Lionel Brass Hybrid Santa Fe

I don't know about Larry, but those scenes with the prototypical smoke sure fooled me.  On my phone �� they looked absolutely stunning.   

Though I'm a 3 rail scale guy, I agree that there should have been a 2 rail version made available.  Even if it didn't have a sound system.  The 2 rail market is being short changed.

I hope this project siceeds because I would like to see some less popular locomotive models come out such as the PRR k5, k2, & k3, usra 2-10-2,

Prr 2-8-8-0, some earlier E class E2  & E3 sd steamers, and the F3 2-8-0 class

No - sometimes with Erik's work it is really hard to tell.  Once in a while the only giveaway is the track gauge.

Eric, your pictures are now much more amazing than I first mentioned. Your layout is simply amazing. Now that I look back at your pictures, I can see that they are truly models, realistically looking models. Your photography is even better. Wow, wonderful work. The smoke coming from the steamers in three of your pictures is billowing out and the clouds look so real... Please post more pictures of your artistic modeling...I am Envious....Happy Railroading.

Hey Larry,

Thanks sir your kind words are very meaningful. Many thanks. 

I believe Lionel is being very generous to 2 rail Modelers. I have so many of their frieght cars and I would love it if they keep producing what they have and add some new prototypes as in some cases the Lionel models are the best models we have of some cars. 

Bob and Kazar you guys are too polite. 

When PBL started offering the “hybrid” models it revolutionized the Sn3 hobby. Then MMI from PSC in On3 hobby. Lionel could have something here that is better than die cast and not as fastidious and expensive as brass.  

I only wish they would do a more realistic job with the valve gear. Especially the union link and combination lever. Lionel's combo lever is a bent piece instead of a straight piece as per the prototype. To my eye it ruins the valve gear. I readily substitute these pieces and it's a bite in the rear. As others lament it is shame not to make a 2 rail version, or at least offer drivers and wheels to convert.

Having said all of the above, I think it is a magnificent effort on the part of Lionel and I thank them for it.

Ron H

I do like the brass hybrid concept.  However I would still like to see reissues of Lionel Classic PW Steam with modern can motors.  We have the 0-4-0, Turbine, The Pacific/Prairie type last used in the CC Girls Set, the 773 Hudson....etc.  And the Western Style loco with a proper metal frame.    All would make nice PW style Lion Chief Plus locos.

Ron H posted:

I only wish they would do a more realistic job with the valve gear. Especially the union link and combination lever. Lionel's combo lever is a bent piece instead of a straight piece as per the prototype. To my eye it ruins the valve gear. I readily substitute these pieces and it's a bite in the rear. As others lament it is shame not to make a 2 rail version, or at least offer drivers and wheels to convert.

Having said all of the above, I think it is a magnificent effort on the part of Lionel and I thank them for it.

Ron H

What he said! This is my biggest complaint with both Lionel and MTH locomotives. 3rdRail always knocks it out of the park.