I'm considering a Lionel 6-8406 locomotive/tender combination - brand new. This measures 23" long, and I'm wondering if it would be limited to wide turns. Aside from the turns, is this good, bad, average? As Shultz used to say on Hogan's Heroes, "I know nothing!" : )
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I found this thread on the engine. Might be of some help.
@MartyE posted:I found this thread on the engine. Might be of some help.
Thanks. I found the same thread, but it was about a used item made in 1984. This is a new one.
An 8406 will run on 031 curves with the small wheeled pilot truck. Not sure about your statement about the 1984 reference, they were only made that year.
Jerry, even if it is brand new in the box, the other thread brought up by MartyE brings up an important point on the tender. The foam used by Lionel at that time to insulate the sound board from the metal frame of the tender deteriorates over time, whether new or used.
Before putting it on the track, you'll want to unscrew the tender shell and replace the insulation with something else: Foam board, double sided foam tape, etc. or risk shorting the board and thus ruining the Electronic Sound of Steam function. Opinions differ, but I personally like the Lionel Sounds of Steam. Low tech by today's standards, but cutting edge when it first came out. Just as a side note, it was MARX Trains that first developed a very similar sound effect.
You'll probably also want to try turning the engine wheels by hand first to see how easily they move. I don't know if at that time Lionel was adding lubricant at the factory to gears, but after all these years, you'll certainly want to check that too and of okay, give it a fresh lube.
@Chuck Sartor posted:An 8406 will run on 031 curves with the small wheeled pilot truck. Not sure about your statement about the 1984 reference, they were only made that year.
Thanks. They were only made in 1984?! So if it's described as new, then it must be NOS?
@Chuck Sartor posted:Not sure about your statement about the 1984 reference, they were only made that year.
That left me scratching my head also but I thought maybe I was missing something and didn't peruse it.
I've decided to pass on this. Not only don't I have a layout yet, I still haven't decided on a location for it. If it were newly-made that might be different, but 36 years old is a bit much. I have a steam engine, and one is enough right now. Thanks for your replies.
Yes, but Jerry, I think you are confused about stock numbers versus popular postwar locomotive descriptions. When you said you were interested in a Lionel 6-8406, you could only be referring specifically to a product made in 1984.
That product was a modern-era version of the postwar 773 Hudson, a reference to a type of model made repeatedly over a broader span of time.
@Jim R. posted:Yes, but Jerry, I think you are confused about stock numbers versus popular postwar locomotive descriptions. When you said you were interested in a Lionel 6-8406, you could only be referring specifically to a product made in 1984.
That product was a modern-era version of the postwar 773 Hudson, a reference to a type of model made repeatedly over a broader span of time.
I saw this for sale listed as new, but I knew nothing about it, so I asked here. That gave me the impression that it was made in 1984. I wasn't looking specifically for a 773 Hudson. I was just asking about this specific item offered for sale. As I said, I know nothing about models and numbers.
Well, for better or worse, I bought it. It was advertised as new from All About Toy Trains ($289.95). After looking more online, I understand more about the 783 Hudson series. When it arrives, I'll post an update.
@Jerryc41 posted:Well, for better or worse, I bought it. It was advertised as new from All About Toy Trains ($289.95). After looking more online, I understand more about the 783 Hudson series. When it arrives, I'll post an update.
If it is in new condition, that’s a pretty good deal. Regardless, it’s a nice model of the J1e Hudson. Enjoy!
See? Now your throwing more letters and numbers at me. "J1e" 
@Jerryc41 posted:See? Now your throwing more letters and numbers at me. "J1e"
Do a Google search for J1e Hudson and look for pictures of the real thing, none of which were preserved.
Great locomotive at a nice price.
I got the Boston and Albany version that came out after the 6-8406.
There was no lubricant in the places where the lubricant goes (see instructions).
So, make sure you completely lube, per the instructions.
Internally, one of the magnets was rubbing against the drive wheels. It had to be removed and reglued in the correct position. Not a big deal.
You should find your Hudson is a smooth and fairly slow runner at low voltage (a good thing).
You will be very happy with it.
@Jeff2035 posted:Great locomotive at a nice price.
I got the Boston and Albany version that came out after the 6-8406.
There was no lubricant in the places where the lubricant goes (see instructions).
So, make sure you completely lube, per the instructions.
Internally, one of the magnets was rubbing against the drive wheels. It had to be removed and reglued in the correct position. Not a big deal.
You should find your Hudson is a smooth and fairly slow runner at low voltage (a good thing).
You will be very happy with it.
Thanks. Being happy is my goal. 
I bought one last week at the Kutztown train show.
I replaced the foam in the tender with Scotch double stick pads and greased and oiled the locomotive...it runs great !
@taycotrains posted:I bought one last week at the Kutztown train show.
I replaced the foam in the tender with Scotch double stick pads and greased and oiled the locomotive...it runs great !
Very nice!
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