Lionel Brass Hybrid Santa Fe

The first question you need to ask yourself is: "Do I want a model of a Santa Fe 2-8-2 or do I simply want any brass or brass/hybrid steam locomotive?"

Sunset 3rd Rail currently has no Santa Fe steam available, save for the Pennsy L1 lettered for Santa Fe (of which the Santa Fe had three that saw little service.)

The Lionel model is pretty accurate, save for some running gear details because they're using a pre-existing drive from a model 2-8-2 they've already produced.  And of course, you get the Lionel Legacy bells and whistles.

A 3rd Rail model will be accurate over-all.  The model comes with TMCC/ERR Cruise control/Railsounds package.

Bear in mind that both the Lionel Hybrid and 3rd Rail models are produced in quantities based on pre-orders.

Rusty

I was at York, visiting the Lionel booth during the Introduction of this Really Nice Steal Locomotive. I am not a player for the Brass look, however, I did order the #3222 Black Sante Fe Mikado.  I was amazed at the Detail of this offering. I love the Legacy System, coupled with Blue Tooth Technology, I think it's going to be a Fun to Run Steamer...

Thanks for the input of the Lionel Brass hybrid. I still at odds with my decision. Hopefully they may be a collectors item. The Brass Hybrid does look better than the nano coated Berkshire IMO.

I ordered the brass 2-8-2. I can't wait to get it.

The Nano plated Berkshire is also a unique item. I have that also and wouldn't trade it for anything.

I'm not sure one can "look better than the other". It's apples vs. oranges. I eat both!

I see there's not a lot of opinions here, so, for what it's worth, after reviewing the latest Lionel 2017 Signature catalog second edition, my opinion is it's the best offering in the book. I am glad I ordered it at York, in April.  I enjoyed running this engine at York with my iPhone, very much....I really like Lionel's Legacy system, so, with the brass detailing, blue tooth technology, Legacy Control, I am anxious to put this Locomotive to work....I did order the #3222....How about you?

I think you made a wise choice. I'm not much on collecting but I think this engine will be highly sought after in the future making it highly collective.

Rod Miller

leapinlarry posted:

I see there's not a lot of opinions here, so, for what it's worth, after reviewing the latest Lionel 2017 Signature catalog second edition, my opinion is it's the best offering in the book. I am glad I ordered it at York, in April.  I enjoyed running this engine at York with my iPhone, very much....I really like Lionel's Legacy system, so, with the brass detailing, blue tooth technology, Legacy Control, I am anxious to put this Locomotive to work....I did order the #3222....How about you?

Larry

Nice engine indeed.  Lately we've had a lot of folks here telling us how to spend our money.  I'm excited to see the new Bluetooth technology added to Legacy engines.  While I didn't order the Brass Hybrid out of the new catalog I did order the Polar Express Scale Berk and cars which are one the last "must haves" on my list.

This brass locomotive is Lionel's opportunity to create an entirely new line of very specially detailed items. I ordered one and it is my hope that the locomotives I love best, scale Hudson, Y6b, Niagaras will follow. This locomotive has a very good chance to be a true collector piece. I don't buy items any longer in anticipation of collectibility, but this brass hybrid could be an icon for the future. 

Scrapiron Scher

I would love to get the black letter version but it is out of my budget.

John Graser, that's not a bad thing. I would love one also but other things around the house are needed right now. Not being able to buy everything we want makes the hobby more enjoyable. Just like the old days, it's fun having a wish list. 

Rod Miller

Rod,

Just getting to get back into O Gauge (since last year) so currently only have two engines.

John

OGR Members:  2 Questions, Is this the 2nd Brass Hybrid Lionel has put out so far, and can these be ordered at the LHS.  I saw in the 2017 catalog that it was a Lionel direct order but was wondering if the Brass train could be ordered elsewhere due to the fact that it's a BTO

marshelangelo posted:

OGR Members:  2 Questions, Is this the 2nd Brass Hybrid Lionel has put out so far,

Don't think so. I'm pretty sure that this is the first attempt at such a SCALE model.

and can these be ordered at the LHS. 

I don't think so, from what has been posted previously. However, you might want to actually ask your local hobby shop, to be sure.

I saw in the 2017 catalog that it was a Lionel direct order but was wondering if the Brass train could be ordered elsewhere due to the fact that it's a BTO

The hybrid is a stunning model.  Here it is being demonstrated at the 2017 NMRA National Train Show in Orlando.  I am sure that everyone who buys this model will be very pleased.

NH Joe

marshelangelo posted:

OGR Members:  2 Questions, Is this the 2nd Brass Hybrid Lionel has put out so far, and can these be ordered at the LHS.  I saw in the 2017 catalog that it was a Lionel direct order but was wondering if the Brass train could be ordered elsewhere due to the fact that it's a BTO

Don't think there is anything stopping a local hobby shop from ordering them, though guessing they will mark up the price since they won't receive a discount. On the web site the unfinished and undecorated are both sold out already.

Thanks for this thread. Its been so long I forgot I ordered one in May.

I ordered the Santa Fe version at York, April.  Nothing like Legacy and nothing like this brass hybrid.  

I'm looking forward to having it run on the new layout.

rthomps posted:

I ordered the Santa Fe version at York, April.  Nothing like Legacy and nothing like this brass hybrid.  

I'm looking forward to having it run on the new layout.

Agreed, the possibility with this new concept are endless.  Engines never done before in die cast can be done now without the expense of new tooling.  

So I do realize brass is soft...and tooling is less costly...but how does one tool for brass?  Lost wax?  Rubber tools?