UPS just delivered Reading T1

Out of curiosity, which road number did you get, 2101 or 2100? I'd love to see how the 2100 came out.

Here are some pictures of my Reading T1 2100 Rambles.  The tender is a monster.  Largest engine I own now.

A Clean Mahine if there ever was one.  Enjoy!

Beautiful locomotive.  Is it made in China or Korea?

Made in China I believe.

@Mike W. posted:

Beautiful locomotive.  Is it made in China or Korea?

China.

I have not run it yet, I was tomorrow.  While looking over the engine, tender, and directions, I noticed something.  There seems to be no master volume control on the tender and nothing in the directions. The flip up on the top of the tender has an empty space, and nothing on the bottom.   Anyone have an answer, is it only software controlled now?  Did I miss something?

New electronics. Means no volume knob anymore

Just as well, on all my LEGACY/TMCC locomotives, I almost never use the knob to adjust the volume when you can just do it on the remote.

Thanks for the answer about the volume.  Things always change.

I'm waiting on mine from my local train store. Just wondering so I can gauge my time line......did you order yours on line from a Train dealer or shipped from your local TS?

Got it online from a major train dealer.  Check yours over carefully, I had 2 problems so far.  had to super glue a small part on the back left side that had come loose.  And on the lead axle wheel on the leading tender truck, the left side wheel would slide on side to side on the axle.  Had to remove the truck side frame, and remove the axle assembly, clean it real good and the center wheel hole, rough up the axle where the wheel sits on the axle.  Then super glue it in the correct location comparing it to one of the other axle assemblies.  A temp fix.  Will have to call Lionel Monday and see if they can send my a new axle assembly for a permanent  fix.  So much for press on wheels, first time for everything I guess.  So that's my t1's story so far.  Going to run it at train club today or tomorrow for the first time.  Hope nothing else goes wrong!

Thanks for the information. Keep us posted.

Well one more item for the list, 4 chuffs per rev. and one squeak per rev., I'll have to work on that. On the plus side other then the squeak, it ran great.  Still learning how to adjust to no master mechanical control.  Sometime after it is shut off the volume sounds louder or quieter, it maybe just me getting use to it.  I will learn, maybe?  Also not a big fan of the different whistles and bells.  I like the one that came on the actual engine, but that is just me, some may like the new option.  I wish there was a way to lock it on a preference.  To easy to hit AUX1 by accident and then hit the whistle.  But, boy I see a lot of potential of messing with someone else's bells and whistles at train club!  It might be great fun, for the prankster.

OK, so I ran the engine only around my home layout without the tender for quiet.  Sounded like the squeak was from the forward wheel linkage, so I lubricated it all with labella light oil.  90% of squeaking gone, if it does not go away totally in the next week I will reapply to the forward section of the linkage.  So if you have squeaking, lubricate the linkage.  Also added some labella grease to the grease ports, you never know if they have enough.  No, I am not paid by Labella, it is what I use and it works.  Originally got it because it is plastic safe and recommended by friends in train club.

Tried to call Lionel twice today, must still be closed the Holidays.  Keep getting the message the customer service not available at this time, then you get sent to a message machine and it says no messages can be taken at this time, messages full.  So I guess I will try Tuesday or later today again.  They do have a catchy little tune to listen to while you wait.  Anyway video of unboxing finished, will post later today.  Hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving!

Decided to add the unboxing and 1st run to this post instead of starting a new one.  We unbox, run at the train club, and Ashley make a short but lazy appearance.

That's a fine engine.  And it looks great, on the point of those Reading heavyweight cars at the club layout.

Thanks, it does look good.  Now if I could only get Lionel warranty to answer their phone so I can have a new pressed axle sent out for the permanent fix on the tender.  Listening to their your on hold song as I type this.  Tom get any snow up there in Amarillo yet?  Went through there on the way to Colorado Springs last summer to see family, boy was it windy in the pan handle!  Take Care and stay healthy!

I picked up my 2101 tonight from my local TS.

Well, it's been over a week and still can't reach Lionel by phone for warranty help.  Sent them an email also with pictures of what they can send,  just got a canned response.  We will get back to you, thanks for your interest.  This is getting old.  I'll try a bit longer, has anyone else had trouble getting hold of the warranty department.  I even called Monday at 9 eastern time and waited an hour listening to their little music ditty they play, no go.

2 weeks and still no answer from Lionel, I see they closed my ' Lionel are you out there' post.

Have you contacted the dealer to see if there's anything they can do to help?

Doubtful. But maybe they could send you the wheelset from another loco.

See what your options are.

I know folks say this is their busy time and there's the virus issue etc. However, I had the same problem 2 years ago when my h10 came delivered missing tender screws.

That was my last new Lionel locomotive purchase.

Hi RickO,

   If I can't contact Lionel this week I will contact Nassau Hobby's and see if they can help.  I know Lionel does not have the parts break down on line yet.  I am just frustrated do to the fact this is a simple fix with a very inexpensive part.  I'm hoping someone at Lionel saw my email and pictures and a part will just show up.

Christmas coming and Lionel is in the wind.   Lots of starter sets under the tree to be open and Lionel is in the wind, no one to answer technical questions.     Lionel customer service in the wind.  Boy it’s going to suck when MTH closes and Lionel is it.

@Reading RR posted:

Hi All,

      UPS just delivered a Reading T1 Rambles.  Took a quick look and it seems OK.   I'll try to do an unboxing video on the engine around Thanksgiving, never done one before.  Looks gorgeous, maybe add a picture tomorrow.  I understand this unit has a few more features then the last, I'll read the instructions and see.  Can't believe I just said 'read the instruction', hope I don't have to turn in my man license.

Recieved my 2124 freom Mr. Muffins Saturday.  Went through the ritual of oiling and greasing rollers and slides for the pilot and trailing wheels.  I am happy to report no damage from shipping.  Everything was in the box correctly.  More importantly, it ran perfect out of the box.  For me, I think it is the smoothest runner on my layout.  I have a lot of Premier, Legacy and Visionline to compare against.  This one was a very pleasant surprise.  I look forward to the 3 x 2 car passenger car sets coming in the near future.

Glad to here you 2124 arrived OK.  Finally go Lionel, they are sending the request to parts department for review, but didn't see a problem with sending out the part.  So sounds like we are a go.

Today a package arrived from Lionel.  A complete front tender truck for T1.

Thanks Lionel.