I want a Hudson....

PSC aka Precision Scale has them.

http://psc1.virtualfocus.com/

Pete

Gentlemen:

As has been discussed previously on this forum, the VL Hudson was intended to be an upgraded version of the legendary 700E, and NOT, and I repeat NOT, a super-scale or brass model.

Personally, I am LESS concerned about the lack of a few rivets or builder's plates, than I am about flawless slow-speed operation with four-chuffs per revolution.

The sounds, carefully synchronized with the smoke output, plus the precise Legacy control is what this model is all about.

The swinging bell and whistle smoke are the proverbial "icing on the cake".

I have owned quite a few Lionel JLC steamers and many other Lionel scale steam locos over the last ten-years, and NONE have the sounds and control features of this jewel.

The detailed cab and the real coal load are also nice touches.

Finally, it has more than enough detail for my taste!

I'm patiently waiting(and hoping) for a legacy j3a myself, after all it is the "super hudson" anyway

The VL Hudson is a nod to the original 700E, which also lacked some of the features that critics have raised about this engine.

I wish Lionel would go back to the JLC design criteria where accurate details and running characteristics were the main priorities.  For me after those come sound and then smoke.  I don't need the swinging bell.

Of course, several roads had "Hudsons", but the NYC really sort of owned the brand,
as it were (of 406 or so US 4-6-4's, the NYC had 275 of them: J1, J2 and J3).

I do not intend to buy another NYC Hudson, even though it is my favorite loco (OK,
sometimes the Niagara is) on my favorite road, because I have enough of them.

Having said that, to concur with RickO, were Lionel to offer a J3a Super Hudson in its
last iteration, I'd consider it. Why, I don't know - I have the 3rd Rail version of that
very loco. But 3rd Rail products...not my cuppa...maybe I'd sell it and get the Lionel.

But, for sure, I'd buy one more were someone to offer a proper Lima-built J2 with correct
75" (or is it 76"?) drivers, preferably the later, post-B&A version with the J3 sand dome.
The big boxy sand dome that looks so good on the A-1 Berk just looks awkward on a
NYC Hudson.

What is the differance between the 40201 & 40298 Williams Scale Hudson?

i do own a vl and it ran for about three hours at the tca sac. show in july, the only time it stops was to put smoke oil in it, not one hickup in three hours , i ran it hard the whole time, with about 35 beer car behind it. if you can find one buy it, richard yegan

Very First Post. Been watching you guys for about a year, Very Helpful. Thanks All. I have been sitting on the fence thinking of the VL Hudson, but wanted to let you know after reading this thread I decided to pop and it should be shipped today. Also wanted to let you know while I was calling around yesterday Trainworld said yes @ $1999.00 I said list is $1599.00 He said I am selling them at $1999.00, I did say thank you. Hope this helps any one else sitting on the fence. Regards, Casey

Can anyone help me with this?

Thanks

The best way to get an answer to your question is to use your search engine and put in "Williams Trains #40201 then again do #40298.  You will be directed to look at several sites that list each engine with its individual qualities.  The main difference I noted in the descriptions of each loco are the #40201 is Semi-Scale and the #40298 is Scale.  Look for yourself and be the judge.  They are nice looking engines and run well.  Good luck!

The 40201 has a scale sized tender. The 40298 is a repro of the Lionel 773 from the postwar era. The tender is the smaller version used with their Berkshires and 0-27 Hudson.

Ron

Thanks guys!!

I bought a scale K-line Hudson for about $400. Great detail, good runner, Lionel sound system. Don

As the 783 (8406) came up in this discussion, I would vouch for this engine as well.

First you get all the history, as this engine was derived from the mold that dates back to the 700e.  The 783 is a very smooth runner, granted like it's 773 brothers, it is not the greatest puller, but it maintains it's speed almost as if it has modern speed control.

The smoke unit on these 783's generates decent a puff effect, and it is among the longest lasting (between refills) smoke units that I have.

Further the 783 is sometimes stated as being like the '64-'66 773. One huge difference is the tender, the 783 has a detailed tender that rides on 6 wheel trucks. Light years over the small plastic tender of the '64 to '66 773.

 if you really want one, There's plenty on Ebay..

I have been lurking in this thread for a while.

I am not certain, my library had some old books such as Trains in Transitions and other very old books that are goodies. Somewhere I read that the B&O may have tried a Hudson.

Williams makes a Scale Hudson in B&O Paint with the 6 wheel tender that looks pretty durn good to me. But is it prototype? Possibly. Even more important, how good does the model run>?

The reason I am seeking input is my father has a Hudson from a long time ago which he was able to restore. As far as I know the engine is doing quite well. It was a good runner. (Possibly due to the ability to sort of coast above the set speed at times)

Would the Williams Hudson be a good continuation of our family tradition that recognizes these engines as a basic good engine in trainsets etc.

A new K-Line scale Hudson just came up on the bay for anyone interested.

I 'watch' Hudsons and have no affiliation with nor do I particularly endorse the seller

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISA...VIP:watchlink:top:en

Well I bit the bullet at York and bought a black VL Hudson.  New ones are appearing to be hard to come by so I'm pleased that I found one a what I feel was a fair price.

I also picked up a DVD by Don Hagar regarding the PW 700e and highly recomend it. 

GLAD you found a VL Hudson, and I hope you enjoy yours as much as I do mine! 

Absolutely the BEST Lionel loco I have ever owned. 

I also have a mint, unrun, 1990 Lionel scale Hudson #5340 for display only that sits in its case above my desk!

 I have the Lionel 1990 LTI version. It replaced a problematic Williams 773.

I know everyone says how great the Williams one is but mine must have been a

The 40201 is defintely the full scale Hudson according to the Bachmann website. The over all length is 24".  Here is the link http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/products.php?act=viewProd&productId=2464.

The 40298 is very close to a scale version. It is grouped in the "Golden Memories" product group and it was designed to resemble the Lionel 773. The over all length is 23". The Williams semi-scale version of the Hudson measures 19.5 inches in length.