Skip to main content

Has there been any discussion or reviews on this recent batch/run of UP FEFs from Lionel?

Any input or thoughts would be appreciated!

https://www.lionel.com/product...cy-fef-3-838-2431290

https://www.lionel.com/product...3-844-black-2431260/

Last edited by Berkshire President
Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

I got the Greyhound 844 version.

I think this run might be the best of the Lionel FEF-3's.

I'm not sure how Lionel did the 'specific' details on the earlier class vs. the later, but my 844 doesn't have the big fat pipe running under the running board on the fireman side that the 841 model has, in addition to it having the Worthington feedwater heater in front of the smokestacks and MARS light whereas the 841 doesn't.

The sounds are really good, even with the somewhat generic Crewtalk. I'm glad Lionel brought back the whistle on the original LEGACY 844 for this run. SO much more unique than just using the Big Boy whistle again.

The new run has the Kadee coupler mount for the tender, which I always appreciate. It also has all the feature switches under the sand dome which is super convenient. It's a smooth runner with a nice gear ratio, and this run also has the back-drivable gears pretty much all Lionel steam locomotives have now.

Negatives are the as-stated incorrect air-ringer bell sound (all of Lionel's FEF-3's use this incorrect sound) and the smoke deflectors being a bit of a chore to mount correctly. Plus, if you run them without them on, the smoke creeps out of the openings used for mounting them. For both 844 models specifically, depending on how you like glossy-coated locomotives, these are double glazed - so EXTRA SHINY you should wear gloves to avoid fingerprinting.

Personal gripe, but I wish Lionel made a no. 8444 version for this run like they did the 2015 run. I still think these turned out great.

Last edited by Mikado 4501

Thanks Thomas!

I'm on the fence about picking up 838.  I have the black 844 from 2008 or so and really like it.  It's one of my favorites.

Oddly enough, I really like the looks of these FEFs WITHOUT the elephant ears/smoke deflectors on.  That said, I never would have guessed that smoke could creep out the holes.

Thanks for the first hand review!

Add Reply

Post
This forum is sponsored by Lionel, LLC
×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×
×