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Does anyone have or know of a listing of the various versions of the Berkshires Lionel has released (S-scale) over the past few years.  I know there has been some evolution as the new releases have come out - the latest of which (I think) is bluetooth capability.  I would be interested in some sort of list comparing these different releases.  Are there any specific issues regarding the different releases - aside from the "usual" complaint about lack of detailing or the fact that the legacy version never got off the ground?

thanks,

Rich

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There have been only two releases of the FlyerChief Berkshires.  The only real difference I see between the 2015 and 2018 releases is addition of Bluetooth capability.  Even the released roadnames were the same.

Lionel in 2018 also added an additional road number to the Nickel Plate and Pere Marquette Berks and changed the road number on the Erie and C&O models.  The Southern stayed the same number.

Rusty

FlyerRich posted:
ctomita posted:

The FlyerChief Northerns smoke even while the locomotive isn't moving.  The second release of Berkshires will likely have that feature too.

Craig

I'm pretty sure the first release did this also, except for the PE.

The PE Flyer set I got this past fall must have had some updates, as the loco now smokes while sitting there after getting the remote or Bluetooth signal.

FlyerRich posted:
ctomita posted:

The FlyerChief Northerns smoke even while the locomotive isn't moving.  The second release of Berkshires will likely have that feature too.

Craig

I'm pretty sure the first release did this also, except for the PE.

I have a Nickel Plate Road Berkshire from the first release and it does not smoke when the locomotive is still.

Craig

ctomita posted:
FlyerRich posted:
ctomita posted:

The FlyerChief Northerns smoke even while the locomotive isn't moving.  The second release of Berkshires will likely have that feature too.

Craig

I'm pretty sure the first release did this also, except for the PE.

I have a Nickel Plate Road Berkshire from the first release and it does not smoke when the locomotive is still.

Craig

Ditto my C&O Berk, also first issue.

poniaj posted:
ctomita posted:
FlyerRich posted:
ctomita posted:

The FlyerChief Northerns smoke even while the locomotive isn't moving.  The second release of Berkshires will likely have that feature too.

Craig

I'm pretty sure the first release did this also, except for the PE.

I have a Nickel Plate Road Berkshire from the first release and it does not smoke when the locomotive is still.

Craig

Ditto my C&O Berk, also first issue.

Then again, I could be wrong 

FlyerRich posted:
poniaj posted:
ctomita posted:
FlyerRich posted:
ctomita posted:

The FlyerChief Northerns smoke even while the locomotive isn't moving.  The second release of Berkshires will likely have that feature too.

Craig

I'm pretty sure the first release did this also, except for the PE.

I have a Nickel Plate Road Berkshire from the first release and it does not smoke when the locomotive is still.

Craig

Ditto my C&O Berk, also first issue.

Then again, I could be wrong 

Don't forget... The FlyerChief Northerns came out 2 years after the 1st run of Berkshires.

Rusty

Hi Folks.

This is my first reply on the S Gauge forum in several years. I have a new Berkshire C&O 2696 from second run. It arrived and ran well after I corrected gauge on pilot, trailing truck and both tender trucks, but chuff did not change tempo with speed. Tried reset according to Lionel  service bulletin, but no luck. Returned to Lionel (they paid shipping both ways). It now performs perfectly. It has blue tooth and does smoke while standing still. It runs well in conventional and remote. Running in conventional, it can be controlled from a Cab I or II on my home or club layout. I have the 6-83071 Universal Lionchief/Flyerchief Remote Control which I have updated from the Lionchief app updater (free download). This allows it to control any Flyerchief or Lionchief engines 3 at a time. I also have the Lionchief bluetooth App (free download from the App store) installed on my iPad. Along with both Lionel LCS WiFi apps for iPad and/or iPhone. I also have the MTH WiFi App. For full utilization of the features of the Flyerchief Berkshire I recommend the Bluetooth app as it allows you to adjust several sound features of the engine which cannot be done from the included Flyerchief controller or the universal Bluetooth controller. I had ordered the Legacy version and was disappointed when it was canceled. The Flyerchief version is not too bad for an entry level engine. When warranty expires I will repaint and number for the Tenn Central Railway, install backup light on tender and replace hi-rail couplers with KDs. I also miss the infrared tender connector and other enhanced features which would have been included on the Legacy version.

Hope this info is helpful.

Tom

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