Lionel 6-18010 Steam Turbine Buying Advice

Hi Tom,

You're right.  This is the wrong forum.  Unfortunately, you won't likely get answers to your questions here as a result.

Take it to 3-Rail Traditional Toy Trains and you should be fine.

Mike

Lionel 6-18010 was the first SCALE turbine that Lionel made.  Lionel has reissued this engine with TMCC and again with Legacy.  The 1991 version has a pulmor motor and basic railsounds in the tender.  This version is known to have a paint issue.  It normally only affected the engine.  The tender was usually fine.  Some of the engines will have bubbles in the paint.  It is not zinc rot.  My engine has this issue and its been that way for many years.  I converted mine to tmcc with an err board.  I also upgraded the tender to newer railsounds.  The newer models have a can motor and speed control.  You should be able to get this engine for under 500.  The TMCC and Legacy versions usually go for more.  This engine does not have traction tires nor does it have magnetraction.  It relies on weight to be able to pull.  On level track it pulls well.  If you have inclines the wheels may slip.

If you run postwar then this is not the model you want.  It will look a little funny pulling postwar cars as the size difference will be noticeable.

Some of the Legacy models when delivered suffered from mold and dampness due to the foam not curing before the engines were put in.  Many had mold, rust, and other undesirables.  Not all should you go for the Legacy version take a close look at it.

@Joe Fermani posted:

Lionel 6-18010 was the first SCALE turbine that Lionel made.  Lionel has reissued this engine with TMCC and again with Legacy.  The 1991 version has a pulmor motor and basic railsounds in the tender.  This version is known to have a paint issue.  It normally only affected the engine.  The tender was usually fine.  Some of the engines will have bubbles in the paint.  It is not zinc rot.  My engine has this issue and its been that way for many years.  I converted mine to tmcc with an err board.  I also upgraded the tender to newer railsounds.  The newer models have a can motor and speed control.  You should be able to get this engine for under 500.  The TMCC and Legacy versions usually go for more.  This engine does not have traction tires nor does it have magnetraction.  It relies on weight to be able to pull.  On level track it pulls well.  If you have inclines the wheels may slip.

If you run postwar then this is not the model you want.  It will look a little funny pulling postwar cars as the size difference will be noticeable.

Mine wouldn't pull 5 passenger cars up my incline. My MTH Atlantic does. My nephew under cut the rear 2 drivers, put mth rubbers and WOW.

Look for one of the Lionel Century Club Turbines 6-18057. These are identical in size to the postwar 671 and 681 steam turbine locos. They have Railsounds and run great. I have the postwar 671's and the Century Club Turbine and like them very much. If you look around I think you will be able to find a Century Club turbine in about the same price range. They came with a display base and cover which you may or may not want.

Thanks to all who replied - I appreciate your input. The small Lionel turbine isn't what I want; I specifically want the big "scale" turbine from 1991. I wasn't planning on pulling postwar cars behind it if I got one.

One other drawback about this engine is it has 4 Seuthe smoke generators and I don't think there is a on/off switch for the smoke units. So you will need to keep all 4 units with smoke fluid to keep them from burning out. Order the smoke fluid in the convenient 55 gallon drum.

You may also want to consider an MTH Railking turbine, (not the Bantam version). It is much larger than a Lionel 671 style, but not as large as a scale version, like the 18010.

In the last few years, I have purchased the TMCC reissue with the elephant ears.  While I really liked the looks of the ‘91 release better with out the elephant ears better, I am really glad I opted for the TMCC one.  While it is an early version of Odessy speed controller on it, it really helps in regulating the speed around curves and the whistle sounds great.

Curious on those with the original ‘91 release, if maintaining a reasonable speed around curves is an issue for it?  Both my Reading T1 and NYC Mohawk from the same 91’ error are difficult to control at a constant speed, fast on the straights and slow on the curves.

Mike

@Hump Yard Mike posted:

"In the last few years, I have purchased the TMCC reissue with the elephant ears.  While I really liked the looks of the ‘91 release better with out the elephant ears better, I am really glad I opted for the TMCC one.  While it is an early version of Odessy speed controller on it, it really helps in regulating the speed around curves and the whistle sounds great.

Mike

Glad you enjoy it. Impressive engine. I was told the Legacy ones without the elephant ears are missing the front steps because they are part of the ear casting? Do all the conventional and TMCC versions have the steps?

my TMCC has the steps, but I suspect they are integrated into the smoke lifters.  I have never had them off.

I understand the cost differential between this engine and the ones with TMCC; even the early TMCC ones are twice the cost.

Just keep in mind that this engine needs O72 curves, is a poor puller, and will slow down on curves.

@Chuck Sartor posted:

One other drawback about this engine is it has 4 Seuthe smoke generators and I don't think there is a on/off switch for the smoke units. So you will need to keep all 4 units with smoke fluid to keep them from burning out. Order the smoke fluid in the convenient 55 gallon drum.

This engine does have a switch for the smoke units. It's under the front truck.

You asked for our friendly advice, this is very close to scale, and looking at the picture in the Lionel 1991 Book 2 catalog, it’s gorgeous. It has lots of great features, 30 inches long, scale long tender, large pull or motor, stainless steel rims,  (possibly making it a modest puller), however some nice rail sounds, bell, whistle. Prices are all over the board, from the November 2021 interchange track $300, to $800 etc. At 31 years young, it’s going to need to be checked out by a good repairman. Yes, 072 curves for sure, the locomotives  rear end has a wide swing and has to mercy on anything in its way. It’s not a command equipped model. So, what I would do, get with Harmonyards, have ERR installed, gunrunner Johns chuff stuff, smoke stuff, and possibly exchange the pullmor motor for a big Pittman motor. Although the wheels with stainless steel rims cause the pulling issue, I would keep them.
Now, if you want the matching Pennsylvania Caboose, I have a new one in the Lionel Box. You may email me privately for pricing. It’s in my profile. (6-51702 Brass Body, scale)
In conclusion, if the locomotive is next to new, between $350-$475, I would be interested. Good luck. Happy Railroading Everyone

OK, wasn't sure about the smoke switch.