It came yesterday and today I got to run it and test it out. First it came without any major issues as far as details broken off or body/paint issues. One very minor issue. A small etched metal grill on the front came lose and was in the box lose. Once I noticed where it went it glued on with no major issues.
Next I want to say thank you to bruk for his post on inspecting the inside. The engine worked flawlessly with no issues. I then took the boiler shell off and inspected the issues that bruk had found. My engine did not have any issues. I did how ever add the foam tape below the bluetooth on the pcb board just to be safe as it was real close to the drive shaft. This way it will shure not rub now. Even if the board ever moves slightly when handling the engine.
Repacking the smoke units is going to be very easy on this model when needed. Dave did a great job with all the wire and board management inside this engine. It is very straight forward and will be easy to work on if ever needed.
Now for the best part at lest for me. The smoke features. This is the best part of the engine. The reciprocating steam effect is awesome along with the whistle steam. They both work great. They really take this engine to a whole new level. At track side it looks so real.
Just a note of caution. My needle point bottle I use to add smoke fluid has a small metal applicator so not enough to soak the wicks thoroughly. I made sure to add the proper amout with the shell off to get the smoke features to work properly. Not adding enough smoke fluid to the main stack makes you think the cylinder steam effect is not working. After adding the right amount of drops the cylinder steam effect works great and realy shoots out the smoke.
I was leary about all the fancy smoke features being finicky, but they are not and work great. The price is high for this model,but it was well worth it on this model. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT. I am glad I found the model I wanted since I did not pre order this engine.
They sound files on this engine are outstanding also. They are some of the best yet. Another win for lionel.
Hats off to lionel ryan and dave for one outstanding model. This is one of the best vision line models yet. When I get time I will try to get some good photos of this engine. I REALLY LOVE IT. I am glad I bought it.
