Do you own Lionel's recent SD38 offering? What's your experience been like?
I'm considering.
-RM
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I have both of the Lionel SD38s in Reading & Northern, road numbers 2000 and 2003. They both run great individually and in a lash up. The only problem I had with the 2000 R&N was a burnt out rear red light that I sent back to Lionel and they fixed it returned it very promptly. Other then that they work great, good smoke, and sounds are nice and robust. Nice engines.
I have Penn-Central 6945, nice engine! Sound is nice too.
I always liked those big footed 38's. I got to run them on the Oak Island hump in the late 70's early 80's.
You won't be disappointed.
SAM
I am very happy with SD38 #650 EJ&E. Looks and operation are fantastic.
Frank
I love them too. Excellent details. Smooth runners and plenty loud especially when doubled up. Now if I can only find an EJE #654 to complete the set.
Ralph, What roads are considering?
I have the Conrail unit and I love it as well! I would have never thought it would be built. Now I am kicking myself for not purchasing weaver made ALCo triaxle trucks to make the slug unit for it!
Probably Penn Central. I Take it they didn't make any dummy units?
I just wish someone would build an SDL39. It could be done in Milwaukee, of course, Wisconsin Central or Wisconsin Southern. Think about it.
Dick
Ralph M posted:Probably Penn Central. I Take it they didn't make any dummy units?
No dummys as far as I know, all powered!
Ralph,
Here is a video of my fried Ray's R&N SD38s running around the BDSME layout:
Real nice diesels, great detail, sound, smoke etc. I would grab one if you can find them.
JohnB
Nice video, JohnB 
The engines have smooth operation, excellent detail and sound. These diesels simply look great. You won't be disappointed!
OK I took the plunge. An SD38 is on its way. 
So what are you initial impressions? Likes/dislikes etc...
1) I wish the prime mover sounds were louder. It's turned up all the way but still very quiet whereas the horn is nice and loud.
2) I applaud Lionel for moving all the little switches to a spot where they're easily accessed. It appears that the "lid" you lift off to get at them just sits there. There should be some sort positive engagement, latching. Seems to me that the lid could easily come off.
3) The horn (at least to my ear) is a little funky. Still playing with it. It seems to randomly switch between a nice smooth sound to a "blare" and then back.
4) Visually, it seems to ride a little high on the trucks but there are lots of other O scale locomotives out there guilty of the same thing.
So far just "nit picky" little thing. It's definitely a keeper
I'm running it as purely TMCC. I do not have Legacy and don't plan on getting it. I'm sure the Legacy experience is that much better.
-RM
Ralph M posted:1) I wish the prime mover sounds were louder. It's turned up all the way but still very quiet whereas the horn is nice and loud.
2) I applaud Lionel for moving all the little switches to a spot where they're easily accessed. It appears that the "lid" you lift off to get at them just sits there. There should be some sort positive engagement, latching. Seems to me that the lid could easily come off.
3) The horn (at least to my ear) is a little funky. Still playing with it. It seems to randomly switch between a nice smooth sound to a "blare" and then back.
4) Visually, it seems to ride a little high on the trucks but there are lots of other O scale locomotives out there guilty of the same thing.
So far just "nit picky" little thing. It's definitely a keeper
I'm running it as purely TMCC. I do not have Legacy and don't plan on getting it. I'm sure the Legacy experience is that much better.
-RM
very interesting, interesting indeed
I may have spoken too soon. Noticing issues. Will continue in a new thread.
