Lionel Legacy FEF

Loaded question!  

 

Condition dependent, $750-$900.  Sealed NIB models may bring more (especially the black one).

 

Not sure why, but the black one is harder to find. The grey seems to be much more available.

 

It's truly one of Lionel's best in my opinion, smooth runner, great sound, and a heavy smoker.

 

 

 

 

They are very expensive considering they that UP FEF were made in 2009 the last time it was made and first Legacy attempt. The bay has had them for a outrageous range because they are hard to find. Now Santa Fe 3751 and 3759 were sold by few people on the bay but with reefers or Passenger cars for retail all together because they were SEALED IN the shipper. My friend got his for under 800 on the bay.

They are gorgeous models.  If I hadn't almost completed the 2-rail process, I would trade my black one for a greyhound in a heartbeat.

I picked one up when they came out.  It is a keeper.

I bought the black FEF new when they came out....my best and favorite steam engine until the VLBB came out.

 

I've seen the black version on EBay from $1000-2500, but you don't see them very often. Grey version is more common but still a $1200-$1500 range on EBay.  

 

They are worth as much as some sucker is willing to pay

I have the grey one and it is a great performer,smoke and sounds with auxiliary tender.

Mikey

My greyhound Legacy FEF is my favorite engine. Would not part with it. 

Hang on to your hats. Rumor is this will be reissued with whistle steam.

Huh?? Where'd you hear that one? I'd be delighted both with whistle steam and the opportunity to get the black version!!

I've been expecting THAT for some time.  I can see it now in VOL II-a black and grey FEF, whistle steam, AND 21" UP passenger cars!

 

And, hopefully a cab number other than 844...

if your lucky can find a motivated seller

Not the best picture of this engine, but if you click on the photo, you will get an enlarged version.

 

 

Is this the Lionel Legacy model in question?

 

 

 

 

Hot Water's weathered model is my all time favorite Lionel FEF!

I have both black & gray FEF, as they say, " they are keepers".

And if the do decide to re-issue...please please please don't mess around too much with the sound file! Those FEF's have been music to my ears.

Forgot to add that, the Lionel model of UP 844 is the mid-1950s version, and NOT as she appears today. That is why I like the Lionel model just as much as my Sunset/3rd Rail model of #841.

It sure would be hit and a good seller, I have the black version and love it.

The new release will/should have the LCS sensor, the first release does not.

I am hoping that when it is announced I will be able to find a grey version. they are very hard to find and do sell quickly...

My opinion is you may want to wait for the new release

 

 

Concerning the request for different road numbers; there were only a few FEF-3 locomotives that were up-graded with the Worthington Feedwater Systems (841 and 844 to name two of them), so there aren't many choices for Lionel to offer. For those interested, I can look up the specific road numbers that WERE up-graded and post them later, if any one is interested.

Now that you guys mention it, I haven't saw either version for sale in some time.  I actively search for UP steam on a daily basis (OK, sometimes hourly!) and its been months since I've saw one for sale. 

 

I really think a reissue will be done soon. 

Currently listed on a well-known auction site a gray one is.

cool, well don't just wink at us, give us the link....

yeah not bad... thing is, looks like the seller cannot test it...

estate clean out. I tend to walk away from these... tends to be another repair in the cue.

The Greyhound Legacy 844 is also my favorite locomotive for the following reasons:

 

  My wife Jane spotted it new in the box at Vince's Trains at the 2014 Fall York Meet.

 

  Steve Nelson of Mr Muffins Trains assured me that Vince is a honest dealer.

 

  My wife said to me you know you want one- Steve approves, What are you waiting for.

 

  Within a week of operation, it developed an electronic glitch.  Vince advised me that he

  would make it right and to contact his repair person Marty Fitzhenry

 

  My wife and I were afforded the opportunity to meet Marty and Dotty in person. Two

  great folks to know.  Marty had it diagnosed, repaired and back to me in short order. 

 

 

To quote Marty, It is a Keeper.  Good luck finding one.  I am sure you will be as pleased

as the rest of us.

 

  Chris Cook

Yes... Lionel's introduction of 21" passenger cars was notoriously missing the UP livery.  Not sure how that happened.  Whenever MTH catalogs Premier passenger cars, I can't remember a time when they didn't include UP.  Seems they always offer UP, and those cars always sell.  Can't seem to make enough of them.

 

David

Maybe because the folks at Lionel realize that UP passenger equipment was NOT built by Budd, and thus their cars have LOTS OF RIVETS showing on the exterior. Same reason that Sunset/3rd Rail/Golden Gate Depot has not offered/produced UP CORRECT scale passengers, yet.

And when has Lionel ever been that concerned with prototype "rivet-counting" details vs. roadname popularity?  Can't imagine them starting to care now -- certainly not to that degree.  Let's see what happens in the next catalog that features more 21" cars.  

 

David

Maybe things are starting to change within Lionel? They are now offering SCALE freight cars with a Kadee coupler mounting pad. When have the ever done THAT for the "scale minded modeler"? Since these newly announced 21" scale passenger cars are part of a whole new thought process from the managers of Lionel. That stated, I really don't think that the "next catalog" will answer any more questions either.

What are the noticeable differences in the way she looks today?

First, after her big boiler/firebox rebuild between 2000 and 2004, when she returned to service in 2005 there were two Dynamotors, up on the Fireman's side.

 

Then, in 2013, the red Mars light was removed, and all the polished fasteners, stainless steel cab window treatments, polished "dog dishes" at each boiler wash-out plug, and aluminum tires & walk way edges were added. She looked like a "circus wagon" the last 2 years she ran, in my opinion.

I forgot I took pix of that when it was in Colton.

 

 

What's the benefit of adding the 2nd, after all those years of just having one?

Since my FEF met her big Sis face to face.....she's definitely a keeper!

 

 

When the combined UP & C&NW solid-state cab signal Automatic Train Control system was added, and the original 1940s UP cab signal system was removed, every time the radio was keyed, the cab signal and/or ATC system dropped out and we got a penalty air application, due to the drop in voltage. Thus, a second Dynamo was added JUST for the darned radio!

"Then, in 2013, the red Mars light was removed, and all the polished fasteners, stainless steel cab window treatments, polished "dog dishes" at each boiler wash-out plug, and aluminum tires & walk way edges were added. She looked like a "circus wagon" the last 2 years she ran, in my opinion.""

 

 

gee, he wondered, who was responsible for all of that???

The current manager, who took over in late 2010, when Steve Lee retired at the end of December 2010. That's when everything when into the toilet.

Wow...shoulda known...technology. I wonder if they will be allowed an "exception" for this new PTC stuff when it's finally required on every train?

 

Thanks for the info HW!

No "exceptions" needed nor allowed. It really will not be too difficult to install the PTC "stuff" on any main line steam locomotive anyway. Just have to keep it clean and vibration free.

1.  Why? Replaced with what - did they just replace the red lens?

 

2.  I ask for two reasons: (1) a couple of years ago there was a long thread on this Forum about the Mars "hazard" light and what purpose it served, which was very illuminating (no pun intended) and in particular explained why it's red and (2) my only gripe about the Legacy 844's operation is that the Mars light is simply a flasher that is on when the engine is stationary or in reverse. The flashing is not very prototypical although I understand than when it's on is. I tried installing one of Ngineering's excellent Mars light simulator boards to give a better effect but it won't work because the flasher is wired direct to the 1st generation Legacy board.

 

3.  You may recall that these Legacy engines shipped with a clear hazard light lens and Lionel had to issue a replacement red lens. Aside from that, powering up one of these models is a real treat.

 

4.  LOS, your photos deserve to be framed.

I walked into a crowded local train show 2 years ago and spotted a guy selling a new grey FEF  in box dirt cheap ($500)

At least 100 folks walked past it but no takers. Seems the guy has well known record of selling broken trains and no one took a chance. I snagged so fast  my my hands smoked trying to get him the money before he changed his mind.

Two guys at a table across wished me good luck

The engine as it turned out was and still is perfect.

You just never know.

Joe