What Lionel N&W J to get... thoughts welcome.

Nick,

I had the 6-38095 and it is a wonderful loco with a fantastic sound. It has the two Fatboy speakers. It only has two chuffs per rev and the smoke out put is low. In addition, it is difficult to find one for less than $800. At that price, I would hesitate.

 

I just got the new Legacy version #611. I absolutely love the loco even though it has two "flaws." It does not have whistle steam and the stripes are not perfectly aligned. There is a fix for the stripe alignment. That loco is difficult to find for less than $1200 and, to make matters more difficult, it you buy it second hand, Lionel may not give you warranty service. They might or might not. It very difficult to find a new one at a dealer. The Pocahontas sets are still about $1600-$1700 if you can find one.

 

My advice, save for the Legacy version.

The Legacy #612 has the distinction of a backwards "S" used for the number "2", beware!

The warhorse J has TMCC with good sound for it's time. Should be able to find one of those at a reasonable price.

 

I own a 6-38095 (611) and am super happy with it. Late period TMCC operates very well under Legacy control with truly excellent sounds and excellent smoke production (in my sample). QC is great with this engine and the stripes are aligned. I suggest that the reason that the price of the earlier first issue of the scale J has held up fairly well is that the only truly significant difference between it and the latest is the chuff count. Either J will be a great addition to one's roster, depending upon the potential $ savings which can be important given one's personal circumstances.

 

Bob

And while you're doing that, Lionel just may come out with the next 611J WITH whistle-steam!!!    We know it's gonna happen sooner or later. 

 

David

There is a forum member selling just the Legacy J #611 (not the set) if you are interested. Maybe y'all can work out a good price - let me know and I'll post the info.

I must admit, I had the older version prior to the 6-38095 and the sounds were really great. I must admit though, I Love the Legacy Version and I have the set. I would part with the set for $1450 Delivered, and I have had the engine stripe leveled. Its really nice, however, I am in a down sizing state of mind....My email is in my profile. This is a delivered price in the USA,.....I can send pictures if needed....Leapin Larry

By the way, Nick, I sent you and email and also a picture....Happy Thanksgiving

Don't hesitate to pick up the 2006 TMCC version ( 6-38095 ) at a good price however.

We were fortunate to obtain one that was personally customized by Alex M with 4 chuffs and he went through the smoke unit. It's a beauty and only lacks the 'single hit' bell that is nice on Legacy steamers. The whistle sounds off in several different manners giving good variety to the sound. Personally, an extra $400+ for the Legacy model doesn't make sense...

Just curious what y'all's thoughts may be - I recently acquired the #606 (Lionel 38026), do you think it's worth send to Alex and upgrading to 4 chuffs/revolution, improved smoke etc.?

I already have the 611 and 612 in legacy so not looking for another 611, and I like the number 606 so I don't mind putting some extra money into the model.

The 4 chuffs are great when you are creeping along but at speed you can't really tell a difference in a 2 chuff locomotive IMO. Alex does a bang-up job however...

 

Mike - did you ever post some photos of the C&O Berk on our layout?  If so, I missed them. How's she doing for you?

 

Happy Thanksgiving to you too!

Very good Question, I sent my 3751, ATSF Texas Northern 2004 5.0 Steamer to Gunrunner John and he installed his Super Chuffer unit and added #17 cab lighting, and adjusted the chuff rate...Now, it's a fantastic Smoking Locomotive and runs and sounds great. Therefore, Yes, I Would send the 606 (6-38926) and/or the 6-38095 N&W and get the super Chuffer unit installed....These engines have really good sounds when enhanced with these up grade electronics....It really depends on your budget....Both Alex M and Gunrunner Can make Our Locomotives Perform very Realistic....Happy Thanksgiving...

 

I recently acquired a mint 6-38095 and am very pleased with the actual 1982 J whistle sound coming out of the twin "fat boy" speakers! This RS-5 loco runs very well on Legacy control and the two chuffs per rev does not bother me. The variable whistle acts as a quillable whistle. The tender stripes align perfectly and the smoke is adequate though definitely NOT MTH output!

Big Jim, thank you for pointing out the backwards "S". I had never noticed that. After I saw your post I went on "the tube" and saw that you were right. Thanks for pointing that out.

M J, here is a short video of an upgrade Alex M did on the same J.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpwuJU_H-jg

There are more if you look on his channel. Thanks,

Nickstrains.

I believe Big Jim would agree with me on the sounds and detail on the Lionel TMCC RS-5 6-38095 #611 J. 

 

The whistle is the actual 600 class whistle as mounted on the 1982 restoration, and it is also known as the "Claytor Family Whistle"!

 

Much better sound than that UP whistle!!  

 

NO offence to fireperson Cheryl who owns the UP whistle! 

Sure, I like mine.

Got rid of my Legacy #612 because of problems already discussed that should never have happened! I was not happy at all about those sloppy oversights! Didn't need another #611, Legacy or not.

I always wanted a "J" even though I'm a UP steam guy.  I bought the TMCC 38026 and happy I did.  Sure, it's not Legacy or the latest and greatest-but it captures the essence of the J, sounds great, and was the right price.  Careful shopping can find these in the $550 range.

BOTH the 38026 and the 38095 are excellent versions of the N&W class J locos.

 

I once owned both and was happy with them.

 

The only Legacy engine I own is the Vision Line 700E  and it is the best scale Hudson I personally ever owned!

 

I decided to acquire the 38095 again after the real J started running excursions in Virginia earlier this year. Kind of got the "fever" for one!

A new Legacy J with all the toys and whistle smoke would be great if Lionel does one soon.  Lionel will sell many of those to guys like myself that want the latest and greatest.  The locomotives that have been done were done well.  A notch up will be great.

Your TMCC 'J' is on the FS board right now (Sat afternoon)

 

https://ogrforum.com/t...ered-b-units-s2-alco

Sam, I did see that, but there were some "complications". It should be sold soon, (not to me.)

 

I do have a "back up plan" though. (Sorry, top secret!)

Nick, if you want to go for the set 6-29365, Discount Trains of Ft. Lauderdale has one.

RickM46