How are the mid 80's to 90's lionels?

Looking at getting a 18004 READING Pacific loco that has sound of steam.
How reliable were these engines? Are they good runers, or would I be better
at getting something more current.

Hello c-burke9 ! The Engine you are looking at should be a good one for you to get. It is based on the old 2055s and is constructed very much in the same manner also. If you can live without Railsounds & Command Control, Then Spring for it. Good Luck.

c-burke9,

I have the 18004 and it is a great reliable little loco. Classic Lionel frame motor. The electronic whistle is a little shrill. This loco smokes pretty good when it is running fast (which is how it runs anyway).

Good luck!

Regards,
Roy

I have a 1979 chessie steam special bershire that runs very reliably. It came with some sound effects that are a little primative. I have both an IC SD-40 and a NS dash-8 diesels from 1992. They both run well although they are a little noisy. I converted the SD-40 to TMCC. I have a set of 1980 C&S F3’s. They run well but no sound effects at all. I also have a 1978 PC GG-1. Again, it runs reliably but no sound effects. I have a 1977 or 78 EP-5 painted for the Milwaukee road. Like before, runs good no sound on it either.

George