I've started to think about seriously looking for the Lionel issued Docksider set from a few years ago, and I was wondering if anyone has one? If so, what do you think about it? Does it run well? Is it a good addition to your collection/running stable?
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I got a reading docksider a few years back.
runs well, horn is weak and the smoke unit
worked once and hasnt work since.
I have three of them and like them very much. They are a good puller for a small engine and the smoke is fair. The horn/whistle is a bit faint but the speaker is very
small and can only put out so much sound. I first thought the whistle was odd
sounding until I saw a video of a real Docksider and it made the same sound.
I've started to think about seriously looking for the Lionel issued Docksider set from a few years ago, and I was wondering if anyone has one? If so, what do you think about it? Does it run well? Is it a good addition to your collection/running stable?
I believe I have one of these offered for separate sale in '06 or so:
I believe I have one of these offered for separate sale in '06 or so:
I have the 6-49618 set (two of them, actually), and it's a nice little set. I have several of the other re-issued/updated Docksiders and they all run as well/better than the originals and exhibit the same "light smoke" issues of the 21155. Actually, I think the smoke is fine, but the choo-choo is barely audible. The set comes with a circle of 54" radius track and a couple sections of regular AF-style straights. With respect to the track, I have some K-Line 54" diameter track that I purchased a few years ago and I think the sections in the set are of better quality. The ends of the K-Line stuff are not trimmed "square", but the Lionel sections seem fine. While the transformer included in the set is small, it does include buttons that will actuate the bell and whistle on other "Flyonel" locomotives so equipped.
Without "advertising", I'd note that there are typically a couple of these sets available on eBay, typically in the $220-$275 range. However, I've noticed for several months that volume sellers still have them at bargain prices. Charles Ro is currently listing the set for $174.95. As Bob Bubeck notes, this is a bargain considering the prices of the individual components. I think that's about what I paid for my sets when there seemed to be a "glut" of them a few years ago.
Good luck if you decide to purchase one of these sets. They can be a fun-to-run complete set that won't break the bank.
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