MDuppy posted:Bruk posted:MDuppy posted:I do plan on upgrading the JLC engine with a Electric RR cruise commander.
I upgraded mine to full LEGACY control and sound.
How did you get the railsounds board? Could you also share about how you did it?
I would like to know how you upgraded to full Legacy too. I was told Legacy upgrades are not being sold and that you had to have a non locking gearbox to do that.
Rich,
The FEF set in your amazing scenery is as good as the hobby gets. Simply stunning.
Debit my wallet $1650, please.
Marty, Hot Water, Eliot ..thanks.
Rich Battista posted:Big thumbs up and job well done on the FEF. The usual great detail, smooth slow operation, and great sounds. I passed on the first one and glad I did because I would have wanted the whistle steam feature.
Beautiful engine, great sound and as I've said many times previously, outstanding layout. I must say however, like the BB, to me whistle smoke loses significance when the whistle happens to be close to the stack. especially a double stack. My new UP 2-8-0 as the UP 9000 has the whistle way back just ahead of the cab where you can see it. To me that is huge!!!! I have the first FEF, love it... IMO, given a choice, I would rather have dynamo smoke on this particular model.
Joe
No matter how many times I watch his DVD or see his YouTube videos, I still marvel at Rich Battista's layout. It's simply.....amazing.......and would have to make the "All Time Great Layout List"....if there were such a thing.
Thanks, as always, Rich, for posting.
Marty and Rich,
Nice videos. I passed on it because I could not get the matching cars as they were sold out. Kinda of wish I didn't but I did. I did finally get the Pennsy M1a freight set and just added the 2 six pack GLA cars. I need to reconsider this.
Thanks guys,
Matt Makens posted:Mine just came today
Enjoyed the picture. Nice box - looks like a keeper. Thanks for posting.
Is that the remote control for the box you're holding?
Breezin, Ill post a video of that puppy this weekend
Hope all the purchasers enjoy them. Nice video Rich, looking forward to your next "installment" in the series. Did any of these engines have a radio back in the 40's - early 50's?
BobbyD posted:Did any of these engines have a radio back in the 40's - early 50's?
No, but they were equipped with UP's cab signal equipment.
feet posted:MDuppy posted:Bruk posted:MDuppy posted:I do plan on upgrading the JLC engine with a Electric RR cruise commander.
I upgraded mine to full LEGACY control and sound.
How did you get the railsounds board? Could you also share about how you did it?
I would like to know how you upgraded to full Legacy too. I was told Legacy upgrades are not being sold and that you had to have a non locking gearbox to do that.
First operationl attempt of installation,,,,,,,,, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QdLUt2Xer4
90% Completion,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HiEuyhfz4ME
90% Completion,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOuC0iq_Dp0
I have done what I believe to my knowledge no one has attempted. I converted this JLC Union Pacific Challenger FROM early 2000 electronics to more modern LEGACY. It has 4 chuff per revolution, puffing smoke unit and a personal touch of LED Lighting. The Internal guts are were stripped from a LionMaster #3985 6-11200. So the crew talk is correct for the cab number. The installation was easier than I thought. The flywheel had to be changed for the newer encoder (speed control) and slightly modified for the drive shaft or "DogBone" to fit properly, also a encoder board was needed for this style of motor. This is proof that It is possible to update an older Lionel locomotive to the LEGACY modular setup. This was no more difficult than a Ps2 upgrade kit. Took a total of 10 hours to install properly. I've been wanting to attempt the installation for a 5 years now.
Bruk posted:feet posted:MDuppy posted:Bruk posted:MDuppy posted:I do plan on upgrading the JLC engine with a Electric RR cruise commander.
I upgraded mine to full LEGACY control and sound.
How did you get the railsounds board? Could you also share about how you did it?
I would like to know how you upgraded to full Legacy too. I was told Legacy upgrades are not being sold and that you had to have a non locking gearbox to do that.
First operationl attempt of installation,,,,,,,,, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QdLUt2Xer4
90% Completion,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HiEuyhfz4ME
90% Completion,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOuC0iq_Dp0
I have done what I believe to my knowledge no one has attempted. I converted this JLC Union Pacific Challenger FROM early 2000 electronics to more modern LEGACY. It has 4 chuff per revolution, puffing smoke unit and a personal touch of LED Lighting. The Internal guts are were stripped from a LionMaster #3985 6-11200. So the crew talk is correct for the cab number. The installation was easier than I thought. The flywheel had to be changed for the newer encoder (speed control) and slightly modified for the drive shaft or "DogBone" to fit properly, also a encoder board was needed for this style of motor. This is proof that It is possible to update an older Lionel locomotive to the LEGACY modular setup. This was no more difficult than a Ps2 upgrade kit. Took a total of 10 hours to install properly. I've been wanting to attempt the installation for a 5 years now.
Hats off to you on that legacy swap. Very impressive... I have for many years wanted to do the same thing with the full scale PRR T-1 from the early 2000's using the guts from the legacy PRR T-1. I held off on it because I am sure at some point Lionel will release a legacy version. If not, you have given me proof that it can be done.
Bruk posted:feet posted:MDuppy posted:Bruk posted:MDuppy posted:I do plan on upgrading the JLC engine with a Electric RR cruise commander.
I upgraded mine to full LEGACY control and sound.
How did you get the railsounds board? Could you also share about how you did it?
I would like to know how you upgraded to full Legacy too. I was told Legacy upgrades are not being sold and that you had to have a non locking gearbox to do that.
First operationl attempt of installation,,,,,,,,, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QdLUt2Xer4
90% Completion,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HiEuyhfz4ME
90% Completion,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOuC0iq_Dp0
I have done what I believe to my knowledge no one has attempted. I converted this JLC Union Pacific Challenger FROM early 2000 electronics to more modern LEGACY. It has 4 chuff per revolution, puffing smoke unit and a personal touch of LED Lighting. The Internal guts are were stripped from a LionMaster #3985 6-11200. So the crew talk is correct for the cab number. The installation was easier than I thought. The flywheel had to be changed for the newer encoder (speed control) and slightly modified for the drive shaft or "DogBone" to fit properly, also a encoder board was needed for this style of motor. This is proof that It is possible to update an older Lionel locomotive to the LEGACY modular setup. This was no more difficult than a Ps2 upgrade kit. Took a total of 10 hours to install properly. I've been wanting to attempt the installation for a 5 years now.
I also plan in the Future of doing this with my JLC 2-6-6-6 Allegheny #1650 because I don't want to spend 2k on the new one. The Whistle smoke is cool. but when its right next to the smoke stack, you can't really see it anyways.... I'm just waiting for the new one to be released. I have my ways of getting certain items from Lionel Parts department.
BigJohn&theWork posted:Bruk posted:feet posted:MDuppy posted:Bruk posted:MDuppy posted:I do plan on upgrading the JLC engine with a Electric RR cruise commander.
I upgraded mine to full LEGACY control and sound.
How did you get the railsounds board? Could you also share about how you did it?
I would like to know how you upgraded to full Legacy too. I was told Legacy upgrades are not being sold and that you had to have a non locking gearbox to do that.
First operationl attempt of installation,,,,,,,,, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QdLUt2Xer4
90% Completion,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HiEuyhfz4ME
90% Completion,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOuC0iq_Dp0
I have done what I believe to my knowledge no one has attempted. I converted this JLC Union Pacific Challenger FROM early 2000 electronics to more modern LEGACY. It has 4 chuff per revolution, puffing smoke unit and a personal touch of LED Lighting. The Internal guts are were stripped from a LionMaster #3985 6-11200. So the crew talk is correct for the cab number. The installation was easier than I thought. The flywheel had to be changed for the newer encoder (speed control) and slightly modified for the drive shaft or "DogBone" to fit properly, also a encoder board was needed for this style of motor. This is proof that It is possible to update an older Lionel locomotive to the LEGACY modular setup. This was no more difficult than a Ps2 upgrade kit. Took a total of 10 hours to install properly. I've been wanting to attempt the installation for a 5 years now.
Hats off to you on that legacy swap. Very impressive... I have for many years wanted to do the same thing with the full scale PRR T-1 from the early 2000's using the guts from the legacy PRR T-1. I held off on it because I am sure at some point Lionel will release a legacy version. If not, you have given me proof that it can be done.
Thank you very much. If you know what you are doing with the electronics you shouldn't have an issue. I thought about upgrading that T-1. but I don't actually own one. But I have also thought about doing my 2000's scale Class A with the new Lionel master one they just released.
Bruk posted:feet posted:MDuppy posted:Bruk posted:MDuppy posted:I do plan on upgrading the JLC engine with a Electric RR cruise commander.
I upgraded mine to full LEGACY control and sound.
How did you get the railsounds board? Could you also share about how you did it?
I would like to know how you upgraded to full Legacy too. I was told Legacy upgrades are not being sold and that you had to have a non locking gearbox to do that.
First operationl attempt of installation,,,,,,,,, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QdLUt2Xer4
90% Completion,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HiEuyhfz4ME
90% Completion,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOuC0iq_Dp0
I have done what I believe to my knowledge no one has attempted. I converted this JLC Union Pacific Challenger FROM early 2000 electronics to more modern LEGACY. It has 4 chuff per revolution, puffing smoke unit and a personal touch of LED Lighting. The Internal guts are were stripped from a LionMaster #3985 6-11200. So the crew talk is correct for the cab number. The installation was easier than I thought. The flywheel had to be changed for the newer encoder (speed control) and slightly modified for the drive shaft or "DogBone" to fit properly, also a encoder board was needed for this style of motor. This is proof that It is possible to update an older Lionel locomotive to the LEGACY modular setup. This was no more difficult than a Ps2 upgrade kit. Took a total of 10 hours to install properly. I've been wanting to attempt the installation for a 5 years now.
I wish you would have not post this. Now I am going to have to do the same. 
Wow, the new Lionel Legacy #844 thread is already backed up to page 5? Yeow !! Here is my take on the new Legacy #844.
1) Quality control seems to be getting much better under the management of Uncle Mike. It used to be I opened a new locomotive with a bottle of valium next to the Legacy module. Now, I have a bottle of Corona. The locomotives all function flawlessly. You go, Uncle Mike !!
2) Paint and graphic decoration are A+ 10/10. I have the Greyhound version and I am very pleased with paint separation and graphics. Generally speaking, absent a thorough going over, the loco is gorgeous.
3) Sound: My goodness, the sound is absolutely amazing. The whistle and echo are truly stunning. The echo effect after the whistle sounds lasts at least a second or two. It's chilling !! 10/10
4) Running quality is super smooth right out of the box. I will do a thorough lube/oil but at speed step #1 we had smooth revolutions.
5) Smoke: Meh . . . . I do not understand smoke generation so what can I say? Disappointed? A bit. Is it adequate? I guess. Here is a question or two. The 0-6-0 Legacy switcher emits a plume of smoke that must be turned off after a very short time. It puffs like Old Faithful. Why can't these big steamers generate at least as much? The whistle steam hole is right behind the stack so you really have to look carefully to see it. Given that smoke volume is only adequate, at best, the whistle steam is really hard to see. Gotta say. Disappointed in this whistle steam? Gotta say, yup.
6) OOTBE (Out of the box experience): The loco is a stunner. In a darker room, with a scenery background, the smoke and whistle steam will show up better. Runs as smoothly as . . . . . (fill in the blank with something really smooth)
7) I wish? Let me say I am very happy with the loco but is there a wish? YES. Why do we still have to turn the loco upside down to switch from Program-Run? Couldn't we have a removable dome? SIGH .............
8) If I had a choice, would I buy it again at the same price? Yes, in a heartbeat.
9) Final grade from teacher Scrapiron Scher? "A". Is it a home run? Yes. Was it hit deep into the bleachers? Well, let's say it is a home run that made it over the fence.
Mine will smoke you out of the room under 5 minutes. The whistle smoke has so much volume I can clearly see it over the stack smoke. If you started with 20 drops as the manual suggests, you won't get much and definitely not very long.
Bruk posted:feet posted:How you did it?
I would like to know how you upgraded to full Legacy too. I was told Legacy upgrades are not being sold and that you had to have a non locking gearbox to do that.
First operationl attempt of installation,,,,,,,,, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QdLUt2Xer4
90% Completion,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HiEuyhfz4ME
90% Completion,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOuC0iq_Dp0
I have done what I believe to my knowledge no one has attempted. I converted this JLC Union Pacific Challenger FROM early 2000 electronics to more modern LEGACY. It has 4 chuff per revolution, puffing smoke unit and a personal touch of LED Lighting. The Internal guts are were stripped from a LionMaster #3985 6-11200. So the crew talk is correct for the cab number. The installation was easier than I thought. The flywheel had to be changed for the newer encoder (speed control) and slightly modified for the drive shaft or "DogBone" to fit properly, also a encoder board was needed for this style of motor. This is proof that It is possible to update an older Lionel locomotive to the LEGACY modular setup. This was no more difficult than a Ps2 upgrade kit. Took a total of 10 hours to install properly. I've been wanting to attempt the installation for a 5 years now.
I was thinking of doing something similar, but with a little less needed finesse, Bruk.
Would you be able to hook up just fine Legacy sound boards to Command control commanders made by Electric Railroad? The sound boards look almost exactly the same as the ones offered by ERR.
Mikado 4501 posted:Bruk posted:feet posted:How you did it?
I would like to know how you upgraded to full Legacy too. I was told Legacy upgrades are not being sold and that you had to have a non locking gearbox to do that.
First operationl attempt of installation,,,,,,,,, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QdLUt2Xer4
90% Completion,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HiEuyhfz4ME
90% Completion,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOuC0iq_Dp0
I have done what I believe to my knowledge no one has attempted. I converted this JLC Union Pacific Challenger FROM early 2000 electronics to more modern LEGACY. It has 4 chuff per revolution, puffing smoke unit and a personal touch of LED Lighting. The Internal guts are were stripped from a LionMaster #3985 6-11200. So the crew talk is correct for the cab number. The installation was easier than I thought. The flywheel had to be changed for the newer encoder (speed control) and slightly modified for the drive shaft or "DogBone" to fit properly, also a encoder board was needed for this style of motor. This is proof that It is possible to update an older Lionel locomotive to the LEGACY modular setup. This was no more difficult than a Ps2 upgrade kit. Took a total of 10 hours to install properly. I've been wanting to attempt the installation for a 5 years now.
I was thinking of doing something similar, but with a little less needed finesse, Bruk.
Would you be able to hook up just fine Legacy sound boards to Command control commanders made by Electric Railroad? The sound boards look almost exactly the same as the ones offered by ERR.
I honestly do not know, I never attempted it. That would be a good question for a tech at ERR. I thought it might work since they use the R4LC boards on there Commanders. And that's what you would find on a Modular LEGACY set up.
Boy I need to see who still has 1 of these in Stock.
Call Marios Trains
Will do sir...
After receiving 844, I called Mr. Muffin for the Greyhound 835. These engines are just beautiful! And thanks, Steve!
You don't have to have a free running gear box to do legacy. First off the vision line cc2 didn't have a free running gear box .. Hint that's why the traction ties are a nightmare to change .The Santa Fe 2-10-10-2 doesn't have a free running gear box either.. Also I bought guts out of a legacy es44 and put them in a mth dash 9 and it runs like a champ. It doesn't have a free running gearbox either. ..
Marty and Rich B, Thank you for the nice videos of this truly Beautiful Steamer. You are great Ambassodors of this Wonderful Hobby....Happy Railroading.
jojofry posted:You don't have to have a free running gear box to do legacy. First off the vision line cc2 didn't have a free running gear box .. Hit that's why the traction ties are a nightmare to change .The Santa Fe 2-10-10-2 doesn't have a free running gear box either.. Also I bought guts out of a legacy es44 and put them in a mth dash 9 and it runs like a champ. It doesn't have a free running gearbox either. ..
Thats what someone form the big L told me. And i would have to do all kinds of machine work to boiler and tender to make it work. I figured that was a load of crap. Lionel doesn't want us upgrading engines so we have to buy new ones.
I have the first run of these it was my first legacy piece and had nothing but excellent experience with it, I am glad it was reissued many missed out and now they can have a piece that's a great runner and fun to see on there layout, But as for the smoke unit issues I see on here I am afraid that will never change it seems that every time there is a reissue of a piece they do something different to make it stand out from the last piece, Except the smoke unit I have many legacy and MTH locos and would hope they keep improving every time the come out with something just start with the smoke unit, But I am glad everyone will enjoy a loco I have had since it came out many years ago and feel its one of my best even today
fl9turbo2 posted:I have the first run of these it was my first legacy piece and had nothing but excellent experience with it, I am glad it was reissued many missed out and now they can have a piece that's a great runner and fun to see on there layout, But as for the smoke unit issues I see on here I am afraid that will never change it seems that every time there is a reissue of a piece they do something different to make it stand out from the last piece, Except the smoke unit I have many legacy and MTH locos and would hope they keep improving every time the come out with something just start with the smoke unit, But I am glad everyone will enjoy a loco I have had since it came out many years ago and feel its one of my best even today
Lionel has made huge gains on the smoke units the last 2years . All the steamers I bought and the diesels. My new es44s and sd40s will smoke you out of the room. My nickel plate Berkshire is perfect from the factory..
Any video of the new 844 running?
Dreyfuss Hudson posted:Any video of the new 844 running?
Very first post by the original poster/starter of this whole thread, on page 1.
jojofry posted:fl9turbo2 posted:I have the first run of these it was my first legacy piece and had nothing but excellent experience with it, I am glad it was reissued many missed out and now they can have a piece that's a great runner and fun to see on there layout, But as for the smoke unit issues I see on here I am afraid that will never change it seems that every time there is a reissue of a piece they do something different to make it stand out from the last piece, Except the smoke unit I have many legacy and MTH locos and would hope they keep improving every time the come out with something just start with the smoke unit, But I am glad everyone will enjoy a loco I have had since it came out many years ago and feel its one of my best even today
Lionel has made huge gains on the smoke units the last 2years . All the steamers I bought and the diesels. My new es44s and sd40s will smoke you out of the room. My nickel plate Berkshire is perfect from the factory..
I have 4 legacy locos that need replacement smoke units my EM-1 dash8 H7 and ac6000 I have replace the smoke unit in my FEF and cc2s twice but my Atlantic and Berkshire they both have work right from the start never given me a problem also my 2-10-10-2 works great so not all of them are bad its just I keep hearing the same complaint form people, awesome loco but bad smoke units, I think I want more reliability and hope that they will continue to make improvements
fl9turbo2 posted:jojofry posted:fl9turbo2 posted:I have the first run of these it was my first legacy piece and had nothing but excellent experience with it, I am glad it was reissued many missed out and now they can have a piece that's a great runner and fun to see on there layout, But as for the smoke unit issues I see on here I am afraid that will never change it seems that every time there is a reissue of a piece they do something different to make it stand out from the last piece, Except the smoke unit I have many legacy and MTH locos and would hope they keep improving every time the come out with something just start with the smoke unit, But I am glad everyone will enjoy a loco I have had since it came out many years ago and feel its one of my best even today
Lionel has made huge gains on the smoke units the last 2years . All the steamers I bought and the diesels. My new es44s and sd40s will smoke you out of the room. My nickel plate Berkshire is perfect from the factory..
I have 4 legacy locos that need replacement smoke units my EM-1 dash8 H7 and ac6000 I have replace the smoke unit in my FEF and cc2s twice but my Atlantic and Berkshire they both have work right from the start never given me a problem also my 2-10-10-2 works great so not all of them are bad its just I keep hearing the same complaint form people, awesome loco but bad smoke units, I think I want more reliability and hope that they will continue to make improvements
None of those where made the last 2 years.. I have 25 legacy engines The ac6000s and u30s where by far the worse .. The smoke unit motors where junk right from the factory..Lionel has changed motor companys and made adjustments .. There way better then they use to be..
jojofry posted:None of those where made the last 2 years.. I have 25 legacy engines The ac6000s and u30s where by far the worse .. The smoke unit motors where junk right from the factory..Lionel has changed motor companys and made adjustments .. There way better then they use to be..
I nominate the smoke units in the Legacy Santa Fe 3751 and 3759 as....the worst.
Or in my case, truly glorious....until it died....for the second time.
Agree, the AC6000 and the SD70 Heritage smoke units sucked - I had to replace all of them.
For those following this thread, there are a few more youtube videos of the new FEF.
One video features the new and old FEF together-nice whistle comparison.
I think this is another great locomotive.
I feel that the problems are because we ask to much of a smoke unit. Why do we ask something small like a smoke unit to do all this crazy stuff cant we just be happy with a reliable smoke unit that just smokes and puffs do we need it to have a high med or low or do we need it to go through lots of tubing inside a locomotive, Lionel needs to just stop all this crazy stuff and just get back to reliability they have made such advances in electronics design running sometimes you just can't remake the wheel, Sometimes you just need to leave well enough alone
JC642 posted:Rich Battista posted:Big thumbs up and job well done on the FEF. The usual great detail, smooth slow operation, and great sounds. I passed on the first one and glad I did because I would have wanted the whistle steam feature.
Beautiful engine, great sound and as I've said many times previously, outstanding layout. I must say however, like the BB, to me whistle smoke loses significance when the whistle happens to be close to the stack. especially a double stack. My new UP 2-8-0 as the UP 9000 has the whistle way back just ahead of the cab where you can see it. To me that is huge!!!! I have the first FEF, love it... IMO, given a choice, I would rather have dynamo smoke on this particular model.
Joe
one thing I forgot to add since they had the sound system from the first run of these why did they not add the cab chatter from the first run when they called out the cab number now that would have been very simple to add and it would have made this new version unique
Berkshire President posted:jojofry posted:None of those where made the last 2 years.. I have 25 legacy engines The ac6000s and u30s where by far the worse .. The smoke unit motors where junk right from the factory..Lionel has changed motor companys and made adjustments .. There way better then they use to be..
I nominate the smoke units in the Legacy Santa Fe 3751 and 3759 as....the worst.
Or in my case, truly glorious....until it died....for the second time.
Hahaha I forgot about that engine it's garanteed to need a main smoke unit motor for it.
My #838 arrived yesterday. Here is a video of it. It is an amazing engine and I am very happy with it.
BigJohn&theWork posted:
My #838 arrived yesterday. Here is a video of it. It is an amazing engine and I am very happy with it.
Thanks for the nice video, which answered one of the important questions I had about the "other versions" of the FEF-3, i.e. the feed water systems. According to the Lionel catalog and Lionel representatives at the last York event, the "other versions" would have the CORRECT feed water systems!
Sad to say, your nice video shows that the 838 still has the Worthington Feedwater heating tank just forward of the stack. The real UP 838, had, and still has, the Sellers Exhaust Steam Feedwater System, as it was never up-graded to the Worthington system. Although you video never showed the Fireman's side of the model, obviously Lionel got this version wrong. Darned shame, as I REALLY wanted a FEF-3 with the Sellers Exhaust Steam Feedwater System.
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