The Hudsons are definitely some of my favorite engines. I am planning on getting the black Vision Line Hudson at York this April, so I bet that'll become an instant favorite. But I still have the 1990 1-700E #5340 J1-E. It's been my favorite the longest because my granddad got it for me at York 2 years ago for my birthday and that I wanted one ever since I saw TM's nostalgic and lively video on how they built it right here in Mt. Clemens, USA. Richard Kughn must be blessed by all of us for boldly bringing the 700E back.
Along with the 18005 1-700E, I have the Chesapeake & Ohio Yellowbelly Hudson from 1995, also from Kughn's reign. Love the sounds, especially the whistle, plus it smokes and runs great, and looks beautiful. It's also a high favorite because I first saw it as a kid on that Tom Synder Late Late Show episode that guest starred Tom McComas where he gave that one of kind C&O streamlined Hudson and observation car to Synder (which I wish I had a pic of), so it did become something I always wanted
I had the Century Club 773 and matching Irvington Cars, but decided to sell since I preferred the full scale engines. Hopefully, it ends up in loving hands like me. Don't get me wrong, the semi scale Hudsons are nice, especially all the 773's, 783, 784 B&A, 785 gray, and ATSF Warhorse Hudson, but I appreciate the highest details more. IDK - maybe I'll have the 773 in my collection again, 'cause my Hudsons roster keeps getting bigger and bigger.
Plus, my best friend has two awesome Hudsons as well. The rare black Commodore Vanderbilt from 1999 and the equally scarce Century Club 2 scale Empire State Express from 2004:
He even was able to get all the passenger cars that match them both! They're cool to run, he lets me have a chance to run them at train shows. I hope to get both later on...
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