I've always been a big fan of reading steam. Lionel makes the reading T1s and camel backs and weaver did the G1s and G2s. But in my opinion the G3s were always the prettiest. SGL Models made the G3s in 3 rail out of brass. I'm asking people who have one or know someone who does, how good are these models. I mean as in everything not just how well they run. Any of your opinions I would appreciate. Thanks
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Here's a recent thread that might be helpful.
They are beautiful models that look very close to the original. Operationally, they were ok for the time, but could stand an update if you run command. I've run mine conventionally with MTH cars (anxiously waiting for my Lionel cars for it) and it did fine. Just don't expect to crawl with it.
Thanks, @CarGuyZM10 do you mind posting a video of this thin running. I'm very interested and it seems you want to do the same thing I want to with lionel cars.
Unfortunately, I don't have a layout right now. Here is a couple videos a friend of mine took of it running at the 2019 Kutztown Folk Festival. Ignore the spark in the first video. It was a track issue that I fixed shortly after. Also, I think my ZW-L was only at about 10 or 11 volts for this session.
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@CarGuyZM10 thanks, you have one fine loco there.
This is a very nice, well detailed engine! I love it, and the cars that go with it. Bear 2 things in mind: 1. It is conventional operation. 2. It has a DC can motor, but no flywheel. This means when you shut the power off, it STOPS! Right there, no coasting. That said, you can ease the throttle down to a smooth stop. The lack of a flywheel means installing command control with synchronized chuffs is problematic. Don't even think DCS. I suppose it is possible to re-motor this engine with a different can motor that will have a flywheel, but not without major surgery. Sometime in the future I will look into having this done, as it is well beyond my skill set. Meanwhile, here are some shots from my layout. Sorry, no videos.
Chris
LVHR
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Very nice, if I were to get one I'd see if I can get the flywheel upgrade and then do TMCC or maybe legacy on it. Are those the SGL cars behind it cause they are very good looking.
Yes, those are the SGL cars. Sam made 2 sets: one with a red themed interior, and one with a blue themed interior. One was called King Coal. I forget what the other one was called. I might have some advertising paper somewhere. 5 car sets with a 2 car add on. They are all brass and true to Reading. They were typical brass prices (VERY expensive) when they first came out.
Chris
LVHR
Ok, I like how they look. Thanks a lot for you help