the prototype. The bell sound tends to get lost amid the noise of the engine tating the loud
clicking over the track.
are interesting
So just say the sounds
and can create
a nice back-
ground ambience.
the negative side, the EP-5 doesn't have
illuminated
marker
boards. Little
number stickers
lights
and
number
are affixed over
the boards.
Original October,
CTf Review;
2000 (Bob
Keller)
125
EP-5 Pair
Electric
Road Name (also
(original release):
New Haven
370/371
Roster Number:
Great Northern, Milwaukee Road,
Pennsylvania) Manufacturer: Williams
Original
MSRP: $368.00 w/True-Sounds,
$299.00
w/o
Catalog Number:
EP200
Greenberg
$320.00
Price:
it
Prototype Information: When introduced in 1955, the EP-5s attracted attention because of their double-ended design. Geared for 90 miles per hour, they proved ideal for the short, high-speed run between New York and New Haven. Only ten were made. The last one was retired in 1977.
Features:
Dual motors and flywheels, electronic reverse, operating pantographs, optional sound
tem. Sold as a powered and
Length:
Vital Statistics:
N/A
Weight: 7
Performance:
Drawbar
8.0
1.0
34
10.0
1.2
53
12.0
1.5
72
16.0
1.6
110
pull: 2 lbs., 2.4 oz.
sold as a
like Lionel's
12
radius: 0-31
The Williams O gauge powered and dummy set, with the two units individually numbered. Although our samples were neatly painted in the Socony red, white, and black New Haven scheme, the paint job looked more is
Scale
1.1
6.3
Selected Comments:
engine
Amps
Volts
10.7 oz.
lbs.,
(both engines)
Minimum
sys-
dummy set.
The
EP-5's
sound
unit,
installed at additional cost,
fine idle
and a good
air
MPH
available factoryis
excellent, with a
horn. There's a slight
delay between depressing the whistle button
and hearing the sound, but once there
is
it
kicks in,
a pleasing, hollow "echoing" tone.
than the prototype's. The block
"N" and "H" were not quite in place and the
"New Haven"
lettering was larger than
life.
Like Lionel, Williams offered schemes for railroads that never
owned
EP-5s, but
had
similar engines.
Performance was just as smooth as could be. Although the scale 12 m.p.h. crawl speed may seem a bit high compared to other can motor-
equipped locomotives, the EP-5 was a highspeed passenger unit, not a yard switcher. The top end exceeded 100 m.p.h. The drawbar pull equates to 103 free-rolling cars on straight, level track.
Original
CTT Review;
March, 1995 (Marty McGuirk)
126
Electric
E60
Road Name (also
Amtrak
(original release):
Manufacturer: Williams
Original
MSRP: $165.00
Prototype Information:
locomotives on the
on
it
made
First
but
rails,
it
Catalog Number:
E60501
Greenberg
$130.00
Price:
in 1972, the 6,000 h.p. prototype
was one of the most powerful
wasn't particularly successful because of speed restrictions placed
by the Federal Railway Administration. Only 74 were made, and more than half of them
wound up Features:
in
Mexico.
Two can motors and Length: 16
Vital Statistics:
Weight: 5
Drawbar
Selected Comments:
more than 20
The
6.2
radius: 0-31
model is body the E60 was revised and tooling for this
at
latest version is
three
least
came
unique because
out. it
times
The new
has cabs on
both ends, should make catenary enthusiasts
Each cab
is
Amps
Scale
The sample we
tested has two motors, eight
and what the company calls smooth acceleration and gentle stops, no matter how suddenly the power is cut. Operation of the 5 lb. loco was quiet, and the drawbar pull equals tires,
"dish" flywheels, which allow for
MPH
28.2
1.3
12.0
1.8
99.7
18.0
2.2
162.3
illuminated; six plastic lenses,
representing markers, and two
number boards
are also illuminated.
The
six-axle trucks,
made of die-cast
metal,
were developed for an E8 diesel model that the
company
home on
cancelled.
They look
right at
this electric.
The geometric New Haven
very happy.
traction
Volts
pull: 2.7 lbs.
marketed by Williams engine, which
Performance:
in.
years old. First offered as a
only in the 1970s,
before this
a horn.
lbs.
Minimum
kit
960
Roster Number:
New Haven)
graphics are
and the colors suitably flat. The Williams E60 is a solid performer commemorating a prototype locomotive that probneatly applied
ably looked better than
you updated model.
sway you.
If
it
ran.
like electrics,
Don't let that check out this
roughly 100 pieces of modern free-rolling cars
on
straight
This
is
and
level track.
a very detailed
model
that captures
most of the main reference points of the prototype. Despite its double-ended design, it looks distinctively American. There are two pantographs over one cab. Supported by a spring, they can pop up so the E60 can run in either direction and look right.
Original July,
CTT Review;
1999 (Bob
Keller)
127
GG1
Electric
Road Name
Pennsylvania
(original release):
Manufacturer: Lionel
MSRP: $600.00
Original
Prototype Information: to 100 m.p.h. in
The prototype GG1 was
64 seconds.
9,000 for short bursts.
Features: Die-cast
It
Many
4866
Roster Number:
Catalog Number:
18308
Greenberg
$480.00
Price:
tested in 1934 with great success.
could generate continuous horsepower
and stamped metal, dual Pullmor
Length:
N/A
Weight: 7
universal motors, Magne-Traction, pantographs,
Drawbar
Performance:
radius: 0-31
pull: 18 oz.
With
new
silver,
black,
and
Amps
Scale
8.5
2.8
16.78
10.0
3.0
49.58
12.0
3.2
74.38
Volts
lbs.
Minimum
It went from zero and peak at nearly
served on the Pennsy and subsequent ownerships for 50 years.
operating couplers, headlights, electromechanical reverse unit. Color:
Vital Statistics:
at 4,620,
red.
MPH
tooling,
18 ounces of Magne-Traction-assisted pulling
super-smooth redesigned motors and Magne-
power. That equals 36 mixed-vintage cars on
Selected Comments:
Traction, the Lionel
new
all
GG1
is
the
a solid "plus."
The
appear exacdy the same
tools at first
as
the old ones, but a closer look reveals added detail, altered interior design,
and a
single-
stamping frame.
A
is
present on the exterior
first
postwar aura.
rest
The
engine's performance
runs slow,
it
runs
fast, it just
is
excellent.
plain runs well.
lot
Not bad
level track. rails
for metal
- no rubber
tires
here.
of criticism has been leveled at the
The fact that it adorned only six Pennsy GGls during the twilight of the
railroad's existence
door handles, even marker lamp regions have been reworked. Yet the GG1 is still dwarf-like in terms of length, and the E-unit lockout lever still protrudes through the roof. Lionel won't abandon the model's ports,
and
paint scheme. real
Additional detail
- sand
straight
wheels on tinplate
choice
among
means
it
certainly isn't the
the collecting community.
However, the decoration quality
is
high and
quite accurate.
Be happy
that Lionel invested the
retool this engine - that's a
of the Lionel
money
good omen
to
for the
line.
It It
hard to convey how smooth the motors are during operation. They practically purr. The low-end speed is what one would expect, yet is
end is surprisingly muted. The locomotive pulls a lot of amperage
the top
ing operation, but
it
weighs 7 pounds, so
probably not unexpected.
dur-
that's
Our GG1 managed
Original December,
128
CTT Review;
1992
(Jim Bunte)
Electric
6G1
Road Name
Manufacturer:
Original
MSRP: $800.00
GG1 became
Designed for the
Features: Brass
4876
Roster Number:
Weaver
Prototype Information:
the
Pennsylvania
(original release):
Catalog Number:
1001
Greenberg
$900.00
Price:
electrified divisions of the Pennsylvania Railroad in the 1930s,
the workhorse there for 50 years, throughout the various subsequent ownerships.
and
die-cast metal construction, dual
can motors, directional lighting, operating
pantographs, electronic reverse. Color: Tuscan red with gold striping.
Length: 18
Vital Statistics:
Weight:
Minimum Drawbar
Selected Comments: First
Performance:
in.
N/A radius:
pull:
27
0-72 oz.
and foremost,
this
is
a
beautiful locomotive, with a sheet-brass superstructure,
stamped-steel frame
trucks.
The Weaver GG1
to the
term scale-length -
The
brings all
brass construction
is
and
die-cast
new meaning
18 inches of
seen - seamless and perfect everywhere. brass stock
is
hefty
and
substantial, so
don't get that thin brass feeling so
models exude. The Tuscan red paint
it.
the nicest we've
The you
many other
Amps
Scale
8
1.1
15.36
10
1.2
39.91
12
1.3
60.60
14
1.4
83.92
Volts
MPH
We had one problem with our sample. It had either a bad electronic E-unit or a bad lockout switch. We never found out which. We had to jumper the thing with an alligator clip to do our testing. We have since asked a number of Weaver dealers if they had encountered similar problems. They said they hadn't. The pantographs sible
are insulated, so
to rewire the locomotive to
it is
pos-
run from
overhead catenary power.
and the fivestripe accent is very well done, even on the ends. The lettering is sharp, making this is
nice,
engine a definite looker.
The model operated
smoothly, but only
after getting ajolt of voltage
- don't expect any
The vertically mounted dual can motors give the GG1 massive pulling power - a whopping 27 ounces, low-end crawling with
this baby.
equaling 54 pieces of mixed-vintage rolling stock
on
straight
and
level track.
The model
has a very scale-like speed control and an
almost even amperage appetite.
Original
C7T Review;
August, 1992 (Jim Bunte) 129
GG1
Electric
Road Name
Pennsylvania
(original release):
Manufacturer: Williams
Original
4872
Roster Number:
MSRP: $499.00 w/True Sounds,
Catalog Number:
SG2001
Greenberg
$450.00
Price:
$399.00 w/horn only, $299.00 unpowered
The prototype GG1 was
Prototype Information:
and
tested in 1934,
could generate 4,620 continuous h.p. at 100 m.p.h., and peak It
went from zero
to 100 m.p.h. in
64 seconds.
Many
its
success
at nearly
amazed everyone.
It
9,000 h.p. for short bursts.
served on the Pennsy and subsequent own-
erships for 50 years.
Features:
Two
flywheel can motors, headlights, horn or optional sound system. Color: nine different paint and decoration schemes available: single-stripe or five-stripe Brunswick green or Tuscan red, red stripe on silver, five-stripe black, Conrail, Amtrak, and Penn Central.
Vital Statistics:
Length: 18
in.
Weight: 5.8
lbs.
Minimum Drawbar
Selected Comments: nial favorite
Performance:
radius:
0-42
pull: 1.7 lbs.
This locomotive
because the prototype
a peren-
is
is
the most-
popular electric engine in American Three-rail models have since 1947.
and
scale length,
almost
six
is
it
tires to
equal to 70 pieces of operate
this
pleasing. to
"coastability"
it is
in at
equipped
provide a drawbar pull
modern
1.24
96.4
17.6
1.52
117.4
is
MPH
17.5
quite flexible in allowing
We
noted no defects in the
shell's
paint or
decoration. With this engine, the characteris-
Williams shine looks right - like the well-
groomed prototype
in
its
heyday.
This locomotive runs well, looks good with
and is as imposing sitting on running along the pike.
scale-length cars,
a shelf as
it is
rolling stock.
at least
more graceful The operating
instantly
weighing
its
12.0
Scale
0-42 diameter curves to monster. The wider the curves,
need
the
are
hefty,
pounds. In addition,
with traction
You'll
looks imposing with
.44
metal underframe
tic
The Williams model
Amps
4.8
the trucks free movement.
history.
been on the market
Volts
It
it
looks.
characteristics of the
GG1
runs smoothly and reacts
commands. It also has good for smooth stops. The loco
comes with a horn, with a QSI True Sounds unpowered dummy. This is a clean-looking model with all the key body details represented. The window bars, the pantographs and the undercarriage gave a good prototypical look. The die-cast
system, or as an
Original February,
130
CTT Review;
1998 (Bob
Keller)
gauge "other" locomotives: 1990-2000 Locomotive type Turbine
Manufacturer MTH (RailKing) MTH (RailKing)
Phantom
Lionel
Motor
Rail Car
("Doodlebug")
Page 1
32
133
134
131
Gas
Motor
Electric
Road Name
(original release):
MTH
Manufacturer:
Original
Santa Fe
MSRP: $219.95 w/sound,
$119.95
("Doodlebug")
M-131
Roster Number:
(RailKing)
Rail Car
Catalog Number:
30-2135
Greenberg
$215.00
Price:
w/o sound
Based on a popular Electro-Motive Co. design, an 80-foot car that had room at a maximum speed of 60 m.p.h. Nicknamed the "Doodlebug," it was powered by a 400 h.p. gasoline engine. The prototype Santa Fe car was an EMC model no. 148, built in 1929. It was converted to diesel in 1952 and scrapped in 1958. Prototype Information:
and ran
for 35 passengers
Features:
Two can
motors, protocouplers, ProtoSound System optional. Color: coach green with a
red and vellow nose.
Length: \5 A l
Vital Statistics:
Weight: 3.8
Minimum Drawbar
and appears
great
of
feet, the
prototype.
its
priced
MTH
0-31
radius:
pull: 2.3 lbs.
to
RailKing model looks
be a good representation
Though
line,
the
part of the lower-
model
Volts 8.2
Although shortened from
Selected Comments:
80 to 62 scale
Performance:
in.
lbs.
is
finished off
Scale
MPH
32.0
1.4
12.0
1.6
79.5
18.0
2.0
131.0
crime not to attach a suitable heavyweight car or two - even a string of freights. The two ProtoCouplers allow a tremendous amount of operational
flexibility.
The Doodlebug was a
with several detail items of note: a bright head-
history of
most
and red markers, an add-on bell over the fireman's position, and three simulated
home on
layouts
light
Amps
and postwar
"footnote" item in the
but it would be at modeling both the prewar
railroads,
eras.
exhaust stacks.
The and
great-looking truck frames, couplers,
steam-style
The
cow catcher are
die-cast metal.
car has an illuminated interior
senger
seats.
and
pas-
There's a plastic shield along the
motors from view. is very good, and the startup sounds, something akin to a diesel truck, are a real crowd pleaser. It also features
interior to hide the can
The ProtoSound system
squealing brakes and station sounds.
The
car
is
a great operator, thanks to
wheels on the can motors and traction
tires
fly-
on
each truck. Smooth acceleration, quiet operation,
and coasting
stops are the
drawbar pull of over 2 pounds,
norm. With a it would be a
Original
March,
132
1
CTT Rexneiv;
999 (Bob
Keller)
Turbine
Gas-Coal Turbine "Big Blow"
Road Name
MTH
Manufacturer:
Original
Union
(original release):
10/1 OB
Roster Number:
Pacific
(RailKing)
MSRP: $399.00 w/horn,
Catalog Number:
30-2009
Greenberg
$440.00
Price:
$479.00 w/ProtoSound Prototype Information: The Union Pacific had 30 of these 8,500 h.p. units (GTEL 8500), all made by General Electric from 1958 to 1960. In 1964, their power was increased to 10,000 h.p. and they were fitted for multiple-unit operation. By 1969, the railroad had traded them all in for GE U50Cs.
The
turbine set consisted of a control unit that had a front like a cab-type diesel, the turbine
and a large tender Features:
to carry' fuel.
Two can motors,
The Big Blows were hungry
itself,
beasts.
headlight, ProtoSound optional. Color:
Armour
yellow with gray and
red trim.
Vital Statistics:
Length: 36 Weight:
Minimum Drawbar
The
Selected Comments:
in. (all
3 units)
Performance:
radius:
0-27
pull: 1.6 lbs.
MTH version
is
a great
Amps
Volts
N/A
Scale
6.9
1.0
13.7
12.0
1.4
100.7
18.0
1.53
167.7
well, delivering
MPH
squeaky brakes, cab chatter, a
When
miniaturization of the prototype - an eye-
thundering horn, and nice
catching representation of the real thing.
the turbine sounds kicked in they were a bit
There
is
throughout the detail.
vers
some compression
obviously
design (the model
is
in the
35 scale feet shorter), but
set there
is
a nice level of
MTH included plenty of simulated lou-
and
receptacles, plus a three-dimensional
brake wheel on the tender. All three units the powered control unit, the
bine and tender - ride on
unpowered
tur-
idle noise.
disappointing. Instead of something akin to the whine of a jet engine, they like a
Rail King's
made With
sounded more
stream of static.
Union
Pacific turbine
is
a well-
representation of a unique prototype. its
distinctive
appearance
it
will
generate
plenty of attention at trackside.
stylish silver trucks,
nicely replicating three-motor trucks
on the
prototype. Most of the major features appear
on the model. Using a Lionel ZW, the engine's performance was very good. The scale low-end speed averaged 13.7 m.p.h., with the high end at 137.
The loco was responsive and fast; when called upon to creep, it moved slowly. The drawbar pull
equates roughly to 78 modern, free-
rolling cars
The
on
turbine
level is
and
straight track.
available with the latest ver-
sion of ProtoSound.
The svstem functioned
Original
June,
CTT Review;
2000 (Bob
Keller)
133
Unknown
Road Name
Phantom
Phantom
(original release):
Manufacturer: Lionel
Greenberg
Price:
visible
markings
18860
Catalog Number:
MSRP: $399.95
Original
No
Roster Number:
S290.00
Prototype Information: There isn't any - this is a Phantom locomotive. The product of somebody's PG-13 nightmare or a world-class put-on. Maybe both!
Pullmor motor, Magne-Traction, RailSounds, directional headlight.
Features:
Length: 14
Vital Statistics:
Weight
Performance:
in.
Minimum Drawbar
Amps
Volts
2.9 lbs.
9.5
radius:
0-31
pull: .7 lbs.
Lionel calls this thing "The supposed to be from a place called "Pratt's Hollow," which is a name, not a description, they tell me. It looks like an ecsapee from a painting bv one of those Italian
Scale
MPH
18.6
1.4
12.0
1.5
77.9
18.0
2.1
114.1
Selected Comments:
minimalist, but verv effective. Colors are dark
Phantom."
blue-gray
It is
the short4ived school of "Futurism,"
artists in
and
black.
There's a headlight and directional back-
up trol
deck with a marking the con-
lighting. Also, a raised flight
clear red plastic windshield
room.
The RailSounds recordings
which flourished earlv in the Twentieth Century - a vision in 1925 of what the trains of the remote future, say 1960, would look like.
engine with a sort of banshee-like howl. The
Some
horn suggests machinery rather than a loco-
see a kind of "New-Age-Supernatural"
quality about
like a "ghost train,"
suppose. Others look to outer space for clues - if the it
I
Martian landscape had railroads instead of
on
canals In
right.
Looking
chuckle, It is
trucks, fantasy.
able. rolls
Bob
review,
made
"Lionel
if
locomotive.
motive.
The
It
are unique to combines the roar of an
bell has a sonar-like "beep-beep-
is no cab talk on this one, for good reason. Nor are there any visible figures
beep." There
in the cockpit.
it.
his
this
this at
Keller indicates
that
engine just for fun!" He's
The Phantom
will
make you
then, you probablv wouldn't couple this thing
not laugh out loud.
based upon a Geep motor, frame, and
modified somewhat to
fit
and
the body
Tooling and decoration are remark-
The body
is
clean and the
Speed response was very good, mirroring However the drawbar pull of onlv .7 pounds was disappointing. But that of a Lionel Geep.
to
your coal
train.
shouldn't have a
engine
will
"Phantom
lot of
cars."
this
probably pull a million of them.
many gende
are smoothly crafted. Decoration
is
truly
Original December,
134
bv definition
mass or substance, so
CTT Review;
1998 (Bob KeBer)
)
gauge locomotives Postwar -1945-1969
Retro reviews: Eight Lionel
(Technical specifications for comparison purposes)
Locomotive type
Manufacturer
2-6-2 Prairie (675)
Lionel
136
2-8-4 Berkshire (736)
Lionel
136
4-6-4 Hudson (773)
Lionel
137
6-8-6 S-2 Steam Turbine (681
Lionel
137
Page
Steam
Diesel
F3
AA (2343)
Lionel
138
FA
AA (2032)
Lionel
138
GP7 (2328)
Lionel
139
GG1 (2340)
Lionel
139
Electric
135
2-6-2 Prairie
Steam
Road Name
Lionel Lines
(original release):
Manufacturer: Lionel
Prototype Information:
Pennsy
K-4, but
Features:
it
Smoke,
Vital Statistics:
Catalog Number:
675
Greenberg
$80.00-$ 160.00
Price:
None. Based on a prewar Lionel locomotive,
had too few
Baldwin Disc
whistle,
Length: 19.25 Weight: 5
lbs.,
Minimum Drawbar
this
model was advertised
drivers. Introduced: 1947.
Performance:
in.
Amps
Scale
1.6
38.4
12.0
1.8
51.0
18.0
2.2
85.2
Volts
12.4 oz.
9.3
0-31
radius:
pull: 0.80 lb.
Road Name
Lionel Lines
(original release):
Manufacturer: Lionel
Prototype Information:
Smoke,
Vital Statistics:
Based very loosely on
Catalog Number:
736
Greenberg
$260.00-$375.00
New York Central
Price:
Berkshire locomotives. Scaled down.
whistle, Magne-Traction. Introduced: 1950.
Length: 21 Weight: 7
Drawbar
Performance:
in.
8.8 oz.
Volts
Amps
Scale 34.1
7.8
1.8
0-31
12.0
2.0
93.7
pull: 1.23 lbs.
18.0
2.3
119.2
Minimum
136
MPH
2-8-4 Berkshire
Steam
Features:
as a
axles in the pilot truck.
lbs.,
radius:
MPH
Steam
4-6-4 Hudson
Road Name
New York
(original release):
Central
Manufacturer: Lionel
Prototype Information:
Based on the famous
Catalog Number:
773
Greenberg
$500.00-$900.00
New York
Central
Price:
Hudson
locomotives. Full-scale, but
stripped-down version of the prewar 700E.
Features:
Smoke,
Vital Statistics:
whistle, Magne-Traction. Introduced: 1964.
Volts
Amps
Scale
10
2.1
43.6
0-31
12
2.2
61.6
pull: 1.36 lbs.
18
2.5
82.5
Length: 23 Weight: 7
Minimum Drawbar
Performance:
in.
lbs.,
5.5 oz.
radius:
Steam
6-8-6 S-2 Steam Turbine
Road Name
(original release):
Pennsylvania
Manufacturer: Lionel
Catalog Number: 681
Greenberg
Prototype Information:
Features:
MPH
Smoke,
Vital Statistics:
Price:
$120.00-$220.00
Scaled-down version of the Pennsy steam turbine.
whistle, Magne-Traction. Introduced: 1950.
Length: 19.34 Weight: 6
Minimum Drawbar
in.
lbs., 1.3 oz.
radius: 0-31
pull: 0.76 lb.
Performance:
Volts
9.7
Amps 2.1
Scale
MPH
32.3
12.0
2.5
61.2
18.0
2.9
111.1
137
Diesel
F3 (AA)
Road Name
(original release):
Santa Fe
Manufacturer: Lionel
Prototype Information:
Catalog Number:
2343
Greenberg
$220.00-$495.00
Price:
Scaled-down version of the General Motors workhorse F3 locomotives.
(Lionel's all-time best-seller!)
Features:
Two motors, horn, Magne-Traction. Introduced:
Vital Statistics:
Length: 13.5 Weight: 5
Minimum Drawbar
Performance:
in.
lbs.,
1950.
Volts
5.5 oz.
7.7
radius: 0-31
pull: 2.2 lbs.
Amps 2.3
Scale
12.0
2.6
77.4
18.0
3.5
121.2
Diesel
FA (AA)
Road Name
(original release):
Erie
Manufacturer: Lionel
Prototype Information:
Features:
Catalog Number:
2032
Greenberg
$120.00-$2 10.00
Price:
Scaled-down model of the square-nosed Alco FA engines.
Horn, Magne-Traction. Introduced: 1952.
Vital Statistics:
Length: 10.75
in.
Weight: 3
7 oz.
Minimum Drawbar
138
MPH
29.0
lbs.,
radius:
Performance:
0-27
pull: 1.15 lbs.
Volts 7.8
Amps 1.4
Scale
21.9
12.0
1.7
47.5
18.0
2.0
132.3
MPH
Diesel
GP-7
Road Name
Burlington
(original release):
Manufacturer: Lionel
Prototype Information:
Features:
Catalog Number:
2328
Greenberg
$240.00-$345.00
Price:
Scaled-down model of General Motors GP-7 road switcher.
Single motor, horn, Magne-Traction. Introduced 1955.
Vital Statistics:
Length: 14.25
in.
Weight: 3
0.5 oz.
Minimum Drawbar
lbs.,
Performance:
Volts 8.6
radius: 0-31
pull:
1
lb.
Amps
Scale
1.6
24.5
12.0
1.9
58.5
18.0
2.1
97.0
MPH
GG-1
Electric
Road Name
Pennsylvania
(original release):
Manufacturer: Lionel
Prototype Information:
Features:
Catalog Number:
2340
Greenberg
$560.00-$940.00
Scaled-down model of the Pennsylvania GG-1 locomotive.
Two motors, horn, Magne-Traction. Introduced:
Vital Statistics:
Price:
Volts
Amps
9 oz.
12
3.6
42.4
radius: 0-31
18
3.8
116.0
Length: 14 Weight: 6
Minimum Drawbar
1955.
Performance:
in.
lbs.,
Scale
MPH
pull: 1.97 lbs.
139
Index to
gauge locomotives: 1990-2000 SD90MAC SW8/SW9
Diesel
4-wheel switcher
Lionel
25
BL2
Williams
26
U25B U33C
C-420
Lionel
27
C-630
Weaver
28
Centipede
MTH MTH MTH
(Premier)
29
(RailKing)
30
(Premier)
31
0-4-0
Docksider
Lionel
32
0-6-0
USRA
Lionel
33
ThirdRail
34
2-4-2
Williams
35
2-4-2
Dash8-40B Dash 8-40C Dash 8-40C Dash 9 (C44-9W) Dash 9 (C44-9W) Dash 9 (C44-9W)
E8AA F3AA F3ABA F3ABA F3AA (B separate)
69Li
Adas Weaver
71
(S
Williams
72
64
70
(S
Steam
C I
Right-of-Way
74.^
Weaver
75
Marx
Trains
76
MTH
(Prewar
\
Switcher
Columbia Columbia
Mikado
36
2-8-2
Weaver
37
2-8-4 Berkshire
Lionel
38
2-10-0
Lionel
39
2-10-4 Texas
MTH
(Premier)
40
44-0 (William
MTH
(RailKing)
41
4-6-0
Camelback
4-6-0
Rogers
(RailKing)
Decapod
Mason)
Lionel
MTH
(Premier)
77
Third Rail
80
Third Rail
81 L
MTH MTH
(RailKing)
82
(RailKing)
83
K-Line
42
Williams
43
Williams
44
FA-2AA
K-Line
45
4-6-2 Pacific
Lionel
85
FTAA
Lionel
46
4-6-2 Pacific
Weaver
86
GP9 GP9
Lionel
47
4-6-2 Pacific
K4s
MTH
(RailKing)
87
Red Caboose
48
4-6-2 Pacific
GP38-2
K-Line (Classic)
49
(Streamlined)
MTH
(RailKing)
88
GP38-2
Weaver
50
GP60M
MTH MTH
(Premier)
51
(Premier)
52
4-6-2 Pacific
Lionel
53
4-6-4 3450-class
NW2
Lionel
PA1
Lionel
PA ABA PA ABA
Lionel
(Premier)
54 55 56 57
(RailKing)
58
19th-century
Ten-Wheeler
(Streamlined)
(Streamlined)
Hudson Hudson
RDC
Williams
59
Weaver Weaver
60
MTH MTH
(Premier)
62
Hudson
(RailKing)
63
4-6-4 Ll-class
RS-ll/RSD-12
SD9 SD45 SD50 SD60
SD60M SD60M SD90MAC
140
61
(RailKing)
84
Weaver
89
Weaver
90
Pecos River Brass
91
Weaver
92
K-Line
93
Lionel
94
Williams
95
Lionel
96
MTH
97
4-6-4 Hl-class
RDC-1 and RDC-2 RS-3
MTH
4-6-2 Pacific
MTH MTH
(3-car set)
|
\
H-24-66 Train
Master
4
78 4 79 j
F7ABA F7ABA FA-1 AA
H-10-44
(
O
Reproduction)
MTH
Hi
H
E8AA (B separate)
Williams
4-6-4 J-class
Hudson 4-6-4 J-class
Hudson 4-6-4 J-class
Hudson
Lionel
64
Lionel
65
Lionel
66
MTH MTH
(Premier)
67
(Streamlined)
(Premier)
68
Hiawatha)
4-6-4
Alco F7
Hudson (RailKing)
9
70
1
'
>4
Electric
E4-class
Hudson
MTH
O
AEM7/ALP44
Atlas
AEM7
MTH
Hudson
EL-C
Williams
124
(Streamlined
EP-5
MTH
125
Commodore
EP-5
Williams
E60
Williams
127
GG1 GG1 GG1
Lionel
128
Weaver
129
Williams
130
MTH MTH
(RailKing)
132
Turbine
(RailKing)
133
Phantom
Lionel
(Streamlined)
(Premier)
98
>4Jle-class
Vanderbilt)
99
Lionel
6-4Jle-class
Hudson (Streamlined
(Premier)
(RailKing)
122
123
126
Commodore Vanderbilt)
8-2 L-3a
Mohawk
8-4
Northern
•8-4
2900-series
Northern •8-4
(RailKing)
100
Lionel
101
Lionel
102
MTH
103
Other
Motor (RailKing)
GS4-class
Northern -8-4
MTH
Lionel
104
MTH
105
Rail
Car
("Doodlebug")
134
GS4-class
Northern
(Premier)
-8-4J-class
Northern
Lionel
106
MTH
107
-8-4 J-class
Northern Turbine ^8-6 S-2 Turbine >-8-6 S-2 Turbine 1-6-6-6 Allegheny -4-6-4 Duplex -8-6 S-2
(RailKing)
Lionel
108
MTH
109
(RailKing)
Third Rail
110
Lionel
111
(Q2) Challenger
Third Rail
112
MTH
113
Challenger
Third Rail
114
Third Rail
115
Lionel
116
Third Rail Third Rail
117
>-4-4-6S-l
Jhay
Lionel
119
Jhay
Right-of-Way
120
t-6-6-4
-6-6-4
(RailKing)
1-8-8-2
Cab-Forward U8-8-4 Articulated
Big Boy 1-8-8-4
Articulated
Big Boy
118
141
Index to
gauge locomotives: 1990-2000 (by manufacturer)
DIESEL
Weaver
Atlas
SW8/SW9
70
K-Line
F7ABA
42
FA-2AA
45
GP38-2
49
Lionel
C-630
28
E8AA
37
GP38-2
50
RS-3
60
RS-ll/RSD-12
61
U25B
71
Williams
BL2
26
Dash 9 (C44-9W)
35
43
72
4-wheel switcher
25
C-420
27
Dash 8-40C Dash 9 (C44-9W)
32 33
F7ABA FA-1 AA RDC (3-car set) SD90MAC
F3AA F3ABA
38
U33C
44 59 69
39
FTAA
46
GP9
STEAM
H-24-66 Train Master
47 53
NW2
54
K-Line
PA1
55
4-6-4 J-class
PA ABA SD50 SD60
56 65
2-8-2
SD60M
66
4-6-2 Pacific
64
Mikado
29
78
85
Hudson
94
LI -class Hudson
4-6-4
Centipede
93
Lionel
4-6-4 J-class
MTH
Hudson
4-6-4Jle-class
96
Hudson
Dash 8-40C
31
F3ABA GP60M
40 51
4-8-2 L-3a
H-10-44
52
4-8-4
PA ABA SD9
57
4-8-4 GS4-class
SD60M SD90MAC
(Streamlined Commodore
99
Vandnbilt)
Mohawk
101
Northern
102
104
67
Northern 4-8-4 J-class Northern 6-8-6 S-2 Turbine
68
2-6-6-6
Allegheny
111
Dash8-40B
30
4-8-8-4 Articulated Big
AA F3 AA
(B separate)
36
Shay
(B separate)
41
E8
RDC-1 and RDC-2 SD45
Red Caboose GP9
62
58
Marx
63
2-4-2
116
Trains
Columbia
76
2-8-4 Berkshire
79
MTH 48
ThirdRail
Hudson
(Streamlined)
34
4-8-4 GS4-class 2-4-2
142
108
119
4-6-4 E4-class
Dash 9 (C44-9W)
Boy
106
Columbia
Northern
98 105
77
4-4-0 (William
Mason) Camelback
82
Lionel
4-6-0
83
GG1
4-6-0
Rogers 19th Century
128
84
MTH
4-6-2 Pacific
87
AEM7
123
4-6-2 Pacific (Streamlined)
88
EP-5
125
97
Weaver
Ten-Wheeler K4s
4-6-4
Alco F7 Hudson
(Streamlined Hiawatha) 4-6-4Jle-class
GG1
Hudson
129
(Streamlined Commodore
100
Williams
4-8-4 2900-series
103
EL-C
4-8-4 J-class
107
EP-5
126
Turbine
109
E60
127
Challenger
113
GG1
130
Vanderbilt)
6-8-6 S-2 4-6-6-4
Northern Northern
124
Pecos River Brass 4-6-4 3450-class
Hudson
91
Lionel
Right-of-Way 0-4-0
OTHER
Docksider
74
Shay
Phantom
134
120
MTH Motor
Third Rail 2-10-0
Decapod
80
2-10-4 Texas 6-8-6 S-2
Rail
Turbine
Car ("Doodlebug")
132
133
81
Turbine
110
4-4-6-4
Duplex (Q2)
112
4-6-6-4
Challenger
114
4-8-8-2
Cab-Forward
4-8-8-4 Articulated Big
115
Boy
117 118
6-4-4-6 S-l
Weaver 0-6-0
USRA Switcher
75
86
4-6-2 Pacific 4-6-2 Pacific (Streamlined)
89
4-6-2 Pacific (Streamlined)
90
4-6-4 Hl-class
Hudson
92
Williams 4-6-4 J-class
Hudson
95
ELECTRIC
AdasO AEM7/ALP44
122
143
Toy Train Guides Are Neat! M.T.H.
CLASSIC TDVTRflt
Electric
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Trains:
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The
-
Sparkling
Official
wliday
Guide
ayouts
Learn the details of
every
single M.T.H. Electric Trains product with this guide.
From
descriptions and pricing
to current values
photos, this story.
How to buy a train Visit
8%
20 b&w
set
x
and
official 1
0%;
1
lots of detailed
guide
44
tells
pgs.;
1
the whole
00
color
&
photos; softcover.
train-maker Samhongsa
10-8155 -$34.95 Relive
all
your favorite toy
train
memories—
and create new ones—with Classic Toy Trains, the leading train collector
magazine
Greenberg's Pocket Price
for the toy
and operator. 9 issues/year
Guide 2001 As l
Lionel Trains far these books
at your favorite
hobby retailer
1901-2001
or order direct!
The Call 1
"800-533-6644
Monday-Friday,
Central Time. Outside U.S. and Canada,
call
guide
262-796-8776.
Please have your credit card ready.
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Mail: Kalmbach Publishing Co., Dept. XCTT. 21 027 Crossroads Circle, P.O. Box 986, Waukesha, Wl
531 87-0986. Use
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opens
for easier reading
and comparing. Includes a new photo
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section that features significant products, $10.00
;
i
!
',
J
$395
or less
$10.01 -$30.00 $30.01 -$50.00 $50.01 -$75.00 $75.01 or more
$4.95 $5.95 $6.95
$795
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class»rain.c<,
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.
pricing data.
photos;
additional
$5.00. For Wisconsin
4
illus.;
x
1
5
color
softcover with
[
$2.00, other foreign add an
additional
add 5% sales tax to total; for 6% sales tax to total. For delivery in
binding.
10-8701
•
$11.95
delivery,
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availability subject to
1
most accurate
QX\ 31 2 pgs.;
!
lay-flat
Canada add an
Canada add
;
plus features the hobby's
SECURE ONlffff
*
change.
Payable
in
U.S. funds. Prices and
XCTT
Collectibles
Looking for an
O gauge Hudson to buy? Weaver, Lionel,
MTH, Williams, and Pecos River Brass have all made one version or another over the past 10 or 11 years. The 2001
K-Line,
Buyer's Guide to Toy Train Locomotives
is
a great place to start
from Classic Toy Trains Magazine (1990-2000), the Buyer's Guide includes: looking. Featuring condensed reviews
commentary on 107 steam, and electric Critical
O gauge locomotives - diesel,
Performance tables that reveal how well a locomotive runs in both test track and home layout conditions Current market prices Prototype information
H?
Performance tables featuring popular Lionel postwar locomotives for comparison purposes Color photos and descriptions of recent and upcoming locomotive releases from each of the major toy train manufacturers Don't make a buying decision until you've consulted your 2001 Buyer's Guide to Toy Train Locomotives!
$12.95 U .S. 10-8265 ISBND flT77fl-M73-l
9000O
780897"784733
KALMBACH BOOKS
