Cab forward Lionel which one?

Yes... the Legacy sound & smoke is worth it!

6-38071 is the TMCC version that was released in 2005 w/ RailSounds 5.0.  Not Legacy.  I have this engine and like it, the only issue with it is that the distinctive air compressor sounds are only heard when the engine is at standstill when it should be heard all the time (except shut down, of course).  Also the 2005 version has 2 chuffs per revolution (not accurate) while the Legacy version has 4, although in my opinion both really don't do a good job at simulating articulated steam engine chuff going in and out of sync.

 

The newer Legacy one addresses this shortcoming, and also has the ability to play the whistle more prototypically (no quilling) if run with the Legacy remote.  The optional air horn sounds like the prototype.  The Legacy version also has the whistle "steam" & blowdown smoke features that the TMCC version lacks.  For me the additional smoke effects are neat but not a deal breaker.  Both have completely unprototypical cab chatter.  I personally can't stand it so I don't use that particular feature. 

 

Psssst, if you get the Legacy version, avoid that horrendous Fantasy Daylight scheme version like the plague. 

I've seen both in person and the legacy version is a much nicer engine with the legacy features.

-Greg

The 2005 TMCC version is a fine engine and the Legacy version is based on its tooling, which reflects the fact that the earlier version is a nicely detailed model that there was no good reason to change. However it does not have whistle steam or Legacy sound (there's no steam blowdown smoke feature on the Legacy model) and those features would account for the price difference. If you hate cab chatter the fact that the TMCC version is actually better/more individual in that respect won't make a critical difference.

 

I'd think twice about buying a 10 year old and presumably used engine in preference to the newer version.

I would also think twice, especially since that early version is only 2-chuffs per revolution. I purchased one used, some years ago and then sent it Train America Studios and had the chuff rate and the whistle sound changed. Given the choice today, I would certainly purchase the latest Legacy version.

+1

 

Though I've bought a lot of used TMCC locomotives at 'fire storm' prices, I prefer the Legacy versions.

I'm very happy with the performance of my 6-03871. Ran it all over the NJ Hirailers layout without an issue. I like the new cab forwards but I'm taking a wait and see approach on this one after what I've been seeing with some of the new big boys. 

GO WITH THE NEW LEGACY VERSION.

Folks will be pondering the same question as it relates to Lionel's upcoming Y6B, where the price difference between the former JLC version and the new Legacy version is closer to $600.     Money has a tendency to make folks think twice.    

 

Lionel will always push the price envelope to make enthusiasts feel there's a reason to spend premium dollars on the newest product, and buyers in the secondary market will always do their best to push prices downward for "n-1" generation products.  It's a pretty brutal market, depending on where you are in the transaction.   

 

So you just gotta go with what makes you feel good... And not look back.  You'll get as many different opinions as there are people here on the forum.  Count on it!

 

David