K-Line boxcab

They run good for a smaller motorized unit. The horn could be a bit louder but not a deal breaker.

Those are nice. I like boxcars quite a bit. RMT is going to be offering these, according to their web site.

I had the PRR version. I had TMCC installed in it. It ran ok. Couldn't really pull that much. I bought it originally with the plan of using it as a switcher for my passenger terminal on my old layout. I found it would stall on Ross switches, so it wound up on the bay.

I have several of them and like them very much. These are an improved version of the original Lionel 520 Boxcab (one of my postwar favorites as indicated by my founding of the "Friends of the 520" group some years ago).

The newer K-Line versions don't like O27 switches all that much--pilot truck tends to derail--but that's no longer a problem for me since I no longer use O27 switches.

Homely little boxcabs rank among my favorite locomotives.

I have two of these both in New Haven Green and Gold. I agree with most of the above underpowered etc but will add that I wanted to run these run MU because of the two couplers but the way they are set up with the guide truck as the pilot instead of trailing the front engine derails the second every time it hits a tighter curve. I had to run them nose to nose with the engineer figures facing each other and cycle one unit to run backwards to make it work.

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...the way they are set up with the guide truck as the pilot instead of trailing the front engine derails the second every time it hits a tighter curve.

That is a problem, as I noted above in regard to O27 switches. Not sure why they were designed with that pilot truck in front because the original 520 operated with that wheelset as a trailing truck so it actually guides the trailing cars. Hopefully, RMT will correct that if/when they make the things again.

Might be easy enough to correct, as I recall, if the cab figures are simply installed in the opposite end cab. I'm not certain about that though because it has been a while since I fussed with the boxcabs I have.

I purchased the one of the first run of these made by K-Line in the CNJ #1000 livery.
As stated previously, they aren't the most powerful engines in my inventory, next to my RMT CNJ Beeps, they are the neatest! I believe I pulled 4 Sunoco post war tankers before it complained. I didn't care, I really like it.
I ran my Boxcab on Fastrack and through O-36 switches and experienced "0" issues.
Again, as stated before, the horn has a lot to be desired, but one of my Beeps has an ERR sound commander in it and the Beep is just as loud as the Boxcab.

Play factor is a 10....if your looking for something prototypical...not so much.
But I like it and it was worth the $90 I paid for it.

I have the Lionel TMCC one, the single PARR, not the one with the dummy sound engine. It pulls decent for a small locomotive, it'll haul a dozen cars around on a level track with no problem. I'd love to have the sound dummy, but I'm not paying that kind of money.

I'd've liked one myself, but I'd have prefered that it had been made with two trucks (as is stamped on the frame). Granted that the Lionel original was supposed to be their cheapest loco, with all the upgrades since I'm surprised K-Line nor RMT has done this. Maybe the trucks from the BANG could be fitted in, eh Walter? (hint, hint)

Good looker but I have the same derailment problem with mine on GG switches. And you can't turn the cab around. If Walter can get the truck on the rear end, I just might try another. It also needs a flywheel because a sudden stop will put the engine in the air.

It looks like RMT is using the K-line body on the Beep chassis. I agree with Artyoung, they should have used the Bang chassis.

John

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I believe I pulled 4 Sunoco post war tankers before it complained. I didn't care, I really like it.

I have operated as many as six traditional-size cars behind mine with no problems.

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I ran my Boxcab on Fastrack and through O-36 switches and experienced "0" issues.

Ditto!

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I have the Lionel TMCC one, the single PARR, not the one with the dummy sound engine.

An entirely different unit than the one being discussed here, but certainly a very nice one.

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I agree with Artyoung, they should have used the Bang chassis.

That would require all-new body tooling as well. I imagine RMT's version of the boxcab will be nearly identical to the K-Line version in just about every respect.

As above re derailing through switches,filled mine with strips of lead great improvement.
James

Chris...
It runs great but it shares one of the originals
tendency to derail the front truck.... it can
be helped by adding weight to the truck. A
trial and error process.

It runs notably smoother than the original and
is far less noisy. The original sounds like
a gang car needing a lube job.

Joe O'Loughlin

From the RMT website:

BOXCAB LOCOMOTIVE:
ORDERS ACCEPTED starting mid-2012 and pricing will be shown at that time.

Originally designed jointly by K-Line Electric Trains of Chapel Hill, NC and RMT® in early 2000, the BOXCAB was actually produced only as a K-line by Lionel product 2005-2010 as an 0-27 locomotive.

For 2012, RMT BY ARISTO-CRAFT® will re-introduce the BOXCAB locomotive. A new chassis has been developed that uses the durable RMT® BEEP® mechanism along with a solid frame, additional lighting features, interior cab figures and more.

However, any previous KBL production of specific roadNUMBER will not be repeated allowing each RAILroad series to continue along with new railroad names not previously offered.

The BOXCAB locomotive will feature dual motors, 4-wheel drive with traction tire, electronic reversing unit, operating couplers, front and rear directional headlights, metal handrails and upgraded painting decoration.

Availability is expected in Spring 2012 and detailed artwork information will be updated when available.

quote:

From the RMT website:

BOXCAB LOCOMOTIVE:
ORDERS ACCEPTED starting mid-2012 and pricing will be shown at that time.

quote:

Availability is expected in Spring 2012 and detailed artwork information will be updated when available.

A tad bit of a disparity there, with the item being available before the order date.

The sharp eye of the editor misses very little!!

I've got the Klline PRR version. A fun little runner, I tend to drive it around by itself. A nice fit for smaller layouts.

The JC verion would be nice to have too.

The Beep chassis, well I guess the Box Cab is a no go. An excellent runner but then I would have one that derails and one that stalls on switches. Yes I know, add P/U rollers to a car but it should run by itself. RMT make's some nice products but you can't gloss over a known fact.

RMT boxcab with new Logging railroad names,
6 Industrial Rail shorty log cars,
RMT shorty "MARX" bay window caboose.
That would make a nice set!

Here's a pic of the K Line one -


& the original -

I have one, and run it in it's turn. I have no problems with 042 curves, and K-line switches, or a set 036 Fastrack layout. Again, it won't pull more than about five or six cars, but it's fun!
Artie

I might pick up an RMT undecorated version, provided it gets good reviews and moves considerably faster than a Beep. K-Line's version never got the consistently good reviews. I have 2 Lionel 520s that run very well.

I'd still like to cobble a Laurel Line version...

 

 

Or anything form the Laurel Line.

 

I grew up two blocks from the Plains Station.

 

Mark

It's funny to find out I've been running my old 520 'backwards' for all these years. With the pilot truck in the back, it could pull quite a number of cars without ever derailing on 027 track and curves.

Well thanks, I just bought a 520. Lol.  I'll have to see what becomes of it.  

Anybody put a bell in one of these?  I know the old slope back tenders had a bell setup, they don't come cheap though.  Any Marx or Gilbert pieces out there?