I just bought my first Lionel starter set for me and for around the tree. I bought the Pennsylvania Flyer set and I am very excited. But I had a choice of the 4-4-2 or the 0-8-0 engine and I chose the 4-4-2. I don’t know alot about either but I was wondering if I should exchange it for the set with the 0-8-0 engine or is it not that big a deal. Also is the Pennsy Flyer set a good set to start with?
There a lot of great starting sets and that one is as good as any of them. I had the NYC set which was basically same engine as you have now not up on the 0-8-0 but that would really get my interest as it really a switcher engine I believe and that would be a cool engine to have. I just went to Lionel.com and I like that engine wish I could come up with a reason to get it but I really can’t have to many other things I need to get/do first oh well have fun with either your choice
The 4-4-2 set is a lot like what the original Lionel used to produce for a starter engine, obviously with modern technology. For tradition and nostalgia it is great. If you are just going to use the loco. under the tree it is a great choice.
If you are thinking of getting more into the hobby, and perhaps creating a year round set up, I think the 0-8-0 is a better choice. The front coupler adds to the play value on a larger layout. When I received my first starter steam set, I always wanted a coupler up front, kinda like the real thing. Just my thoughts.
Yeah, I am kind of confused. I would love to get into the hobby, start a Lionelville type setting. And I would like to use it around the tree this year. And I really didn’t know the difference between the two engines at the time. I guess I will take it back and exchange it for the 0-8-0 engine.
Before you make a final decision, take a look at this review from the January issue of Classic Toy Trains. Based on the review and my experience with reliable 4-4-2, I suggest you made the right decision to begin with.
The 0-8-0 is a new engine but it appears to be made along the same framework as some of their other starter based engines. Motor sits upon the frame and drives one set of wheels. So it appears that the new engine will be a success. But at the same time the one you have with care will last many years. Bottom line, pick the one you like best.
Had one, loved it and gave it to a kid that needed help. Bought another as I missed it so much. Will pull a longer train than you think. Will puff smoke like crazy. You made the right choice.
The 4-4-2 was my first engine and it has been my best so far. Its reliable, runs well slowly though is probably also the fastest of my locos and it can be pushed which some- like the Docksider - cannot. If children are going to be involved you will be glad of that feature because they WILL push them and sometimes so will you when it comes to frustrating issues like spotting the uncoupler!
I will definitely acquire some more of these simple and reliable locos to paint them in the lurid colors I favor (shades of Thomas!) they are an excellent deal and easy to service too.
Ides, I have several 4-4-2 steamers like yours. One of them is now 17 years old… seen a lot of running and is STILL running. I think you made a good choice. I mean, you can debate back and forth forever if you wish. What about the basic steamer now being made by K-Lionel… that one is a good running, smooth and great pulling affordable steam engine too.
A funny thing happens when you get into this train hobby. Instead of wanting to get rid of some trains, you find you simply want to get more. Instead of swapping the one you have, be patient. At some point, maybe at a train show, you’ll see one of the new 0-8-0 steamers running and say I’m glad I passed, or gee that’s nice and I’m going to get one.
And give it a little time, and those 0-8-0’s will start showing up for separate sale on eBay and other places.
Today, being Thanksgiving Day is a wonderful time to be thankful for what we DO have. I have a lot of trains many would consider junk… the cheap bottom end products. I fix 'em up and they run great without repair issues. I wouldn’t swap them for more expensive better trains if you gave them to me for free. I really actually like what I have!!
So like many of my other locos, there are more detailed and nicer looking steamers than that Lionel basic 4-4-2. But that steamer has done me no wrong… to me it’s a keeper.
You are so eloquent, Brian. I’ve had similar internal discussions about ‘more’ - not that I could afford what I’d like to get anyway - and it sure is fun to dream - this year, I want to appreciate what I have…
Ides, welcome to the forum. I started in the hobby a few years ago just like you - with a set. As others have said, either engine is great. I just kept expanding the Christmas tree oval by buying a little more and more of the same kind of track it came with.
I bought the Pennsy 0-8-0 engine as a set break-up. It’s a nice looking engine the only dislikes is the front coupler is nonoperating and the whistle needs alot of power to work if it works at all. I don’t see why you would exchange the whole set, you could just pick up the engine seperate from Lionel. The only thing it says “Lionel Lines” instead of Pennsy. I got my Pennsy set break-up one from Gryboski’s. I mail ordered it. So far it is a good runner and pulls quite alot of cars.
I have both sets and I love them both. The newer 0-8-0 set came with the smaller 40 Powermax transformer (the other set had a CW80). But the newer set came with a spotlight car, the old one did not. Your sets may be different.
The 4-4-2 is a great engine, the only reason you might wan the 0-8-0 instead is Lionel used the 4-4-2 quite a bit in starter sets. I have 2 of them myself. If you buy a few starter sets you will have a few 4-4-2 's that look alike.
I’d say keep the 4-4-2. If you want the 0-8-0 (and who wouldn’t?!), hold off and get one out of the Santa Fe set on break-up. The Santa Fe version has a die-cast Operating Coupler on the front end that the PRR version of the 0-8-0 lacks.
Jon [8D]
I just picked up a 4-4-2 Pennsy Flyer steamer from last years version of the set as a set break-up. It was such a GOOD price, I knew for a fact I couldn’t come close to buying the individual parts as cheaply. The cab loco number is 1645 and here are some observations from one who runs and knows these kinds of “beginner” products.
-On a comparison between the common typical “8632” version of this steamer, there are some subtle differences in the casting details of the shell. Aside from the obvious lack of the boiler up front and the different placement of the jeweled marker lights, the detail level of the casting above the steam chest and front pilot wheels is much more pronounced on the new 1645. The add on decorative bell is also in a different location. The jeweled markers up front appeared to be actually illuminated until I turned off the room lights, then I could see they were not. They do reflect room light much better than any of my other ones do and under normal light, do give the appearance of being illuminated.
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Gone is the “suggested” handrail in the casting of the 8632. The 1645 has added on wire handrails along the sides: a big bonus for a starter set steam engine from Lionel. The casting detail above the cab roof is also far more detailed and better looking on the new 1645… a nice subtle surprise.
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The majority of the basic 4-4-2 steamers of recent years had white lettering on the tender and cab, as well as the long solid accent stripe below the walkway of the locomotive. The gold PRR lettering and cab number of the 1645 is a nice change. Gone is the long stripe below the walkway. So for those worried about these locos looking the same by having multiple units, the answer is yes and no.
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Another big bonus for a starter set steamer from Lionel was the addition of 2 seated figures in the cab of the steamer. I didn’t get the set instructions for this loco: all
The Pennsylvania Flyer set is a wonderful way to get started. Either engine is ideal for it. I myself have the 0-8-0 ( Gotta check out it’s smoke unit though. Not working ). You’re off to a great start. Just take your time and you’ll be ok. [#welcome]