It looks like the new Berkshires have arrived. I just got an email from Ro. So I may have a Lima Berk to run tomorrow.
Doug
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I received one as well. Ordered the B&A. I have both that K-Line offered and they are a huge bang for the buck and are great runners.This is my first Legacy engine and I'm anxious to see how it stacks up performance wise. The K-Lines were high on detail. The only knock I have is the coal load. Hopefully for the price Lionel has raised the bar on that end as well.
Who will be first with photos on your layout??????
Hi Doug good luck, and I'm with Sam who will be the first to show photo's
and a video.
I have always wanted the Lima Demonstrator Berk. I grew up about 30 miles from Lima OH. I tried to find the K-line version and was not successful. I hope that I'm not unhappy.
Doug
Looking forward to pictures and video.
Count me as not happy. NO WHISTLE STEAM SMOKE EFFECT!! NOT AS ADVERTISED
Doug
Originally Posted by Doug N:
Count me as not happy. NO WHISTLE STEAM SMOKE EFFECT!! NOT AS ADVERTISED
Doug
Yeah - its the second feature listed in the catalog, isn't it. I pick up mine this weekend.
Originally Posted by Lee Willis:
Originally Posted by Doug N:
Count me as not happy. NO WHISTLE STEAM SMOKE EFFECT!! NOT AS ADVERTISED
Doug
Yeah - its the second feature listed in the catalog, isn't it. I pick up mine this weekend.
Strangely, although 'Whistle steam' is mentioned in the catalogue, it is not among the features listed if you look up the locomotives with the product search. I guess that this is one of those cases where the 'Items depicted in this catalog are subject to change in price, color, size, design and availability.' disclaimer on the inside front cover applies. Not that that helps to avoid disappointment in any way. 
Originally Posted by N.Q.D.Y.:
Originally Posted by Lee Willis:
Originally Posted by Doug N:
Count me as not happy. NO WHISTLE STEAM SMOKE EFFECT!! NOT AS ADVERTISED
Doug
Yeah - its the second feature listed in the catalog, isn't it. I pick up mine this weekend.
Strangely, although 'Whistle steam' is mentioned in the catalogue, it is not among the features listed if you look up the locomotives with the product search. I guess that this is one of those cases where the 'Items depicted in this catalog are subject to change in price, color, size, design and availability.' disclaimer on the inside front cover applies. Not that that helps to avoid disappointment in any way.
Nicole,
It was still listed about 1/2 hour ago on the Lionel product listing web page. It was just removed, i'm sure due to my phone call with them.
I'm as big of Lionel fan as there is, but i believe those that purchased these engines should be refunded some money. The Mikado's listed for $900 w/o whistle steam.
Doug
Yes I know that the PM Berks were about the same, but the price is basically the same as the Mallets w/whistle steam and the berks were advertised as such. The Pacifics are $1,100 with whistle steam. Yes it has builder plates.
I like the looks of the engine and it sounds great. I'm just really bummed about the whistle steam.
Doug
Lionel has made such mistakes before, but they usually make up for it in some way. I remember when they came out with the Girls set remake they left out the Pull-More motor as was advertised. The unit came with a DC motor and that upset alot of people. Lionel sent us all a special box car to make up for the disappointment.
I bet if you all keep up some polite pressure they may be coaxed to do something similar for you.
In any case, I hope your new engines are great runners and you have many happy years playing with them.
Would love to see a video!
Or at least a photo or three before the clock strikes TWELVE!
Here's first picture.
Oh no wait, that's my K-line Lima Berkshire. Don
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Beautiful photo Don!
How's the new layout coming? Careful not to get hurt surfing out there, especially 'at your age'...
I would go to Lionels facebook page and post something about this. they will give some kind of an answer, might take awhile.
That is the nicest Lima Berk made by anyone to date.
Here's first picture.
Oh no wait, that's my K-line Lima Berkshire. Don
That is indeed disappointing. The whistle steam effect is a lot fun! I had planned to purchase the ATSF Berk.....but I may pass now.
I am curious as to why the feature was not included as originally advertised in the catalog. In the past, when such omissions/errors have occurred did Lionel offer an explanation? Shouldn't the lack of this feature push the price point down? Although I should know better than to think that, as I have learned you can not translate features into the Lionel pricing structure.
Also, wouldn't Lionel have done the R & D and built a mock-up prior to publishing the feature in the catalog? I have the CC2 and it has to have a shorter boiler than the Berk, so I would imagine the second smoke generator would have fit (of course I say that having never seen the interior of a K-Line Berk shell).
These are just the ramblings of a disappointed potential Berk customer.
Originally Posted by Principal RailRookie:
I am curious as to why the feature was not included as originally advertised in the catalog.
It may have been as simple as lack of proof-reading of the catalog (someone may have been cut-and-pasting features and did one too many), or there was a screw-up at the factory (easy to lose stuff in translation when different languages are involved). In any case, someone dropped the ball here, but Lionel should be given time to respond to this issue before they are crucified for it.
Andy
