How do Sunset and 3rd Rail engines compare to Lionel Legacy engines as far as reliability and running operation. Other than being equipped with TMCC instead of Legacy, do they run as smooth as the Legacy engines. Do they have have 2 pickup rollers per truck? Anything else anyone can add would be greatly appreciated.
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It might be best to inquire about a specific model. They are all pretty unique electronically and mechanically depending on the era. Later models with TMCC/ERR have better power pickup arrangements and run smoother than the old EOB or conventional QSI ones.
You're asking a very open-ended question, because some Legacy locos are known to have mechanical issues. (Search the forum for "K4 gearbox fix" and you'll see what i mean.) Although they predate Legacy, Lionel's Century Club Niagara and original B&O EM-1 weren't shining examples of mechanical reliability. Some Legacy locos have been affected by zinc pest, a metallurgical failure that can cause both mechanical and cosmetic parts to crumble. Zinc pest will NEVER affect a brass locomotive.
I own a few Sunset 3rd Rail locos. They run very smoothly. In general they're built using smaller fasteners, and probably weren't designed to withstand the abuse that I've seen some folks heap upon O gauge locos made by Lionel and MTH. On that same spectrum, I would say that 3rd Rail locos are stronger and sturdier than the early-1990s plastic diesels made by Weaver and Red Caboose (which were derived from 2-rail models.) I have several of those diesels, and I can tell you, they are definitely "light duty!"
So as Norm stated, it depends upon the specific loco. As with brands L and M, once any initial assembly gaffes have been corrected, I'm sure a 3rd Rail loco would be fine in "normal use." I wouldn't overload it or try to doublehead it with anything but an identical loco. If electrical pick-up becomes an issue, as long as the tender has at least one pickup roller, a heavy-gauge tether should solve that problem for good. My $.02.
No experience with the diesel side but 3rdrail over the years have added more pickup rollers and the steamers run better because of it. Their gear boxes and belt drive system are bullet proof. ERR electronics diesel or steam are very reliable. Lionel over the years has lots of issues mechanically
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