Lionel UP Anniversary Alco Set...

The "use of China" means cheap labor...

In regular operation I've had more problems with metal gears than industrial-grade plastics.  As long as the mesh is between two surfaces of equal hardness and strength, all should be well.

 

Jon

I agree that that the cardboard for the passenger car boxes should be heavier, but my set was packed and wrapped beautifully. The plastic spur gears are of the same type and material as those currently used on the newer 6-wheel drive trucks on the L-AF PA's, which are smooth runners. So far I have clocked a fair amount of run time on two sets of those without any issues at all.

 

As for this new UP 'Anniversary' set, the decoration is sharp throughout. My sample runs buttery smooth (and quietly) taking 10 volts/2.1 amps to operate the whole train with its open frame three pole motor at speed. The Magne-Traction works. The electronic horn is strong and appropriate in tone for this "postwar inspired" set. The set box and packaging hit the right nostalgic cues and made unpacking the set very enjoyable.

 

Bob

I received my Anniversary Set last week and all is well. Runs great, diesel horn sounds right, and it's just a cool looking remake of a classic. No issues with the packaging.

 

I did notice the 'looseness' with the body around the frame, although that sounds like a non-issue based on your comment.

 

I thought the new Flyer PA's had brass gears?  My Pennsy from 2005 does. And it has the new trucks and motor mounts.

 

I do wish Lionel would restore the stamped metal structure on these small passenger cars.  It would be easy to do and they use these cars enough to cover the cost.  Any deal with the TCA in 1976 is long expired...Lionel has changed owners and been bankrupt.  Any contract is off.

Overall I am glad to see everyone is happy with this set and the two 726 Berk sets. Sounds like Lionel made some better quality sets for this latest round of conventional classics.  I am still deciding whether to sell my last 2 TMCC  B&O and Wabash F3 PWC sets to buy some of the latest conventional classics sets.  I hope Lionel can/will make some 1956 sets like the B&O and Wabash F3 sets in the CC series.

 

I have always been concerned with plastic gears stripping where the shaft rotates the gear in the inner hole...moreso than gears stripping against each other.  What caused the MPC GG1 plastic gears to strip so easy?

My guess: that was new technology 40 years ago.  Today, industrial grade Nylon forced onto steel shafts is SOP in uses from robotics to your car's windshield wiper arms. 

 

Jon

 

PS: Totally agree on restoring the tooling of the 2400-Series Cars. 

Ah, checked again and you are correct. The L-AF spur gears are brass. They do have a similar design, however, to those found in our new little UP Alcos. My sample does run very smoothly, so let us know how yours functions if you are able.

 

Have fun.

 

Bob 

Post some pics of this set. I had it ordered too but had to cancel when the wife got laid off.

Rob

I second Rob's request for some photos. They would be great!  I love this set, but unlike Rob, I never even ordered it in the first place as it is off my "budgetary scale."

Here’s a link to another thread posted by Brewman. He took some great pics of the UP Set. I’m going to try and get some shots up this weekend of mine in action!

 

https://ogrforum.com/d...00#12129988028970500