I've got a friend looking for an NKP Berk, a la 765, in O- 3rail, and I'm stumped as to which one would be the most accurate of the many models out there. This fellow normally goes for Lionel, but if there are better choices for #765, he'd likely go for it. I hear that a new version is coming out soon, but am not familiar with what to look for. Anyway, thanks ! Good success with the 12" / foot model ! BTW, he's after the contemporary look, and not a '50s retro.
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BTW, he's after the contemporary look, and not a '50s retro.
Currently NKP 765 has her "as delivered" appearance, i.e. WITHOUT the Mars light. I haven't seen what the Lionel models look like, but the MTH version is the "1950s look" WITH the Mars light.
The new scale version coming from Lionel will have a changeable front to allow you to run with or without the Mars light. It is a built-to-order model, so you might have to hunt for a dealer that has ordered extras for stock, as the order period has passed.
I have the earlier Lionel Legacy scale 765, and it looks great, runs great, and sounds great. The Lionels have the added benefit of Rich Melvin's voice coming from them when you trigger the crew talk sounds (and who doesn't like listening to Rich? 
).
Andy
Andy hit the nail on the head with a very good description. My voice is also in the new one that is about to be released.
Thanks Gents, your info will be passed on. For me personally, I'd want 759 in her '60s / '70s garb, but not everyone was able to experience this fine machine, running hither and yon all over the US of A !
Sorry but, the NKP Berks rarely ever handled passenger trains. They were designed and built for high speed freight service.
It is a built-to-order model, so you might have to hunt for a dealer that has ordered extras for stock, as the order period has passed.
just received an email from Charles ro and the pre-order is still available'
while what hot water said is true just model the fort wayne railroad historical society when they do excisions the 765 pulls passenger cars.
I've ordered it and can't wait to get it. If other recent Lionel locos are any indication it ought to be superb. I am not quite clear about how changeable the front is - if you can switch back and forth easily or it takes so long that you do it once and leave it that way. It would be nice if it was easy and fast so I could change it as the whim affected me.
I agree with the consensus posted so far. The new Lionel offering is probably his best choice for sounds and accuracy.
Not to mention the whistle steam effect added to this popular engine is a great selling point! I'm waiting patiently for mine, since it's supposed to be arriving in my birthday month.
I'm going to guess that the boiler front is going to be a screw-in, screw-out swap with a plug inside for the MARS light.
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