Lionel Vision GS Models - Prototype Accuracy

TexasSP posted:

If there ever was an interest for me in a vision models, the GS's are it.  However I would like to know of the daylight series GS's being offered, which is the most prototypically accurate?  What are the issues that can be seen with each model as presented in the catalog?

Good question/questions.  Driver diameter and main rod size/appearance come to mind.

Hopefully the folks at Lionel have a copy of the revised book on SP Daylight locomotives, by Robert J. Church.

Thanks for those pointers, I am going to compare some photos.

The Chessie System, Lark and Golden State paint jobs are pure fantasy.  The SP herald tender never left the shop area.

Rusty

Yeah, not even considering those.  I am not big on fantasy steam loco paint jobs.

I am, where the Daylight or Warbonnet schemes are concerned, but I am not considering those models either. That narrows down the field of choice. The Robert Church book is a fine resource but I don't expect Lionel to reproduce 3rd Rail detail and accuracy. I'd be happy if the Daylight colors matched the last two fantasy locos (AC-12 and AC-9).

Hancock52 posted:

TexasSP posted:

Yeah, not even considering those.  I am not big on fantasy steam loco paint jobs.

I am, where the Daylight or Warbonnet schemes are concerned, but I am not considering those models either. That narrows down the field of choice. The Robert Church book is a fine resource but I don't expect Lionel to reproduce 3rd Rail detail and accuracy. I'd be happy if the Daylight colors matched the last two fantasy locos (AC-12 and AC-9).

It would also be nice if the Lionel models of the semi-streamlined locomotives have the correct Daylight "ball & wing" logo on EACH side of the skirts aligned properly.

So easy to fix.  I would worry more about side rods and thick cast ladders.  But then, I have enough Daylights.

Well now, since all the images in the catalog are computer renditions, except of the pilot version of the GS-1, thus, using them to compare is really not any better than if they had showed a HO or N scale model of the same.

However, some of the answers to the question Jack pointed out can be answered, why? Because the drive systems for both types have already been produced. So all you need to do is measure the Lionel Mountain driver and if that number is accurate or close enough for you then that question can be put to bed. Same for the past runs of the GS's with the larger drivers. I never measured the wheels on either of these, but for the most part, you can count on anyone with tinplate flanges in their line up will come in a bit under sized. 

The above would be a design decision. Can't really be changed or screwed up on the assembly line.

The decoration (deco) like the ball and wing, that is and can be a production issue and honestly, you will not really know if this type of error is present until the items start to land on the hobby shop shelves. 

To pre-order or not, that is your decision and business. 

Charlie

We are striving for prototypical accuracy with these models. @Hot Water I know you have LOTS of experience with these engines. If you'd like to email me any concerns, we can go through them.

Charlie posted:

Well now, since all the images in the catalog are computer renditions, except of the pilot version of the GS-1, thus, using them to compare is really not any better than if they had showed a HO or N scale model of the same.

The images are computer renditions of the CAD models that the tooling and models are built off of. So they very closely resemble the mechanical design of the final product.

Dave Olson posted:

We are striving for prototypical accuracy with these models. @Hot Water I know you have LOTS of experience with these engines. If you'd like to email me any concerns, we can go through them.

 

Can't say he didn't ask!    If anyone knows it's Jack!

Dave Olson posted:

We are striving for prototypical accuracy with these models. @Hot Water I know you have LOTS of experience with these engines. If you'd like to email me any concerns, we can go through them.

 

Charlie posted:

Well now, since all the images in the catalog are computer renditions, except of the pilot version of the GS-1, thus, using them to compare is really not any better than if they had showed a HO or N scale model of the same.

The images are computer renditions of the CAD models that the tooling and models are built off of. So they very closely resemble the mechanical design of the final product.

Dave,

I just sent you an eMail.

Dave Olson posted:

We are striving for prototypical accuracy with these models. 

Of course, here's where somebody could say:

"Yeah, but they are still designed for 3-rail track..." 

Mark in Oregon

Strummer posted:

Dave Olson posted:

We are striving for prototypical accuracy with these models. 

Of course, here's where somebody could say:

"Yeah, but they are still designed for 3-rail track..." 

Mark in Oregon

 real trains don't have 3 rails?? Next you'll tell me they don't have electrocouplers.. 

If HW's voice is on there then deal sealed. What more can you ask for?

I like the Lark fantasy scheme and the Lark cars.  NH Joe

TexasSP posted:

If HW's voice is on there then deal sealed. What more can you ask for?

As accurate locomotive as can be built with the cost and tooling limitations. 

I think most folks would be happy Dave and Jack are talking.  While I suspect there will be some limits to what can be done at least there is conversation from someone who has intimate knowledge of these locomotives.  If they happen to have Hotwater for the crew talk thats a bonus.

Dave Olson posted:

Strummer posted:

Dave Olson posted:

We are striving for prototypical accuracy with these models. 

Of course, here's where somebody could say:

"Yeah, but they are still designed for 3-rail track..." 

Mark in Oregon

 real trains don't have 3 rails?? Next you'll tell me they don't have electrocouplers.. 

Some real trains do have 3 rail track 🤗

M J Breen posted

Some real trains do have 3 rail track 🤗

Looks like therr are two tracks for wheels, and the center rail AND the outside rail for power.  The London Tubes use that system.  In fact I see an Underground poster on the platform.

I don't think it is HW's first rodeo behind a mike for crewtalk recording.