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Lionel Alco switcher

W woojrOGR Forum Member
Thought I'd share a few comments about my new CN Alco switcher. I am happy to say (unlike some other posts here) that everything works well. Really impressed with how realistically it moves, the paint, smoke & for the most part, the sounds. I would have liked a little more engine volume in the auto setting. It would be neat to see smoke increase with speed & load then ease up.
It can run so slow, it's like the big hand on an old clock, no humming, buzzing or jerkiness of any sort.
Only downside I see (perhaps it's unavoidable), the couplers seem to stick out too far. I don't mind the large couplers but from some angles they're out there.

When the new forum opens I'll add a video.

It is a light feeling loco with only one motor. I haven't run it with many cars, just a few holiday test runs.

Anyone else have any thoughts on this Alco?
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DavePDavePOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER
I just received the NYC version of this locomotive and started working it a little. I like the Alco 'growl' as it idles... and I like the latest Legacy features, especially the Rule 17 light dimming option. I have had it pull a mixed consist of 10 cars - 3 being diecast hoppers - ran like a charm. Only complaint I have is a sticky front coupler
DavePDavePOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER
quote:
Originally posted by woojr:
I must admit I knew nothing of rule 17 lighting. Is this the first in O gauge?


My other Legacy locomotives don't have this feature, this one is the first. I'm certain most of the newer (last year or so) locos have this feature. The horn and bell are pretty cool, especially when the unit is set for Sequence Control mode.
RT Rusty TraqueOGR Forum Member
quote:
Originally posted by wb47:
and rule 17 is what?


From a posting by Drew Madere on January 12th:

"Rule 17 is actually a collection of rules that govern which lights are to be on on a locomotive at given times and to when they should be be dimmed. These rules may vary from railroad to railroad but generally follow a similar pattern. The general purpose of the rule is to make sure that the locomotive is visible, without creating undue glare for others in the area.

Except when an engine is clear of the main and stopped, both the front (and rear if so equipped) headlights should be on.
The light in the direction of travel should be a full brightness except:
1. At stations and yards where switching is being done.
2. When the engine is stopped close behind another train.
3. In non-signaled territory, when the engine is stopped on the main track waiting for an approaching train.
4. When approaching and passing the head end and rear end of a train on the adjacent track.
5. At other times to permit passing of hand signals or when the safety of employees requires.
The opposite light should be dimmed."

Rusty
W woojrOGR Forum Member
Just a bit of an update. I contacted Lionel because after searching the manual, I could not find anything about it. The reply was "The rule 17 has the headlight dim or brighten based on the speed of the locomotive"

What I've found is if I bring the front of the loco up behind another train (an r30 in this case) come to a stop, the headlight automatically dims. I'm not sure what triggers it. It also has a manual lo beam.

ANd as far as horn-bell? That's pretty subjective.

I will say I'm a little disappointed in the lack of response from Lionel. Their manuals aren't specific enough.

Also forgot to mention the couplers became locked open. A drop of crc in the plunger seemed loosen them up immediately. I guess they are a close fit & come dry.
Any other comments on these?
OKHIKEROKHIKEROGR Forum Member
quote:
Originally posted by DaveP:
I have a similar problem - what is crc? is that a brand?


CRC is the brand name. You can get it at Pep Boys , electrical outlet stores, practically any Automotive store. There are numerous kinds of CRC cleaners. The best and safest I have found as far as not damaging plastics is CRC's Electrical Grade QD Contact Cleaner. I have been using it to clean up old messy, grease choked motors for a very long time. Its good stuff.
W woojrOGR Forum Member
I must report the "Rule 17" feature is confusing to me. Lionel customer service told me the headlight brightens then dims as engine slows using red button on remote. Isn't this what our postwar locos do?

If you have used this feature, you know it's not that simple, and there is a manual rule 17 as well as auto rule 17.

I can't get anyone at customer service to say something needs to be explained on how to get the most from this loco.

Additionally, when reading the manual on dialog in speed control, it explains clearly how it works. Then, in one short sentence beneath that section, it says switchers don't have the dialog.

It appears when new locos are built, manuals are pieced together from previous locos and no one proof reads them. Then customer service cleans up later without all the info needed to fix it.
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