Lionel #6-30156 New York Central 0-8-0 Engine

Nicely done!

Peter

and... the review?

I'm confused.  When I go to the Lionel website and ask for a search of 6-31969 I get the NYC Flyer set from 2004 with a 4-4-2 loco in it.  

Anyway, Lionel makes three 0-8-0 locos that I know of.  The lowest grade is a bit smaller than scale, has a die-cast metal loco body and plastic tender, and is used in the very low-cost RTR sets under various roadnames.  Some of them come or at least came without any sound but whistle and bell.

The "mid-range" is an upgraded version with the same body, tender, etc., but the driver rods and valve mechanism is "upgraded" and looks a lot better: much more mechanicals that move and such.  As far as I know it only comes with Railsounds.  It is used in RTR sets that, somewhere in the features list, always mention the "upgraded drive-rod assembly" of the loco.  I think the one you posted is of this particular version. It is a very good model locomotive particularly for its price.

Lionel also makes a scale 0-8-0 which is larger and a lot heavier with a much bigger motor: the actual loco was very big - short but not a lot smaller than the very biggest steamers in height and width.  This scale loco comes only with a scale metal tender, too, and has an even more involved driver rod and value mechanicals.  The model looks indistinguishable from the mid-range model from across the room.  I also have Legacy version MKT (6-11274) of that but I imagine at some point it was offered as conventional run only.  It is a lovely model but perhaps not worth it to many people since the mid range is such a good bargain, and frankly, the difference in size is not that great, although it will pull more and run slower, smoother, and it has much better smoke.  

This is a Lionel #6-30156 New York Central 0-8-0 Engine

Yeah, I thought it was.  it is easy to get numbered confused.  Glad you edited it.  It will help people who want find it to buy.  It's a good engine and well priced at some retailers.