Lionel's new UP FEF and 072

It will run awesome on O72. I have the previous Legacy FEF and it runs sweet

Thank you Matt. 

Ive also got a black one on order. I cant wait to get that bad boy

You will have no issues. For some reason the Lionel 4-8-4 wheel arrangement negotiates 072 very well.

Do great minds think alike? If so I'm glad to be in your company. The original issue Legacy FEF-3 runs fine on O-72 track and switches. I also have the black version (in my case 8444) on order having missed out on the first run of the black version.

FWIW:  I have the 2008 version of the Lionel 844 and love it.  It does indeed operate just fine on 0-72....but, IMHO, it looks like it needs wider curves.  (I can actually run it on 0-64 but I really don't like to.)  0-84 and 0-96 are in my future plans so I'm curious as to how much better it will "look".  I've seen some video of the 2008 model running on 0-96 and it really makes for a big improvement, IMHO.

It's a really large loco and tender.  It's actually longer then my NKP 2-6-6-2 and tender.

Not to hijack the thread or open a can of worms, but was anyone else disappointed in how expensive the current models are?  The street price of the 2008 844 was between $850-$900.  I was thinking about ordering the new 838 or selling my 844 in order to buy the new version of the 844....but the $$$ kept me from doing so. 

Also, my 844 has operated flawlessly since day 1.  If it ain't broke.......

Yes, sticker shock is amazing. Ive got 2 EM-1s from 2012 on the shelf at the hobby stoer I work at and they are a steal at $1300 retail. Very nice models

My point exactly.  If a Vision Line Big Boy....with all of its size and features....cost $2,000 last year, how can a FEF be $1,450 to $1,500 now?

Keep in mind that the tooling was already done.  Whistle steam was added and separate sound effects were needed for the 838......but still.  I was expecting around $1,050....give or take $50.

Throw in the BTO requirement and I passed.  With no regrets as my 2008 844 still brings me great joy.

I passed too. I have the Black 2008 legacy version and I absolutely love it.

But honestly, I am hoping that I can snag a 8444 version after the release.

How many people, using the last two digits of the cab # for the loco ID, are going to "forget something" when the 8444 arrives....and they've already used 44 for the 2008 version? 

I know....84 will probably be the way to go.

I dont use that system, I just go to the next address in numerical order since I use Legacy and LCS it it not necessary to know the loco address

Berkshire President posted:

How many people, using the last two digits of the cab # for the loco ID, are going to "forget something" when the 8444 arrives....and they've already used 44 for the 2008 version? 

I know....84 will probably be the way to go.

Actually it won't matter unless the old one is on the track at the same time.  It's the dreaded 99 that operates all locomotives that cracks me up... set you engine to 99 then take it to the club and run it... sure will get everyone fired up for a bit.

For the previous (first Legacy version) the 844 was rated at a minimum radius of O-54.  

I ran it comfortably on O-60 with no issues.

Best,

Michael

I have the 2008 black and gray version of this engine. They both  negotiate 054 curves, they don't look  comfortable  on 054 but they ran fine on 054. I also ordered the new one and I'm sure it will run perfect on 072.  

I had an old video of the FEF running on my old 054 main line. If I can find it I will post it here. 

Thanks

alex 

I really like the 844 but I can't get myself to spend $1450 for a locomotive when I'm buying a MTH 611 for $1000. What makes Lionel that much better.