Missing Details On VL Big Boy?

Thank you for clearing that up.  I read what you post on real steam and thought you worked on models.  If memory serves me right, you worked on the Daylight or 844.

Marty Fitzhenry posted:

Thank you for clearing that up.  I read what you post on real steam and thought you worked on models.  If memory serves me right, you worked on the Daylight or 844.

Yes, I have "worked on" SP 4449 and UP 844/3985. I'm still with the crew of 4449 (over 40 years now) and spent about 17 years as a contract Fireman on the UP Steam Crew, retiring from that when the previous manager retired at the end of 2010. I also worked for EMD from June 1962 through the end of 1998, primarily in the Service Dept..

I couldn't agree more with Hot Water. For the money, I'll take 3rd Rail over Lionel any day. Especially since used prices are very reasonable.

Robert Coniglio posted:

Many of our items such a Big Boy have ceased being just toys a long time ago.

 

Bob C.

I agree with this statement. Plus I am a big fan of yours Bob. Great insightful poster!

PAUL ROMANO posted:

@ J Daddy   Man, those GN Alcos look real good!   

Paul - couldn't have done it with out ya! 

D500 posted:

"Over the years I have observed the people who throw stones at a locomotive are the people who did not buy it for whatever the reason."

Well, could it be that those guys didn't buy it for the reasons with which they take issue...? Ya' think...? 

Hot Water posted:

J Daddy posted:

How in the heck did you compare a toy with a scale brass model?

 

You're kidding, right?  I don't recall Lionel "advertising" those $2400 Vision Line series of UP 4000 class models as "toys".

Where have you been? Lionel makes toys!"

No, Lionel does not (just) make toys; they make very good to excellent 1:48 3RO scale models. This "toys" thing is really doing a disservice to those of us who wouldn't be here at all if it was "just toys". I am a grown man; I don't make choo-choo sounds nor wear an engineer's cap when indulging in my hobby.

Are some (yes, only some) brass locos "more detailed" than some die-cast (with brass details)? Sure. So what? That in no way detracts from the die-cast models, especially given that, as a rule, the brass models are more prone to poor running design than are the "mass-produced" die-cast models. (I am not speaking of those ultra-high-cost pieces; never saw one.)

I own both, like both, and have cursed both. But, I have had to tune up and/or repair and curse, out of the box, new, far more brass steamers than die-cast ones.

Yesterday I was looking at a Japanese (remember those?) O-scale (KTM, maybe?) NYC L-2a Mohawk; I was comparing it to my Lionel TMCC L-2a. The brass model was more beautiful and better-looking - a bit; the thin brass has a look that is literally sharp. How much better was it visually than the Lionel? 5%, max. And the KTM just refused to accept any TMCC commands...what's up with that? Roller pickups were missing, too...

However, neither of these locos was anything like a "toy". That's getting old.

I wish that Lionel would drop the "Lionel" name altogether for its high-end equipment; it can be a real boat anchor at that level, especially when these items are in the same catalogue as the...y'know.

The only thing really getting old is us... 

I have never seen an accurate 1:48 3RO scale model from Lionel compared to 3rd rail.

I don't see how calling these toys is a disservice to the hobby. Its for recreation, not work... and its not making revenue... technically its a toy.

Sorry you don't like to wear the hats and enjoy the fun, it sure is a winner with the kids. 

there is nothing wrong with wearing a hat etc. it can all be part of the fun. I agree. it just depends on what you want to do.

Bob C.

Good show.  I forgot I have 3 RDC cars.  These are brass/plated and available.  Great runners.

My problem is I like to pull 11 to 12 80 foot passenger cars and none of my 3rd rail engines can do than, not even the big CP Selkirk.  My very well detailed lionel Penn K4 pulls all 12 with no problem and looks just as good as my 3rd rail one.

ironlake2 posted:

My problem is I like to pull 11 to 12 80 foot passenger cars and none of my 3rd rail engines can do than, not even the big CP Selkirk.  My very well detailed lionel Penn K4 pulls all 12 with no problem and looks just as good as my 3rd rail one.

My 3RD Rail Super Hudson pulls 15 or so heavyweights all . Have never tested it to its limit though. If one is having problems, add some more weight to the boiler and check your traction tires. If your pulling K line 80 footers they are pretty heavy.

IRONLAKE2,

   You are correct the Legacy K4s are great. I have two, the first started life as a Polar RR engine which I got for a great price so I had it painted to PRR colors. I had waited too long to start looking for a K4 (Postwar version) and was quite pleased with the re-painted Polar engine. I then purchased a PRR# 1330 K4 off the forum and noticed that the former Polar K4 did not have a whistle shield where the PRR K4 did.

I found Precision Scale on the web, found the O gauge parts they offered, then found a hobby shop who would order it. Got the whistle shield in, painted it, glued it to the boiler of the K4 and it looked great and directed the whistle steam up instead of out the side.

 I do not understand why Lionel would not of included the whistle shield on the Polar K4 it must of cost about a quarter for them, .30c counting paint. Maybe they wanted the Polar K4 to be different from the Pennsy K4. Who knows but it was fun hunting down the part and adding the detail to the engine.

 If Big Boy owners want extra detail they can do the same thing it is a fun project.

JohnB 

ironlake2 posted:

My problem is I like to pull 11 to 12 80 foot passenger cars and none of my 3rd rail engines can do than, not even the big CP Selkirk.  My very well detailed lionel Penn K4 pulls all 12 with no problem and looks just as good as my 3rd rail one.

So,,,,what sort of grades are you trying to negotiate? I regularly use my Sunset/3rd Rail CB&Q Hudsons, either the 3007 or the 4001, and either one will handle the 10 to 13 Golden Gate Depot CB&Q heavyweights on our layout (sometimes I add an additional three Weaver former troop sleeper "express" cars on the headend). The Sunset/3rd Rail NYC "Super Hudson" will also handle the full K-Line 21" aluminum Empire State Express train consist..