Is it worth it?

You should compare this option to buying something new, with better operating systems.  Consider the cost differential and make a decision what contains better worth to you.  

If it were me, I would sell the set and put the funds to something new, unless there was some special emotional attachment to the item.

 

$300 is just shy of what the set is likely worth. Just my opinion.

 

You mentioned it's one of your favorite paint schemes.  Is this same scheme available today in F3s?  That would have something to do with your decision.

 

- Mike

Buy new and switch shells if you have to

It's a lot of fun to upgrade and definitely worth it, in my opinion.  Your engines will run and sound great.  Easy decision for me.

If these are the ones that are all powered, the ERR Cruise Commander M will not work with six motors, tried that, gave up.

 

Which line is it Dave?   Photo?

If you are talking $300+ per each powered engine, probably not worth it.

.....

Dennis

I guess I'd want to know exactly what you feel you're getting for the $300, because when I had that set I couldn't figure out how to upgrade it to cruise cheaply, and so I sold it.

 

It's the red and silver of the Santa Fe. 

GRJ,

Only the two A units are powered so it can be done

 

Dennis,

 

its $300 total for all units

The CCM works OK with four motors, though the speed control is not as good as with two motors.  With six, it simply seemed to throw up it's hands and quit.

 

I have a set of K-Line E8's with the CCM in them, that worked out OK.

 

Go for it.  It is a completely satisfying experience.   Like bringing your engines to life.

Don't worry ab out what they are worth to others on re-sale.  If you spent the money and upgrade them, they will be in all regards what you want: you say that you like the look, etc.  Upgrade them and they will be exactly what you want.  That is worth a lot.

I too have a K-Line AA set and upgraded to Electric RR Cruise and sound. I am extremely happy with the results. Full TMCC, Cruise and great sound. Did the upgrade myself without any issues.

 

If the paint scheme is something you really like, and have the ability to follow instructions, I would recommend the ERR Cruise and sound.

 

RAY

NO !!  JUST SELL IT AND BUY A LEGACY ENGINE.  DONT GET ATTACHED TO WHAT YOU TRAINS YOU HAVE SELL OFF THE STUFF YOU DON RUN ANY MORE AND BUY NEW STUFF.

 

ALSO I HAVE A FEW KLINE ENGINE AND ALL ARE SMOOTH, WHAT TO YOU MEAN THEY ARE ROUGH RIDERS? PERHAPS ITS A MECHANICAL ISSUE OR JSUT NEED SOME LUBE AND OIL??

ENJOY THE JOURNEY

I had a K-Line GS-4 converted to PS-2 for $300 and it was totally worth it.  However the upgrader told me that the K-Line was running rough because something was warped inside.  I think he said it was the smoke piston if there is such a thing. This was several years ago so I don't remember exactly.

.....

Dennis

David:

 

If you really like the set, I would upgrade it in a heartbeat.

FWIW If the set would run better without two motors converted. You could make the second A-unit a dummy. Just a thought.

I appreciate everybody's thoughts and reccomeditions. Yes I could just buy a legacy set of F3's but at around the price they are going for is not in my price range right now. 

 

I have aver a couple of sets of K-line F units and I really like them, well built, well detailed and the paint schemes are second to nobody IMO. 

 

I have made my decision, I will upgrade a AA set first. If the ERR products are as great as people say and RS5 will sound just as good in this unit as it does in Lionel's then it will make for a spectacular set. 

 

I will  post pictures and let you guys know how it turns out when it is done. 

K Line made some really nice looking engines for a good price. I wish that they were still in business today.

If it was me and I really liked the "ABA" I would upgrade them. The same engines with Legacy will cost you a lot more than the $300 and you don't have to post the engines you have now for $300 and ending up taking a lot less and that is, if they sell at all.

I've upgraded lots of stuff that probably didn't make economic sense, but I don't feel bad about it.

 

DAVID1,

 

You will not be sorry doing the upgrade using ERR products, which, I assume you know, is LIONEL owned. So everything you get is designed by Lionel. 

 

If you have not yet checked out their web site, be sure to do it at:  http://www.electricrr.com/index.htm

 

You can buy direct from them, Ken is very helpful, or you can order what ever you need from one of their dealers. 

 

Good luck.

 

RAY

 

 

David1

 

Your decision is the same one I would make. Good luck.

 

 

Joe B.

FWIW I have a set of K-Line F units (ABA W/four motors) that I upgraded years ago with a TAS Drop-in cruise board and am very happy with the results. If you can find one of the boards I highly recommend the conversion. Throw an ad on the "Want to Buy" board and you may get lucky.

 

 

Milwrd

Can't put a $ figure on sentimental value. I know I'm "attached" to my locomotives.