Tender Comparison Images

Very nice comparison, Charlie and it sure clears a lot of misinformation.

Well, I guess you just had to be there, 'cause the only difference that I see is that one is more full than the other.

I agree . The vl big boy looks as good as any other legacy engine with "real coal load", better because of different levels of depletion.

I always enjoy pictures of UP steamers, even tenders.  The past few weeks there have been a lot of those!

 

Lionel's coal loads have improved a lot since #3985 was released.  The JLC Challenger #3985 tender doesn't have the nice coal load compared to later offerings such as the JLC Legacy Big Boys offered several year later.  That's to be expected.

 

Here's the original Lionel Big Boy (which has a "load" similar to #3985) compared to the JLC Legacy Big Boy.  Take a look:  JLC Legacy BB bottom, original Lionel BB at top.

 

 

Another example, here's the recent Legacy H7's coal load:

 

 

 

I wanted to post a picture of my VL BB with the 2 previous offerings from Lionel. Just haven't had time to take photos.  

 

A great comparison would be the late coal loads compared to the VL BB's depleting load.  

 

It's interesting to note how much Lionel has improved with these models.  Both in appearance and in overall design.  As shown in another thread, the new VL BB is a lot more than 'fancy electronics' over the JLC Legacy BB.

Just my opinion but, none of the photos above look realistic. First, the UP tended to pile the coal VERY high towards the rear of the coal bunker. Second, the UP added coal boards to the tender coal bunkers, in order to increase capacity. I haven't seen the added coal boards modeled on any of these as yet.

While we are sharing opinions, how much do you suppose this feature adds to overall cost and complexity?  Such a feature would be a true negative for me.

I can't see a difference other than cosmetic appearance??  Which is which?  G

To GGG:

 

Sorry, I should have done a better job identifying the engines. I did not shoot them, I was just interested in how this feature looks compared to the standard loads and the MTH disappearing coal load in the hopper from  a few years ago.

 

1st Image: BB on Right

3rd Image: BB on Right

4th Image: BB on Bottom

5th Image is BB

7th Image is BB

 

The other tender is the JLC Challenger (I think).

 

As for the cost, I have no idea, but I suspect the parts are fairly inexpensive as the real cost is in the engineering. 

 

I must state that I do not have this engine, but I do like to see the new technology and how it might be included in future products. Some technology works, some doesn't. But was not Lionel being trashed a short time ago for NOT bringing new stuff to market?

 

If the system works like I think it does, then adding your own coal load on top of this should be an easy mod for any entry level modeler. Bring the coal load down to the lowest point and leave it there.

 

Create and install a load of your choice right on top and away you go. No more drilling/cutting stuff trying to go through die-cast. 

 

Charlie

 

 

 

But was not Lionel being trashed a short time ago for NOT bringing new stuff to market?

 

Good point. Personally, I don't have the least interest in the depleting coal load and I think it's a bit silly, but it certainly does show that somebody at Lionel is thinking out of the box. 

Any pictures of it completely "depleted"  how far down does the coal load go?

Here's a shot of the JLC BigBoy's tender with coal completely depleted and auger exposed. 

 

 

I have yet to see a picture of this "MTH disappearing coal load in the hopper from  a few years ago." in order to compare it to anything.

Big Jim:

 

I don't have a picture of the MTH car, I am going strictly from memory. If anyone else has an image to share that would be great. You will have to trust me on this one, the new Lionel coal load looks much better then what was in the MTH hopper. Don't forget, the technology is probably 5-10 apart.

 

Charlie

Yeah, I have one (a JLC Big Boy).  the auger is a nice, nice touch!  I love it, among many other features on the loco.  

 

But on the Vision Big Boy, what does a fully "empty" coal load look like?  Does the load go down two inches, or one, or half an inch.  Is if flat or convex or concave on the surface, whereas that is?

At a certain cost (I doubt they will get down to that) I would buy the Vision Big Boy, even though it is basically just an improved JLC version which I have, just to get the tender and the operating coal load, because it is a good idea, if it really moves up and down alot.

 

It probably goes down an inch below the edge of the tender.

I will run it down & take pictures when I get back home today.

>>what does a fully "empty" coal load look like?  Does the load go down two inches, or one, or half an inch<<

 

Center of load drops about an inch, maybe a bit more but the all the sides remain pretty much the same as when its filled.

BTW, If you love the sound of the VL bigboy but don't really care for the coal load you could switch tenders with the JLC BB and run it empty or fill it with real coal.

Engine actually sounds more realistic because all sounds including the whistle are coming from where it should, the engine, not from the coal tender..

Joe

Would be an interesting feature if they are able have the sides come down as well, but slower than the center. Guess is the coal load sides are firmly attached and the center more or less deflates?

It is a start, anyone remember the Marx Sound of Steam wheel in the tender?

Like the image with the auger!!

Well the answer to that would be a working auger that moved the coal to a container in the water tank area.  That would not leave any room for electronics though.  G

I've been running her hard and took some photos of the depleted load... sent them to Charlie to post when he has a chance....

Yeah. - the answer is a working auger feeding a firebox, where the coal is burned sending realistic cinders down on to the center rail.

 

You know, 2-rail does not have very many tenders that can compete with that empty one above.  This is a new dimension in die cast.

Curiously, the Lionel Standard Gauge Hiawatha streamliner was made with an auger in the tender and no coal load at all. The auger does not move. One of these days I'll put some coal in mine, whenever I get around to it. 

Revised original post with additional pictures, again thanks Rich.

 

These are of the tender load as far "Down" or empty as possible.

 

After viewing Alex Mallias Big Boy tear down, I think it might be even eaiser to modify the load if you don't like the Lionel offering.

 

Alexs' fantastic images can be found here: https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/t...s-of-pictures?page=1

 

Charlie

I thought the whole pile move down.  Interesting, is the pile flexible and is pulled down in the middle?  After looking at Alex pictures again, it actually looks like there is room to auger coal to the water area above the speakers.  Neat feature.  G