Last week we were able to run the MTH and the Legacy Hudson's together on Bob's layout. What a sight! We were even tempted to race 'em!
Not enough passenger cars for two full consists so we made do with what was on hand. The 72' RPO was the closest match colorwise for a transition car while the 80' combine was K-Line's Empire State Express that had somehow hidden itself when I sold the full set 5 or 6 years ago. Didn't realize I still had it. The silver cars were formerly Amtrak that a previous owner had stripped of color. Made for a decent train however. Bob had a couple of older K-Line and MTH heavyweights in NYC, Southern, and Pullman.
The two locomotives are both fantastic performers and am very please with each of them. Great smoke, sounds (vastly different) and both smooth as silk. After all the hullaballoo when the Legacy model came out earlier this year, I have really begun to like the light version a lot. I see much potential in someday trying my hand at some slight weathering on it. Wish I could post a couple of photos here that I've come across online - one with the locomotive appearing almost silver because of the age and patina while the other, the prototype of my No. 5445 is heavily weathered and actually looks 'grungy' with an overabundance of grime, soot, oil, grease, stains, and the like that give her a 'special charm' all her own.
We are gathering again this coming Wed to run them so more and hope to have 3 more NYC cars to add. Have ordered 2 K-Line 80' pieces - baggage and RPO and a 3Rd Rail observation. I've never seen one of those in person and am looking forward to adding it to the consist. Thank you Sara.
