Great engine, well worth the cost which is below other similar sized engines. Yes, you should run it on Legacy because you can't get the benefit of the "quillable" whistle, without it.
When I took mine out of the box, apparently the tender drawbar was either bent up or was made that way, but the tender was supporting some of the weight of the rear of the engine. it wouldn't pull much, but the fix was easy, once I discovered the problem: I simply bent the tender drawbar down a bit and everything was fine.
I do have two nits to pick with regards to lighting. First, the Mars light should not go ON when the engine is running forward. The Mars light should be on when the engine is stopped, or perhaps when it is backing. It was the engineer's option to have the Mars light on. Second, the marker lights seem to be too bright. They are LED's and I'm wondering if they could be connected in series to reduce the voltage to them and dim the lights a bit. My plan is to try that remedy.
Aside from those minor questions, the engine pulls well, runs great at very slow speeds all the way up to max. sounds like no other engine I have and the details are wonderful for a die cast engine. I'm going to weather mine, which is #265, because I intend to only operate in in freight service.
Paul Fischer
Thanks Paul for the insights. The Mars light sure gets a lot of comments, but yes, it shouldn't be on all the time, that is for sure, but, I waited a long time for this engine. I too am supposed to be getting #265, as I spent many summers, almost on a daily schedule, riding my bike to Jones Island, and then stopping off to see "Old Smokey" (#265), and always wishing that Lionel would make such an engine. Well...after 50 years I am getting my wish! I hope it is worth the wait!
Jeff
