Years ago when Todd W. worked for Lionel he asked another fellow and me to test the 2 rail version and give our opinion of it. As I recall the engine ran well. I don't recall anything about the sound. Lionel built either 25 or 50 (memory says 25) of them in 2 rail.
One thing we did point out was that Lionel used the tender from the PRR S2 on the T1. They are not the same.