New Lionel FM

Lionel Product number?

@Madockawando posted:

The good news is that my new Lionel Trainmaster FM has just arrived from Lionel. Yeah!! 

However, I am trying to turn off the smoke unit and to do that I need to pop a batch to get to the switch. From the instructions, it looks like the hatch should be on top back from the large fan behind the cab. However, I can't even see the line of the hatch much less pry it open. I don't want to force it open and break it. Any hints from anyone who owns this locomotive? I do not have legacy of TMCC. I have small layout and just used the Lionchief remote. Thank you!

Try this video for help

https://youtu.be/l0SZnH8vm4Y

Great news, please post a picture. Thank You 

See if these photos help.

Stu

https://www.metca.org/store.html

Hi Stu, I think that's it. How did you open it?

@tom21pa posted:

Try this video for help

https://youtu.be/l0SZnH8vm4Y

Thank you! Very helpful

Did these FM Trainmasters start life as K-line FM's? Don

Thanks for the picture of the FM TrainMaster Diesel, it’s very nice, I have one like it on order. This thread is very helpful and hopefully you will figure out the way to open the hatch enabling you to turn off the smoke. Happy Railroading 

@Madockawando posted:

Hi Stu, I think that's it. How did you open it?

I didn't.  The photos of the black Erie Lackawanna are photos of the Preproduction sample from the factory.  They only sent the photos, not the actual sample.  But you can see that it appears that it's the round fan section that looks like it gets removed, not the section behind the fan.

Stu

@NOT LionelLLC posted:

I didn't.  The photos of the black Erie Lackawanna are photos of the Preproduction sample from the factory.  They only sent the photos, not the actual sample.  But you can see that it appears that it's the round fan section that looks like it gets removed, not the section behind the fan.

Stu

Hi Stu, as you can see from the photo of the instructions, it implies that it's the area behind the fan that lifts off and not the fan.

It looks to me like Lionel did reuse the K-Line tooling.

I'm curious... how many wheels are powered?  I'm glad to see that they finally got rid of the "dummy wheel" on the inside axle.  It looks more realistic than the postwar and MPC versions.  But I'm concerned about their ability to negotiate O31 and O36 curves with all wheels flanged.  IMO, the best compromise would be to leave the middle axle blind but in any case it's a nice improvement.

This is the Lionel tooling from the 2001-03 CC-2 Trainmasters I believe.I just looked at mine and it is the fan hatch that lifts off on it. Mine lifted straight up but I noticed as you grab it to pull up you also put more pressure on the sides and pinch it making it bind. Maybe try a toothpick in the screen holes and gently try lifting it. Doug

@trnluvr posted:

This is the Lionel tooling from the 2001-03 CC-2 Trainmasters I believe.I just looked at mine and it is the fan hatch that lifts off on it. Mine lifted straight up but I noticed as you grab it to pull up you also put more pressure on the sides and pinch it making it bind. Maybe try a toothpick in the screen holes and gently try lifting it. Doug

 

Thank you found it! I assume it is the same tooling as the Century Club II FMs. Anyway, here is a video of my new Trainmaster taking its first run on my modest layout.

This is not just on the FMs. All the hatches on all of my Lionel engines are very tight fitting. It is hard not to scratch the paint a bit at the edge where you lift it off.

However, I want them tight fitting so that  hatches remain invisible. So you take the good with the. . .

Are these the new , Made to Order engines ?

i ordered a pair and hadn’t heard they were in , already ...

@dPrasse posted:

Are these the new , Made to Order engines ?

i ordered a pair and hadn’t heard they were in , already ...

I ordered mine direct from Lionel and it was shipped to me from Lionel in North Carolina. 

I really like this locomotive but I noticed something weird. The top center light slowly pulses, getting brighter than dimmer than brighter. It does this in conventional mode and while running it with the Universal remote. It reminds me of the old TMCC locomotives that had flickering headlights if it could not find a signal. I do not have TMCC or Legacy on my layout. Any ideas?

@Madockawando posted:

I really like this locomotive but I noticed something weird. The top center light slowly pulses, getting brighter than dimmer than brighter. It does this in conventional mode and while running it with the Universal remote. It reminds me of the old TMCC locomotives that had flickering headlights if it could not find a signal. I do not have TMCC or Legacy on my layout. Any ideas?

Isn't that "top center light" supposed to be on oscillating Mars Signal Light, thus the pulsing in order to duplicate the oscillations of the Mars Signal Light?

@Hot Water posted:

Isn't that "top center light" supposed to be on oscillating Mars Signal Light, thus the pulsing in order to duplicate the oscillations of the Mars Signal Light?

Is that what it is? I have never seen this before.

@Madockawando posted:

Is that what it is?

Should be, yes.

I have never seen this before.

Well, its good that you learned something new, since you are apparently new to the hobby.

I cant seen anything in the features list or FM manual about the oscillating top light.

I think you are right that that is why it varies; but I would think that LIONEL would mention this as a feature. However, since Headlights are so basic maybe that's true of the Mars effect lighting.

@Hot Water posted:

 

LoL. Well maybe new to scale locomotives, but I have been a traditional O gauge operator for a long time. 

I picked this locomotive because I really like the LionChief Universal remote and I can run this locomotive with it and it can run on 036 track and it’s Demonstrator paint scheme means I can run it with any road name. 

@Madockawando posted:

Is that what it is? I have never seen this before.

Go to the 1:15 mark on this video and you'll see a "mars light" in action on the prototype:

@RickO posted:

Go to the 1:15 mark on this video and you'll see a "mars light" in action on the prototype:

Yes that’s it! So, there a way to toggle the Mars light on and off?

@Madockawando posted:

Yes that’s it! So, there a way to toggle the Mars light on and off?

If there is, its probably only accessible with a Legacy System remote.

You have limited capabiltites with the Lionchief, Bluetooth app, and of course conventional.

@Madockawando posted:

Is that what it is? I have never seen this before.

The Mars light is very protypical for the Demonstrators ... and others ...

happy to hear its properly operating ! 

Beautiful pictures! And yes, my new "Scale" Fm is happily operating on my 4x8 Postwar style layout complete with Haunted House and Flying Witch.

@Madockawando posted:

Beautiful pictures! And yes, my new "Scale" Fm is happily operating on my 4x8 Postwar style layout complete with Haunted House and Flying Witch.

Thank You ! I have a slight F-M Locomotive “problem”

Awesome to hear she runs great ...

im also basically a PW operator , running Conventional ...

Hennings Trains said mine should be here in 2wks ...

i posted the wrong Demonstrators...

here are TM-3 and TM-4 

just told by Hennings Trains mine should be in in about 2wks !

Just what my Train room needs ... more TM Demonstrators 😂😂

@dPrasse posted:

Just what my Train room needs ... more TM Demonstrators 😂😂

Are the red FMs from the Century Club II?

@Madockawando posted:

Are the red FMs from the Century Club II?

Those are “antique” MTH Proto 1 models ....

one I had painted “accurate”  , before the CC models ..

@dPrasse posted:

Those are “antique” MTH Proto 1 models ....

one I had painted “accurate”  , before the CC models ..

How did you fall in love with Fairbanks Morse FMs? Do you have a family connection to FM?

@scale rail posted:

Did these FM Trainmasters start life as K-line FM's? Don

The Century Club II TM pre-date the K-Line models by a few years ...

ive never compared them , side by side , too see if the LEgacy TM models are identical to k-line models ...

possible k-line “leases” the CCII tooling ?

I wouldn't mind seeing all three together side-by-side for comparison.  Which wheels were flanged on the CCII and K-Line models?  Were all 12 wheels powered?

I have the scale Wabash unit from several years ago.

Among many neat features, the rear roof fans are motorized and the louvres on the side, at the rear, can be opened/closed.

Are these features also on this latest version?

I hope so as I have a Demonstrator on order.

(I also have the VGN, SF, SP, and Wabash traditional modern era and the TMCC versions of the Jersey Central, VGN, and Lackawanna....can't get enough FMs!) 

@Madockawando posted:

How did you fall in love with Fairbanks Morse FMs? Do you have a family connection to FM?

 

Not a direct family connection , to FM , no ...

my dad is a history buff and I was interested in US submarines from an early age ...as a kid , I figured any loco powered by a submarine engine has to be cool !

hehehe

a side note , the cattle water tank , on our farm , was a scrapped upper crankcase from a FM opposed piston engine ...

the Milwaukee Rd switch engines in and around my hometown Freeport , IL , and down at Savanah , Il were of great interest and the river tug boats on the Mississippi  , River , powered by the OP were so cool and hypnotic sounding ...

@Jeff2035 posted:

( .....can't get enough FMs!) 

 

Agree 100%

my N scale Demonstrators are cute , my HO engines are nice ... don’t have the S scale version ... yet ...

but , the 1:48 Train Masters are just beasts !!

( when I was into the 1:29 scale stuff , before i downsized to O , I kept pestering Aristo and USA to make a TM in 1:29 .... )

This is our first new Legacy engine shipped with 5 horn choices and the 5 different pitch levels for the bell. Try Aux1 horn or Aux1 bell to change through them. 

@Dave Olson posted:

This is our first new Legacy engine shipped with 5 horn choices and the 5 different pitch levels for the bell. Try Aux1 horn or Aux1 bell to change through them. 

Dave, will that work with a cab 1 remote as well?

@Brian DeFazio posted:

Dave, will that work with a cab 1 remote as well?

Yes. It can also be done in the LC APP using the pitch sliders.

@Dave Olson posted:

Yes. It can also be done in the LC APP using the pitch sliders.

Great,  thank you! 

@Brian DeFazio posted:

Great,  thank you! 

OK now how fast before you post a video?  LOL!

@Dave Olson posted:

This is our first new Legacy engine shipped with 5 horn choices and the 5 different pitch levels for the bell. Try Aux1 horn or Aux1 bell to change through them. 

Just a sneaky way to get me to upgrade from my old school , Conventional , power supply 

😂😂🤪😂😂😂😂😂

@MartyE posted:

OK now how fast before you post a video?  LOL!

A video? I dont have a locomotive with this feature yet.  I do have the B6sb on order, and I'll try using the cab 1 to change whistles on that when it comes in.  I dont have a Legacy command system at home and have no idea how to use the legacy controller. The club I'm in runs mostly TMCC cab1 or legacy cab1L controllers and so that's what I'm familiar with.  As for a video, I'm sure someone will eventually demonstrate how to control the new features with different set-ups

Do the new FMs have the moveable louvers on the side of the engine?  Powered fans on the roof?  All 3 axles flanged?  Prior versions had some of these features and would like to know if these are present on the new models.

Thanks!

@Joe Fermani posted:

Do the new FMs have the moveable louvers on the side of the engine?  Powered fans on the roof?  All 3 axles flanged?  Prior versions had some of these features and would like to know if these are present on the new models.

Thanks!

Hi Joe! I’m very happy with this locomotive. The louvers on the side do move open and close and the axles are flanged. The fans don’t look like they move but I don’t have Legacy so they may move. 

Received two of these FM's today. Very nicely done. Here are some photos.

Just curious; I wonder what the results would be from a tug of war pulling contest between one of these and a PostWar FM with their dual open frame motors and magne-traction? 

Anyone want to bring one to my house for a test, just like many of us did as kids?

The results could be a lot of expensive smoke!

Seriously, I'm sure the new one would drag the postwar version, even on postwar tubular track with a high iron content.  Rubber tires have greater adhesion than Magne-traction, at least until they strip off under heavy load!  Or, until the motors overload and burn up or Legacy shuts down because the wheels are unable to slip.

@NVisich thank you for the photos.  I can't tell whether the middle wheels are flanged or not.  How about a couple photos of the underside? 

All the wheels are flanged on the Lionel Legacy Trainmasters.  At least they are on the three I have.

I picked up one of my Virginians yesterday. I’m very very happy with it. More to come with that. 

Picked up one more FM in demo colors. I missed out on this when it was offered for the CC II club. Keep the photos coming. 

All wheels are flanged as shown below.

Wow the Demo colors are nice!  I like my pennsy though. Thinking about getting one...anyone have a video? 

@Madockawando posted:

Hi Joe! I’m very happy with this locomotive. The louvers on the side do move open and close and the axles are flanged. The fans don’t look like they move but I don’t have Legacy so they may move. 

Still awaiting my TM-3 and Tm-4 to come into Hennings Trains ...

you said they work with a LionChief controller ?

thatll be better than just running straight Conventional with my ZW ...

@NVisich posted:

Received two of these FM's today. Very nicely done. Here are some photos.

Those are gorgeous !!

sadly , the 2 Demonstrators put a strain on my budget .... and wife’s tolerance , so , I couldn’t get these beasts , also ....

Anyone going to post a video of the 5 horn variants?

@dPrasse posted:

Still awaiting my TM-3 and Tm-4 to come into Hennings Trains ...

you said they work with a LionChief controller ?

thatll be better than just running straight Conventional with my ZW ...

Yea, they run with the Lion Chief Universal Remote. 
Turn on the remote then turn on track power. Then press and hold whatever number you want for the locomotive. 

The fact that they can run with the universal remote was definitely a big selling point for me. 

@Madockawando posted:

The fans don’t look like they move but I don’t have Legacy so they may move. 

The fans don't move on the later Legacy FM.  They did spin on the earlier versions, that feature was apparently a bit troublesome, so they omitted it.  I'm pretty sure they run if the smoke is on, it's been a while since mine has been on the rails.

Here are a couple pics of the Pennsy version. Does anyone know where the cover for the Run/Prg and smoke switches are on this? Unless I can't read, the manual isn't much help in locating it.

@Slugger posted:

Here are a couple pics of the Pennsy version. Does anyone know where the cover for the Run/Prg and smoke switches are on this? Unless I can't read, the manual isn't much help in locating it.

Under a hatch near the cab. Look at the 5th post in this thread.

@MartyE posted:

Under a hatch near the cab. Look at the 5th post in this thread.

You are not the only one to find Lionel's instructions on the location of the hatch confusing!

@MartyE posted:

Under a hatch near the cab. Look at the 5th post in this thread.

Thanks for pointing that post out Marty, I found it. I was kind of hesitant with the trainphone antenna. I had just skimmed over those first few posts way too long ago.

In addition, many of the Lionel switch cover hatches stick, so you might be fooled into thinking you're pulling on the wrong part.

BE CAREFUL  it's easy to scratch the paint prying off one of these with a fingernail!

Curious to know what that gizmo is sticking out above the headlight on the short hood end of the Pennsy version. I found one picture of this (on a Pennsy FM H20-44; note: photo allows downloading and sharing), but have never seen it before on an O gauge model. Looking at other photos, not all Pennsy FM's seemed to have this appendage.

I believe that is part of the train phone antenna.

@Slugger posted:

Here are a couple pics of the Pennsy version. Does anyone know where the cover for the Run/Prg and smoke switches are on this? Unless I can't read, the manual isn't much help in locating it.

Does the Pennsy version have the flashing mars light?  The catalog lists this feature as "where applicable".

The cover is frequently VERY tight, but it does come off, just work it a little at a time.  The volume control and switches are there.

that thing sticking out is part of the trainphone system.    Any cabin or loco with trainphones should have it someplace.     I don't remember whether the antennas were the senders and that was the receiver or vice-versa, but I think it was one or the other.

Wow, these are really nice.  May be worth looking at to convert to 2 rail.  I like every version I saw posted here...

Just got this one today. METCA special run.

Everyone has one but yet no videos!  What the deuce?

@MartyE posted:

Everyone has one but yet no videos!  What the deuce?

I think I did a video earlier in the thread.

I don't see any videos

Thanks for sharing. I have one of these on order from METCA too.  Glad to know that they are on the way. 

TM-4 Video

@Madockawando posted:

Yea, they run with the Lion Chief Universal Remote. 
Turn on the remote then turn on track power. Then press and hold whatever number you want for the locomotive. 

The fact that they can run with the universal remote was definitely a big selling point for me. 

 

Awesome !

thatll be a step up from running Conventional , that I’d planned on ....

woo hoo !

@Conductor Earl posted:

Thanks for sharing. I have one of these on order from METCA too.  Glad to know that they are on the way. 

They were all shipped on Monday and Tuesday by USPS Priority Mail.  Should be in your hands by Friday.  All sold out, not a single Erie Lackawanna black freight one left.

Stu

Can anyone demo the multiple horn selection in Legacy mode?  Love to see and hear that!

I'm gonna do another Demos w/ Dave episode this coming Monday. Thinking of reviewing some recent diesels. If you guys would be interested, I can go over the TrainMaster. I think I'll touch on the E8s and ES44 as well.

@Dave Olson posted:

I'm gonna do another Demos w/ Dave episode this coming Monday. Thinking of reviewing some recent diesels. If you guys would be interested, I can go over the TrainMaster. I think I'll touch on the E8s and ES44 as well.

Dave that would be great.  I would even like to see and hear the Halloween LC+2.0 Berk.  It might be a nice, smaller engine to use at Halloween.

It certainly doesn't hurt to show recent releases to get folks into the hobby shops to buy them.

Are the B6sb locos coming soon?  It still says October on the Lionel shipping schedule, but trainworld just updated the b6sb to December.....  been really excited for that one!

Thanks, 

Brian

Arrived yesterday, running today.

WinstonB - As has been discussed earlier in this thread, is this FM equipped with a MARS light and, if so, have you figured out how to activate it yet? Just wondering.

@PH1975 posted:

WinstonB - As has been discussed earlier in this thread, is this FM equipped with a MARS light and, if so, have you figured out how to activate it yet? Just wondering.

In the extended lighting menu (push and hold AUX 2) there are MARS Light On/ Off buttons. I would assume that would do the trick only if equipped.

Horn and bell options

@MartyE posted:

In the extended lighting menu (push and hold AUX 2) there are MARS Light On/ Off buttons. I would assume that would do the trick only if equipped.

Tried it, no Mars on PRR. Based on the catalog, it seems the Southern Pacific and Fairbanks Morse, TM-3 and TM-4, engines should be equipped.

@WinstonB posted:

Tried it, no Mars on PRR. Based on the catalog, it seems the Southern Pacific and Fairbanks Morse, TM-3 and TM-4, engines should be equipped.

Well based on the video, it looks like only 1 light on the engine so I would say no it wouldn't do anything.

@773Hudson posted:

Horn and bell options

Thank you!  Nice change sound upgrade to these items.

Next up - someone to get brave and let us see what the new electronics looks like.  I'm interested from a service and repair perspective.

Jim

@773Hudson posted:

Horn and bell options

Thanks!  Much appreciated!  Nice work Lionel!

I picked the Pennsylvania version from Grzyboski’s this morning... nice looking engine, but I’ll have to be careful of the very delicate railings and antenna!!! Interestingly, it looks like the Pennsy ran the Trainmasters long hood forward (my CC II demonstrators were marked for short hood forward). I’ll do a short video of it running when I get some time tomorrow. Here is another short video of the horn/bell options (I chose to mute the other engine sounds) - definitely an interesting feature!!!

I received my Pennsylvania version yesterday and promptly returned it to Lionel because the sound doesn't work. Lionel QC(or lack thereof) strikes again!

I love the new horn and bell options that Lionel put on these. I preordered the Southern E8 and am looking forward to getting it. Does anyone know when those will come in since on Lionel’s shipping schedule it says that these and the E8s were to be delivered on the same month?

@Dave Olson posted:

I'm gonna do another Demos w/ Dave episode this coming Monday. Thinking of reviewing some recent diesels. If you guys would be interested, I can go over the TrainMaster. I think I'll touch on the E8s and ES44 as well.

THatd be awesome !

Demo the Train Masters !

dave the F-M nut 😂

@Apples55 posted:

I picked the Pennsylvania version from Grzyboski’s this morning... nice looking engine, but I’ll have to be careful of the very delicate railings and antenna!!! Interestingly, it looks like the Pennsy ran the Trainmasters long hood forward (my CC II demonstrators were marked for short hood forward). I’ll do a short video of it running when I get some time tomorrow. Here is another short video of the horn/bell options (I chose to mute the other engine sounds) - definitely an interesting feature!!!

A beauty and a Beast !

Received my METCA special run on Friday. Excellent job on the paint. I modal the DL&W and Erie on my Post War Layout. A great addition to the roster.

Here's a couple of pictures to share....

Just got the Pennsy version.  I noticed that when I turn on Rule 17, if affects the headlight on the short hood only.  Since the Pennsy is setup to run long hood forward, the Rule 17 is affecting its rear headlight.  Would it not have made sense to have Rule 17 affect both headlights?  Does anyone else who has the Pennsy version see the same thing?

Another thing I noticed is that the numbers underneath the cab window, and the word Pennsylvania are done in yellow paint.  When I compare it to the TMCC Pennsy FM from the TCA 50th anniversary set, that lettering was done in gold paint.  I liked the gold paint better.  Shouldn't it have been done in gold?  All my Lionel TMCC PRR engines have their lettering done in gold.

Other than these two small issues, the engine is really nice and super detailed.  It is a great addition to my fleet.  I like the various cab chatter and the emergency stop sequences.  Nice touch!

My METCA EL version arrived today.  Clean, crisp paint, and really smooth running make this a good value. The slow speed operation is very good. Ran well on 0-45 Atlas curves. The horn quilling is the best I've heard. The soft half tones are good when working the yard; poor conductor is half deaf already. This engine will join my Atlas C424s in the same early  EL freight livery. Thanks for making this available to us.

So METCA, what's next in EL freight paint?  An F3 or 7 AB  or AA unit?  FA's?

Earl