LGB 2085D - Poetry in Motion

What are your experiences with the 2085D?

I've had excellent experiences with the 2085D locos.  They are smooth powerful pullers.  

Does any company make an EXTERNAL European steam sound system with generic variable chuffing, whistle and bell sounds? I am aware of the MRC self-contained system for US loco sounds. 

I received my new in the box, never run 2085D (1983 or later model with catenary warning decals) and it runs so smooth and quiet, with a great smoke unit! Only small issue was both cab figures had come unglued, and were loose in cab, but NO damage to figures or cab details. Used double sided mounting tape to avoid glue mess! Traction tire looks OK after 30 years, but I have a modern replacement if needed. The box, styrofoam insert and manual were all in perfect condition!

I used to have two of those back in the day. Wow did they run great. There was even a blue version with digital sound, I think from the Orient Express et maybe. I wish I still had them now.

I replaced the original traction tire which came off in one large piece, but now I have a squeak on the front motor truck. Will open up both gearboxes and lube all gears, axles and wheel bearings with LGB grease and oil and hopefully that will take care of the issue. I should have done that when I replaced the tire! My BAD!

Earlier today, I opened both motor gearboxes and the axle bearings and all gearing were bone dry! I applied LGB grease to the gears and LGB oil to all axle bearings, as well as side rods, and voila: smooth quiet running! The LGB oil is a synthetic red gel lubricant and it is easy to see as it is applied and it adheres to those surfaces.

The siderods and valve gear motion on the 2085D is a wonderful show! I am presently pulling three dark green OBB style LGB 3062 coaches with my mallet. I also got these original LGB cars new and unused from my dealer.

My next mini-project is to replace the eight solid  plastic wheels on my three 3062 coaches with solid LGB metal wheelsets for better running. They are NOT cheap at $20.99 a pair, but I "pulled the trigger" anyway!

Wheels replaced with LGB metal sets on three 3062 OBB coaches and they run and look better!