Was watching a pair of Hudsons (both used) for the past few days on the auction site - one the desirable Vision Line 700E and the other, the formerly much anticipated and desired first re-issue of the scale 700E from back in 1990. When it was announced I had my retail hobby shop and was just adding trains to the store and learning about them anew as an adult. Well, kinda...
I wasn't familiar with the famous pre war 700E and there was quite a buzz about it when I got started. I ordered 3 on the advice of a local (New Orleans) distributor at almost retail (I didn't know any better) - was told "they would sell out". Then, just to be safe, I ordered an additional 6 or 7 from two other more reputable national distributors that I had been dealing with for 2 years with the RC planes & cars.
To my surprise and relief, I sold all of them in the first 3 or 4 months and kept one for myself. I eventually sold it too when MTH came out with their first scale #5344 (see photo below) with the amazing MTH smoke and better sounds. The bell especially was so clear!
Back to the auctions that ended yesterday - The VL model sold for $1326.01 w/31 bids. The 1990 model went for a mere $370 w/21 bids. Almost $1000 difference in the electronics, sounds, features (has a swinging bell!) and better motor. Ahhh.. progress.
Both fine locomotives.
Pssst... Neither of these are Lionel's models but was the only photo I had handy of two Hudsons! :-)
