Wondering if anyone has seen this locomotive (other than in the catalog). Also, wondering if this was the first production run of the postwar modeled Berkshire with LC+2.0???
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I've also been curious about this model. Hopefully someone chimes in.
@RamblerDon posted:I've also been curious about this model. Hopefully someone chimes in.
I THINK that 2023 Vol.2 was the first time it was cataloged with LC+2.0. Guessing it's similar to or same as the Conventional Classics version. I just preordered the LC+2.0 Hudson in Pacemaker Red/Gray but that's a 2025 expense. I have been looking at this one off/on for a year as a modern-day remembrance of my father who always wanted the 726 Berk but couldn't afford anything but the O27 2-6-2. I think they started hitting stores in the last week or two.
@raising4daughters posted:I THINK that 2023 Vol.2 was the first time it was cataloged with LC+2.0. Guessing it's similar to or same as the Conventional Classics version. I just preordered the LC+2.0 Hudson in Pacemaker Red/Gray but that's a 2025 expense. I have been looking at this one off/on for a year as a modern-day remembrance of my father who always wanted the 726 Berk but couldn't afford anything but the O27 2-6-2. I think they started hitting stores in the last week or two.
I think the price on them is a bit high. But you do have all the modern command control features in a "vintage" package. The better die cast tender to boot.
If I saw a crazy good deal on one, I'd maybe bite.
Hopefully we see more of these upgrades on classic traditional size locomotives.
@raising4daughters posted:Wondering if anyone has seen this locomotive (other than in the catalog). Also, wondering if this was the first production run of the postwar modeled Berkshire with LC+2.0???
I just got an email from Charles Ro that mine has shipped, I ordered the Lionel lines engine. Hopefully by this weekend I could let you know what I think of it.
@raising4daughters posted:Wondering if anyone has seen this locomotive (other than in the catalog). Also, wondering if this was the first production run of the postwar modeled Berkshire with LC+2.0???
Found this on YOUTUBE
Lionel LionChief Plus 2.0 "Lionel Lines" 726 Berkshire- train run on the layout (youtube.com)
Watched the video. Glad to hear the traditional Lionel whistle. Time to add a set of Madison cars for a vintage look. I can smell the pill smoke already!
Nice way to start the video with the headlight overpowering the scene that helps raise the 'suspense' factor. Nice looking steamer for sure but that silver paint on the side is distracting to me as I am relishing the early PW effect of the piece. Curious, are most of you pleased with the 'cab/dispatcher' dialogs on our models? Especially the steamers who didn't have radio? This one in particular seems vastly overdone and obnoxious. "Dispatcher, dispatcher, dispatcher..." ad nauseam!
I like the 726 however and am fortunate to have a nice 1947 original so I'm not tempted to rush out to buy one of these! Lol.
@Sunrise Special posted:
Thanks for finding this video. Looks like it was just uploaded this week. I like its looks. Two minor disappointments: (1) not sure I like the silver firebox cover (I think that's what that section is called) and (2) no fireman or engineer. The latter can be rectified.
@raising4daughters posted:Thanks for finding this video. Looks like it was just uploaded this week. I like its looks. Two minor disappointments: (1) not sure I like the silver firebox cover (I think that's what that section is called) and (2) no fireman or engineer. The latter can be rectified.
I agree with your comments. I actually love the classic whistle sound...the price point will have me waiting for the Lionmaster Hudson in the the 2024 V2 Catalog!
Sunrise
I hope the next version is as rugged as my 2018 version… it has been a flawless runner. I remember when I bought mine at the October 2018 show from Gryzbowskis for 345.00 I took it to my camper and unboxed it then walk to the purple hall to try 
it on the test track. The lady checking badges right by the door was shocked to see me run the train with my phone !
My friend Steve was nice enough to airbrush the stupid looking grey firebox to make it look a postwar version.
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@taycotrains posted:I hope the next version is as rugged as my 2018 version… it has been a flawless runner. I remember when I bought mine at the October 2018 show from Gryzbowskis for 345.00 I took it to my camper and unboxed it then walk to the purple hall to try it on the test track. The lady checking badges right by the door was shocked to see me run the train with my phone !
My friend Steve was nice enough to airbrush the stupid looking grey firebox to make it look a postwar version.
Looks great! Guessing the new one is the same body but with upgrade to LC+2 which brings the higher price point. I REALLY prefer the 4 chuffs on the LC+2 version but also like the whistle better on your LC+ version. Either way, can't go wrong with a 726 re-make.
"My friend Steve was nice enough to airbrush the stupid looking grey firebox to make it look a postwar version."
Vast improvement! Great looking locomotive... Can we turn off the 'cab chatter' ourselves? Am not familiar with LC+ etc.
As I was thinking of the relatively high price of these LC+ and LC+2 versions of the 726, I got to wondering what the 726 sold for in the 1946-1949 period. Anyone know? I bet that these newer versions are actually about the same price in inflation-adjusted terms.
@raising4daughters posted:As I was thinking of the relatively high price of these LC+ and LC+2 versions of the 726, I got to wondering what the 726 sold for in the 1946-1949 period. Anyone know? I bet that these newer versions are actually about the same price in inflation-adjusted terms.
I don’t see a separate sale engine but the freight set with a crane car and operating milk car sold for $67.50 and the passenger set with three 15” cars sold for $75.00. These included everything except a transformer.
Prior Catalog shows the engine alone at $37.50.
Pete
@c.sam posted:Vast improvement! Great looking locomotive... Can we turn off the 'cab chatter' ourselves? Am not familiar with LC+ etc.
Sam that chatter is “self inflicted” as long as you don’t hit the the mic symbol you do not get the sounds…I personally dislike it myself. I only played them for the video.
