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I haven't run any newer conventional locos. I have some postwar Lionel that I break out on holiday layouts. I have TMCC & Legacy which I've never run in conventional mode.

That said, I was looking at the 726 sets in the 2011 catalog and began to wonder what they run like. Can anyone describe the differences between the new conventional & my locos from the 50's? I mean, I know the E unit doesn't buzz & there's no air whistle, but I don't know if they have a whistle that sounds real. Or, if the loco jumps off to quick starts or is any easier to couple than my old GG1 for instance.

I would love a modern 726 with a digital whistle that sounds like an air whistle from the late forties. And puffs white smoke rings like the old pellets.
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Hi, woojr. The first thing to tell you is the Conventional Classic 726 hasn't been shipped yet. It is scheduled for June of 2012.
I have the 2056 and 646 steamers from the previous releases. The whistle is electronic. Not bad, but if you want an air whistle you have to get a tender from another loco. The sound is similar to a real whistle, and may be a recording, but has no character. It's either on or off. No quilling ability as you would have with TMCC. When you give her juice, she takes off. No build-up to speed, just quiet running.
As for smoking, it comes out in puffs, but I won't go so far as to say rings are formed. Very good runner, though.
I recall being at a York demonstration by Lionel under the stands couple years ago & conventional operators were complaining about having nothing new. That all Lionel's attention went towards high end stuff, Legacy, etc. Since that's what I wanted to see and hear, I guess I dismissed the negativity.
Well you know, I guess there is some room for making conventional improvements.
Why wouldn't a slow smooth start be expected when turning the throttle. And wouldn't options for sound systems be offered?
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