Runnig Lionel Diecast diesels

Congratulations on acquiring these really nice, really heavy, really detailed DieCast ES44 Diesels. If you watch OGR The Video 10, you will see the GE EVO, With the UP BSA Diecast Locomotives in a lash up and its amazing the number of cars these two monsters of the rails can pull.  In my opinion, run them and enjoy them, do a lash up and pull over 100 cars.....Happy New Year....From Leapin Larry's Looney Lines RR.

Why can't we have diecast PAs and E-7s?  You lucky guys!

I have the die-cast NdeM Centipede. Runs well.

Those die-cast ES44's are awesome runners and highly prized..  IMO, Except for flimsy handrails they are the best Lionel diesels made to date..   I think less then a dozen were made before they switched to ABS.  

Anyone have a  complete list?

Joe

First was the diecast ge evo 2010

Second was the cp rail 9860

Third was the Union Pacific 7459 and 7454 

Fourth was the BNSF 6436 and 6431

Fifth was the Kanas city 4655 and 4682 

Last but not least was the Union Pacific boyscout 2010. 

As  for problems where do I start .. The grease in the trucks gets hard if there not run and will mess the motors up always make sure they roll before running them.The fans on the top and rear light are a pain to get working if they don't work..The smoke pcbs are not great on this engine I changed out at least 5 of them ..Some of the rails where not tight from the factory and results of them having fragile loose rails . On the ge evo the base if not padded it distroies the gas tank and if you put the long screw in the back in stead of the front. you put the screw threw the smoke  pcb. While i love these engines there where not perfect and to be honest I highly doubt Lionel will ever make them again. 

Below is a link to an older OGR thread on the subject and it includes the Lionel product numbers.

https://ogrforum.com/t...e-cast-lionel-es44ac 

I had a heck of a time with my UP 7454 to get the antenna to work.  There are unique challenges on die-cast units because the antenna must be mounted outside of the cab/body.   Lionel used the handrails for that purpose but good connections and proper insulation from the body is critical.