Lionel sd70ace or es44ac?

At this point I would get the ES44ac because it has that cool semifixed/pivoting pilot. I assume you are talking about the plastic ES44s, if that's the case the headlight configuration is modeled after Norfolk Southern, if that doesn't bother you there are tons of different road names to choose from. 

Yes I am talking about the plastic one.  As far as sound, does the es44ac have the same exact sound as the sd70ace?  Also I had an sd70ace before and was running it on 0-48. Would the es44 be able to navigate those curves ?

The minimum recommended curve for the ES44 is 0-54 I don't know if it will run ok on 0-48, sorry. The sounds on both locomotives are different and represent the sounds of the real thingp. How close they are to the real thing I am not so sure. Hope this helps. 

I had the plastic Lionel ES44AC and didn't really like it  (ie, not detailed enough).  I think the SD70ACe is nicer, thought it lacks the semi-fixed pilot,

I have both and the ES44ac wins hands down. Very well detailed IMO. The SD70ace is very nice also but for me the ES44ac is tops. 

I have an ES44AC and an SD70ACe that I run at the club regularly.  On 0-72 curves the es44 has trouble pulling the non-scale cars because the semifixed/pivoting pilot does not move enough.  you will have issues with any curves under 0-54.

I like the ESS4ac because of semifixed pilots.  Not sure about running 0-48 as I always run my engines on the recommended radius.  ES44ac has unique feature of turning off the engine sounds after being idle for certain amount of time which was on the original die cast ES44ac models.  ES44ac also has ground lights, but that can also be found on SD70ace models.  I own one of them and look forward to getting another one that I have on pre-order from the new catalog. 

When I had my sd70 I did run it on the 0-48 so that's why o figured the es44 would work also since the sd70 had the same 0-54 recommended radius   How is the smoke unit in the es44?

Actually the SD70ace has a minimum curve of 0-36 thats why it worked your 0-48.

Looks like I may have to upgrade my radius if I buy this engine.

Did Lionel ever make dummy ES44s?  I am looking for a PRR.

Bagelman,

 

    With a layout that's largest curve is 048 if I were you I would stick to diesels with two axle trucks (F Units, Alco FAs, GPs etc.) and stay away from three axle trucks (SDs, Alco PAs etc). The three axle trucked engines are generally much longer and do not look good going through tight turns. I am talking scale engines not semi scale, Railking, Lionmaster etc.

 

JohnB 

If anyone has ran the es44ac on 0-48 please let me know the outcome

I've had an sd70ace before and it ran fine on the 0-48. I looked on lionels website and the specs said minimum radius is 0-54. It was a heritage unit.   I'm think the es44 would make the curves also

I have both and can't really say I like one over the other, so I'll list the really cool things about each IMHO. Sounds are fantastic on both, and I have yet to get one that has any imperfections in paint application.

 

ES44

1) excellent "sleep mode" feature consistent with the die cast release

2) semi-fixed pilots

3) excellent truck detail (specifically with silver paint)

 

Sd70

1) brute appearance

2) different horns for different runs

3) really great labored bass

 

I think it all comes down to personal preference of body style and road name.

Depends upon your druthers, the Lionel ES44AC is only accurate for NS engines compared to CN, BNSF, etc., because of the head light. (The part you see in the dark.)

I have the new Legacy plastic ES44ac. It will run around 042 curves by iteself, but not with any cars.  Has to do with the coupler swing.

 

Do not buy the ES44ac if you want to run on 042 with cars.

 

I love its sounds, ground lights, etc.

 

To see it in action on 072, go to the More Movies at the Marines topic from several days ago.  here

 

B&OB

My Lionel CSX ES44AC goes around and pulls cars on 048 curves. It does not have any trouble at all. I am pulling MTH CSX CoalPorters.

 

Not sure what others are pulling or doing. 

 

The sounds are good and the details are awesome.

 

Yes on the NS heritage units 

At first I thought, Gene, how can you? Then I realized I am actually talking about 042. I went back and changed my earlier post.

 

Here's what the UP ES44 looks like on 0-42 curves. Engine stays on rails itself, but no way could I get it to pull anything around 0-42.

 

 

 

 

The es44 sound is superior to the sd70. it has two speakers and when you increase the labor though cab 2 it is remarakable. I have both. Glad I got mine at $399 instead of the current price.

Fred

Well guys I ordered it and hope to be here In a . Few days. I'll take pics once it comes in. Can't wait

Either One You Order is a WIN WIN. Legacy equipped Engines Really Set the Pace for Diesel Rev Sounds, Crew Talk, Tower Com talk, ETC....WOW. Down the road, if ever possible, I would recommend going with wider radius curves. Happy Railroading

I enjoy running my ES 44