N&W CLASS A 1218

Pretty neat engine. I can’t speak to how prototypical the overall design is but there are lots of cool details. It sounds awesome! Much better than the 2–10–4 Texan I just got. Smokes like a forest fire. It runs so smoothly…it just oozes down the track.  Being a Visionline engine I thought it would have the swinging bell but it does not.  I haven’t hooked up any cars to it yet so I can’t comment on the force coupler operation. Overall, very happy with it. Worth $2 grand? All I can say is ****, what isn’t expensive nowadays? I’m ok with it but my budget is depleted for 2023 already   😝

i’ve never owned a huge, articulated engine like this before. I’ve seen many pictures and videos, especially of the Big Boys. I’ve never noticed these articulated arms that seem to help stabilize the front end as it swings out. Is this unique to this model or do other large articulated engines have it?

Yes, very nice engine.  It also has road specific crew talk (specifically announced "Pennsy 3701").  I was afraid that for a custom run Lionel would just use generic crew talk dialog, but I am very happy that they put in the effort to customize the crew talk also.

One thing to note is that for a good size steam engine, it is relatively not very heavy.  The engine weighs in at 9 lb 7 oz (the tender is 4 lbs 1 oz).  For comparison, my Legacy EM-1 engine weighs 14 lbs.  As such I don't expect it will have top end pulling power (the pulling power comes mostly from the weight of the engine and the tire traction - no so much the motor).  Lionel probably reduced the weight to save cost somewhere?  They just don't make them like they used to!

@VJandP posted:

Being a Visionline engine I thought it would have the swinging bell but it does not.  

N&W Class A locomotives had pneumatic bell ringers that sounded the bells.  They did not swing.  The model portrays this accurately.

I’ve never noticed these articulated arms that seem to help stabilize the front end as it swings out. Is this unique to this model or do other large articulated engines have it?

The extremely tight curves O gauge locomotives tend to be operated on (even what would be considered a large diameter curve in O gauge is generally much smaller than exists in real life) exaggerates the look, but those are the steam pipes that would carry steam in or out of the cylinders.  In real life they'd flex somewhat to allow the locomotive to articulate.  The models allow much more flex than the real ones likely would in order to navigate the above-mentioned O gauge curves.

@VJandP posted:

Pretty neat engine. I can’t speak to how prototypical the overall design is but there are lots of cool details. It sounds awesome! Much better than the 2–10–4 Texan I just got. Smokes like a forest fire. It runs so smoothly…it just oozes down the track.  Being a Visionline engine I thought it would have the swinging bell but it does not.  I haven’t hooked up any cars to it yet so I can’t comment on the force coupler operation. Overall, very happy with it. Worth $2 grand? All I can say is ****, what isn’t expensive nowadays? I’m ok with it but my budget is depleted for 2023 already   😝

You left the foam under the tender between the trucks and the body.  Might want to remove that so it doesn't create any unnecessary drag.

@ntn-pa posted:

One thing to note is that for a good size steam engine, it is relatively not very heavy.  The engine weighs in at 9 lb 7 oz (the tender is 4 lbs 1 oz).  For comparison, my Legacy EM-1 engine weighs 14 lbs.  As such I don't expect it will have top end pulling power (the pulling power comes mostly from the weight of the engine and the tire traction - no so much the motor).  Lionel probably reduced the weight to save cost somewhere?  They just don't make them like they used to!

I noticed this! The 2-10–4 Texan feels like it weighs at least a pound or two more.

@MartyE thanks for mentioning this. When I went back and watched the videos, I noticed it and removed them already.  👍🏼

I got a call yesterday that my Class A arrived along with the Black River and Western set. Next year is when those will come home. I'm surprised that both of these got finished quick, though I did say to my brother that the SW1's had been run, so that may have made production faster for the BR&W set.

Good to see that Pennsy Class A @VJandP, and the red actually looks different from what I saw from Mr. Muffins pictures. Maybe it's just the contrast from where he took his picture and you to yours, what do I know though.

@ntn-pa posted:

Yes, very nice engine.  It also has road specific crew talk (specifically announced "Pennsy 3701").  I was afraid that for a custom run Lionel would just use generic crew talk dialog, but I am very happy that they put in the effort to customize the crew talk also.

One thing to note is that for a good size steam engine, it is relatively not very heavy.  The engine weighs in at 9 lb 7 oz (the tender is 4 lbs 1 oz).  For comparison, my Legacy EM-1 engine weighs 14 lbs.  As such I don't expect it will have top end pulling power (the pulling power comes mostly from the weight of the engine and the tire traction - no so much the motor).  Lionel probably reduced the weight to save cost somewhere?  They just don't make them like they used to!

The pulling power for any locomotive real or scale is based on the weight on the driving wheels. The motor only plays a part if it's undersized.

@VJandP posted:

i’ve never owned a huge, articulated engine like this before. I’ve seen many pictures and videos, especially of the Big Boys. I’ve never noticed these articulated arms that seem to help stabilize the front end as it swings out. Is this unique to this model or do other large articulated engines have it?

Like others have pointed out they are meant to represent some of the steam delivery pipes, but I've not seen ones like that on any of my articulated locomotives. That said I don't own a Class A. The way Lionel has used them as "stabilizers" is novel to me, and I think a good idea.

@VJandP posted:

Pretty neat engine. I can’t speak to how prototypical the overall design is but there are lots of cool details. It sounds awesome! Much better than the 2–10–4 Texan I just got. Smokes like a forest fire. It runs so smoothly…it just oozes down the track.  Being a Visionline engine I thought it would have the swinging bell but it does not.  I haven’t hooked up any cars to it yet so I can’t comment on the force coupler operation. Overall, very happy with it. Worth $2 grand? All I can say is ****, what isn’t expensive nowadays? I’m ok with it but my budget is depleted for 2023 already   😝

i’ve never owned a huge, articulated engine like this before. I’ve seen many pictures and videos, especially of the Big Boys. I’ve never noticed these articulated arms that seem to help stabilize the front end as it swings out. Is this unique to this model or do other large articulated engines have it?

Nice pick on the Class A. My vision big boy has those and I think so does my 2-10-10-2.

Here’s a pic of the 1218 I took back in March:

Looks like Lionel did a good job on the steam delivery pipes.

Lionel's JLC C&O H-8 Allegheny has those articulated pipes.  I imagine the Legacy version does as well being based off the same tooling.

Received our first black box yesterday.  It’s the WWII version #1210.  Trying to hold out till Christmas for opening, but I am weakening.

@jstraw124 posted:

Received our first black box yesterday.  It’s the WWII version #1210.  Trying to hold out till Christmas for opening, but I am weakening.

Test it, check it all out, make sure it isn't damaged.  Then put it back.  The disappointment on Christmas if something is amiss isn't worth it.

@MartyE posted:

Test it, check it all out, make sure it isn't damaged.  Then put it back.  The disappointment on Christmas if something is amiss isn't worth it.

Like the logic, but add that putting it back in the box may cause unforeseen damage.  May just need to leave it on the layout to be safe.😐

Oh the temptation....careful I took mine out and ordered a second Class A. They are smooth running locomotive.

One thing that I find different on the PRR version, and it may be on others, is that the low water alarm is uncovered. The early N&W version has the cover.

Once again, those are steam pipes, not stabilizers!

@Big Jim posted:

Once again, those are steam pipes, not stabilizers!

Understood. @VJandP said they were acting like "stabilizers"... I'm wondering if Lionel spring loaded them to help keep the front engine centered or whatever. If not, oh well. I was just taking the OP noticing them performing an additional function.

It would be kind of cool if they attempted to do that because one thing I've noticed is that with O-scale articulated locomotives they can look a little odd coming down the tracks if there is too much play side to side.

Here are some pictures of my WM M-2 Challenger. It has no such pipes there. It has steam delivery pipes between the wheels that go to the cylinders and then the exhaust turns inward and then up through the smoke box.

@Catonsville Central Railway posted:

Lionel's JLC C&O H-8 Allegheny has those articulated pipes.  I imagine the Legacy version does as well being based off the same tooling.

I have an H-8 but it's the MTH version. It doesn't have pipes like the "A". It looks much more like the WM M-2. I'd be interested to see pictures of yours.

@rplst8 posted:

Understood. @VJandP said they were acting like "stabilizers"... I'm wondering if Lionel spring loaded them to help keep the front engine centered or whatever. If not, oh well. I was just taking the OP noticing them performing an additional function?

That’s correct.   As far as the prototype goes, these are steam pipes.  But on Lionel’s other big articulated engines that I’ve seen, I’ve never seen “arms” anchoring the front end.   If they are acting like “stabilizers”, Lionel did a great job multi-purposing this piece as a prototypical steam pipe that doubles as a functioning stabilizer on the scale model.  

The original Scale Lionel Class A had the steam pipes in the front also. It’s just a part of the prototype.

Did anyone order the Pilot version? I contacted my dealer today and they said after the first of the year for delivery.

My lovely wife surprised me a day early for Christmas.

Never owned a vision line product or articulated steam engine, spectacular model in every way.

I need to redesign the tunnels on the curves to accommodate the boiler overhang

Only minor gripe is the drop plate between Locomotive and tender does not go all the way down. Did anyone have luck fixing this and how?

My friend 1218 bought his Big Boy over to run on my 072 max layout a few years ago. It took out a tunnel, some cars on a nearby shelf, and a metal thing over the track that I never knew what it did. But it used to look cool.

Here is a couple pictures of N&W 1211

Interesting that a few As trickled out and then the mother load shipments came later. My dealer says after the first of the year. Glad some got there’s before Christmas! I’m actually glad mine are coming later. It will help out my wallet. 😎

Paid for mine but it hasn't shipped yet - all these wonderful photos are making me want to buy a second!

So the only real issue seems to be the number board on the headlight area over here?

VL Class A 1238 Number board

I don't remember if that is the exact topic name, so I guessed from my phone. That is the link to that topic though about the number board being something different than 1238.

@RickO posted:

Heres video of 1210. ( not mine)

The video ended too early... did it hit the back of the Polar Express I wonder?

The back of the Polar Express Observation Car/Train was not hit. I was the faulty engineer enjoying a first run. I forgot my friend had both trains on the same track.

Collisions were always the fun when several friends ran trains. If you are worried about it, don’t run that engine.

1218 was always the switch guy, kept us on our toes…

Picked up my 1218 this afternoon.  I'm quite impressed with it so far.  The sounds, detailing, smoke effects, etc are all impressive as I would expect out of such a model.  My checkbook is hurting but running and studying the locomotive has definitely helped ease that pain a bit.  It's got the feline stamp of approval as well...

The O-72 minimum curve is definitely a necessity as certain detail parts nearly bottom out even on that diameter curvature.  I've noted that mine does not like making left hand turns on O-72 curves as the fireman's side forward running board step comes into contact with the back side of the headlight and pilot handrail.  I assume they're all this way simply based on the attention to detail without cutting corners to make it work.  The right hand running board isn't as long so it isn't an issue when going around a right hand turn.  Obviously larger than O-72 curves would be best for this, I simply don't have room for them in my current living arrangement.

A bit of a "walk around" tour in photos.  Excuse the makeshift apartment dining table photo studio and so-so iPhone photo quality

WoW! Thanks for sharing. The walk around is very impressive. I especially love the shot with the Giant Kitty! 😎 The 611 shot is also pretty special. 😍 I’m guessing that’s the J that came with the set??? The Tuscan color looks correct. 👍🏻

I didn't think I would care for the shiny paint, but from the pictures, I think it's really strikingly beautiful!

It’s all quite subjective of course depending on what you like. Not a fan of shiny black on an engine myself, looks too early-Williams somehow. But its a great looking model in many respects and the cab details are really well done! Enjoy. Thanks for sharing the pictures.

Rod

@Rod Stewart posted:

It’s all quite subjective of course depending on what you like. Not a fan of shiny black on an engine myself, looks too early-Williams somehow.

Rod

But it did happen: https://www.flickr.com/photos/hunter1828/8338953178

On a side note. While too much for my budget,and layout. These look great.

It's nice to see a non U.P. articulated from Lionel.  IMO the A is much more asthetically appealing.

@RickO posted:

But it did happen: https://www.flickr.com/photos/hunter1828/8338953178

Yah I knew that Rick. So it’s all good!

Rod

@N&W 1218 posted:

WoW! Thanks for sharing. The walk around is very impressive. I especially love the shot with the Giant Kitty! 😎 The 611 shot is also pretty special. 😍 I’m guessing that’s the J that came with the set??? The Tuscan color looks correct. 👍🏻

Happy to share!  I noticed that there were several videos out there since they've been getting delivered, but no real detailed still photos.

611 is the old TMCC model with some electronic upgrades.  A very nice model itself.

Any more comments on the deck plate between the engine and tender. The original JLC Y6b had a deck plate that rested on the tender. Looked and functioned great. I’m not seeing that on the videos and still photos. Looks like the deck plate is fixed in 10 degree angle upward.

1. Why would it be fixed?

2. Why in an upward angle?

Still waiting on mine so any help would be appreciated!

You folks that got the glossy finish restoration A, ….are y’all happy with it?..

Pat

The deck plate seems to have limiting nubs cast into the hinge loops that rest against the cab.  I wouldn't recommend bending a casting but a small amount of pressure in the case of mine was enough to get it to sit on the tender deck on level track.  Obviously it still rises up a bit when under way on uneven track, but as close as the cab is to the tender on this one with the kinematic drawbar, I can't say I've noticed it when on the track running.

I like the gloss paint on mine.  It definitely shows fingerprints as one would expect but they wipe off easily with a microfiber cloth.  I'll probably consider putting a pair of nitrile gloves or something along the lines of that into the box for handling it in the future.  My photos seem to exaggerate the texture of the paint with sort of an "orange peel" appearance, however in person I feel like it doesn't look quite so textured.  I took it to the train club this evening and most people seemed to like it for being something different than we're used to.  They weren't painted flat black in real life after all so they were shiny at least once before they got covered in soot and road grime.  Obviously the excursion look of 1218 that Lionel wanted to portray would have generally been clean and shiny as well.

@SantaFe158 posted:

The deck plate seems to have limiting nubs cast into the hinge loops that rest against the cab.  I wouldn't recommend bending a casting but a small amount of pressure in the case of mine was enough to get it to sit on the tender deck on level track.  Obviously it still rises up a bit when under way on uneven track, but as close as the cab is to the tender on this one with the kinematic drawbar, I can't say I've noticed it when on the track running.

I like the gloss paint on mine.  It definitely shows fingerprints as one would expect but they wipe off easily with a microfiber cloth.  I'll probably consider putting a pair of nitrile gloves or something along the lines of that into the box for handling it in the future.  My photos seem to exaggerate the texture of the paint with sort of an "orange peel" appearance, however in person I feel like it doesn't look quite so textured.  I took it to the train club this evening and most people seemed to like it for being something different than we're used to.  They weren't painted flat black in real life after all so they were shiny at least once before they got covered in soot and road grime.  Obviously the excursion look of 1218 that Lionel wanted to portray would have generally been clean and shiny as well.

Hmmm, ….very interesting,….as if you read my mind!…..I’ve been painting for over 35 years, and to this date, I never knew a picture could exaggerate orange peel,…..to death,……orange peel is orange peel, it’s either there, or it ain’t!….I’m very glad you’re happy with your new purchase, cause I’d be livid,……I am well aware of what a newly delivered, or restored locomotive is supposed to look like,…I’m just kinda surprised a multi million dollar manufacturer accepted that kind of finish on such a highly touted, & highly priced model,…..if you’re gonna lay down a gloss finish on a model, it’d better be slick as glass,…..gloss in scale is tough to do!…the slightest orange peel, and the message ain’t conveyed……they got to be slick like an eel,…..this is how it should be done…..the first represents as-delivered Mohawk in triple black lacquer, and the second is excursion J 611 done in gloss urethane to match high gloss Dupont Imron used on the J’s subsequent repaints in modern day …….again, I’m glad you’re glad, and thank you for posting the pictures, ……not knocking your model, it just doesn’t sit well with me, …..I’d be doing a re-shoot,….

Pat