I want a Hudson....

I'm the same way. I'd like a Hudson, but witch one ?

Well start with the radius on your layout. If your Max is 42" then you

are limited to semi scale stuff. Do you like all the bells and whistles of the

newer loco's ?  If not there are a lot of postwar modern area engines out there

in good condition for around a 100 dollar bill...

 

I'd probably start with a cheaper one until you get your layout going. It's going to

take some bumps and bruises while you tinker with the new track and idea's.  Then upgrade to the dream engine when you are ready.... Just start with something, Don't

over think it.... Most of all ,,, Have fun....

 

Oh another thought. join a local club. I'm sure members there have gone through this.

See what they have and like and dislike about the engine.....

I want a Hudson too!  I have the Lionel Dreyfuss, which is great, but I want a non-streamlined one too.  My favorite is the 5216 J1b shown in the pictures on pages 86-89 in "Thoroughbreds" by Staufer and May.  It looks fantastic including the class lights and tender lettering.

 

Lionel please make this one in Legacy with all new tooling.  I don't want a 700E makeover.

A few folks who don't like/trust the new electronics will probably jump on me for this but I would recommend three in this order:

Lionel Vision Hudson (new) - yes, it's expensive.  Worth it.  Durable and reliable to, and just the best sound there is, running, features (that swinging bell is worth it!).  I don't like Hudsons that much (I prefer bigger locos), but this is my favorite model train: I run mine more than any other loco I have.

K-Line scale Hudson (used, obviously) - from a number of years ago, '92 or something like that, and harder to find but detailed and a very nice looker, good quality, durable

Williams scale Hudson (new) - low cost and basic, solid quality, durable as a rock, a bit of a jackrabbit on starts but worth it - and you can upgrade to something more expensive later if you want. 

I, too, am going to my first York. Only have a couple bills to take along. You are giving me ideas about how to spend them. (thanks)

I am a postwar conventional kind of guy and I would love to have the 773 from 1950 although I do not relish the idea of spending $1000+. I have been buying a few Williams engines over the years and have been very happy with them. I think that I will be on the lookout for the Williams Hudson at York.

Hi George I always wanted a Hudson to.It's an awesome engine

so about 4 month's ago I purchased a vision line Hudson from

Lionel,I must say it was the best purchase I've made in the 7

year's that I'm into this hobby.Totally awesome sound and reliability.

So I'm posting this video of the Lionel VL Hudson so you can here the sound's

and get a feeling for it.ENJOY

 

THANKS, ALEX

 

I have had many Lionel Hudsons over the years.  I currently own the VL Hudson and it is without a doubt the best Hudson that Lionel has ever done.  You might find some great buys on older scale hudsons with the AC motor.  You have people who bow to older Hudsons because they are Lionel.  Guys like myself that run the wheels off a locomotive want the latest and greatest.  That would be the VL Hudson. 

If you do not need it to be Lionel, the MTH Hudsons are super runners.  The K-Line Hudson is also a great runner with a few drawbacks.  Williams currently makes a scale Hudson that is beautiful.  It runs better than it looks.  It looks awesome.

If you are going to buy a VL Hudson, try to land one before York.  They are hot. 

 

I see you are a brother Officer.  Hit my email and I might be able to be of some help to you.

 

Marty

 

 

My list would mirror Lee Willis' with the possible exception of the Williams 773. For about the same money you could get an MTH PS1 model with better detail, sound, and smoke.

Otherwise the VL Hudson for operational qualities and K-Line Hudson for detail and finish. For about 100 bucks you can add ERR Cruise M to the K-Line Hudson to make it run nearly as well as the VL Hudson.

 

Pete

Jody:  For the price, reliability, scale size, and conventional operation, the Williams 773 reproduction version of Lionel's 1950 locomotive is hard to beat. 

 

That said, all other scale-size Hudsons are better detailed.  I'm somewhat of a fanatic regarding full valve gear on steam locomotives.  I love to watch steamers slowly rolling by and am fascinated with the action of the valve gear and driving wheels.  Other  locomotive small details aren't crucial, but the complete valve gear operation, to me, is. 

 

All the recommendations given by the posters here are certainly excellent ideas.

 

          paul m

Tell me more about the MTH Hudson. The detail for the amount of money sounds very interesting. Can I run it in conventional mode?

For low price, get the Williams. However, if you want a "real" one, the MPC 783/785 from the mid 80s can't be beat. mint ones can be had for under $500 on the Bay. The 1950 version 773 is nice, but expensive. (might as well get a Vision Line for that money).  as for the 1964 version 773, FORGET IT. The aforementioned MPC engines have a better motor and tender for less than half the money.

YES, I have a MTH B&A Hudson and I love the detail and the PS2.  You can run it in conventional with no issues.

 

With that said if you want a highly detailed and correct hudson go with 3rdrail.  I have one converted with EOB and love it.  Smooth drive and a great puller.  You can get them second hand. I do see them on the buy sell part of the forum from time to time.

 

The post-war Lionel 646 Hudson looks and runs great on Ross O-54 and O-64 sectional track.  In this photo, my 1956 Hudson, handed down from my Uncle Walter and cousin Walter Gerard, is running on my O-54 inner loop mainline.  It will also easily negotiate a # 4 Ross switch or an O-54 Ross switch.

 

MTH made Scale Hudsons with PS1 (non command) and PS2 (DCS). You should be able to find a conventional PS1 version for roughly the same price as the street price on a new Williams scale hudson. PS2 MTH will likely cost more. As with all older equipment, shop around as deals can be had.

 

Pete

Hey George,

First of all, if this is your first time at York....make sure you wear comfortable SHOES!  You will be doing plenty of walking!  Secondly, the advice given above by nearly everyone is top notch...the ultimate decision is yours on what you will buy.  I have eighteen hudsons.  Mostly Lionel and MTH and one K-Line.  I also have the VL Hudson and as everyone states...it is awesome!!  Now, jumping in the swimming pool is fun but you better know how to swim.  Point being, buying anything at York be aware that Lionel and MTH service and warranty their items IF PURCHASED from one of their dealers.  So if you see a nice VL Hudson on a table and the person wants $1300.00 for it....it may sound good but the two year warranty Lionel offers may not be available.  You will have to register your purchase on-line or thru the mail with Lionel and send a copy of your receipt of purchase.  Ultimately, be careful of what and who you buy from.  Finally, just getting started is fun....so my recommendation is to find a Hudson YOU are happy with and go with it.  It doesn't have to be the best....just something you want to experience before you climb up the train purchase ladder.  By the way, that ladder is pretty expensive these days!  Good luck!

Larry Williams

TCA 75-8293

got an email from charles ro they are having a sale.

 

http://www.charlesro.com/store/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=CRSC&Product_Code=L11218&Category_Code=OSALE

Thanks for the great information guys.  Please keep the advice coming!!  Everyone has made very good points!!

 

To show you how bad I have "Hudson Fever", I've purchased the Stauffer book "Thoroughbreds", The TM DVD on the history and making of the Scale Hudson and a repop copy of the 1937 Lionel catalog, all this week!!! LOL

I've been toying with the idea of a 783, myself.  Can anyone comment on the advantages/disadvantages of the 783?

 

Compared to many of the newer Lionel scale steam releases, the VL Hudson apparently is a high-quality loco with awesome operating features. Mine had a slight squeak at slow speed, but after speaking with Mike Reagan, his suggestion about sufficient break-in time and some re-lubrication, the problem resolved itself.

 

I purchased mine without a preorder from Charles Ro for $1450, and it was worth every cent!  

 

I also have a MINT 1990 version, which is strictly a display model in its accompanying case. It is absolutely a treasure to look at, as well as a reminder of US craftsmanship!

 

THANK YOU, Richard Kughn!

Geo. , The Williams engine @ around $250.00 is definitely a great looker and runner, but, you might want to consider something else instead. Since you are getting back into O ga. you most likely don't have any Command Control equipment. I've seen Lionel 6-18012 1990 700e's (5340) mint in the box going for $450.00 - $500.00 . They are for the most part a knock-off of the original 1937 700e. While it has a Pulmor motor in it, it runs great. I own both the 700e & 763e remakes. If you then invest in the new Command system that engine will run even better. I found a Lionel 6-8606 B&A Hudson (784) @ York many years ago. They were at that time a needle in a hay stack. Good luck with your hunt @ York. 148th

I was in this hobby for almost 30 years before I was finally able to acquire my first Hudson.  Now I've got six of them, five Lionel and one Williams.  By far my favorite is the LTI version from 1990.  It truly is an exquisite model and a pure slice of Americana.  If I had it all to do over again I'd probably just settle on the LTI Hudson and forgo the others.   

Balshis,

   The 783 is essentially a remake of the 773.  It has the open frame or PullMor motor and "Sound of Steam"  The sound is scratchy, almost annoying and  doesn't sound very realistic.  The whistle is high pitched and typical of that found on most MPC locos of the 80s.  Added detail, as on the 773, is minimal.  For example, there is no additional valve gear. Despite its drawbacks, 783 is a dependable locomotive, looks good, and is quite powerful.  At York, asking prices were in the $400 to $550.00 range, depending on condition.  Incidentally, as an aside, though they run tight, scale Hudsons will run on O-31 curves.  The wheel base on them is actually shorter than on a Berkshire (726-736) or a Northern (746).  You have many options if you want a Hudson.  If you can find one, the K-Line scale version is a beautiful locomotive, whether you come across the TMCC version or the conventional one; same engine, just different electronics.  It won't be cheap, but you won't be in Vision territory.

1/48th scale, isn't the 1990 Hudson 6-18005?

Economics can play a factor here in your decision. As you've seen, some fellas have acquired several Hudsons over time. All of the examples above are good ones. I've had the 1990 model and replaced it with Mike's first scale Hudson in 1996 and was pleased with both although the MTH model performed. smoked, and sounded infinitely better. The Lionel has the 'Lionel Mystique' for what that's worth!

We also have the beautiful K-Line model and are pleased with it because we cannot afford a VL Hudson at this time.

Someone above suggested starting with one of Lionel's smaller 4-6-4s like this handsome repaint here.

NO & YES. LOL ! Greenberg lists 6-18005 as coming with the display case. Since I purchased mine w/o the case, mine is a 6-18012 according to my box, and Greenberg.    148th

Thank you, Goody.

 

 

 I have had many Lionel Hudsons but this VL one is the real deal.  I pull 10  21 inch K-Line aluminum cars with it and it does not slip a wheel.  A very powerful and smooth locomotive.  These statements come from an MTH guy.  I hope that helps.

 

 

George you had mentioned you were thinking about the Century Club version, I believe that is a 773. Another possibility, Lionel had reissue that engine a few years ago in their Postwar Celebration Series. It is in a really nice boxed set.

 

Bill

I have a Century Club 773, has about an hour of run time, with original box and display case, email me off line if interested. Thanks!

Marty:

 

I especially like that second photo of the VL Hudson!

Any idea why they did a "gun metal gray" version?  A Hudson should be black!!

They did both. You can find a black one here:

 

http://w.mawebcenters.com/trai...6-4-hudson-5344.html

 

BTW Larry's suggestion of buying one of these from an authorized dealer is excellent. Particularly important to have a warranty with it. Not that they are trouble prone but if does break it will cost big bucks to fix.

 

Pete

I was aware they did the black VL also.  I was just curious why they did the gun metal version too?  I've never seen a Lionel Scale Hudson in that color.

I assume its a nod to the 763. They have done a number of gray hudsons over the years.

 

Pete

Everytime i run my vl hudson i just smile.. It truly is a awesome piece...

If you can live without a swinging bell, the K-Line Hudson really comes out on top for scale realism in appearance. As nice as it is, the Lionel model lacks some noticeable detail that the earlier K-Line has. K-Line's (on left) has a nicer sheen to the paint and you can see some detail on the steam cylinders whereas Lionel's is bare. Rivets and other small details are somewhat finer on the K-Line model as well. If you can find one with conventional control and add PS3 and a MTH smoke unit you could possibly have the 'King of the Hudsons'!

 

From an operational standpoint, the Legacy VL Hudson has the best slow-speed control, variable smoke output/chuffing, and sound system of any Hudson to date, plus a swinging bell!

 

Absoulutely the best Lionel engine I have ever owned.

There is a vision line Hudson for sale on the forum for $1000.00

Engine should have had a builders plate.  As nice as this engine runs and sounds, it looks unfinished, incomplete without it..

Especially so with the flat blank area on the boiler where it should be mounted.

Hopefully someone will make an aftermarket plate to correct Lionels misstep..

Joe