Skip to main content

Closed65 replies

What do you think is the Cadillac of steam engines?

Michael HokkanenMichael HokkanenOGR Forum Member
Probably shows my age to use the venerable Cadillac as the point of comparison but it used to be said that anything that is the best of its kind was the Cadillac of _______________s. (fill in the blank)

In my quest to acquire a new, impressive looking, and scale steamer I acquired, after soliciting the advice of many here, (thank again) a Lionel EM-1.

In my search I saw some really cool stuff out there, both on Ebay, in some shops, and from emails sent by many OGRer's. One gentleman introduced me to JLC which I had never heard of. I ran across a Right-of-Way engine. I saw a few of the 3rd Rail engines, and learned about Sunset. Some NYC K-Lines advertised as scale were pretty impressive too. Mr. Muffin's pictures of the EM-1 made me feel very good about my choice. He does such a great job!

Putting looks, sounds, lights, performance, and realistic reproduction into account what single engine would you select as the Cadillac of O gauge steamers?

This may be to some of you a well worn, tired, and rehashed question. After all, is there really anything new to the true veteran O-scaler? (not me to be sure)But fact is, I just love talking about this stuff and very much appreciate your comments, comparisons, insights, and pictures. I hope you are here because you enjoy discussing it too!

I am going to enjoy my EM-1, what a beauty, for a while and then go for another. Those K-Lines looked pretty good! You know,I started out with every intention of only running diesels....but how things change.

Well, I hope you will join in the dicussion. THANKS!
Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

EO Eric OxnerOGR Forum Member
The 4-8-2 for freight or passenger some ran on coal or oil.For a passenger locomotive you can,t beat a 4-6-2 or hudson.I also like the lima berkshire.They where very powerful and could handle most trains.There are alot that where saved.Some are in parks or operate from time to time.For just very huge locomotive i,ll go with the 4-6-6-4 or the 2-8-8-4 on yea the 2-6-6-4.Seaboard air line had them pulling long freight trains.I bet bob might agree with me on this. Wink
J JC642OGR Forum Member
I'm sure there's better out there detail wise, but for me the new MR S-3 is the finest sounding, true to the prototype model made to date.
Include those three different whistle/horns and its slow smooth realistic operation, I don't think anything out there comes close.
To say its awesome would be an understatement..
Joe
J jaygeeOGR Forum Member
There are a lot of good steam models out there in 3 rail scale, but I
wouldn't call any of them truly outstanding. The JLC N&W Y6b is mighty
fine, as is the PRR J1...but both of these win big points because of
their sound chips, IMHO. The first release of the PRR J1 was magnificent
in that she had a real PRR J1 sound base, as opposed to the newer version.
The JLC C&O Allegheny also scores high, but the whistle knocks her down
a bit. Same with the Lionel B&O EM1...although this chooch also has some
boiler size and dimension issues too. N&W Jawn Henry was mentioned...
If Scott does his homework here, and the big fella comes with all axles
powered, I'd say this might just be the ticket. At least for O.T.R.
performance!!
HW Hot WaterOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER
quote:
Originally posted by rex desilets:
quote:
In spite of my fondness for my 3rd Rail CB&Q O5b and CB&Q S3, I would have to say the JLC N&W Y6b.

Rusty Traque has it. Best combo of excellent modelling and superb sound there is--and I'm a huge 3rd Rail fan.

I'll second or third this opinion. Except for the starting exhaust sounds on that Lionel JLC N&W Y6b (Lionel got it backwards: it starts in compound and then switches to simple).

I'll match any of my Sunset/3rd Rail models against anything out there: 4-chuffs, whistle, bell, and NO CAB CHATTER (I don't use smoke)! What more could we need?

But I especially like my NP Z8 Challenger and C&O H-8 "special anniversary series", which has reversing valve gear.
D500D500OGR Forum Member
Though I remain no fan of the Cadillac automobile, I'll take the question in it's
spirit, if not it's specifics:

Real world: NYC J3a Hudson.

O-world: my Lionel SP AC-9 2-8-8-4 Lima; flawless performance, stupendous appearance.
(With my Lionel J3a nipping at it's heels.)

Why do I insist on "J3a"? There was no "J3b".
FM Former Member
quote:
Originally posted by Big Jim:
quote:
The Class "A" is surely the Mercedes.



I don't know how anyone could pick just one But the A is an excellent place to start

Now Lionel are you listening??????
They've got their Hudson's and all the little Pennsy and UP steamers in their fat little hands now. Now I only think it only fair that you give us a Vision Line N&W "J" .It's not asking a lot but I think it's long overdue. Big Grin

David
HW Hot WaterOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER
quote:
but that would change if 3rd Rail ever came out with their version of the SP AC-9. My Lionel one is great, but I'll take the extra detail any day.

That is an EXCELLENT suggestion! I have been trying to get Sunset/3rd Rail to produce the SP AC-9 for years now. Especially the version after they where converted to oil buring with the former UP/C&O H-7 2-8-8-2 "Simple Simon" big square tenders. After World War II, the UP took their former C&O H-7 2-8-8-2 locomotives out of service in order to scrap them. The Southern Pacific purchased the big tenders, and converted them to oil burning. Thus, when they where ready to convert the AC-9 2-8-8-4 "Yellowstones" to oil burning, the tenders where alread completed. The SP AC-9s worked out the rest of their service years on the Modoc Line, in Southern Oregon/Northern California area.

Send those "cards & letters" to Sunset/3rd Rail so more of us can enjoy this spetacular and unusual model!
A audidrivenOGR Forum Member
Okay Hot Water, how do we get in with Scott to let him know our interest? When I first started collecting his models I suggested he send out a wish list to all his customers and compile the data as there may be models he's completely overlooking that should then be considered for the top of his list. He mentioned that that was the purpose of the reservations, but that is someone else's wish list versus the masses. I see there are a lot of "What would you like to see from ......?" on this forum recently, but I didn't see any for Sunset 3rd Rail. Did I miss it? If not then maybe it's time to start it.
HW Hot WaterOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER
quote:
I see there are a lot of "What would you like to see from ......?" on this forum recently, but I didn't see any for Sunset 3rd Rail. Did I miss it? If not then maybe it's time to start it.

No, you didn't "miss it"! Most of the guys here on the 3-Rail Trains Forum are not that into the super detailed brass steam locomotive models that Sunset/3rd Rail offers/produces. They would rather complain about the "sounds" and "lack of Legacy features".

You are much better off to eMail Scott Mann directly and request consideration of steam locomotive model you, and maybe many other modelers, desire.

Try www.sdmann@3rdrail.com
BD Bob DelbridgeOGR Forum Member
quote:
I suggested he send out a wish list to all his customers


It would be better if Scott put a questionnaire on his website for everyone to fill out. If all the feedback he ever gets is from current customers that are only into SP or ATSF, then he'll never venture far from those lines. With an online questionnaire everyone could get involved. I've only ordered 2 things from him, I'm sure others have ordered a lot more.

An online questionnaire from every manufacturer would seem beneficial.
Next
Views: 5,960
Post

Membership Required

We're sorry. You must be signed in to continue. Sign In or Register
×
Are you sure you want to remove from your Block List?
×
Loading...
×
When you block a person, they can no longer invite you to a private message or post to your profile wall. Replies and comments they make will be collapsed/hidden by default. Finally, you'll never receive email notifications about content they create or likes they designate for your content.
Note: if you proceed, you will no longer be following .
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×

Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership

OGR Forum Supporting Membership

Help support this forum with an OGR Forum Supporting Membership.
You will be able to watch the videos in the INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO FORUM!
A one-year OGR Forum Supporting Membership is only $12 per year, so sign up now!


    OR     


Access the ALL the OGR VIDEO FORUMS AND  over 300 back issues of OGR
with a DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION!



$12.00 per 12 Months (plus tax if applicable)
×