Best "Big" Hudson *Value*?

The K-Line scale Hudson has lots of admirers, and deservedly so! 

I am waiting for an 18005 to drop into my lap - not much interested in sound, smoke makes me sick, and the 700E epitomizes O Scale for me.  The 18005 is as close as I care to come to the original - and anyway I would butcher it for 2-rail.

I personally am fondly attached to my 18005 #5340 and Vision #5344, but I think Lionel's Century Club version of the 773 from 2000 might fit your criteria nicely.

Mine was received to me by a fellow forum member (thanks!) for about $500, with the display case. It smokes pretty good and is equipped with RailSounds 4.0 and Trainmaster Command. Whistle is awesome, and the chuffing is synced with the smoke unit.

If you can't quite find the criteria in Lionel, the K-Line one probably will best. I personally prefer the look and nostalgia feel of Lionel Hudsons, but K-Line's I'd put in a close second.

For quality of detail and scale appearance it is really hard to beat the kLine scale Hudson with TMCC. You can fetch a near perfect one for $300 to $500.

Ron, is there a model number or some other identification to differentiate from other Hudsons? Or is there only one K-Line SCALE Hudson?

There is one listed on "the bay" now:

K-LINE TRAINS -3270-5344W NEW YORK CENTRAL HUDSON W/SIGNAL SOUNDS-MINT-W1

Asking $439.00

Carl, K-line made 5 scale Hudsons. Their numbers all start with K3270. They came with two different cab numbers, 5344 and 5343. Three have TMCC, one with cruise, and two came with conventional control. If the number ends with a W it is conventional.

 BTW I find the K-Lines have a pretty nice whistle for Railsounds 4. Smoke and chuff are synchronized but you only get two per rev.You can turn the smoke off if you wish.

Pete

There is an 18005 listed on the For Sale forum right now.

doug

As to old sound, I was running a very old MTH steamer yesterday - very early PS1, along with some very modern PS3 and legacy locos.  The chuffing sounded very primitive, without the depth/naunces/dynamicism/whatever they call it.  You could definately tell.  But it was loud, distinctive, and I decided I didn't mind at all.

The K-Line Hudson has alot to recommend it - it is a very well-rendered model as to detail, etc., and it runs well enough and the sound and all are "good enough" old as it is.  I had one, it wasa good loco, but I'm not into the J hudsons that much , so gave it away to someone who was and wanted it more than I did.  

Surprised no one has mentioned the first scale Hudson from MTH in 1996. A great runner and almost as well detailed as the 'top model' K-Line.

MTH No 5344 (w/stainless rims & handrails)           K-Line No 5343

Lots of good suggestions here.  I am partial to American made Hudsons.  K-line made a nice Hudson too but if you are an operator I would be concerned about parts availability.

Three come to mind. The one you mentioned 18005 1990 version 700E is good. The 783 from the 1980s, it doesn't have the sounds you may like but the prices are good. The 773 (don't know the item number) from the 2005 31739 PWC set, this comes with a full size 700T tender. It also has a good sound system.