A LOOK INSIDE THE NEW VL NIAGARA

Alex, Thanks for the video on the apron. The key change that is hopefully addressed is the ability of the apron to move above horizontal. With the CC version if the track was uneven or there were sharp transitions in vertical at grades the tender would try to lift up the engine by the apron and the apron would shatter. It appears by giving the mounts some give the apron will pivot above horizontal. Thats the key.

Pete

Pete check this video out 

Thanks again Alex. That should take care of that problem now. 

Clever solution Dave.

Pete

The Hinges look more robust as well. Nice improvements here.

Alex M posted:

 

Erol, Dave Olsen  and I have had this agreement for a while, when a new Lionel engine comes out he sends it to me and i post a thread like this. It's a great thing this way everyone can get a look inside.

 

 

Thanks, Alex

I was thinking as I was watching the videos how great a sales tool this is. Thanks for doing this, the excellent videos are really interesting to watch.

cjack posted:

I was thinking as I was watching the videos how great a sales tool this is. 

Exactly. I wonder how many more sales could have been made if people knew ahead of time what this engine would be rather than just hoping for the best with BTO?

Pete

Thanks for the info and video of the tender apron improvements Alex; you've allayed my last fear...

Alex - thank you so much for sharing.  This engine, by all accounts; looks to be the real deal!!

So happy I ordered that specific version - such a stunning piece.  

Michael

cjack posted:

Alex M posted:

 

Erol, Dave Olsen  and I have had this agreement for a while, when a new Lionel engine comes out he sends it to me and i post a thread like this. It's a great thing this way everyone can get a look inside.

 

 

Thanks, Alex

I was thinking as I was watching the videos how great a sales tool this is. Thanks for doing this, the excellent videos are really interesting to watch.

Hi Chuck, thank you for the kinds words, It became a great thing. I've always said everyone knows what the outside looks like, and it's great that they can see what's on the inside.

D&H 65 , My pleasure.

Mike, My pleasure you're going to love this engine when you get it . It's a gem !

Thanks, Alex

 If I may add some more thoughts,

 It is especially good press, as the last (Club?) Niagara had issues and forced some owners to go inside. I think it helps reassure people to see that it's not that big of a deal to go in there as long as we're careful. It's even better when guidance shows how to fix issues. Even if it just shows what a repair station had to fix.

 This takes it a step further (along with other of Alex's videos) to show the engineering that went into creating the latest effects. I'd have to believe it will help sales and demand. There were initially, a lot of bad posts over the pricing. There's always sticker shock and trouble with new price increases. This video helps with the understanding behind the new designs. I believe we will see how the quality holds up. I like to see state of the art designs moving the hobby and especially O scale forward. I am again impressed with the design of this, and the Acela.

 I'll have to come back and re-read this to make sure I got the point across correctly. 

Joe, this post that Alex did should put people at ease.  Last October when this engine was first shown, I talked to Dave and found out what the electronics package was and I was thrilled.  Alex showed what it has to confirm.  I had my order in for two of them with Charlie before we left York.   The test of a good engine is by the number that may come in for repair with an issue.   I have high hopes for this one.  All the recent high engine releases by Lionel with the RCMC system sit very well with those  who see these for repair.

That is very cool! Very happy I have one on order. Awesome videos, Alex. I did notice that the safety valves seem very quiet, aren't they supposed to make a hissing noise synchronized with the steam effect? Maybe the volume is just turned down on the sample or something, I can't tell. The rest of the sounds are perfect! All in all, I'm super excited for these!

Hi Alex, fast forward to October, 2018.  My Niagara showed up and runs great so far.  Noticed that yours had dabs of grease on the drive gear.  I saw that mine was completely dry and lubed it with Red and Tacky.  Current question is should one lube the drive gear?

RickM46 posted:

Hi Alex, fast forward to October, 2018.  My Niagara showed up and runs great so far.  Noticed that yours had dabs of grease on the drive gear.  I saw that mine was completely dry and lubed it with Red and Tacky.  Current question is should one lube the drive gear?

Hi Rick,

Yes i would grease the main gear since they are brass.

Alex

Thanks Alex!  I will leave the red and tacky on it.