The new Lionel K4 Pacific is 2-1/2" shorter than the 2002 version per the catalogs. Could it be Lionel used the old K-Line tooling. Just looking at the two engines side by side it is very obvious the new one is shorter.
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quote:Question is, do they still have the small motor in the smokebox?
Yes.
Lionel seems to be going with smaller motors from brands other than Pittman for whatever reason, Im sure thers no way to fit a large motor in the firebox and still have the whistle steam effect. If its any consolation, forum member pennsy484 posted video of the legacy k-4 pulling 12 scale heavyweights up grades. I believe if you do a search you can find the video, it was fairly recent. I think 12 heavyweights would have been a chore for the prototype.
In my "experiences" with the new K4's I've had the "opportunity" 
to open them up many times. Yes it is a smallish sized motor facing backwards. But it is pretty darn strong.
to open them up many times. Yes it is a smallish sized motor facing backwards. But it is pretty darn strong.
Thats the one!!! 
quote:Im sure thers no way to fit a large motor in the firebox
Actually the firebox is the perfect place FOR a larger DC motor, since the firebox is the widest portion of ANY steam locomotive. Nobody could ever figure out why K-Line put their motors in "backwards" which forced them to use smaller motors, plus the motor was VERY close to the smoke unit.
quote:Originally posted by Hot Water:quote:Im sure thers no way to fit a large motor in the firebox
Actually the firebox is the perfect place FOR a larger DC motor, since the firebox is the widest portion of ANY steam locomotive. Nobody could ever figure out why K-Line put their motors in "backwards" which forced them to use smaller motors, plus the motor was VERY close to the smoke unit.
"and still have the steam whistle effect"
quote:"and still have the steam whistle effect"
Sure, why not? All the other Lionel "non K-Line" models, like the PRR J1a and the Santa Fe #3751, have large DC motors in the firebox and still have the "steam whistle effect".
quote:Originally posted by Hot Water:quote:"and still have the steam whistle effect"
Sure, why not? All the other Lionel "non K-Line" models, like the PRR J1a and the Santa Fe #3751, have large DC motors in the firebox and still have the "steam whistle effect".
With the risk of soundimg like I'm trying to continue an arguement, have you visually compared the "available boiler space" on the Santa Fe and k-4( the j1 has cylinder effect) locos as it relates to motor placement and an extra smoke unit located under the whistle? I suppose you could put a large motor in the k-4 and have it stick out of the cab like a williams steamer
I'm not saying that a smaller motor is a good thing,I'm just saying I can see how,and/or why the k-line drive setup works well for Lionel for adding the steam whistle. I would trade the whistle steam for a large motor, having said that, for the "most part" there haven't been many complaints over the years regarding K-Lines use of the smaller motors in their original k-4 or the hudson for that matter,other than the fact that they're small.quote:for the "most part" there haven't been many complaints over the years regarding K-Lines use of the smaller motors in their original k-4 or the hudson for that matter,other than the fact that they're small.
That may be true of those models, but that absolutely beautiful K-Line B&A Berk. sure will not pull a very big train without burning up the poor little motor!
