That's the j3a out of Lionels 50th anniversary set.
I was disappointed in the newer Legacy offerings. I.e. the 5 chuffs silver smokebox etc.
I went back to a loco I sat on the fence for years with help from the wtb forum.
I'll have it upgraded to 4 chuffs and fan driven smoke some day in the future.
As it is. I've owned it since last August and even though I own a few Legacy locos with whistle steam. I can't bring myself to pull this J3a off the layout.
In spite of the 2 chuffs. It has a solid, robust sound package ,and that whistle keeps me coming back for more.
I've had the K Line pacemaker cars for years waiting for appropriate head end power. Viola! My own Pacemaker set with no green windows on the cars or class lights on the loco. For less than half the price of the new one.
Ah, I thought that it was the 50th Anniversary set engine, but I couldn't remember the cab number. Of all the things in my head that I forget, it had to be that. The icon of what a great model should be as far as being the thing that is or dang near close to what the real deal was. I still have to get one of those, which I will probably get lucky. Just have to be in the right place at the right time as usual.
Recently missed the iconic Dreyfuss that a collector was selling. He had the engine(hardly ran, sat on shelf), and all the cars too boot. He was selling off his collection. I saw it on a Friday, checked in Saturday morning, all were still there. Popped back at 2PM, gone. I don't remember what other engines he had, but everything was on a shelf. Pat(harmonyards) said I need to jump on them when I see them, especially something like that.
I remember the 5 chuffs being a big no way in your eyes, especially the silver to boot. I also remember the green windows, I like them for some reason, but understand completely. Also, why take something off it is something you enjoy greatly.
I have to see about getting with Pat on some of my other engines, but that may be a while yet, maybe a month or two.
