Lionel Santa Fe 3000 Steam Locomotive - What's It Like

Bob,

I have this engine and I am very impressed with it!  All of the smoke features have been very reliable.  The blow down and whistle steam always work!  The smoke actually comes out of the whistle not a hole in the boiler beneath the whistle like on the most recent engines.  The smoke features on my CC2 and my VL Challenger are not quite as consistent as the 3000. 

 

The firebox door opens and it flickers too.  The low speed operation is phenomenal.  The sounds are very good, not as good as the VL Challenger, but nothing is.  Crew talk is engine specific which I appreciate.  Of course it has the swinging bell which is perfect time with the sounds of the ring.  I love this feature and it is a crowd pleaser!  The detail is pretty good.  I added a bell chord but all in all I am pleased with the detailing.  Appearance wise-I like the white-walled drivers and the cool turtle back tender! 

 

This was an expensive engine, but I am happy I bought it and have zero regrets! 

Kevin:

 

That's one fine testimony. You have gotten my dormant juices going and ownership has passed my mind for the first time on this one

 

Thanks,

Bob C.

Bob,
My advice don't buy one, don't even look at one. This locomotive single handily has set the bar in amazing sound, sound that will make you fall off your chair.  And features you will come to demand in all future engines you purchase. Once you have experienced this engine all will seem dull and lifeless.
The big task is finding one. I may be able to help you on this.

Here is another shot of the cab details. Even the gages light up!
BTW- this engine came with 2 pipe details and 2 flexible hoses that the instructions say nothing about. Anyone know where they are installed?

J Daddy, I could not agree more!  This engine has absolutely spoiled me and as a result I now have a very high level of expectation for the engines I purchase (so it is all this engine's fault that the recent GS-6 offering disappointed me).  The play value on the bell, whistle, and blow down are worth every penny that this admitedly expensive toy costs.  So good advice, once you start down the Vision Line path forever will it dominate your destiny (a little Yoda referece for fellow star wars geeks).

 

I don't recall a bag with small parts in the box.  I will check that out tonight.  Would you be able to post a photo of the parts?

 

thanks

Bob, here is a short but good video I found showing the engine. I see you still like stuff with lots of wheels! LOL!!

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...&feature=related

I will, they look like added details that channel the smoke box blow down feature?


       

Thanks for the video.

 

I know know that I may be about to drop off a steep cliff, but what can I do? This striving for excellence is what it's all about. Nonetheless as in the past, I will resist. Unfortunately the first sign of cracking is my writing this post.

 

I really don't know what to do with the "disease". It never ends for me

 

Bob C.

GERRY BURNS

 

I think that engines with plenty of wheels are wheeley, wheeley nice.

 

Bob C.