ES44's, for all us been waitin'

I have both CP units and BNSF units coming.  I am excited to get them, but not the corresponding credit card bill. 

Ben.

Ro's guy said all but 4 of the CP units have been spoken for.

I have also noticed that the first run of the Canadian cylindrical hoppers (all the north of the boarder flavors) on Charles Ro's website are all sold out, defective trucks and all...

Ben

Well, as a favor, I bought mine from my LHS.  Spent more but trying to do my little part.  He claims that they'll be at the distributors on the 23rd.  He may or may not get it before I leave for a week.  I know if I'm gone, he'll have gas waiting for me to get back.
I can't read the big L catalog but I do need to know what part number would be applicable for scale wheels.
I can take the bear claw couplers off and replace them, no big deal.

Ben,

 

The original run of cylindrical hoppers was sent back to Lionel after complaints.

Well...Charles Ro email shows ES44 in CN colors...
Didn't even know about that one.
?

Upon calling Charles Ro, they're saying it was a mistake in the flyer.
However, a sweet idea indeed.

I wonder if we are going to take a back seat to the big boy frenzy going on.  So much product seems to be included in the shipment that has our AF locos.  We are at the back of the line on this one priority wise I'm sure (and I get it). 

Ben

 

Thanks Frank, I figured they got their "proofing" mixed up, if they do any.
Frankly, I'd prefer the CN scheme.
But I'd take either CP or CN and be happy!

Hey John, With all the talk of late about the ES44's, especially the CP one, I thought of you today.  While I was driving on Interstate 480 on Cleveland's west side, I spotted a CP ES44 sitting on a siding in a railroad yard.  I've seen rolling stock from up north including several of the cylindrical hoppers in the same location, but first time I've ever seen any Canadian motive power around these parts.  I just wish I was closer and could have stopped to get a picture!  I hope it's a good sign.

 

Mike A.

Hello John, 

While waiting for your CP ES44AC's!

Cheers,

Frank

 

Some of the new ES 44's must be in.  I was notified by UPS that my locomotive was ready to ship from Charles Ro.  Should have by next Tuesday.  I had orded a KCS.  Regards Fred.

I also got a shipping notice from UPS, Nassau Hobbies must have my 4 units enroute!  2 BNSF, 2 CP.  There is no estimated ship delivery date yet but I am hopeing by this weekend to give me some time to play with them before next week starts. 

Ben.

Hey hey! We're getting close!
Got my KD 808's sitting here.��

Monday the 29th...oh well, I will still be happy to get them. 

 

Ben. 

I should have mine tomorrow.  If so, I'll give you some glimpses as to what I think.
Now, somewhere I need to find the part number for scale wheels.
I'm thinking Des Plaines hobbies would have them.
Merry Christmas!

UPS tracking shows my 4 units in Chicago.  I am an hour from the city but I won't have them delivered until Monday.  Wish I could just make the drive and pick them up. 

Ben

received MY UP ES44 today did not have a chance to unbox. Noticed on the packing slip that Lionel has cancelled the AF ft Grade crossing AF49899 was looking forward to that accessory. 

The crossing might be canceled, and if that's the case it is just on more sad page in the Lionel AF book (57' reefer). I seem to recal this crossing coming up in discussion earlier this year and the word "canceled" being thrown around.  I think someone posted that lionel was just postponing the release due to some engendering issues and not killing it all together.  If you look at the 2014 AF catalog it is missing but it is present in the 2014/15 track and power catalog.  I hope it is still around in the plans.  

 

Ben. 

The packing slip from Charles Ro has it as being cancelled, Charles Ro is on top of this stuff and if anybody knows it would be Charles Ro.However I hope they are wrong just another disappointment from Lionel.

Thanks Frank for the video.
My ES44 is in as of this morning but naturally I'm out of state.
It'll be Friday or Saturday before I get my grubby little hands on it.

It's also been deleted from Lionel's HTML Track and Power catalog listing.  Neither number shows up: the old 6-49865 or new 6-49899.

 

Pity, I think it would have been a neat accessory.

 

Rusty

Sad.  How can Lionel expect people to use their track system by canceling the cool pieces.

I just opened my UP ES44 today as it was delivered by Charles RO today.  It runs great and better than the earlier Eastern version I already had.  They took the shine off of this later verson's paint and it matches the paint exactly on my UP SD70.  Success Lionel! 

Picked mine up this afternoon.  Thus far, I like it very much.
Nice paint, finish, etc.  I think the CP color is quite good.
The horn is indeed different than the SD70s, I like it.
I'll change couplers tomorrow and get scale wheels, if I can find the correct wheel part number.
I ordered this from my LHS and the overall price difference was only about $20 more.  I wanted to see it first and am glad to hand my local guy a nice sale.

Good Day,

Anyone have pictures of the Union Pacific ES44AC's?

 

Regards,

Frank

John,

 

I little birdie told me (Rusty I think) that it is the same part number as the one for the SD70's.  Lionel part #6-4098-79625.  Des Plaines has them in stock.  Got a set for my SD70.  Will need to order another for my KCS ES44 which has not shipped yet.  Enjoy your CP!