Lionel Amtrak Acela set

I still remember how excited I was when Lionel first offered the Acela, and for me it was the set to own regardless of price. Granted it is an expensive set that requires big curves and a relatively large layout to operate properly, but was the 709W Rail Chief set in its day (albeit with much less technology on board).

 

Another option to consider is the fact the Acela was only made by Lionel in O scale, unlike other steam and diesel models. I doubt Atlas or MTH would come out with models of their own. The only other models are in HO or N, made by Bachmann.

 

Although I cannot run my set, I do display it with pride and certainly would buy it again despite the known issues. My recommendation is if you love and want the set and have the means to purchase it, go for it.

 

-John

 

So leapinlarry is your Dad?  I believe Bob Bubeck is the Acela Guru here...yes, I'm his brother by another mother!

 

I decided to take the chance and brought one today.  After hearing that it is set up right it works and the cool things it does I decided to take the gamble.

It will be interesting to hear if you have any issues with your purchase. Was it new or used. I can pick up a used one at very low ball price but it has some operating issues, have been hesitant to take the plunge.

Hope it works great for you and there are no issues.  These sets sure seem to be 'hit or miss' when people get them.

 

Let us know.

I had the six car set. It was my best set as well as my worst.  I even built an elevated 3rd level loop just for the Acela. My two happiest train days were the day I brought it home and the day I sold it for parts. With multiple returns to Lionel, it finally gave up the ghost and the last return of the engines did not work.

Well removed the S curves back to laying track I am just glad I seen this post before it was to late thanks for all the info pic of changes

Have heard this comment by several members here.  I guess Lionel's former CEO Jerry C wasn't kidding when he commented their model was very much like the prototype -- even down to its maintenance history.  

 

David

Bill t it's new out stock.  It should be here this week, I'll keep you updated.   Iwas picking up track for the new layout and American best hobby in Illinois has a new one.

Trainz has one on fea bay brand new in the box for the adventurous types.

Will be interested to know the result. One thing mentioned above that I think is very good advice with this set - don't try setting the whole thing up without testing the connections between the cars and the engines one at a time. It's a bore and doesn't help if you have a car with its own issues but better than hooking them all up and not being able to tell which connection needs to be adjusted.

 

Also, the lubrication of the worm gear that operates the doors is a tricky process (page 33 of the manual) as the doors have to be opened and the car turned over to get at that part. After years of sitting in a box you might find that this needs to be done.

 

Good luck!

you can tell which car is causing issues because that car and the ones trailing door's will fail to open.  Pull the first car with door issues and the remainder should work.  My initial issue was when the consist was run on my outside lower loop (O 72 with a section of straight between each 90 degrees). The track work needed to have at least one car length between curved sections of track because of the tilting mechanism. Also the bottom of the spacing portion of the coupling mechanism on each car needed some lube to permit it to freely negotiate O 72 curves.

Thanks, I'll need it.  I hope the grease isn't the same stuff they used on a new old stock gantry crane, I brought. I had to take it apart and clean it because the old grease had turned into  super glue. 

All true, at least in my not entirely happy experience with this set. I also had a sense of deja vu reading this post - we have been here before three years ago, as witness this thread, which I think is required reading for anyone contemplating buying one of these sets or setting it up for the first time:

 

https://ogrforum.com/t...-do-you-think?page=3

 

The coupling mechanism probably looked fine on the drawing board but it is very complicated with parts of the bodywork/skirting of each car moving out to allow for coupler travel on O-72 curves. The reference by rboateroo to lubricants that turn solid reminded me that I had an issue with the coupler spacing mechanism, which requires lubrication to prevent it wearing a notch in the plastic used for this part. The result of running the set on a large oval with O-72 curves where the train only ever turned to its left was this notch worn in the part preventing the coupler from aligning correctly:

 

 

Mine should be here by the end of the week, thanks for the pictures and advice. Here is my track set up. I am planing on parking it on one of the siding. 

I've been following this post.  After reading all the reviews, I think you are nuts for buying this set with all it's record of issues and after sitting in the box for those years.  I hope you like to tinker and also don't mind throwing good money after a dream that from my lazyboy looks like a nightmare.  That said, I wish you the best of luck with the set.  Tony at America's Best has all kinds of oldish Lionel just sitting around.  I think he still has three of those Phantom sets on a shelf.  Have fun!

 

My first comment is totally off-topic but - nice South Shore sets in that yard! Pity that K-Line never issued a TMCC version of their interurban train.

 

When/if it works the set is great but it is not for the casual user. Anyone who has read this thread knows what issues they can realistically expect and is presumably ready to spend the time dealing with them. Too bad Lionel cancelled the re-issue.

So the question remains if your looking to buy one, and you want one that may need help. How do you find a set?

Especially if new in the box is not an option.

The one from Stouts went for $875.00.  Trainz is at 711 with two days to go

$875 +20 % buyer's fee.  

 

Plus SHIPPING-which can't be cheap for this set judging by the size of it.  It was won on an internet bid.  I know, I was there today...

 

If your an IN resident add another 7% State Sales Tax.

 

I have no interest in this set.  Granted, it's far less than new.  But to say $875 was the cost is stretching it.  Not trying to be 'that guy', just thought it should be pointed out.

The one on stout was a good deal imo .. The 2-10-10-2 went for stupid money

It sure did...

 

The other crazy one was Glenn Snyder shelves. New ones are $15 a piece and people were bidding higher.   Maybe Glen can make the aluminum passenger cars!!!

Was it new?  

No, C-8 I believe it was advertised.  Don't quote me on that.  I do know it was used.

 

Like I said, I've got no interest in this set.  Just thought of you guys when it was up for bid and watched to see where it'd go.  I thought'd go higher than it did, to be honest.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I did too, the guys on ebay are wanting a lot more.  I was bidding at work, but not on that. Some of best deals are from there.

I received my Acela (new in box) on Monday that I brought from a Member of the forum.  After all of the posts I wait until last night to open, and started small. I took the engine and dummy out and set them up on the track and programmed then into the Legacy controller.  Everything worked the pantagraphs when up and down with direction change and the sounds worked.  Now for the cars.... Maybe tonight.  

I wish you the best of luck.  Have fun!

Just remember to take your time with the cars... one at a time ..check for function.. doors work.. no flashing lights.. then on to the next car. If you follow this procedure you will know immediately if there is a problem with a car and adjust the couplers etc before moving on.

I have had this set since its release and it is really amazing.. good luck and let me know if I can help.

 

I hesitate to ask but did you ever get the cars in your set to work as they should?

I did get everything to work except one car, the doors opened but one one car the door got stuck. But to keep it on a siding I had to eliminate one car.  So it all worked out!!!!

Thanks much for the update. I think your experience is about par - at least compared to mine. Lubricating the door worm gear mechanism might help especially if the doors are stuck open anyway as you can get to the gear more easily. It is parallel with the car roof.