6-8307

That is the number. Southern Pacific Daylight, based on the N&W J.

Jon

daylight gs-4

As mentioned, this is the Southern Pacific GS-4 from ~1983 (near the end of the MPC era) and is based upon the Postwar "J" locomotive. The "J" locomotive shares the same universal motor and drive train with the 736 Berkshire. The universal motor is generally known as the "Pulmor" motor. It also has magnetraction in which the wheels are magnetized to aid in traction. The locomotive has a mechanical E-Unit which cycles through forward-neutral-reverse. The locomotive is cast metal whereas the tender shell is plastic with metal chassis and cast metal trucks. The locomotive also has smoke and the "mighty sound of steam" chug sound and whistle. The asking price for this chooch was once as high as $2000 but has since fallen back to Earth. The decoration is way beyond what could be achieved in the Postwar era.

My opinion is that it is a very good locomotive and tender that is very well painted and mechanically well built. Of note is that the skirting is held in place by plastic rivets.  Lionel in the LTI era made a similar locomotive with a new boiler front which changed it to a GS-2 and the item number of that is 6-18007. The 6-18007 has the skirting but production techniques improved so the skirting is not held in place with plastic rivets. Lionel made the GS-4 once more as 6-18071 with full command control and die cast metal tender.

One item to keep in mind is the PCB in the tender of 6-8307 is kept in place with a foam pad. Often, the foam pad has deteriorated. Thus, before power up, it is best to replace the foam pad or at least make sure it has not deteriorated. Also, keep in mind that 6-8307 was produced 40 years ago, and while it was state of the art when produced, it is going to be more "primitive" in terms of features than today's offerings.

I am very happy with mine. They look very stunning once you get the matching passenger cars.