Lionel NYC S-1 & S-2 Electrics

Hi - I have the S-1 and it is one of my favorite little engines.  All I can say is that has a small can motor so don't try and run a large string of passenger cars (18 inch - aluminum) - I run it with 4 of the shorty Atlas cars.

I have the S-2 version.  Runs very nicely with the Legacy remote (Odyssey 1 plays better in real TMCC mode).  The engine is top heavy (die cast) and will roll if you take sharp corners at high speed.

Have both; run well. Break-in is important with these - that's a lot of gears

between those drivers.

 

Beautiful models - now if Lionel would just get around to producing the S-3 version

of it (I'd definitely get it).

 

FYI: the S-3 was designed as a 2-D-2 (4-8-4, in steam parlance), and not as a 1-D-1,

as were the S-1 and S-2, which were modified to 2-D-2's later after being found to be

unstable at higher speeds (they didn't start as switchers). The S-3 has a longer

frame because of this, though the body is essentially the same as a S-2.

It would complete the set.

 

I find it remarkable that the NYC used the same/similar class designations for these electrics (S-1, -2, -3) and the late 40's 4-8-4 Niagaras (S-1a, -1b, -2). This seems very

imprecise and un-NYC-like.

 

What if they got the two confused? Oh, my! Niagaras in GCT!

 

I also have the S-2 version. Never had an issue with passenger cars with the extended couplers. The coupler is our little short and stiff on this loco.
I have had it pull cars right off the track on corners.

First time I've heard of breaking in Lionel locos.
I never knew it was necessary. What is the recommended procedure?
How come Lionel doesn't make a reference to it in the manuals.
Does this apply to both AC and DC motors?
Or is it primarily for the linkage and gears to wear in and loosen up?
Thanks

If you really want a super nice NYC electric, buy the T3 from Sunset 3rd rail.

Eddie,

My budget does not accommodate that locomotive, so I will look for an S-1 or S-2.

 

Thanks all for the comments re the Lionel locomotives.

The horizontal drive does benefit from about a 30 minute break in.  I use bearing blocks and run the engine in five minute sets alternating forward and reverse and start at mid speed, then slow, finally fast.  Check lube before and after.  S-2 can pull stumps, no problem with pulling.  Be careful with switches and tighter radius turns.  The die cast pick up shoes can snag stuff along the way.  This is a very nice loco and it was may best runner until I got a Legacy RS-11.

 

 

The rollers are spaced very close. Won't make it over my AtlasO #5 switches.

I agree with Skip.......the rollers are very close.......they won't make it over an Atlas O72-O54 curved switch. I had to do a re-design to accommodate it.

 

Peter