Any Comments on the Lionel 6-82806 Union Pacific FEF-3

Here is my #838 running. Same sounds and paint scheme, just different road # than the one you are looking at. Its one of my favorites. Excellent sound and great smoker if you load it up with enough fluid. 

I have the 844, and as stated it's a great engine.  The details are very good and it's a great runner, the sounds are excellent.  

N&W Class J posted:

I have the 844, and as stated it's a great engine.  The details are very good and it's a great runner, the sounds are excellent.  

I have the same engine and agree comments above. If you search the forum you will find other threads with more detailed comment. One important thing may be that these models don't seem to be plagued with the difficulties recently reported for Alleghenies and some other newly released Lionel engines. Compared with the original Legacy release of the FEF3 back in 2008 the sound is better, Mars hazard light operation is different but same tooling and finish (both nice) except for the blackened side rods.

I never understood why they put the Big Boy whistle on the FEF 3 re-release?

I like the older version whistle better.  But if I had the money, I would have purchased a 8444... and repainted it... The smoke box silver hurts my eyes.

J Daddy posted:

I never understood why they put the Big Boy whistle on the FEF 3 re-release?

Probably because the "big three" of steam locomotives on the Union Pacific (4000 class, 3900 class, and 800 class) ALL carried the exact same Manning-Maxwell & Moore (Hancock) deep "steam boat type" whistles. Thus, the FEF-s models SHOULD sound just like the "Big Boy" models, as well as the "Challenger" models.

Hancock52 posted:

N&W Class J posted:

I have the 844, and as stated it's a great engine.  The details are very good and it's a great runner, the sounds are excellent.  

I have the same engine and agree comments above. If you search the forum you will find other threads with more detailed comment. One important thing may be that these models don't seem to be plagued with the difficulties recently reported for Alleghenies and some other newly released Lionel engines. Compared with the original Legacy release of the FEF3 back in 2008 the sound is better, Mars hazard light operation is different but same tooling and finish (both nice) except for the blackened side rods.

While I still very much prefer my 2008 FEF....for a number of reasons....there has been little to no drama at all in regards to the performance of this year's batch of FEFs.  They're definitely "runners".....just like the 2008 run.  No doubt about it.

If you don't already have a Lionel FEF, find one at a good price and enjoy the h*ll out of it.

Hot Water posted:

J Daddy posted:

I never understood why they put the Big Boy whistle on the FEF 3 re-release?

Probably because the "big three" of steam locomotives on the Union Pacific (4000 class, 3900 class, and 800 class) ALL carried the exact same Manning-Maxwell & Moore (Hancock) deep "steam boat type" whistles. Thus, the FEF-s models SHOULD sound just like the "Big Boy" models, as well as the "Challenger" models.

 

Interesting, than why does my earlier released FEF whistle sound better?

I have the new 844 and love it. It actually worked out of the box! Smokes great and has whistle steam and the red emergency light works

correctly. You will notice the real 844 after being rebuilt does not have the red light anymore. I had the previous version from 2008 and just sold it on ebay(someone got a great deal for $925.00). If you don't need whistle steam the 2008 version is a steal and looks just as good as the new version only difference is the headlight is not LED on the older version and the emergency light blinks when stopped. Also the 2008 version whistle sounds better and closer to the real thing.  Both version are some of Lionel's best!!  Cheers Don

You can't go wrong...

Recommend a search: a similar question was asked before. Lots of great info was discussed in the thread.

J Daddy posted:

Hot Water posted:

J Daddy posted:

I never understood why they put the Big Boy whistle on the FEF 3 re-release?

Probably because the "big three" of steam locomotives on the Union Pacific (4000 class, 3900 class, and 800 class) ALL carried the exact same Manning-Maxwell & Moore (Hancock) deep "steam boat type" whistles. Thus, the FEF-s models SHOULD sound just like the "Big Boy" models, as well as the "Challenger" models.

 

Interesting, than why does my earlier released FEF whistle sound better?

Sound "better" than what? As far as I remember, the Lionel sound folks went out and recorded 844, prior to the release of that first issue of the FEF-3. Since that early/original model of 844 is VERY correct for my modeling time frame, i.e. it was NOT modeled exactly as the excursion 844, that model fits in perfectly with other UP steam locomotive models for the early thru mid 1950s time frame.

I placed my online order today with the Brooklyn dealer and am looking forward to its delivery. 

Many thanks to the fellas above who took the time to answer my questions.  I did search the forum for other info on the FEF and got good info there too.  Regarding the FEF, saw some great articles on that ever popular subject 'How much smoke fluid is enough'.  That reminded me of what an art that is. 

 I already have my Christmas layout down on the living room floor with 2 tracks: one for the Pere Marquette and one for the Birney trolley.

Merry Christmas!!!

J Daddy posted:

Interesting, than why does my earlier released FEF whistle sound better?      

Actually if you compare lionels whistles to the real 844 the newest version sounds much better.

The first run  legacy 844 sounds nothing like the real locomotive except for the one video on YouTube where the whistle is frozen due to sub zero temperatures. The tone is flat and has no "chime" to it.

Im pretty sure the smoke issue was discussed a few months ago when these were delivered Rick. There were tons of photos and videos and I did shots of the new and the old FEFs. We have the new 8444 & 844 as well as the 844 from 2008. Mine all smoke the same but everyone knows I use "more fluid than the Lionel instruction manual" says to. 

BigJohn&theWork posted:

"Regarding the FEF, saw some great articles on that ever popular subject 'How much smoke fluid is enough'.  That reminded me of what an art that is."

 

Look at my video posted earlier in this topic. I have addressed this question. You will be very happy with your purchase. Enjoy your new engine! 

 

Thanks BigJohn; I see that you load'er up to get the smoke performance.

Laidoffsick posted:

Im pretty sure the smoke issue was discussed a few months ago when these were delivered Rick. There were tons of photos and videos and I did shots of the new and the old FEFs. We have the new 8444 & 844 as well as the 844 from 2008. Mine all smoke the same but everyone knows I use "more fluid than the Lionel instruction manual" says to. 

Thanks LOS!  I saved the videos where you show the experiments with the wads of smoke material.  I think you  made it to at least 60 drops with no harm to the unit.

Laidoffsick posted:

 We have the new 8444 & 844 as well as the 844 from 2008. Mine all smoke the same but everyone knows I use "more fluid than the Lionel instruction manual" says to. 

As well you should.  I go with one full "vile" of MegaSteam when new and 1/2 when in service.  I add the drops with the loco cold....sometimes the day before, sometimes five minutes before.  This works great.

Last week, I had my 2008 FEF smoking profusely.  And then some.  I may post a video of it.....but I have one part of my outer mainline torn up right now, waiting for a Ross 096-072 Switch to arrive.

Hope the OP enjoys his FEF as much as I have.

I also have the recent loco.  Great engine.  I had the first one and wanted to get away from the modular boards.

To further add to the science of Lionel smoke production, when I got the Berkshire included in the Polar Express set, I put so much smoke fluid in it that some dripped onto the track under it.  At that time, I did not know about how much should be used.  Well, that little Berkshire has been the best smoker of the bunch; enough to cloud up the room.  Then, as fate would have it, I had to warranty return my B&O Mikado to Lionel (2nd loco purchased) for a failed smoke unit out of the box  In the return paper from the tech, I was warned about over filling the unit; so, since then, I have been miserly about smoke fluid.  Now, I am shifting to the load'er up side.

Berkshire President posted:

Laidoffsick posted:

 We have the new 8444 & 844 as well as the 844 from 2008. Mine all smoke the same but everyone knows I use "more fluid than the Lionel instruction manual" says to. 

As well you should.  I go with one full "vile" of MegaSteam when new and 1/2 when in service.  I add the drops with the loco cold....sometimes the day before, sometimes five minutes before.  This works great.

Last week, I had my 2008 FEF smoking profusely.  And then some.  I may post a video of it.....but I have one part of my outer mainline torn up right now, waiting for a Ross 096-072 Switch to arrive.

Hope the OP enjoys his FEF as much as I have.

What is a vile of MegaSteam - drops - ounces??

Thanks

RickM46 posted:

Berkshire President posted:

Laidoffsick posted:

 We have the new 8444 & 844 as well as the 844 from 2008. Mine all smoke the same but everyone knows I use "more fluid than the Lionel instruction manual" says to. 

As well you should.  I go with one full "vile" of MegaSteam when new and 1/2 when in service.  I add the drops with the loco cold....sometimes the day before, sometimes five minutes before.  This works great.

Last week, I had my 2008 FEF smoking profusely.  And then some.  I may post a video of it.....but I have one part of my outer mainline torn up right now, waiting for a Ross 096-072 Switch to arrive.

Hope the OP enjoys his FEF as much as I have.

What is a vile of MegaSteam - drops - ounces??

Thanks

Was thinking the same thing!  Guessing either a full  and a 1/2 MegaSteam eyedropper unless Lionel has included some type of plastic pipette in the box for filling.

OK, now that we are on the subject of smoke, does anyone know if MegaSteam gunks up the unit as opposed to Lionel Premium??

RickM46 posted:

OK, now that we are on the subject of smoke, does anyone know if MegaSteam gunks up the unit as opposed to Lionel Premium??

Nope, never had an issue with MegaSteam.

BobbyD posted:

RickM46 posted:

Berkshire President posted:

Laidoffsick posted:

 We have the new 8444 & 844 as well as the 844 from 2008. Mine all smoke the same but everyone knows I use "more fluid than the Lionel instruction manual" says to. 

As well you should.  I go with one full "vile" of MegaSteam when new and 1/2 when in service.  I add the drops with the loco cold....sometimes the day before, sometimes five minutes before.  This works great.

Last week, I had my 2008 FEF smoking profusely.  And then some.  I may post a video of it.....but I have one part of my outer mainline torn up right now, waiting for a Ross 096-072 Switch to arrive.

Hope the OP enjoys his FEF as much as I have.

What is a vile of MegaSteam - drops - ounces??

Thanks

Was thinking the same thing!  Guessing either a full  and a 1/2 MegaSteam eyedropper unless Lionel has included some type of plastic pipette in the box for filling.

Yes....an eye dropper indeed.  My vocabulary was apparently limited yesterday. 

J Daddy posted:

RickM46 posted:

OK, now that we are on the subject of smoke, does anyone know if MegaSteam gunks up the unit as opposed to Lionel Premium??

Nope, never had an issue with MegaSteam.

It may not but Lionel will more than likely NOT repair a smoke unit issue under warranty if other manufacturers fluid was used.  They specify their "Premium".  You'll have to decide if the warranty repair, if ever needed, is worth using another fluid.

I'm not saying I agree with this policy, just relaying what I had been told by "Talk to Us".

MartyE posted:

J Daddy posted:

RickM46 posted:

OK, now that we are on the subject of smoke, does anyone know if MegaSteam gunks up the unit as opposed to Lionel Premium??

Nope, never had an issue with MegaSteam.

It may not but Lionel will more than likely NOT repair a smoke unit issue under warranty if other manufacturers fluid was used.  They specify their "Premium".  You'll have to decide if the warranty repair, if ever needed, is worth using another fluid.

I'm not saying I agree with this policy, just relaying what I had been told by "Talk to Us".

No problems here Marty. They will not repair my trains anyway, they are older than 5 years. 

And if Lionel could tell if MegaSteam smoke fluid was used instead of the Lionel premium smoke fluid, I want them on my next forensic car crash investigation.

J Daddy posted:

And if Lionel could tell if MegaSteam smoke fluid was used instead of the Lionel premium smoke fluid, I want them on my next forensic car crash investigation.

 

Apparently they can so I've been told.  FWIW.  So you may want to keep them in mind in case of a car crash.

I would imagine that it's simply a case of smelling what starts burning once the smoke unit gets fixed.  (One more reason to use Mega Steam NADA, IMHO.)

Unless their warranty expressly states that you have to use Lionel fluid....in writing....they have to honor the warranty.

To JDaddy's point, I doubt they're doing chemical testing to verify what brand you're using.

Again I am just passing along the info.  If you want more information I suggest you contact Lionel as I did.  Better to get it right from them.

No worries, Marty.  Just shooting the bull....via the inter web.

What I've found somewhat ironic is that much of the criticism of old Lionel smoke units comes from their terrible instructions regarding the ten drops.  The right amount of Mega Steam and boosting the smoke setting can make even TMCC locos smoke well.

And on most Legacy Steamers.....look out!

I got some advice from someone that no longer works at Lionel once.  The advice has been given on this forum by others as well.  On a new engine before you run it, open it up, throw away the pad, replace it with rope, and prime the unit.  Re-assemble and have at it.  But then Lionel's warranty policy runs counter to anyone opening the engine. 

Go figure.

MartyE posted:

I got some advice from someone that no longer works at Lionel once.  The advice has been given on this forum by others as well. 

On a new engine before you run it, open it up, throw away the pad, replace it with rope, and prime the unit.  Re-assemble and have at it. 

But then Lionel's warranty policy runs counter to anyone opening the engine. 

Go figure.

 Needed a good laugh Marty!

My new engines had the rope already in them. H16-44s and the GS4s, so hopefully the return to the rope wick is permanent for all engines.

OK, one last comment to beat the subject to death on how much smoke fluid to add.  My Pere Marquette after 2 years dormant seemed to have meager smoke production; I was conservative in only adding a max of 5 drops at a time.  Well, per the discussion above, I added about 12 drops - what a difference!!  I think I have been starving my smoke units.  I am now shifting to the dark side like LOS and adding more.

12?  You're still farting around.  GO FOR IT!!! 

Don't dump the whole bottle in....but try 20-30 drops, starting with 20 and see what happens.  (At only five drops, you were indeed starving things.)

Or get some Mega Steam.....and use half a dropper. 

RickO posted:

J Daddy posted:

Interesting, than why does my earlier released FEF whistle sound better?      

Actually if you compare lionels whistles to the real 844 the newest version sounds much better.

The first run  legacy 844 sounds nothing like the real locomotive except for the one video on YouTube where the whistle is frozen due to sub zero temperatures. The tone is flat and has no "chime" to it.

Could you post a link to that video, Rick?

I assume that the cut pads were much easier for the assembly folks in China to quickly drop in rather than the fussing with teasing up a section of rope and then getting it to fit in the well without any stray hairs sticking out.

ATSF Doug posted:

RickO posted:

J Daddy posted:

Interesting, than why does my earlier released FEF whistle sound better?      

Actually if you compare lionels whistles to the real 844 the newest version sounds much better.

The first run  legacy 844 sounds nothing like the real locomotive except for the one video on YouTube where the whistle is frozen due to sub zero temperatures. The tone is flat and has no "chime" to it.

Could you post a link to that video, Rick?

At about the 3:47 mark: