Opinions on Lionel's DD35A's

They have a fair amount of detail but not as much as the recent scale legacy GP35 units out there. Sound is very good and performance is good. They do look good enough to run with a scale GP35 and I have done that. Very god value for the money and I have 2 of the UP units, 70 and 72.

I have an NYC version, and I'm very pleased with it. It looks very impressive, and the sound is awesome. It has incredible pulling power, yet it can still operate on small radius curves. I normally run mine on the O-48 loop, but I have successfully test run it on the O-36 one. It does look rather strange on O-36 though.

The detail is pretty good, although that on the latest Legacy GP-35 models is better. 

And before I forget, the twin smoke units can generate an almost naval quality smoke screen in minutes. 

Below is a short video showing the DD-35A in combination with a GP-35.

I also have the UP versions 70 and 72. At the prices these models go for now they are reasonable value. I have three reservations about them:

1.  Smoke output on mine is not consistent - not like Nicole's video!

2.  When they were issued, people complained about the relative lack of truck detailing and the absence of marker lights. You can see the trucks quite clearly in the video and make your own assessment.

3.  Placed next to an MTH DDA40X, the detailing/paint does look a little inferior, but they are different beasts and the pricing reflects that. I was lucky enough to find the MTH model, which is one of their best products IMHO. Not sure that they have issued a PS3 version but if not I expect that they will.

P.S. The sound is good as you'd expect from Legacy but I rate the DDA40X sound better.

I have the UP version.  Mine was good value for the money.  Sound is fairly good: I have heard better Legacy diesels but not many.  It runs superbly, and pulls well.  Paint and molded detail are good but it is not a detailed "premium" loco. Then again, I didn't pay for one, either.  

It is a big loco -- just too big to look really good on my layout.  It sits on a shelf all the time. 

One of the few cases in recent production where Lionel implemented electro-couplers and smoke in the non-powered unit.  Wish they would do that more often.  Very nice locomotives... I have the CP and UP roadnames.  

David

I added window visors and extra Keystone Heralds so it would more closely resemble the Pennsy prototype.

I really enjoy it's looks and sounds.  It operates flawlessly.

Thanks everybody for your input  on the DD35A.  Nice video Nicole, thank you. Makes my decision easier. 

All those PRR & NYC fantasy paint schemes on the DD35A... sacrilege, I tell you! 

Like taking a N&W J and repainting it in Union Pacific 

John,

 The NYC and Pennsy Fantasy schemes are at least plausible "Could Have Beens".

 Years ago in HO, AHM/IHC did commit some Cacraligous Crimes, they produced an NYC "Lightning Stripe" GG1, and HORROR of Horrors, they committed what SHOULD have been the Capital Offense of putting PENNSYLVANIA on the tender of a BIG BOY. Some lines just are not meant to be crossed, and both of those qualify as those lines.

Doug