I have been looking on the QT for this engine, but for the right price. During my first York trip one popped up for 575.00. It had some "side swipe"cosmetic damage but for the price I figured it was worth the plunge, I am and operator / runner and a few touch ups it will look top notch.
The first thing I noticed was the HEFT! Holy smokes, is this the heaviest diesel locomotive that Lionel has ever made? Next to my 1601 Allegheny I have not seen anything so heavy...
The smoke units I have not fully understood their functions, but when they came on I immediately started to wheeze, so I have not figured out the full function of these. I think my glasses had smoke oil on them!
The Details are amazing and everything is metal or cast metal ... this thing is a real HAUS. Even the tender has all die cast metal details and if feels of quality with its separately applied details and hand railings.
Functions of the front head lights are stellar; working green markers, front red warning stop light, complete with flashing headlights when its on the move. When you hit the reverse both the tender light and rear head light of the locomotive chime in. Very nice.
The volume of sound was above average. Not too loud and distorted, and not a disappointing muffle like some of the new legacy diesels. I like the turbine noises when they kick in as you turn the speed up a bit. I could not find the volume switch on the locomotive. My directions were missing on this unit. But I will have to look them up.
As far as running in TMCC mode with a Legacy Cab 2 - I was able to effectively get a very slow start by adjusting the stall speed backward and forward. I still notice a slight speed jump on certain speeds, but with some light oil and a little grease, I was able to effectively eliminate these. Of course an ERR cruise commander M will be on the list of upgrades, and I am sure it will operate even smoother.
Considering the complexity and quality of this engine I figured it would not be on the reissue list for some time soon... and if it was, the price will probably be over 1,800.00!
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