263E Boys Set vs Baby Blue Comet

Steve, 

I must say that you're correct in every way. Maybe it should spend a week in the "Detail Shop". Would it help? One things for certain....It sure wouldn't hurt the poor thing.

I noticed the boys train has that teatherless draw bar. I don't particularly like that set up. anybody else have an opinion??

I purchased the standard gauge baby blue comet set with the new teatherless draw bar and had trouble with it right out of the box. It seems a little fussy and tender(no pun intended)

If you want all the bells and whistles, you get the tether-less draw bar.  I am not a big fan.  I also have the standard gauge baby blue comet set.  While it looks better, I don't think the tether-less draw bar will hold up to a lot of connecting and disconnecting of the tender to the loco.  I am not a big fan of the electronics in general, and I go conventional whenever I can.  With the electronics, it is not a question of if they will fail, but when?

Jeff Davis

I agree.  The the two-tone locomotive in the rear is more pleasing to my eye.  In tinplate, much of the appeal is the color.  Kind of reminds me of the two-tone color combinations of 1950's automobiles.

As for the wireless tethers, I like the fact that many standard gauge locomotives have all electronics and speakers in the same unit.  Nothing in the tender, which is better IMHO.  For O gauge steamers, Lionel hit a home run when they developed the infrared tether.

Several months back I bought the separate sale version with PS3. I am not a big fan of the drawbar tether but I like to have all of the gizmos. Here is the 2 tone that I have and I think this is a pleasing combination.