American Flyer Legacy Berk production photos

Don't they know they're supposed to wave them around from 20 feet away against a black backdrop???

Actually, looks pretty good so far.

Rusty

Thank you for the link, Chuck.

Well, there is a new boiler casting and the tender casting now has a recess to place a 'real' coal load. They did not do a very good job of eliminating the parting lines in the boiler casting before painting.  My big concern continues to be in operations and final execution. Lionel has a history with Flyer of getting things right in the second production run. I'd be much more comfortable seeing a video with sound of an advanced near complete sample in operation.

Wait and see for me.

Respectfully,

Bob

Do you have some way of showing those photos other than on Facebook?  I don't do that stuff.

@poniaj posted:

Do you have some way of showing those photos other than on Facebook?  I don't do that stuff.

Just a reminder:  The American Flyer Facebook page allows one to view without joining.  You just can't comment or otherwise participate.

I'm not on FB and was able to view the photos.

Rusty

@Rusty Traque posted:

Just a reminder:  The American Flyer Facebook page allows one to view without joining.  You just can't comment or otherwise participate.

I'm not on FB and was able to view the photos.

Rusty

Really?  My browser (or FaceCrap) wouldn't allow me to see more than 1 second before it informed me that I needed to be on FaceCrap. 

Chuck,

Thanks for posting the photos!  It's more than I would ever expect from Lionel.  I'd prbably get one when (and if) it comes out, but it will more than likely come with more electornics than I'd want.

@poniaj posted:

Really?  My browser (or FaceCrap) wouldn't allow me to see more than 1 second before it informed me that I needed to be on FaceCrap. 

Chuck,

Thanks for posting the photos!  It's more than I would ever expect from Lionel.  I'd prbably get one when (and if) it comes out, but it will more than likely come with more electornics than I'd want.

I'm using Firefox and it works just fine.  When the Pop-Up shows itself, just click on the "Not Now" at the bottom of to Pop-Up, it retreats and you can scroll around.  It may pop again if you spend a lot of time there:

Some groups, like the S Scale FB Group have disabled this feature.

Rusty

Well, some of us are on dial-up, and Facebook and dial-up do not play together, not even "well," so these posted photos are greatly appreciated. Yes, I even have a facebook account from the days before they "upgraded" their system some year ago and left dial-up behind. Broadband is not yet everywhere, yet we are definitely treated as second-class folks! Supposedly they are putting in some fiber optic cables in this area so I should be able to have broadband in a few months. . . ??? 37k "speed" is getting very old here.

Sometimes I wish I could live where dial up was the only option.

Brendan  

Rusty,

I tried your suggestion but it still either asked me to sign in or create an account in the next window.  I was able to see 4 photos, and finally got past it by clicking on the +5 thumbnail.  Thanks.  However, I"m still not signing up for FB. 

Well, the doubters were wrong.  Lionel is really going to produce this engine.  I can't wait for the one I ordered from Charles Ro.

Looks like a real beauty.

Good going Flyonel!

Good.  Now they can concentrate on the tooling for the next most popular loco, the BL2.

Brendan

With six of the flyer Chief Berkshires (3 @ Lionel for repairs and 2 waiting for return authorizations) I am not buying any more unless they have improved the drive train QUALITY ! The engines do make good door stops thogh.

Gunny

I have two on order. I hope there are a lot of separately applied parts.

Gunny, sorry to hear about your non working Berkshires. I bought a first run edition and ran it for three months with no issues. When Lionel originally cancelled the Legacy Berks I had the FlyerChief version converted to TMCC. It is a daily runner on the layout, so far no issues.

What has failed and is it the same item(s) for all of them?

@AmFlyer posted:

I have two on order. I hope there are a lot of separately applied parts.

 

Lionel's CAD drawings, which they've published here about 1-1/2 years ago, should give you an idea of what is separately applied.

The production photos seem to be pretty faithful to the CAD drawings from what I can tell.

Rusty

 

Ukaflyer,

The following is a list of failures

Erie-Returned twice both times for board failure

Southern Returned twice first for board failure second time it quit and they sent a different one

Southern The one they sent broke off a connecting rod screw after 1 hours running. I have yet to call for a return authorization because of the shut down.

NKP Front pilot broke

Polar express smoke unit and board failure

NKP #2 board failure

All the engines EAT traction tires after a few hours running on Fastrack or S helper track. The quality is not in these engines.

I will be buying any new engines from AMERICA MODELS. I have five from Ron and they all are flawless and they have been test run before they ship them to you with a lifetime warranty.

Gunny

Thanks Rusty. If they build the Berkshires to those CAD drawings they will be fantastic looking. I had forgotten about those drawings.

@Brendan posted:

Good.  Now they can concentrate on the tooling for the next most popular loco, the BL2.

Brendan

You mean, like this one? 

Serious or not, it would be cool.  But there's not a lot of room inside for Lionel's high end electronics that a lot of guys want.   BTW, this one is my Bill's Train House kit I assembled in 2004.  With an all but bullet proof AM drive mechanism,  it's still running great.  I can even swap in a set of scale wheels for operation on a scale layout.  The only electronics inside is a Dalee reverse unit for AC use and a DPDT switch to allow DC operation if desired.

Still,  I can't deny that the Berk looks pretty good...

@poniaj posted:

You mean, like this one? 

Serious or not, it would be cool.  But there's not a lot of room inside for Lionel's high end electronics that a lot of guys want.   BTW, this one is my Bill's Train House kit I assembled in 2004.  With an all but bullet proof AM drive mechanism,  it's still running great.  I can even swap in a set of scale wheels for operation on a scale layout.  The only electronics inside is a Dalee reverse unit for AC use and a DPDT switch to allow DC operation if desired.

Still,  I can't deny that the Berk looks pretty good...

BL2's are definitely cool, but Lionel doesn't have one in O, so you won't see it in Flyer.

Let's see the Legacy Berk delivered before we start fantasizing about what Lionel's not going to make next. 

Rusty

This is what Lionel should make!

A modified Gilbert 0-8-0
See video and details at:
http://tuveson.com/Custom-0-8-0/0-8-0.htm

 

Carl

Carl, I agree, it is fantastic!!! Lionel will likely not make one, but if you are up for doing another one you have a customer.

@Rusty Traque posted:

BL2's are definitely cool, but Lionel doesn't have one in O, so you won't see it in Flyer.

Let's see the Legacy Berk delivered before we start fantasizing about what Lionel's not going to make next. 

Rusty

Nice BL2, Jerry.  Your paint skills?  I say it tongue in cheek, but I do love me some BL2.  I have the BTS version, but still need it painted in Monon livery.  My serious wish list would start with an SD40-2.  

Brendan

@Brendan posted:

  My serious wish list would start with an SD40-2.  

Brendan

S Folks have been asking/begging/pleading for an SD40 or SD40-2 ever since Lionel backed out of making one in 1998.

While Overland imported brass ones in the late 80's early 90's, pre-owned 25+ year old brass is not what most folks are looking for today.

Rusty

It would seem like a no-brainer but I am not a Lionel or American Models bean counter.

Brendan

Well, I'd go for any one of these three. Note recognition of the photographer for the 4449 & 25 pic.  The 1727 photographer is unknown, taken in 1956 at Dunsmuir. I think 4449 would sell like hotcakes, or even like flapjacks.

@Brendan posted:

Nice BL2, Jerry.  Your paint skills?  I say it tongue in cheek, but I do love me some BL2.  I have the BTS version, but still need it painted in Monon livery.  My serious wish list would start with an SD40-2.  

Brendan

Brendan,

Thanks.  I did the painting myself and also had to have the C&O script custom made.  Stripes are stripes.  And as soon as I was finished with mine, commercial decals were made available.  Story of my modeling life.  I also did a few other C&O BL-2s for other guys, but am out of the custom painting business.  It wasn't worth my time since I wasn't getting any of my own projects done. 

I wanted to answer off list, but couldn't find an email address for you.  Sorry, rest of the list....

I thought it was visible.  Too late for this topic but now fixed.

Brendan

I downloaded the product manual for the Legacy Berk and read through it looking for mention of the Kadee coupler compatibility that was originally to be included. I couldn't finds any reference in text or on the diagrams. I have a feeling this feature will not make it to production which will be very disappointing. 

Had Lionel offered the legacy SD40-2 in S I would most likely still be there in S with you all.  It was my most wanted locomotive.  I have many in O now.  I can’t resist them.  I spend a pretty good amount of disposable income every year on trains, and I wanted it to go to S, now it’s just a bit of a dabble in the S waters for me.  Oh....if only the S gauge/scale SD40-2 would have come true.  

Ben

@jonnyspeed posted:

I downloaded the product manual for the Legacy Berk and read through it looking for mention of the Kadee coupler compatibility that was originally to be included. I couldn't finds any reference in text or on the diagrams. I have a feeling this feature will not make it to production which will be very disappointing. 

Kadee mounting holes or bracket are not listed in the catalog feature sidebar, either.  Nor was it listed in the 2018 V1 catalog.

Rusty

I sure hope that's not true. We were specifically told on this forum by Lionel that these would have Kadee mounting pads.

@Chuck K posted:

I sure hope that's not true. We were specifically told on this forum by Lionel that these would have Kadee mounting pads.

You are right, Chuck.  Here's the quote from the thread:

"Now onto the tender:

The tender has many separately applied grab irons. There are also separate steps, ladder, and coupler cut bar. There's a working backup light. The hatches on the tender deck do not open; the volume pot will be accessible from the bottom. The bottom has the track IR and a few separate details. It will have mounting for a scale coupler. Lastly, it'll have a separate coal load like the O Scale steamer."

The thread is at https://ogrforum.com/...ire-information-2018

Thanks, Mike A.

@Chuck K posted:

https://www.facebook.com/47655...ts/3295879517126384/

Looks awesome!

I will be buying one.

Thank You!

 

 

@Roundhouse Bill posted:

Well, the doubters were wrong.  Lionel is really going to produce this engine.  I can't wait for the one I ordered from Charles Ro.

Me too!

@Chuck K posted:

In an earlier "Dave and Ryan" video, Dave Olson mentioned that the Legacy Berkshire had Mars light that would light/fade/light/fade in a simulation of an oscillating light. The 2018 and 2020 catalogues show that only the American Railroads #759 has the Mars light, but the Nickel Plate #765 did have such a light for a good portion of its life. The restored version today no longer has the light. However, there have been a few Lionel O gauge Nickel Plate #765 releases that did include the light and a number that have not. I'm hoping that the American Flyer version of the Nickel Plate does include the light in addition to the American Railroads #759 and that Dave was not referring to just one of the Berkshire offerings. I remember the NKP Berkshires running near my house with both of those massive lights ablaze.

@TOKELLY posted:

In an earlier "Dave and Ryan" video, Dave Olson mentioned that the Legacy Berkshire had Mars light that would light/fade/light/fade in a simulation of an oscillating light. The 2018 and 2020 catalogues show that only the American Railroads #759 has the Mars light, but the Nickel Plate #765 did have such a light for a good portion of its life. The restored version today no longer has the light.

The prototype 765 currently does have it's Mars light.  As I recall, it was reinstalled in 2016.

Here she is on the Joliet Rocket in 2018:

Rusty

Around 2014 Lionel offered an O gauge Nickel Plate Berkshire that came with the single headlight installed and a second boiler front with the Mars light installed. It required some tricky "surgery" to remove the boiler front, remove the headlight, insert the headlight into the second boiler front, reinstall the Mars light boiler front, and connect/reconnect the wires tucked into the boiler. Lionel was supposed to explain how this was done, but Eric's Trains posted a Youtube video showing how do do it properly. Eric's Trains Mars Light Installation

I doubt the S gauge version would include a second boiler face, so I'm hopeful that Dave Olson was referring to a Nickel Plate #765 complete with the warning light. That light made quite an impression on a 10-year old kid when those locomotives were running at night--especially on a foggy night.

A/F Legacy Berkshire owner's manual is on Lionel support page. 

That is a wonderful sign that production is underway.  Is there a shipping date on the Lionel website?

Here's the link for those interested.

Rusty

Any update from Dave on the apparently missing Kadee mounting pads? Wonder what other changes were made? I was told a year ago by a knowledgeable member of the NASG that there were several changes made and we would not be getting the model as previously described by Dave. Time will tell I guess as they are supposed to ship in Sept. Anyone want to buy my Erie if it doesn't live up to the original billing?

Thanks for the link Rusty. The manual did not come up when searched using the catalog numbers.

The only thing I noticed was that the master volume and the PGM/RUN controls are not under topside hatches, they are back underneath the trucks making them impossible to use while on the track.

@jonnyspeed posted:

Any update from Dave on the apparently missing Kadee mounting pads?

No mention of them in the manual. The other locos that have them addressed them in the manuals. Not a good sign.  I guess I need to be prepared to customize mine for a scale coupler like I did to my Y-3.

I just heard from Charles Ro.  They have my Legacy Berk and are in the process of shipping it.

Be still my heart!

I hope you have better luck with yours then I am having with my six Flyerchief versions! I just got three back from Lionel (sent back in February) two work fine the third has a loose pilot wheel axle.

They had to replace a complete frame on one and trailng truck assemblys on two. The three all required new boards. I hope my American Models pacific engines come in soon.

Gunny

@Chuck K posted:

I just heard from Charles Ro.  They have my Legacy Berk and are in the process of shipping it.

Good news. Please let us know how it looks and runs when you are able. Thanks.

Bob

I just spoke to Charles Ro, and the person who answered the phone told me that the Berkshires have not come in yet. It may be that this pertains to only the Nickel Plate version that I ordered and not to others. Lionel's shipping schedule shows September as the ship date for the Legacy Berkshires.

 

@Bob Bubeck posted:

Good news. Please let us know how it looks and runs when you are able. Thanks.

Bob

That means I should be hearing from my LHS in a coupla weeks (seems like he's at the bottom of Lionel's distributor shipping totem pole...)  Good thing I haven't packed away my TMCC/DCS system yet.  Let's see now, got a section of AM flex floating around here somewheres...

Rusty

Great news Chuck, hope we all hear from Charles Ro soon.

Aflyer

Hey guys!

Lionel is showing some of the Legacy berkshires in stock! I see 6-44128, 6-44126, 6-44124 and 6-44123 listed on their online store. I guess we should be receiving them soon.

I spoke with Butch at Charles Ro and he told me my Erie Berk was scheduled to ship on 9/15.

@Chuck K posted:

I just heard from Charles Ro.  They have my Legacy Berk and are in the process of shipping it.

Any update Chuck?

Any one get one?

Gunny

I'm still waiting, haven't received a shipping notice yet.

Rich

I called the Concord mall store last week and he told me he could have RP&P Legacy Birk in the store in 4 days if wanted to order it. (They were in the warehouse located at a different location.)  Since I had order one thru the Rail yard in Roanoke VA.  I decided to wait and get it thru the Rail Road.............I,m still waiting..#$@%$#@

 

I have not heard anything from Charles Ro on my Legacy NKP Berkshire.  

But my Credit Card has not been charged either.

I wonder why Lionel would make multiple shipments to Charles Ro?

Aflyer

I have not seen anything yet from Charles Ro. No activity on my CC.

FYI Contacted Charles Ro

Customer9/15/2020 11:24:53 AM	Hi, Hoping for and update on the American flyer Berkshire that I ordered Thanks very much
Staff (CUSTOMER SERVICE)9/16/2020 9:42:14 AM	coming in on our next truck, which should be here next week

It's always the "next" truck

Brendan

Exactly Brendan. A bird in the hand...

 Charles Ro activity on my CC for Legacy Berk order.

Charles Ro lists them as in stock

Activity on my CC too. Erie Berk here you come!!!! :-)

Charles Ro charged my card and says it is shipped!!!!

All those doubters out there that this would ever be produced better get theirs ordered.  I can't wait to run it.  

The C&O arrives tomorrow!

Just got notice from Ro and hour ago.  No shipping info, though.  Hopefully it will be on par with the Mikado and Pacific from a few years back.

Brendan

Just got an updated invoice notice. My NKP will be on the way soon.

Rich

I feel like Ron Howard in "The Music Man" when the Wells Fargo wagon comes to River City !

Mine has shipped too and is expected to arrive Thurs.

I hope someone, on this thread, will do a review of these Berks.

Steve

So Kids(😉), Who will be the first to post pictures, videos, a review, Or all three, of the new S Scale/gauge Lionel American Flyer Legacy Berkshire steam Engine? The dream comes True!!

This has to be one of the most anticipated S .gauge releases ever, especially since the demise of MTH(S Helper/Showcase Line)! Now we can only cross our cumulative fingers And hope it is a signal of things to come(listen up American Models) and Not the sunsetting on S gauge......  🤞🤞🤞

Laurin

 

I got the American Railroads engine with the blue tender.  It is to arrive Thursday according to its tracking information.  I will run it as soon as it gets here.

be sure and post pictures

I think we should not post photos or do reviews so these lookers will go ahead and buy the Berk.  We should keep the good news to ourselves.

OH, I have an NP Legacy Berk on order and anxiously awaiting to see it, feel it and make sure it is real just like the rest of us Kids.... Just wanna see others pictures or vids or remarks. Its almost like having Christmas early, you want to compare yours with Theirs.... 

Laurin

 

The C&O arrived. I'm definitely disappointed with the location of the headlight based on the original Dave Olson drawings but the rest seems well done at first glance. Can't run it at the moment.

@FlyerRich posted:

The C&O arrived. I'm definitely disappointed with the location of the headlight based on the original Dave Olson drawings but the rest seems well done at first glance. Can't run it at the moment.

Probably because the 2697 was an ex-Pere Marquette locomotive and I don't believe the C&O lowered the headlights on the ex-PM 2-8-4's.  I think this was brought up when the CAD drawings were first published.

It'll be interesting to see if the NKP 765 version gets the Mars light like the AR 759 is supposed to have.

Rusty

 

Well now that you mention it Rusty, I feel better now since it matches the photo in this link:

http://www.rypn.org/forums/vie....php?f=1&t=24542

Yeah ! Lionel is really building these ! Thanks for posting the real-life photos ! Be sure to let us know how it runs ! (This made my day... still waiting on the NKP version)

That turned out pretty decent. That's not a bad example of an AMC Berk at all. Comparing the model to the photos of the real C&O 2697 looks like they got most of the main features correct or really close. I think it passes the "good enough" eyeball test. 

Can you flip the tender over and take a photo of the coupler area please? Wondering if they did the Kadee mounting pad or not.  Hopefully it has the NKP 765 RailSounds file with 4 chuffs per rev.

Patiently waiting on my Erie and NKP to be delivered.

Thanks.

I do wish Lionel would find their can of graphite paint instead of the tarpon(?) gray they're currently using on the smokebox and firebox, though.  Well, that's what airbrushes are for...

Rusty

@jonnyspeed posted:

Can you flip the tender over and take a photo of the coupler area please? Wondering if they did the Kadee mounting pad or not.  Hopefully it has the NKP 765 RailSounds file with 4 chuffs per rev.

 

Thanks FlyerRich. The rear of the tender looks great. Unfortunately, those holes are not for a coupler box as promised by Lionel on this Forum. Looks like I'll be modifying mine like I did to my Flyonel Y-3.

@Chuck K posted:

Unfortunately, those holes are not for a coupler box as promised by Lionel on this Forum. Looks like I'll be modifying mine like I did to my Flyonel Y-3.

These came with the metal bracket and screws for attaching the scale coupler. Highlighted in green. The mounting holes are seen in the die-cast part of the rear of the tender.

@Rusty Traque posted:

Probably because the 2697 was an ex-Pere Marquette locomotive and I don't believe the C&O lowered the headlights on the ex-PM 2-8-4's.  I think this was brought up when the CAD drawings were first published.

 

Correct. The C&O is supposed to have the center headlight.

@Dave Olson posted:

These came with the metal bracket and screws for attaching the scale coupler. Highlighted in green. The mounting holes are seen in the die-cast part of the rear of the tender.

Sorry Dave.  I should have waited until I received mine.  After I ordered mine, I became aware that this feature was not listed in the catalogue, and so I have been anticipating that these would come without scale coupler adaptability.  I am delighted to see that the catalogue was wrong and the originally promised adaptability is there.

@Dave Olson posted:

These came with the metal bracket and screws for attaching the scale coupler. Highlighted in green. The mounting holes are seen in the die-cast part of the rear of the tender.

Credit where credit is due... Thanks for following through Dave. This model turned out better than expected. I have two on order and I think I might add a couple more. Is it too early to talk about the next Legacy scale model? After seeing this model, I say bring it on!

I also have two on order. Looks like a great engine.

Got mine today. The detail difference is as expected. A few comparison pics.

A lot of added detail in the pilot.

Coal and rivet detail in addition to wire handrails.

A nice job by Lionel, can't wait to run it in the future.

Rich

Still waiting for my shipping info. Card has a pending charge. No word yet on shipping... sigh lol

@richabr posted:

Got mine today.

 

 

A lot of added detail in the pilot.

Rich

Well, that answers my question about a Mars light on the 765 version.  At least Lionel added the proper NKP slatted pilot.  It wasn't too clear about the pilot when the Berks were announced.

Looks good, though.  Waiting for mine to show up at my LHS.

Rusty

The only thing I don't quite get is why the shiny handrails? Pretty sure they should be black. Easy fix though so not a big deal.

@jonnyspeed posted:

The only thing I don't quite get is why the shiny handrails? Pretty sure they should be black. Easy fix though so not a big deal.

I had the same thought. The other feature that would have been useful is an extendable (kinematic) drawbar like the one on the Y3. Given features and appearance, it would appear that the Y3 remains the best AF steam engine ever done by Lionel.  However, the Legacy Berk is less costly. Someone should post about the Berk's performance - how well it runs and sounds. I have a Nickle Plate Road 765 coming and, like many of you, am looking forward to receiving and operating it.

Enjoy!

Bob

@Bob Bubeck posted:

I had the same thought. The other feature that would have been useful is an extendable drawbar like the one on the Y3. Given features and appearance, it would appear that the Y3 remains the best AF steam engine ever done by Lionel.  However, the Legacy Berk is less costly. Someone should post about the Berk's performance - how well it runs and sounds. I have a Nickle Plate Road 765 coming and, like many of you, am looking forward to receiving and operating it.

Enjoy!

Bob

I should have mine by Fri or Sat. If nobody else has posted a video by then I'll shoot one and post it.

@richabr posted:

Got mine today. The detail difference is as expected. A few comparison pics.

A lot of added detail in the pilot.

Coal and rivet detail in addition to wire handrails.

A nice job by Lionel, can't wait to run it in the future.

Rich

A stark contrast for sure.  Delighted to see that the Legacy brand is being upheld by the detail on this one.