I have a chance to purchase this train set and was wondering if you would share your review. Thank you.
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
Here is my thought on this because I considered buying this set since i came out but have not. The reason I did not is the way too bright green color of the engine. That said, I have the non-tinplate plain black Penn Central #4710 version of the engine and love it. Key feature is that swinging bell which I must tell you is absolutely worth considering. Again, I love tinplate and have a little bit, not some huge collection but passed based on videos that I saw of this engine of the color. If you are fine with that, then absolutely, I think the engine and the cars are very nice.
Another factor at play, I picked up my engine at distribution cost- not full retail. Hoping you are getting the set for less than MSRP- not more given this late date.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azQKlNZlBG8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMPR-em4ND4
Last, I know not a "review" but I also considered Trainworld videos do a good job of showing details and features. So again I know advertising and not a "review" but still relevant IMO.
Again here is my complaint, if i looked like the product page picture, I might have bought one.
But from all the videos, there is no way everyone's camera is that far off.
I know tinplate had bright colors, but it's things like this that really ge me fired up about Lionel and paint problems.
Attachments
Images (3)
I personally don't mind bright colors on tinplate. That is kind of the point isn't it? However, I also enjoy tinplate as a diversion from my scale modeling where color and prototype fidelity is important.
@GG1 4877 posted:I personally don't mind bright colors on tinplate. That is kind of the point isn't it? However, I also enjoy tinplate as a diversion from my scale modeling where color and prototype fidelity is important.
That is the fun with tinplate, the colors
Personally I enjoy mine I wish Lionel would do more of these but considering how long some dealers had them they may have not sold too well. Definitely a different take on our standard prototype modeling
The color of the engine is the least of it. The challenge that a set such as this faces is that it is neither fish nor fowl. It is a Post-Modern Era O scale detailed train consisting of plastic rolling stock with non-prototypical decoration and, yet, it does not have the charm, 'feel', materials of construction, and whimsy of real tinplate. So, many (most?) hobbyists in either camp will give this type of set a pass. Enjoy, to those who have one.
Bob
I own this set. It doesn’t jive with the rest of my trains. But I thought it would be great for under the Christmas tree service. The set pays homage to Lionel’s heritage. From the box it came in, to the set itself. It’s almost like a tip of the hat to Christmas’s past when it’s humming around the tree.
The engine itself is a great runner. I believe it is a beautiful locomotive. It’s hefty in weight. I don’t mind the color. It has great details. The swinging bell is the cat’s pajamas. The sounds are crisp and clean. The one thing I do wish it had is two pickup rollers instead of one.
The rolling stock is just as handsome. It consists of a 40’ reefer with opening doors and hatches. And a 2 bay coal car. I do wish they gave you one more car. It also comes with a red northeastern caboose that looks great but lacks interior detail.
If you like the looks of the set. I wouldn’t think you will be disappointed with the purchase.
Thank you to all that posted. Still on the fence about purchasing. The price is $300 below MSRP.
I owned this set at one time. I really liked the offering in the catalog, but when it was delivered, I just didn't feel the rolling stock was well done. Nameplates/number plates had to be reattached, and the rolling stock felt...cheap.
The engine was really nice, however, as others have pointed out.
