I received a telephone call this morning from FedEx stating a package would be delivered today (Saturday) so we stayed home all day in anticipation because the tracking number indicated the package was from Concord, NC. By 6:30 I was starting to think that it would not happen but within a few minutes the delivery was made. My new Lionel brass hybrid had arrived in time for Christmas!
I carefully removed it from the box and it is spectacular! The detail seems to jump right out at you and although it is loaded with detail, it does not seem to be as fragile as other brass engines I have owned. It is a little smaller than I had imagined but a really nice size. The engine and tender are really close.
Once I added smoke and fired it up, I like the sounds of the chuff and bell but for me a real treat is the return of engine specific announcements where the road name and cab number are clearly referenced. I have really missed this feature ever since it was taken away6 or 7 years ago except on Vision Line engines.
I am glad I took chance on this engine, it will become one of my most prized.
Thanks, Lionel for a job well done. I hope the engine specific announcements will find their way into more new offerings.
Happy railroading,
Don
