New Lionel Southern Mikado?

The 1992 version is based on the actual Southern 4501, the new version is a USRA Light 2-8-2 former K-Line tooling.  While approximately the same size, they're two different animals.

And just to keep the comparisons apple-to-apples, here's catalog images of the two locomotives in the Western Pacific decorations.

Based on 1992 tooling:

And, the current ex-K-line tooling:

Note the differences in cab, tender, tender trucks, sand dome, running boards, crossheads and other smaller details.

Rusty

Here's a few photos of the Lionel Southern Mike that was just released. (builder's plate missing)

Thank you!  Exactly the answers I needed.

Yeh I was thinking you should atleast get a builders plate for the money right. I am happy with the engine as it is my first legacy/odyssey engine. It is also my altime favorite real engine since I rode behind it as a kid.

Remember, the 4501 was built in 1911, and the USRA 2-8-2 design dates to 1917. The Lionel version of 1992 is the most accurate O gauge model of the 4501 out there unless 3rd Rail or similar company has made one in brass (I know, the Lionel one is brass, but not made to the standards of 3rd Rail or Overland). 

Woah there...  The 1992 Lionel model of 4501 is die-cast.  Williams had the basic brass Mikado way back when.

Rusty

Rusty is correct--diecast Lionel 4501 and Williams in brass, light 2-8-2. In addition to Southern 4501, Lionel's diecast version was issued in several roadnames including DRG&W and NYC.

I bought those versions and redecorated because I wanted black workhorse Southern Mikados. One of My Williams Mikados was also painted green, the other shiny black, and both were incorrectly numbered in the 4800 series which is the Ms-4 heavy series numbers..

Yes, to agree with Rusty and others, the 1992 Lionel Southern Mike is the ONLY accurate
model of the 4501 excursion loco in O gauge; all the others are just USRA Mikes in green
(or an even less accurate representation).

Because of this, the new Legacy Lionel Southern 4501 is a great step backwards for accuracy; won't do. And the upside-down trailing truck artwork...Oy!

I got one of the correct Lionel Mikes years ago (the "DRGW") on sale, did some

tender swapping and painted it (4501) in proper freight black with gold lettering.

I've ridden behind 4501 (who hasn't?), and loved it in green, but I prefer black,

and my Lionel repaint looks pretty nice.