Lionel 6-18030 opinions wanted

I have the K-Line version from which Lionel adopted it and have no problems. The drivers are not sprung and to convert to 2 rail, the drivers must be insulated side to side. Not a good candidate when one can purchase used brass 2 rail mikados for $500 or less. IMHO

Thank you

I have this engine and absolutely love it. I eventually want to add TMCC, but haven't done it yet. I think the detail is outstanding and it runs beautifully.  I also have the later Rio Grande version (with TMCC), but I can't remember item number. I also have a brand new Lionel Frisco Mikado (which was almost $1,000) and I really don't see much difference in detail.  Personally, I think this engine is a bargain.

This locos was produced by Lionel in the 90's, has no K-line connection and is a good representation of the Southern Railway 4501 excursion loco (class Ms). The loco has been offered in other road names and with the "wrong" tender, as well as the correct one.

I have one with TMCC that I correctly re-tendered and lettered correctly for Southern Railway, black, in-service (not green excursion scheme). The detailing is good by 90's standards, not elaborate by today's, but I find it very adequate.  

It is the only 3-rail model of the Southern Ms class 2-8-2; the others are USRA imitating the 4501. 

These engines (from 1993) were (I'm quite sure) among those built by Samhongsa in Korea for Lionel. Pretty bulletproof, can motored, and ideal for ERR conversion to TMCC and Cruise. Even has a real coal load. 

I have the Southern version (18018) of this engine, and have seen the 18030 Frisco model in action, too. They're pretty much the same except for the Frisco having 6 wheel tender trucks rather than 4.

Pretty much in agreement with D500 and Breezinup. These engines are very smooth quiet runners despite not having speed control, and the can motor and traction tires make it an excellent puller. I have had my Southern one pull up to 35 cars with little struggle.

No, I wouldn't say it's a good candidate for 2 rail, but then again none of Lionel's modern equipment generally are.

This was an uncataloged engine available to Lionel dealers in 1993.  Believe it was originally intended to be offered by Sears, but for whatever reasons the Sears program ceased and Lionel offered the engine directly to dealers. Note the ad below has the engine listed as item 18021.