So I was thinking of buying a legacy SD-70ACE, specifically the jersey central lines heritage one. Is it a good locomotive to buy or does it have many flaws?
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Its my understanding that it is 5 scale feet too short (or thereabouts). Similar to the MTH Railking Imperial of the same model.
But I don't actually have it myself, so others can correct me if I'm wrong.
I have two sd70's. they operate great 6-28330 & 6-38750.
I can't comment on yours because I don't know the 6-number as lionel has been making these for many years.
I have been hearing that it's a bit short, I really hope that's my the case.
Lionel's SD70ACE's are very well done. Great puller and the sound is fantastic.
I have the Penn Central version, here is a video of mine (I also have an MTH version, thus you can see the two together for comparative purposes):
**Lionel version is the first diesel in the consist, MTH version is second right behind it.**
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhaXayBEI50
Up close:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MaMlpBJzMtE
As for the the length issue, I'd have to line it up alongside my MTH version (which presumably is the correct scale length) in order to confirm.
Originally Posted by F30MSport:
.....I'd have to line it up alongside my MTH version (which presumably is the correct scale length) in order to confirm.
Your presumption would not necessarily be correct. MTH engines are sometimes not the correct scale length, either.
I'm not sure about the shortness in scale length, but I have 4 SD70ACe's, the Wabash, the Texas Special, the MOPAC Heritage and the MKT "KATY" and all have great sound, and run very well. I'm very pleased with them all.
According to catalog data:
Lionel SD70Ace: 17.5"
MTH Premier SD70Ace: 18.5"
MTH Railking SD70Ace: 17"
Rusty
I went on the EMD website and the spec length of a SD70ACe is 74 Ft 3 inches. A O scale model would be 18.5 inches long. I do not own any MTH engines but do own 3 Lionel Legacy SD70ACe engines, unfortunately I am at work and can not measure the engine. I find it hard to believe that after being in production for at least 5 years no one picked up on the fact that the Lionel engine is an inch too short especially on this forum. How did that escape our rivet counters. My guess is the catalog is wrong and no one has corrected it. Maybe someone who has one at home can take a quick measurement and let us know.
Thanks
JohnB
Here is a picture of the Lionel unit. Its a little dark but gets the point across.
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Your picture seems to indicate it is over 18.5".
Why does the catalog say 17.5?
Originally Posted by WBC:
Here is a picture of the Lionel unit. Its a little dark but gets the point across.
I have the CNJ Lionel version, I think it is a terrific diesel. Looks great pulling Cibro tankers with the matching caboose.
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Originally Posted by Martin H:
Your picture seems to indicate it is over 18.5".
Why does the catalog say 17.5?
.
The catalog specs are wrong a good deal - with all manufacturers. I've seen many measurement errors in Lionel catalog listings in the past.
I have two of them... great engines.Very strong pulling power,Great sound.Detail is perfect.Be careful handling them.The hand rails bend very easy.You will need MINIMUM 0-72 curves and turnouts.They will look TOTALY obnoxious running on anything smaller IMO.Had to have both smoke units redone.Nick
I have both MTH and Lionel SD70-Ace models and placing them side by side, they look almost identical in length, height and width. Upon measuring them, I found no dimension that was different by more than 1/8 inch. I have a friend that has a lot from both manufactures and the only way to tell the difference from several feet away is the size of the horns.
I do not think you could go wrong with either companies product.
Happy railroading,
Don
I also have the Lionel legacy JC NS heritage unit and it runs and sounds great and they are NOT SHORT.
If you put the Lionel and the MTH side by side they are the same length, 18.5". The only difference is the MTH horn is oversize.
Thanks for the info guys! I have an mth SD-70ACE so it's good to know that they will look great running together.
David1, doesn't the Lionel have a shorter fuel tank? I believe the MTH fuel tank is 1:48 in length.
I have several of the MTH but not the Lionel.
Originally Posted by david1:
I also have the Lionel legacy JC NS heritage unit and it runs and sounds great and they are NOT SHORT.
If you put the Lionel and the MTH side by side they are the same length, 18.5". The only difference is the MTH horn is oversize.
Originally Posted by Martin H:
David1, doesn't the Lionel have a shorter fuel tank? I believe the MTH fuel tank is 1:48 in length.
I have several of the MTH but not the Lionel.
Originally Posted by david1:
I also have the Lionel legacy JC NS heritage unit and it runs and sounds great and they are NOT SHORT.
If you put the Lionel and the MTH side by side they are the same length, 18.5". The only difference is the MTH horn is oversize.
The fuel tank is scale sized.
I have the Lionel Virginian SD-70ACE in the fantasy livery and it is 18.5 inches long. Wait a minute, wait a minute, Didn't Jimmy Carter mandate that we were switching to the metric system????
