My Immersion Into the NEW LGB

I plan to purchase the Piko digital control system minus the wireless unit since I will wire-connect the "Navigator" remote to the base unit. I will use this system to operate the 23406 digital croc per advice from my dealer, Only Trains.

I will continue to run the non-digital Stainz locos with the Mini-Mag 3S.

Overall I've been happy with what Maerklin has done with the RhB line of LGB trains and from what little I've seen of the German models I'd say they've done well there too. Those RhB passenger cars you bought are beautiful and have even more paint detail than the earlier versions.  The new Maerklin products have a more realistic look than the old LGB models and they have done a lot to make new prototypes like the Allegra and modify old models to represent different eras, like with the latest release of the boxcab. The downside is that the new trains aren't as indestructible as the old ones (more detail to break), in some cases There are issues with factory mistakes (usually easily fixed and less common today) and of course the prices keep going up.  

Glenn: THANKS for the info and the interior photos! I wondered if there was a commode in that compartment! LOL!

Tinplate art, now we can call you LGB ART, just kidding, however, I would bet that you will be pleased with the new LGB....I am sure it will be top quality, and fun to run....We have the original LGB Running in our train room, always runs, never had any issues...Good Luck...

I have a fair amount of both original LGB and new items offered by the current ownership (primarily Kof locomotives and other smaller powered units of various types).

I have detected no significant cosmetic or running quality differences between the "old" and the new. Love LGB trains, and have loved them since the earliest days of the line.

Will be constructing a small garden railroad in the back yard of the home I am in the process of buying (hoping to close next week). Inside will be a decent-size O/On30 layout in the basement once I have the room adequately prepared. LGB (and some Accucraft) items may also get some running space inside if, in the future, I decide to do an around-the-ceiling elevated line in the train room. Many of the trains will also be in wall-mounted display cases from Trackside Displays (www.tracksidedisplays.com). They offer various types of cases for all scales/gauges.

Allan: Sounds like a PLAN! :-) I started with LGB in 1978. I currently sold off all my O gauge and now have all standard MTH and Lionel Classics plus the new LGB!

I just purchased a MIB 31680 "Gourmino" dining car. This is a 620mm (24") version and not the newer 26" version. It has 10 illuminated table lamps and 4 overhead lamps. This is also an original LGB "Limited Edition" (1000 units) for the Lehmann 120th Anniversary. I will run this with two 30522 RhB 2nd Class coaches behind the new digital croc (23406). 

I still have my LGB starter set, bought in Amsterdam in 1988 (I walked around for half the day with the entire set in the box in a massive LGB shopping bag) but haven't run it in a long time. Glad to hear that LGB is still doing all right. I had no idea there'd been all these changes as I got out of G when I realized I'd never be able to build my dream layout in G and got rid of almost all of it about a decade ago...

I don't have much LGB and only older stuff. So I did not post. I really liked the Genesis and the matching cars they made. I just wish they were smaller. I can't run them with my 1/32 scale stuff.

 I also have their modern tank cars and centerflow hoppers. They aren't as detailed as USA's. They come with plastic wheels and hook and loop couplers. I had to body mount KDs to match my stuff. I also found it better to swap out the whole truck now with the new roller bearing style KDs. That helps them track better  in long trains.

 I hate plastic gears but I've heard their older stuff's gears did not wear out easily. When I was finally ready to get more, they stopped making the Genesis series. I may chop them down to match my other equipment. They are becoming rare and more expensive by the day.

I have been (since 1978), and am now, a fan of the LGB Austrian and Swiss models which are based on 750mm or 1000mm gauges, and therefore the 1:22.5 scale equipment has the correct overhang for the Gauge 1 track with the high profile rail. The RhB "baby" crocodile has always been one of my favorite locos along with the 0-6-6-0 mallet, offered in several liveries over the years. I like all the Swiss RhB passenger cars and electric locos. The new production has incredible details and they have ball bearing wheelsets with electrical pickups.

p51 posted:

I still have my LGB starter set, bought in Amsterdam in 1988 (I walked around for half the day with the entire set in the box in a massive LGB shopping bag) but haven't run it in a long time. 

These were happy times when there were still trainshops in Amsterdam; they are not there anymore

Regards

Fred (from Netherlands and born in Amsterdam)

P51: Your set should run perfectly after all those years - LGB starter sets are bulletproof even when abused! :-)

sncf231e posted:

p51 posted:

I still have my LGB starter set, bought in Amsterdam in 1988 (I walked around for half the day with the entire set in the box in a massive LGB shopping bag) but haven't run it in a long time. 

These were happy times when there were still trainshops in Amsterdam; they are not there anymore

That's sad, as I recall this was a very large hobby shop. I got a great deal on the starter set, too.

Tinplate Art posted:

P51: Your set should run perfectly after all those years - LGB starter sets are bulletproof even when abused! :-)

I have no doubt it would work just fine. It's been in the attic for years and before that, always stored indoors. Now that I run my layout off DCC, I don't even have a way to run it if I wanted to, though.

Finally got the 23406 digital croc and the Piko digital control system! Plan to fire both items up tomorrow! The croc runs fine in analog mode with my Mini Mag 3S and even has a reed switch for the whistle activation!

any pics or video?

YES, please , if possible pictures or video.

Larry

SORRY, photo and video "challenged"! Piko digital system relatively easy to learn and use and I have accessed all of the new croc's sound and light functions, which include engine running sounds, whistle, compressor, blower, station announcements in Swiss-German dialect, conductor announcement and his whistle, sanding sound, squealing brake sounds and pantograph operation. Only problem is forward pantograph operation (??) - will contact Ron Gibson at LGB tomorrow.

Servo motor engages but pantograph does not raise. Acts like it needs an adjustment? Pantographs should raise or descend relative to engine direction. Fortunately, rear pantograph works fine.

This LGB croc (23406) comes with a NEW lok driver figure and an adhesive pad. He does look too tall for the cab! Placing the figure in the cab requires the removal of the engine roof (four screws), so until I get the pantograph situation under control, I will not install this figure.

In summary, the new LGB Rhb croc is the best I have ever owned, including the digital sound Alpine Classic set croc, which is a close second!

Alan D and Larry, Sr. - THANK YOU for your kind words!  :-)

Decided to place the new lok driver figure in the cab of my Wolfgang Richter Stainz. There is a rumor that a Richter figure may be produced for this loco. Stay tuned!