Chuck Sartor posted:410 billboard blinker vs, 2307 MPC remake. Advantage: postwar 410. The original version uses the bi-metallic strip to cause the blinking effect. All the reissues use a blinker bulb. To blink the voltage needs to be high enough for the internal flasher in the bulb to work, making it too bright, and it doesn't blink steadily, sometimes flickering and the effect is irritating and harsh. The 410 flashing is more steady and softer.
I noticed this not all that long ago when I bought the LTI reissue version of the 410 that advertised the Lionel Visitors Center. Most of my accessories I have are LTI reissues, so I do have some experience in them as well as some postwar originals.
I have operated an original 282 gantry crane (on a friend's layout) and the first modern era reissue by LTI (the 12700 Erie Lackawanna painted version, which I own). The DC motors that replaced the AC one in the original work far more reliably and quietly, but aren't quite as strong. The same could be said about the magnet, but it still works great picking up things like scrap rails and culverts. A note to keep in mind about the earlier reissues of the magnetic crane like the 12700 is that the lever to turn the magnet on was designed in a way that you had to hold it in the on position until you were ready to turn it off. Likely this was done to avoid magnets burning out on postwar versions.
The same could be said about the 352 ice depot. The solenoid in the original acted like a jackrabbit, whereas the 1988 onward reissues use a DC can motor that moves them in slowly and gently, and works much better IMO. Though the paddle might need to be shaved a bit depending if it doesn't move back enough to push in the next cube.
The 352 barrel loaders, both original and LLC reissue, mostly work the same. Both are mostly trouble free as long as the voltages are right.
