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Previously posted comments about the depleting coal load of the new BIG BOY got me thinking if there really was a difference between the real coal loads and the new depleting coal load. Someone even posted that the older MTH disappearing coal load looked similar to the Lionel offering, I think (hope) that was just a joke as there is a huge difference between the MTH coal membrane and the Lionel depleting load.

 

Anyway, posted below are some photos from a friends two tenders from recent Lionel offerings, (thanks Rich). As you will see, the depleting load looks just fine, plus it looks much more real than always having a full load.

 

 

tender comp front

tender comp rear

tender comp top rear

tender comp top

tender side 3985

tender side 4014

tender top 3985

tender top 4014

Charlie

 

Tender Down 1

tender down 2

tender down 4

tender down 5

Attachments

Images (12)
  • tender comp front
  • tender comp rear
  • tender comp top rear
  • tender comp top
  • tender side 3985
  • tender side 4014
  • tender top 3985
  • tender top 4014
  • Tender Down 1
  • tender down 2
  • tender down 4
  • tender down 5
Last edited by Charlie
Original Post

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I always enjoy pictures of UP steamers, even tenders.  The past few weeks there have been a lot of those!

 

Lionel's coal loads have improved a lot since #3985 was released.  The JLC Challenger #3985 tender doesn't have the nice coal load compared to later offerings such as the JLC Legacy Big Boys offered several year later.  That's to be expected.

 

Here's the original Lionel Big Boy (which has a "load" similar to #3985) compared to the JLC Legacy Big Boy.  Take a look:  JLC Legacy BB bottom, original Lionel BB at top.

 

IMG_6061

 

Another example, here's the recent Legacy H7's coal load:

 

 

IMG_5990

IMG_5988

 

I wanted to post a picture of my VL BB with the 2 previous offerings from Lionel. Just haven't had time to take photos.  

 

A great comparison would be the late coal loads compared to the VL BB's depleting load.  

 

It's interesting to note how much Lionel has improved with these models.  Both in appearance and in overall design.  As shown in another thread, the new VL BB is a lot more than 'fancy electronics' over the JLC Legacy BB.

Attachments

Images (3)
  • IMG_6061
  • IMG_5990
  • IMG_5988
Last edited by 86TA355SR

To GGG:

 

Sorry, I should have done a better job identifying the engines. I did not shoot them, I was just interested in how this feature looks compared to the standard loads and the MTH disappearing coal load in the hopper from  a few years ago.

 

1st Image: BB on Right

3rd Image: BB on Right

4th Image: BB on Bottom

5th Image is BB

7th Image is BB

 

The other tender is the JLC Challenger (I think).

 

As for the cost, I have no idea, but I suspect the parts are fairly inexpensive as the real cost is in the engineering. 

 

I must state that I do not have this engine, but I do like to see the new technology and how it might be included in future products. Some technology works, some doesn't. But was not Lionel being trashed a short time ago for NOT bringing new stuff to market?

 

If the system works like I think it does, then adding your own coal load on top of this should be an easy mod for any entry level modeler. Bring the coal load down to the lowest point and leave it there.

 

Create and install a load of your choice right on top and away you go. No more drilling/cutting stuff trying to go through die-cast. 

 

Charlie

 

 

 

Last edited by Charlie
Originally Posted by Charlie:

Sorry, I should have done a better job...

 

I was just interested in how this feature looks compared to the standard loads and the MTH disappearing coal load in the hopper from  a few years ago.

 

Charlie

I have yet to see a picture of this "MTH disappearing coal load in the hopper from  a few years ago.in order to compare it to anything.

Big Jim:

 

I don't have a picture of the MTH car, I am going strictly from memory. If anyone else has an image to share that would be great. You will have to trust me on this one, the new Lionel coal load looks much better then what was in the MTH hopper. Don't forget, the technology is probably 5-10 apart.

 

Charlie

Originally Posted by JC642:
Originally Posted by Lee Willis:

Any pictures of it completely "depleted"  how far down does the coal load go?

Here's a shot of the JLC BigBoy's tender with coal completely depleted and auger exposed. 

 

 

dscf0508 [2)

Yeah, I have one (a JLC Big Boy).  the auger is a nice, nice touch!  I love it, among many other features on the loco.  

 

But on the Vision Big Boy, what does a fully "empty" coal load look like?  Does the load go down two inches, or one, or half an inch.  Is if flat or convex or concave on the surface, whereas that is?

At a certain cost (I doubt they will get down to that) I would buy the Vision Big Boy, even though it is basically just an improved JLC version which I have, just to get the tender and the operating coal load, because it is a good idea, if it really moves up and down alot.

 

Last edited by Lee Willis

>>what does a fully "empty" coal load look like?  Does the load go down two inches, or one, or half an inch<<

 

Center of load drops about an inch, maybe a bit more but the all the sides remain pretty much the same as when its filled.

BTW, If you love the sound of the VL bigboy but don't really care for the coal load you could switch tenders with the JLC BB and run it empty or fill it with real coal.

Engine actually sounds more realistic because all sounds including the whistle are coming from where it should, the engine, not from the coal tender..

Joe

Originally Posted by Lee Willis:

Any pictures of it completely "depleted"  how far down does the coal load go?

Would be an interesting feature if they are able have the sides come down as well, but slower than the center. Guess is the coal load sides are firmly attached and the center more or less deflates?

It is a start, anyone remember the Marx Sound of Steam wheel in the tender?

Like the image with the auger!!

Last edited by Lima

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