I have been thinking about expanding my engines to include a Hudson. I was watching on ebay a Lionel NYC Hudson J3a (28072). I like the information I have found on this particular engine, but I wanted to know if anyone has/had this engine and what his thoughts are on it. It has TMCC and Odyssey, but they’re both first generation. And I wanted to know how well the motor pulls cars. Is it worth looking for again on eBay?
Any ideas and advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
I have the scale Hudson from the 50th Anniversary set (31705), which I believe is the same engine with minor detail differences. Although sometimes it doesn’t creep along at very slow speeds very smoothly compared to my scale Berkshire from 2004. It seems like it will pull a ton of cars. It handles the heavyweights that came with the set with no problem. These cars have some weight to them, too. As you already know, these engines look incredible. Brasseur Electric Trains in Saginaw, MI had the Hudson you want as well as the 50th Anniversary set when I was there about a month ago. If you are serious about either, give them a call. They can be reached at 989-793-4753.
Lionel’s Hudsons are great engines, just don’t expect starter set speeds as they are geared down for more pulling power.
I have the 763 full scale (Scullin Drivers and Vandy tender) and I’d agree with the post so far. the low speed control (using Legacy) even with setting the stall is just not as good as some of the later steamers with Pittman motors. That being said, Lionel Hudsons, whether made in 1937 or 2007 just have something unique about how they run. A fine tuned sewing machine always comes to mind when Im running mine.
If you would like to try postwar stuff, a 2046 in good condition is an excellent choice. Mine runs great at all speeds.
I appreciate all the input. If anyone else has anything to add, please do so. I can use all the good advice I can get.
Thanks again.
I won’t argue with anything said so far. I have a K-Line Scale Hudson and Williams semi scale. Both pull my 5 car 18" K-Line heavyweights fine. That said, I have seen an MTH PS2 non streamlined (J1, J3??) pull 10 21 inch K-Line streamline cars no problem and with excellent slow speed characteristics. BTW this was in conventional mode. Very impressive performance. Pete
Thanks for the response. I contacted Brasseur and am contemplating negotiating with them. Do you know how they operate? Are they quick to anger or are they okay with making deals?
Thanks again for the tip.
I have not tried to negotiate with Brasseurs. I was disappointed when I went to buy a building kit and the in-store price was higher than the online price and I was told ‘that’s just they way it is’. I was under the impression that the 28072 was brand new. It was in a display case but the box was laying near it. It looked like the 50th set was still sealed. Again, assumptions. I suppose it is worth a try to negotiate, I would do so tactfully. Hopefully you two could meet somewhere in the middle. You would think that he would want to move it since the economy stinks. I would take a little off the price than not make a sale - but that’s my way of looking at it. As far as operation, I can only assume that it runs similar to mine from 2002. The only real complaint is that if you are trying to creep along. Give it just a little more throttle and she runs fine. I was told by a Lionel tech that you can replace the Odyssey board with an aftermarket one and slow speed will improve. I don’t feel mine is awful enough to replace the driver board. If it looks like it’s stalling, I just give her more ‘gas’. I hope this helps!!
I forgot to mention that there is a 50th Annivesary set on eBay right now - brand new - and current bid is $330 with no reserve. Do search for ‘J3a’ - that’s how I found it. I think it ends sometime on Sunday. Obviously I have no idea what it will go for, but I can tell you it is a really cool looking set. Maybe you could get a good deal and get some passenger cars with it for less that the stand-alone J3a. Keep me posted!!