Visionline Challengers

Video

Why in the world didn’t they do that from the get go. Thanks for the video. 

Still doesn't sound like a simple articulated steam locomotive to me. Plus, the front engine and rear engine are still "in sync". So,,,,,,,just what "improvements" did Lionel make? Maybe it would sound "better" at increasing speeds?

I was able to borrow one to test and I ran it at about "60" miles per-hour and in truth it sounded like a fast moving FEF. It is still a cool engine to run, but I agree even though the drivers are in sync it should still have a double chuff.

Is there anyone that can post a "with" versus "without" video? I have read about this issue and I still fail to see or "hear" what exactly the guys are talking about. Sounds exactly like my older JLC Challenger to me. Nick 

Nick, the older Challenger had articulated sounds.

Here's a link with the new one before the sound change and the previous Vision Line Challenger.

https://ogrforum.com/...am/true/MVI_0716.MP4

The new challenger is the gray one in the foreground, it starts out first.

Alabama Joe posted:

My Vision Line Challengers were returned to me by Lionel after they added the Articulated sound.     All I can say when I ran them on the track is FABULOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!    Thank you, Thank you.    

Three week turnaround, but I got mine there early.     I can add a video later

I have had concerns about sending mine back to Lionel for the upgrade, as I seen people complain about scratches etc. Did they take care handling your one?

My 3981 came back today as well. The added articulated sound is great. I also went over the engine carefully, not even a scratch. Far as I can tell , the crew talk stayed the same.

Bill

Great! Thanks for the feedback.

Turned out nice. I'm definitely thinking about doing the same with mine. As well as un-sync the drivers.

Hot Water posted:

Still doesn't sound like a simple articulated steam locomotive to me. Plus, the front engine and rear engine are still "in sync". So,,,,,,,just what "improvements" did Lionel make? Maybe it would sound "better" at increasing speeds?

Sounds like it's "out of sync" with 8 chuffs per revolution. Question is does it go in and out of sync with varying chuff now.

Hot Water posted:

Still doesn't sound like a simple articulated steam locomotive to me. Plus, the front engine and rear engine are still "in sync". So,,,,,,,just what "improvements" did Lionel make? Maybe it would sound "better" at increasing speeds?

Obviously, the two engines being locked together mechanically in all of the large articulated steamers from both Lionel and MTH, that will never change.