3rd Rail FP-7 Photos

It might only be an optical illusion but they sure look to have "high water" pilots. My E-7 was a bit high for my liking so I lowered it, but these look like they'll be even higher off the rails. Otherwise they are some very nice models and I'm sure they are up to 3rd Rail standards. 

Butch

How many of us would prefer not to have the 9 volt battery installed in the FP7s for two reasons. 1-If taking off the body of the locomotive is as difficult as the FL9s and replacing the 4 outer screws on the New York Central T-motor is then they should either place the battery loose in the box or not include at all like Lionel. 2- We should be concerned about the battery when it dies and starts to leak. I have never installed a battery in any of my locomotives for that very reason.

Why not contact Sunset/3rd Rail direct and get their thoughts on the subject? My opinion is, you are in the minority. I'll bet most customers want the 9V battery already installed.

Actually Scott Mann told me that only 15-20% of his customers still operate in conventional mode and they are the ones who need the battery so why is he catering to a minority? He said that he will consider not having the battery installed in the locomotives for future releases.

What is this battery you're talking about. This must be a 3R thing? My 2R E-7 has no battery.

Butch

Butch I noticed the same thing about the pilot.  These photos were taken on a hard, reflective surface, with the loco resting on its flanges instead of track.  I'll reserve my final judgement until I see it in person.  We'll see!

Yes, the 9V battery is to maintaing the sound level as the model operates in conventional Lionel TMCC 3-Rail operations.

...... and on some 3 rail Lionel steam engines the sound drops out when the tender pickup rollers cross some of the Atlas O turnouts  unless the battery is installed.  Pickup roller spacing vs. turnout rail gap spacing.

My home layout has been 2 rail for almost 2 years now.  But, I seem to remember thinking that the battery suppored some shutdown sounds???  Wrong??  

Also, not sure cause it's been a while but I think it was my Lionel UP 3985 where the sound dropped out momentarily as the tender crossed an Atlas #5 turnout without the battery due to pickup roller spacing.  

I agree with Hot Water, regarding whether to have, or not have, batteries in the locomotives.

Unfortunately, we forget and leave the battery in the loco., even the 'Eveready' batteries of the '40's and '50's had to be removed and actually, for the most part, they lasted long and they did NOT leak and if so, then minimally and they were made right here in the good ole' U.S. of A.!!!!!

Today's battery, forget about it, BRANDEE new and they die and/or leak immediately, if not, than sooner!!!!

I had a two wheel bike with two 'D' cell batteries, for the horn unit, still in the bike since 1960 and when I brought the bike to my new residence, in 1974, I checked and the horn still blew, at a somewhat lower volume.

When, I opened the horn compartment, both batteries had some juice left in them, but one had slightly leaked, without damage to the horn unit, or compartment.

Were, they a newer type of battery-----FORGET ABOUT IT!!!!

                                  EXCEPT!!!!!

Now, this, is my own endorsement, right, or wrong!!!!

I find the quality of Duracell batteries to be liken to the older Eveready batteries!!

Ralph

How about a 9V BRC instead of a battery?  Guess it does not have the possiblity of being charged off the track?

No. Lionel TMCC & Legacy equipped locomotives have NO CHARGING CIRCUITRY for the 9V battery. That 9V battery in TMCC products is ONLY for maintaing the sounds whenever center rail power is lost or briefly interrupted. Thus, BRC devices would not work.

RJL, I agree with you:  Duracell last the best.