Lionel Blue Comet question

Does the new Blue Comet run need a whistle fix?

From a previous thread, the answer is yes. 

One would certainly hope that the newest Blue Comet locomotive cataloged in 2012 V2 with cab #833 will be produced with the correct steam whistle directly from the overseas factory -- as opposed to the INCORRECT diesel-sounding whistle that came with cab #832 (released earlier in 2012). 

Although it's a simple question, recent exchanges with Lionel product marketing have left us a bit puzzled, and often we -- as well as Lionel personnel here in the States -- won't know what we get until it's actually shipped.  Sad commentary, but I think an accurate one at this point in time.     I hope I'm wrong on this one.

David

Let's clear up some confusion here.  Blue Comet locomotive #832 is the one that needs the whistle fix.  I just purchased #833 (catlg'd in 2012 Vol 2) and am happy to confirm that the correct "steamboat-sounding whistle" is indeed implemented properly straight from the factory!  There should be no need to send in your #833 for a whistle-fix. 

Nice job, Lionel!   

David

Now when you order the passenger cars that go along with the Legacy Blue Comet locomotive, the windows will have a dark green tint rather than the clear look like 2001/2002 passenger cars or what is seen in the catalog.

Why?  No one knows.  If you look for a replacement part from Lionel, the replacement window film is also green tinted.  For some reason, all new heavyweight passenger cars get the green tint treatment I guess.

Yes... I've been following that over in the other thread.  Not sure why Lionel did that this time around.  Fortunately,  I have the complete 7-car set from 2001/2002, so I'll just run the newer loco with those cars.  

David

Whether it needs a fix or not depends on your taste.  Mine came with the whistle sound many wanedt fixed - some people say it sounds like a diesel, but to me it sounds like the steam whistle of a very large ocean liner and I like the sound (frankly, I have lots of steamers with "steam locomotive" whistles - this at least is different).  Those that were sent back and those, if any, made after the fix was in, get a more prototypical whistle that sounds about like what you would expect. 

The dark green tint I discussed at length on another thread a few days ago, and fixed with little problem.  It looked bad to me, and I found it annoying I had to spend nearly two hours replacing windows, but it turned out nicely. 

The current Blue Comet is beautiful - I did not pre-order one but scrambled to get one once I saw a friend's - Wow.  Mine runs very well and the sound (chuffing, etc.) is superb as all recent Legacy locos are.  The cars are pretty much standard Lionel heavyweights - compared to older heavyweights they have spring loaded trucks and interior rather than silhoettes but they are the same basic body moldings.  Very nice - not as far out in front of other options, in my opinion, as the loco is (its one of the best), but okay . . .

Let's put it this way, Lee.  The whistle that came with my #833 is definitely "different" than the one in videos that were posted last year when the #832 locomotive was first released.  To my ears, the #833 whistle has a very nice "steamboat" characteristic that is different than other steam whistles I've heard in my Lionel Legacy line-up, and it's not even close to the diesel tone that was posted in several of the #832 videos.  

Just wanted folks who might be interested in a Legacy Blue Comet to know that Lionel did it right with #833... and they won't need to send a new locomotive to customer service for the whistle-fix... as was the case for #832.

David

I think this update deserves it own thread David, I imagine this makes a huge difference for anyone considering a  loco from the second "batch" of blue comets.

Having said that, I believe the original legacy blue comet whistle was the result of reusing the whistle soundset that was offered on the  old TMCC Alton Limited and attempting to make it quillable.