A Tale of Two 1225 Berkshires

The Gold Edition needs to be seen in person.  People don't realize how nice it really is until you see it in real life, pictures don't seem to do it justice.  It is a real show stopper.

Hi Brian,  they look like perfect engines for your Christmas layout.  I suspect Rob is right about seeing the gold engine in person.  All the best,  

The locomotives and passenger cars are phenomenal.  Thanks for the photo; and, it appears the layout is coming along beautifully.

These two beauties must look amazing running together.  Enjoy them!

Absolutely gorgeous!!!!!

Peter

I completely agree...well stated.  It is a must see for sure if you haven't yet. 

There was a lot of discussion when Lionel showed the Gold Edition at the York Meet this past October. Most were very impressed with the appearance, but some were put off that is was not plated. Given the price point, Lionel did an awesome job in giving us a product that looks superb with all of the details on the engine seem to pop out at you.

I agree, you have to see this engine to appreciate it's beauty. I know one thing, it sure draws your attention with the beautiful gold coaches in tow.

Two beauties.

Congrats, Enjoy these two beauties....

The Berkshire design just lends itself to almost anything...I am very tempted to get the Legacy PM 1225 with whistle steam.

That 2010 PM berk is still one of best in the Legacy sounds dept. IMO it almost rivals the VL stuff due to the fact all of the 2010 PM berks sounds came directly from the prototype, right down to the "swishing sound" of the bell lanyard.

Other locos may share a bell of have a " universal/generic" chuff, not the "first generation PM berks however. This includes the original from 2008 of course.

I believe the recent whistle steam berks outside of the whistle sound, fall just a bit short...IMO.

Brian,

    Great stuff, 2 beauties no doubt about it, have not seen the Gold in person yet, looking forward to actually seeing it on the tracks some time.

PCRR/Dave

Sam,  only MTH has the capability of downloading sound files into a locomotive

Brian, your Christmas Layout is forming up to be really wonderful!

Although the Hudson is still my singularly favorite steamer, the Berkshire is right up there with its brutish good looks and powerful stance on the rails. We have the Legacy C&O version and the sounds are terrific. Great performer and super detailed.

I don't believe so. If I'm correct the newer legacy stuff  i.e. vl hudson onward, has different electronics.

Having said that another ( expensive) option would be to track down a tender from the 2010 version.  These locos and tender were sold seperately so folks could pick the PM or PE lettered tender, or both.

The tenders come up on then "auction site" occasionally and if you look there may be a dealer or two that still has one available. I'm aware of 1 dealer that still has the PM tender.

It will work with the new loco, but you have to remount the infra red wire under the drawbar. I believe a forum member did this if you search, it wasn't a big deal.

Sorry to side track a little...

RickO, will the whistle steam effect work too if I do what you suggested?

Yes,  only sounds are in the tender. The loco sends the "sound info" via the infra red connection. 

I found the drawbar mod thread, this should answer all of your questions: PE Tender with Whistle steam PM

I also have the first Legacy 1225, and it has been a real workhorse for me running in both in the PM and PE markings.

I wish I could have managed the gold edition, but I opted for the new black edition so I could run a double-headed Polar Express.

Andy

Ok guys, thx. I see the infra red mod, very easy...

Thank you Passenger Train Collector, I may be hooked on getting a Berk with the older tender....Oh no!!

Any one want there dishes cleaned, I need some extra cash

Very nice BRIAN, you have two GREAT engines for a beautiful layout.

Thanks Laz, when you build a layout dedicated to a particular story line, It limits you in terms of what is appropriate to run. The 10th Universal Gold Edition Berkshire pushed us over the line to do this project. With two versions of the PE train, it opened the door to a more interesting layout with the capability of two trains each dedicated to the Polar Express story.

Aside from that fact, these engines are two of the nicest out of Lionel and just plain fun to run.