Lionel Amtrak Acela set

The Lionel Acela is, I think, one of the nicest train sets they've ever made.  The details are some of the best on an O gauge model and the sounds are exactly like the sounds on the real Acela train.

 

The Acela has had some operating issues, but when everything works it's a sight to behold!  If the three car add-on set is part of the price you mention, it's a pretty good deal, especially since they only made a fixed amount of sets.

 

If Lionel, or any other manufacturer, decides to make this set again I'd get one to add to my fleet in a heartbeat.

 

I'm sure others will chime in with the problems they've had with it.  But if you have wide curves and fairly long straightaways it'll run much better.

They are a fantastic looking and operating set, when they operate properly.  As Brian says, they're been more troublesome than many sets.  Then again, they're more complicated than most sets as well. I'd love to have on, that sounds like a pretty good price for the set and the add-on.

Not a bargain..but it is the going rate at Auction.  Make sure the sets are SEALED, so as not to get a REWORKED SET!!!

I really don't like saying this but in your position I'd ask the seller whether this set has any run time (and if so has it shown any issues) and ask myself whether the layout it's going to run on is big enough for the peculiar operating features of this set.

 

I have the full compliment of original and add-on cars, all bought MIB in the secondary market. Only four of the cars operate reliably. When they do, it's really something to behold. Oh, the engine also occasionally displays its own operating quirks but those I have overcome.

 

This is not a set that can easily be put together and taken apart. It really requires a permanent place on a large permanent layout. Buying one is something of a leap in the dark.

 

That said, when Lionel catalogued a simpler (no tilt function) version with better connections between the engine and cars I pre-ordered one because the Acela passenger cars are (defunct doors/tilt aside) the best detailed 3 rail cars ever made. Lionel cancelled that project - not forever I hope.

 

Bottom line: trouble is, this set was meant to be run and not just decorate a shelf, which is where I fear a lot of them ended up.

The set I found has been run and does have the tilting cars, he has it on his layout so i'll ask to see it operate.  you guys know what exactly the "common" quirks were?

I can tell you these from my experience:

 

1.  Doors failing to open/close properly, leading to flashing warning lights on whichever side of the car has the stuck door(s). This is generally thought to relate to the wireless/infrared engine to car signal system, which is rather difficult to set up and keep properly aligned unless you have a very long straight to do it on and can keep your eye dead on the hook and eye mechanism (there are no couplers as such between the units). I think Marty Fitzhenry has advised on a way to make these connections wired, which I think is a solution to the problem but requires a fair amount of work. Lionel also has better infrared connectors now such as I believe are used on their subway trains with opening doors.

 

2.  Not managing 'S' curves and needing wide curves followed by long straights so that the tilt mechanism can right itself before entering the next curve. In fact on mine I have never been able to detect the tilt functioning in general running although it works in "demo" mode, complete with sound effects. 

 

3.  Pantographs not working or not synching properly. I think that Lionel eventually redesigned the pantograph control boards. If you happen to knock one of them out of alignment it is a very troublesome job to put them back in place.

 

4.  A problem for me, but not one I have seen that many reports of, is that the powered engine control system freezes up/won't respond to TMCC commands including a reset but this rights itself eventually after a number of restarts. I've no idea what causes this - like the pantograph problems it seems to be random.

 

If your seller has actually set up and run his without issues he's (a) lucky and (b) probably has a layout that can accommodate the sheer size of the set.

 

P.S. While I am thinking about it I attach a set of the service tips Lionel issued for this set. The one about the pantographs is vital if you happen to knock them out of alignment and also gives you an idea about the intricacy of the mechanism. It's far more complicated that either Lionel's or MTH's motorized pantographs. It also makes a loud purely mechanical sound when operated although that's never bothered me much.

 

I like the wry comment at the end of the other service tip about why the bar/bistro car is dark inside!

Pretty sure Lionel is going to be re-running this set again... you may want to wait until they re-run it as they will surly have made fixes to some of the issues. If nothing else the price of the older version will surely drop at that point...

Good advice if they are really going to issue a new/improved set in the foreseeable future because perfectly functional full sets of the original issue are exceptional. Frankly I have my doubts about the new version after it was cataloged a couple of years back and then dropped like a stone just months later. But dealers would certainly know what's in the crystal ball better than the likes of me!

Didn't Lionel say they weren't going to re-run this set ever again....or was that the other Lionel?

 

ray

Didn't Lionel say they weren't going to re-run this set ever again....or was that the other Lionel?

 

 

Yes, they said that but they didn't mean it. They said that about the Empire State Express as well, but it was in the last catalog. 

 

It was a great set to look at and the passenger car interiors were the nicest I have ever seen. It didn't run worth a crap. Take it from Jerry C. himself in the New York Times

Mr. Calabrese answered by telling a story: On Lionel’s version of Amtrak’s Acela, the doors, brakes and pantographs — which connect the train to electrical wires overhead — break down at about the same rate as on the real thing.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11...region/24lionel.html

I didn't find that very funny.I spent around $3000.00 for the entire set.

After I fussed about it on the forum. A Lionel representative met with me at the Thursday at Fridays event and told me they were going to recall the set and put in more reliable couplings to fix the problems. Then later on they decided it was going to cost too much to do recall the set. I sold it and the add-on set at York to a train dealer for $1200.00.

Scott Smith

Plus, I seem to remember someone posting that the reissued Amtrak Acela would NOT have the "tilt feature".

I recall Lionel cancelled the re-cataloged version a year or two ago. 

Yes, that's right - no tilt but doors/pantographs and other operating features as in the original issue. The whole thing is already complicated enough without the tilt, which as I have already said only works for me in "demo" mode.

 

It occurs to me that maybe they decided it was all too costly to produce even without the internal motors etc. that go with that feature and even though the cars were made in ABS plastic. Without touching a sore point (I hope) the cars have passenger figures who are working on their laptops, drinking, having tickets checked etc. etc., which is really a thing of the past it seems!

The subways do not have infra-red connections, they are tethered. (unless they changed it on the R-16 and R-30.   The R-27 set has tethers.)

 

-Dave

 

Thanks for the great feedback - I'm going to see it in action this weekend but honestly based off of the general consensus it sounds like I need to stay clear of this set or at least pick it up for a much better price due to the inevitable problems the set may poses. 

I have the set and as has been said many times when it works its awesome but it can be frustrating. The key has always been in the set up... IF you set it up with the couplers properly aligned and this meant coupling one car at a time checking for function and repeat.. it worked great. But this was a time consuming trial and error procedure that tried your patience for sure.

 The best solution for me was to put it on the track and leave it there. It is also sensitive to uneven trackwork .. if there are trouble spots-dips- kinks -etc on your line this set will find them.

I didn't experience the problems with mine that others have reported...doors.. pantographs..etc...  but again I always took the time to set it up right and once it was working I left on the track.

 

 

When the Acela Set came out a few years back I found it

to be one of the most beautiful sets Lionel produced with

the exception of the Lionel EMD Set of the Century (F-3 set).

 

I also remember the Topic on the Forum by members who spent

from $1900.00 to $2000.00 for this set.  To be diplomatic about

the operational capabilities of this set, well the Edsel ran great

in comparison.

 

As a big buyer and fan of Lionel I would stay away from this set.

Here is my reason.  Back in 1948 Lionel came out with a set far

ahead of its time, The Electronic Set.  Those kids who had this

set back in the day, rumer has it, many were never heard or

seen from to this day.

 

Take the advice from Forum members above, wait and see if

Lionel will reissue this set with a better operational performance

then the original.

 

Many thanks,

 

Billy C

 

 

 

My mistake - I think that only steamers come with "wireless" tethers; the R-16 has a wired connection. I once contemplated trying to replace the infrared gear on my Acela with adapted steam engine tethers but was told it wouldn't function. The wired solution would probably be better than struggling with the alignment of the original set-up.  

Westinghouse,

 

Cuidado, cuidado !!

 

If it works, glorious.

If it does not, a $2,000 albatross !

Get the seller to agree to back the set.

My experience has been similar to RD's.

 

I have had no issues with my Acela set.   I actually built a dedicated line for it on my old large layout with minimum O-84 curves and level track.

 

When it came zooming around the layout, it was very cool.

 

It's on display now on a shelf as I don't have the large layout any longer.

 

I do fire it up now and then and play with the features just for grins.

I have a dumb question: Is this set TMCC only, or will it run on tubular O72s powered by a ZW?

 

Thanks.

 

Steven J. Serenska

 

It will run in conventional. Not sure how you access all the operating features without TMCC but certainly the main ones are meant to work from transformer control.

I've been looking for a set on the back burner, but 2k is steep.

 

I would ONLY purchase this set if you good with working on the small actuators. The like to get stuck. But with a little patience you can take them apart and free them up and they work right as rain.

 

Do you have grades? 072 curves? The sensors cannot talk to each others so the tilt features may be intermitent

 

The root cause issue for these cars is to fix the drawbars so the car doors and the tilt mechanisms work repeatable.

 

I cannot justify 2k or more for a set so I am waiting for a fixer upper...

 

For what its worth, I have this set, kept it in the box for 5 years, then we opened it up to run it, and my layout can handle this, it did NOT WORK...I do have the 3 car add on set new in the shipping carton, NEW, as we just ran the regular set. I sent it to Lionel for repair, it came back and did not work. I sent it to Lionel in December, and they still have the set, complete set and say that they will repair it soon. SOON. So, I would say to you, Buyer Beware!!! Happy Railroading...

I have an ACELA and may have had more luck than many, I surmise. I had two teething issues that were resolved when my sample was new. My sample may be viewed in seamless operation in TM's Lionel Nation 2.

 

As others have mentioned, have a layout or operational arrangement large enough with good track work to keep it assembled and ready to go. When one is assembling the consist, the trick is to insert one coach at a time and test with the end engine unit in place before adding the next. I've never had issues with the finally assembled train when following this procedure. I would buy a sample that has been opened and debugged, if necessary, rather than a sealed example. Lionel has the parts to fix the set, if needed.

 

It is a bit strange that a reissue was cataloged and later withdrawn. An explanation was never offered, so there is no guarantee that it will be manufactured again. Without the tilt feature (which can readily observed in operation) it will not be truly ACELA in any case.

 

In terms of detailing and the complete suite of operating features, the ACELA is the most realistic and complex model train ever made for 3-rail O gauge. I have never had visitors so "wowed" over anything as much as the ACELA. Yes, it will point out short comings in one's track work, but then just fix the lapses in the layout. It's ACELA, not a Scout set. Like many things in life, one sometimes has to brave the occasional difficulties to reach the pinnacle. 

 

Have fun.

 

Bob

Gentlemen,

   LeapinLarry gave you his honest experienced with the train he owns, you might want to heed his advise.

PCRR/Dave

RD,

 

  I've fought this never ending "battle" before back when the Acela was new.

 

Yes, many people on OGR had problems, and when those of us who have Acela sets that run fine posted, we were subtly, and sometimes not so subtly made to look as if we were shills for Lionel.

 

As an aside, this phenomenon doesn't just happen on OGR.  On almost any website or review site, people will believe negative reviews before positive reviews.

 

 

Now touch wood . Our set has been free of any major gremlins. 

 

It needs careful set up of the couplers between the cars for correct operation. I would suggest that you need a long straight section. Long enough to hold the train completely straight.  

 It is not something you want to be taking on and off the track. Once it's set up I tend to run it for a few weeks before swapping.

 

Super sounds and operation just be prepared that it's not perfect.

At the deal I got I can certainly live with any issues.

At the full $3k I can understand why people were/are not happy! 

 

Nick

 

  

I had the entire set and from my thoughts on it is a beautiful set, love the sounds, lighting, etc. 

 

it went back to Lionel 4 times for repair and in the end it still was not right. It was a nightmare. 

 

The best day of owning the set was the day I sold it. I Really don't miss it. 

 

I would not buy the set IMO. Save your money.

I hope that the OP comes back with a report on what he sees when the seller runs his for him, including what kind of layout it's on and whether the train has been taken apart and reassembled a number of times.

 

I don't doubt for a second that there there are sets that ran perfectly right out of their boxes. The norm seems to be different however. My own view FWIW is that the set was too ambitious an effort for the technology and manufacturing standards of the time. I know Lionel still repair these sets so maybe I'll send in my bar/bistro car one day in the hope I can actually run it!

Well I went to see the set, it was beautiful in detail and sounded great.  But......
As many pointed out, there were several "glitches" when demonstrated to me.  I asked one important question, " why are you selling it?" The answer was quick and honest by the seller, " too many issues when running it." So I made an offer regardless, an offer of thanks but NO Thanks.  So back to the hunt for the unicorns I'm chasing;

MTH Westinghouse Sd24 engine #12
MTH Westinghouse caboose's #'s 104 & 106
MTH Westinghouse 47' flatcar #207

Thanks again everyone

Ok, I can see that I did not assemble this set properly, as Bob Bubeck has explained. We just set the engine on the track, added the cars, then the end engine and were not particular about the line up.  This might have made a huge difference. Lionel has my entire set and I am sure they will fix it right. When it returns, I will set it up as Bob has set forth. This is a good thread, and very informative, and the Acela, when it works as it is supposed to, is Fantastic.  This is the 5.0 TMCC System and is a high dollar set. I am glad that Lionel is fixing the set for me. Happy Railroading

Be interested to know in due course what issues you had with it and whether they are resolved by Lionel; that would add to the knowledge base for those of us who want their sets to work more like they were intended to.

Of Course, Hancock52, I will post the Results when I receive the set from Lionel Service.

I will read the instructions thoroughly, assemble as Bob Bubeck has explained earlier, and Set it in the TMCC mode and Hopefully the ACELA will perform Properly. I saw the TM Nation Video 2 and its a Crowd Pleasing Set, when it works as its suppose to. 

Now, for those reading this Thread, do NOT take for granted that a Lionel or Any Other Manufacturers Toy Train Engine/Accessory will work 5 years later.. CHECK it out on Arrival, I let this engine go out of Warranty, it's expensive to Repair.  COLLECTOR VALUE OR NO COLLECTOR VALUE, IF it does not run, the value goes Way Down...SORRY. Stay tuned as I will post the results in a few weeks. Happy Railroading

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have a witness!

Friend and fellow forumite Charlie Tucek came over to take photos to post on the forum the day I got the Acela.

He saw the set go from the box straight to the layout and within minutes it was running full speed..in both directions.. on my 8x12 oval of 0-72.

All features worked ..doors.. tilt.. pantographs.. lights and sounds right out of the box...just ask Charlie..

Wow, had know idea the Acela was that much of a pain. My Mom has one she wanted me to sell for her brand new not opened not sure if I will now.

Sent you an email, as requested

I have it on a shelf in the family room looks nice.

I own one and am very happy wiht it. Ran it many times on layout. It does need very good track work, compared to other trains. it likes smooth connections between tracks and no S curves unless you have a long straight section between S. It does take some learning to setup on track with couplers the first couple of times. It is a show stopper.  Ran it with modular group. Love running this set.

 

 

If I were buying a set at this point in time I would prefer to see it run prior to buying it, I would not buy in the box.  Sitting in Box for 10 yrs probably isn't the best thing unless you want a shelve queen

I still remember how excited I was when Lionel first offered the Acela, and for me it was the set to own regardless of price. Granted it is an expensive set that requires big curves and a relatively large layout to operate properly, but was the 709W Rail Chief set in its day (albeit with much less technology on board).

 

Another option to consider is the fact the Acela was only made by Lionel in O scale, unlike other steam and diesel models. I doubt Atlas or MTH would come out with models of their own. The only other models are in HO or N, made by Bachmann.

 

Although I cannot run my set, I do display it with pride and certainly would buy it again despite the known issues. My recommendation is if you love and want the set and have the means to purchase it, go for it.

 

-John

 

So leapinlarry is your Dad?  I believe Bob Bubeck is the Acela Guru here...yes, I'm his brother by another mother!

 

I decided to take the chance and brought one today.  After hearing that it is set up right it works and the cool things it does I decided to take the gamble.

It will be interesting to hear if you have any issues with your purchase. Was it new or used. I can pick up a used one at very low ball price but it has some operating issues, have been hesitant to take the plunge.

Hope it works great for you and there are no issues.  These sets sure seem to be 'hit or miss' when people get them.

 

Let us know.

I had the six car set. It was my best set as well as my worst.  I even built an elevated 3rd level loop just for the Acela. My two happiest train days were the day I brought it home and the day I sold it for parts. With multiple returns to Lionel, it finally gave up the ghost and the last return of the engines did not work.

Well removed the S curves back to laying track I am just glad I seen this post before it was to late thanks for all the info pic of changes

Have heard this comment by several members here.  I guess Lionel's former CEO Jerry C wasn't kidding when he commented their model was very much like the prototype -- even down to its maintenance history.  

 

David

Bill t it's new out stock.  It should be here this week, I'll keep you updated.   Iwas picking up track for the new layout and American best hobby in Illinois has a new one.

Trainz has one on fea bay brand new in the box for the adventurous types.

Will be interested to know the result. One thing mentioned above that I think is very good advice with this set - don't try setting the whole thing up without testing the connections between the cars and the engines one at a time. It's a bore and doesn't help if you have a car with its own issues but better than hooking them all up and not being able to tell which connection needs to be adjusted.

 

Also, the lubrication of the worm gear that operates the doors is a tricky process (page 33 of the manual) as the doors have to be opened and the car turned over to get at that part. After years of sitting in a box you might find that this needs to be done.

 

Good luck!

you can tell which car is causing issues because that car and the ones trailing door's will fail to open.  Pull the first car with door issues and the remainder should work.  My initial issue was when the consist was run on my outside lower loop (O 72 with a section of straight between each 90 degrees). The track work needed to have at least one car length between curved sections of track because of the tilting mechanism. Also the bottom of the spacing portion of the coupling mechanism on each car needed some lube to permit it to freely negotiate O 72 curves.

Thanks, I'll need it.  I hope the grease isn't the same stuff they used on a new old stock gantry crane, I brought. I had to take it apart and clean it because the old grease had turned into  super glue. 

All true, at least in my not entirely happy experience with this set. I also had a sense of deja vu reading this post - we have been here before three years ago, as witness this thread, which I think is required reading for anyone contemplating buying one of these sets or setting it up for the first time:

 

https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/t...-do-you-think?page=3

 

The coupling mechanism probably looked fine on the drawing board but it is very complicated with parts of the bodywork/skirting of each car moving out to allow for coupler travel on O-72 curves. The reference by rboateroo to lubricants that turn solid reminded me that I had an issue with the coupler spacing mechanism, which requires lubrication to prevent it wearing a notch in the plastic used for this part. The result of running the set on a large oval with O-72 curves where the train only ever turned to its left was this notch worn in the part preventing the coupler from aligning correctly:

 

 

Mine should be here by the end of the week, thanks for the pictures and advice. Here is my track set up. I am planing on parking it on one of the siding. 

I've been following this post.  After reading all the reviews, I think you are nuts for buying this set with all it's record of issues and after sitting in the box for those years.  I hope you like to tinker and also don't mind throwing good money after a dream that from my lazyboy looks like a nightmare.  That said, I wish you the best of luck with the set.  Tony at America's Best has all kinds of oldish Lionel just sitting around.  I think he still has three of those Phantom sets on a shelf.  Have fun!

 

My first comment is totally off-topic but - nice South Shore sets in that yard! Pity that K-Line never issued a TMCC version of their interurban train.

 

When/if it works the set is great but it is not for the casual user. Anyone who has read this thread knows what issues they can realistically expect and is presumably ready to spend the time dealing with them. Too bad Lionel cancelled the re-issue.

So the question remains if your looking to buy one, and you want one that may need help. How do you find a set?

Especially if new in the box is not an option.

The one from Stouts went for $875.00.  Trainz is at 711 with two days to go

$875 +20 % buyer's fee.  

 

Plus SHIPPING-which can't be cheap for this set judging by the size of it.  It was won on an internet bid.  I know, I was there today...

 

If your an IN resident add another 7% State Sales Tax.

 

I have no interest in this set.  Granted, it's far less than new.  But to say $875 was the cost is stretching it.  Not trying to be 'that guy', just thought it should be pointed out.

The one on stout was a good deal imo .. The 2-10-10-2 went for stupid money

It sure did...

 

The other crazy one was Glenn Snyder shelves. New ones are $15 a piece and people were bidding higher.   Maybe Glen can make the aluminum passenger cars!!!

Was it new?  

No, C-8 I believe it was advertised.  Don't quote me on that.  I do know it was used.

 

Like I said, I've got no interest in this set.  Just thought of you guys when it was up for bid and watched to see where it'd go.  I thought'd go higher than it did, to be honest.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I did too, the guys on ebay are wanting a lot more.  I was bidding at work, but not on that. Some of best deals are from there.

I received my Acela (new in box) on Monday that I brought from a Member of the forum.  After all of the posts I wait until last night to open, and started small. I took the engine and dummy out and set them up on the track and programmed then into the Legacy controller.  Everything worked the pantagraphs when up and down with direction change and the sounds worked.  Now for the cars.... Maybe tonight.  

I wish you the best of luck.  Have fun!

Just remember to take your time with the cars... one at a time ..check for function.. doors work.. no flashing lights.. then on to the next car. If you follow this procedure you will know immediately if there is a problem with a car and adjust the couplers etc before moving on.

I have had this set since its release and it is really amazing.. good luck and let me know if I can help.

 

I hesitate to ask but did you ever get the cars in your set to work as they should?

I did get everything to work except one car, the doors opened but one one car the door got stuck. But to keep it on a siding I had to eliminate one car.  So it all worked out!!!!

Thanks much for the update. I think your experience is about par - at least compared to mine. Lubricating the door worm gear mechanism might help especially if the doors are stuck open anyway as you can get to the gear more easily. It is parallel with the car roof.