Acela reliability

Most of the problems stem from trying to run a state-of-art set on a small layout.  This set is meant for a very large club-type layout on which you can leave it coupled.  Some complaints come from "members" who OVERPAID for the set originally, resulting in buyers remorse and unfair criticism.

I had the Acela and the best day I had with it was the day I sold it. 

Acela reliability

is an oxymoron for the Lionel model or the real thing. Don't take my word on it here is Jerry Calabrese in the New York Times:-

"So how real is the little QB? Mr. Calabrese answered by telling a story: On Lionel’s version of Amtrak’s Acela, the doors, brakes and pantographs — which connect the train to electrical wires overhead — break down at about the same rate as on the real thing."

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11...n/24lionel.html?_r=0

Scott Smith

I have a set myself, and have nothing but high praise for it. Granted there is a lot of technology involved, and as Ron said it is intended for large layouts, but I still think it is an amazing set.

When it comes to adding new items to a collection, I prioritize the item itself over any reports of it being a potential lemon. For example I also own Lionel's R27 subway set, and despite the issues I had with the door gearboxes jamming (solved via a trip to Lionel), I have no regrets.

-John

My layout is roughly 12 x 18.  All curves are 072.    Would this be too small of a layout?

Joe-

The full length Acela (power unit, six cars, and dummy unit) is 14' long, so I don't think your layout would be too small.

-John

I have got very mixed results from buying the full set (including the add-on cars) in the auction aftermarket where they were advertised as MIB. Many of these sets are offered for sale on that basis, which really means that they have not been tested.

Out of my passenger cars only three operate reliably; I have overcome the difficulties with the powered engine and pantographs. But it's really a shame about the cars that won't work correctly; they are the best detailed passenger cars Lionel has ever made.

With several full scale length cars I think even a 25' x 15' layout is really too small for the full set.

There is a relatively simple way to convert the couplings from infrared connection to wired but in my case I think that the real problems with the cars stem from mechanical issues with the door and tilt mechanisms.

Some people report having no issues with their sets but the majority is the opposite. So it's a prime case of caveat emptor. Consider not taking the plunge.

I think compairing it to Jaguar cars is appropriate...very poor reliability, very high owner loyalty. I'd guess most of the loyalty is either brand loyalty or not wanting to admit throwing a lot of money away.

Actually I will purchase a set one of these days. The main weekness are the draw bars. There are two ways that would eliminate their issues.

Replace the Drawbars with connectors and eliminate the ir sensors,

Replace the drawbars with a rigid brass material and have secondary "catches" that aligns the IRs at all times.

I had an XJS in the mid 80's that was a great car. Never let me down and was a dream to drive. They seemed to get a hand on the problems by then. Can't vouch for them now

If you have S curves and grades on your layout the Acela is not for you.

The 072 curves it will traverse on but the IR's may not read each other all the time.

Does your S curve have a straight transition track in between the curves?  If so, how long is the straight?

Reason is if you must have S curves and minimize any potential stringlining/derailment issues, you want to have a straight section that is at least equal to or greater than the longest car you have.  I don't recall the length of the Acela cars, but if you don't have the aforementioned straight transition track in between the opposing curves and long enough for the Acela cars, then you most likely will encounter operational problems.  The fact that the cars auto-tilt may also require a transition straightaway even longer than the length of a single Acela car.

I may have been lucky but our Acela has been fine. Best advice I was given is it is not a starter set! 

The couplers can be tricky and time consuming to connect. If they are miss aligned it will

cause all sorts of issues. The full set can also be a bit finicky if is not stopped on a straight section of track for door opening etc. 

Once it is on our layout and set up it tends to stay there for a few weeks.

It is great fun to operate and the sounds are great. 

Nick

I see your point but I don't think that the people who commend this model do so simply because they can't face up to making a bad purchase or (perhaps worse) a major design and/or manufacturing foul-up. When I have the parts of my set that work on the rails it's a fine thing to run and I know that there are some people who have full sets that function without mishap. But the odds must be against the OP getting a set that works (a) out of the box and (b) on a small (relative to the size of this train) layout.

For my part I wish that Lionel had not pulled out of issuing a new version of the Acela with newer (subway train) couplers but ditching the tilt function. I put in a pre-order for that but they pulled the plug on producing it. They could still provide value and get some return by offering what are without a doubt some of the best modern passenger cars ever made.

The cars are about 24" long... quite long, and definitely requiring O-72 curves at minimum.

-John

I was pretty angry at Lionel after they promised me a recall to retrofit new couplers on these engines and then decided not to recall them. But I will say the sounds were outstanding and the passenger car details were the best I had ever seen.

Scott Smith

I also had the new version of the Acela on order and was disappointed it wasn't produced.  I had my issues with the original set, but I still think it's the most beautiful model train set EVER produced by anyone.  When it's running on a long straight-away and with those sensational sounds it's a fabulous thing!  If Lionel was to reconsider the newer version I'd order it in a heartbeat!

Pennsylvania Station Wilmington, Delaware