Which Lionel Blue Comet is better? #831 or #833? I am debating purchasing either model. I'm concerned with all the "gadgets" the 833 comes with and having to maintain it, even though I find the steam whistle to be really cool. Are they the exact same body style? Also, were both models made in China/Overseas? Belated Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!
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Mike,
I have the 831 Comet, not the 833. I have seen an 833 and from all outward appearances there is little, if any difference between the loco and tender of the latest edition, to 831. The big difference between the two is that 831 is TMCC and 833 is Legacy. I also have heard, and I emphasize heard, that the whistle on the later model differs from the earlier one. Which one is better; well is Legacy better than TMCC? That is a question only you can answer. Both engines were made in China.
I do have the Chicago and Alton Legacy set. In many respects, it is very similar to the Blue Comet. The additional features are very enjoyable. No question, it is technologically more sophisticated. As far as potential problems are concerned, in my opinion, one may be faced with the same issues with either loco. You are dealing with boards, solid state circuitry, all the bells and whistles of our modern age. I don't know how many 833's have been produced, but Lionel claimed that only 1,000 sets headed by 831 were made. Based on the very limited number of the earlier locos and sets that turn up on the secondary market, clearly the 831 Blue Comet was made in relatively small numbers. Incidentally, the initial set had four cars, plus an additional add on two car set and later a sound car. The latter (15406) was made in very small numbers. I am still searching for that piece to complete my set.
In my experiences, both have some features that are better than the other.
The 831 from 2001 has railroad and road number accurate TowerCom as well as "All Aboard!" dialogue. It also has a somewhat more accurate whistle sound effect. Overall, the value for this one has gone down since the Legacy one came out.
The 833 has more elaborate CrewTalk and TowerCom, but it is the disappointingly generic version with the same New York accented engineer. The whistle steam is of course great, and the smoke output is better than the TMCC version.
Really it is your decision which one is the best in the long run.
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