Original LGB Alpine Classic Set

It's an impressive set, especially considering the age of the sound system.  

Glenn:

I once owned this set when it came out in 2000 - I still have a copy of the 2000 catalog - and the sound system was very crisp and clear. The sounds of the relays switching, the vacuum brake system and compressor, and the fans were very impressive indeed! The whistle, traction motor sounds, and side rod "slop" were also superb. Around that same time, I also had the LGB 22852 DR 0-6-6-0 mallet with sound, and the coal shoveling sound with the firebox glow blew me away! The synchronized puffing smoke was also a hoot! At that time, I ran my LGB with an MRC Controlmaster  20, which had a flatline DC output. My new set will be operated with a Bridgewerks Mini-Mag 3 amp pure DC power supply.

I also have the Original LGB 120th Anniversary 31680 "Gourmino" dining car, which I will run with the two Alpine Classic coaches. As you know, I already have two new LGB 2nd Class green/cream RhB coaches to run behind the croc.

I recently had two modern LGB engine disappointments: the 23406 digital croc and the 24741 digital 2-6-0 steam loco. BOTH locos had jerky movements in forward operation, and the croc had a forward pan issue. Both were returned to my dealer. It may have been an incompatibility issue with the Piko DCC System, since the LGB decoder was optimized for the MFX system. Who knows? I will strictly run the original analog LGB locos from now on. I am currently looking for a like-new to mint 22852 mallet with sound, as I previously owned. 

Sorry you had those dcc issues with the new MLGB engines. We have NCE and have never had issues with any engine old or new, although we don't have the specific ones you mention.  Programming the new MFX decoders can be problematic with NCE, but operation is fine. 

Where did you find the alpine classic set?  They are hard to come by these days. 

Very nice add-on.  I still kick myself for never picking up that set, but I owned the 2nd version of the Orient Express and it is what prevented me from picking it up.  That set is awesome and I didn't want to be chasing additional add-on passenger cars, but now I wish I had.  Post some pics of it when you have it running if you do not mind.  Again, great pick up and enjoy the set.

Glenn: What does NCE stand for and who makes it? I was told that only the Marklin Central Station works optimally with their MFX decoder. 

GLENN & DAVID: Please contact me at SOU722@aol.com regarding possible additional like-new Alpine Classic for $1495!

Tinplate Art posted:

Glenn: What does NCE stand for and who makes it? I was told that only the Marklin Central Station works optimally with their MFX decoder. 

NCE

Manufacturer of DCC systems since 1993.

Rusty

Rusty: THANKS for the info and the link! :-)

DCC systems seem to be more complex than MTH's DCS or Lionel's TMCC and Legacy and much less intuitive? My experience with the Piko Central Station and Navigator was very disappointing! Probably, some issues with the MFX decoder?

Tinplate Art posted:

GLENN & DAVID: Please contact me at SOU722@aol.com regarding possible additional like-new Alpine Classic for $1495!

Thanks for the info, but we actually have our original set still. 

My new set came out of a private collection. He actually had two - one mint and the other like new!

FYI: The second like new Alpine Classic is NOT mine but is offered by my dealer, Tom Larson of Only Trains. He has a pre-owned section on his website. The trains offered are top quality and are honestly described.