Recently I been thinking about purchasing a NYC Hudson but I’m not quite sure is to which company I should go with. I don’t have DCS or TMCC just the basic conventional operation of my trains. Not too long ago, I had a MTH hudson and was very unimpressed by its operation and with sporatic bell and whistle sounds and the smoke unit burned out after only a week of run time[:(!].
So, I’m looking for an option as to which would be my best interest, Thanks.
Sincerely
Johnathan Munster[8D]
Hello John,
Guess it depends on whether you’re looking for a Semi-scale or Hi-rail Hudson.
I like K-line’s Hi-rail and Semi scale Hudsons. If still available from K-line or can find one on the internet. Both are loaded with detail. Even the semi-scale version has lighted marked lights.
I bought the Semi-scale loco ,with whistle only, a few years back and love it. I use it with a set of Lionel baby madison cars and looks and runs great so far. It survived a 8’ ft fall from a shelf with only minor damage to it’s coal load and still runs.
I friend has the K-line scale Hudson. Available with or without TMCC/RS. It looks and runs well, except his smoke unit burned out on him too. They all will if you don’t keep smoke fluid in them. It’s a repairable item fortunatly.
Another suggestion. Williams Hudson. No TMCC or DCS and comes with a chugger, whistle and bell. Their a great value in my opinion. Good traditional electric trains.
Dave
Dave-
Thanks for the info on the hudsons. I think I might go with a Williams or the K-Line. I bought a Mikado which is K-Line and it looks and runs fantastic so I’m probably going to go there Hudson as well, thanks.
John
K-Line’s scale Hudson is beautiful (I saw one in a glass case the other day-more detail than the Lionel version).
MTH is due out with a Premier version with PS-2 in July-based on my previous experience with PS-2, this will be the one to buy (but I am biased).
why, this one, of course:
Maybe go with a MTH protosounds 1 hudson? The beauty of protosounds is that all of the features are still accessible without having DCS or any kind of remote controll. It’s more cumbersome, but not that hard.
f you are looking for scale size then the K-Line has the most bang for the buck. As good or better detail than any of the others with the exception of brass. If you are looking for a traditional size engine you might consider the new Williams version of its 2056 Hudson. Its numbered 53xx (not sure?) and comes with the large 12 wheel tender first offered with the 726 Berkshire and 773 Hudson and lettered for New York Central. Both are great runners.
Pete
Click to enlarge…
The 773 has more character Jim, and it’s made in the USA.
Besides when something is as old as I am, like me, character is about all it’s got going for it.
I agree Frank…if Mr. Munster is looking for a Hudson with “character” and “made in the USA”, the post-war Lionel 773 would be tough to beat. But if he’s looking for an affordable, readily available Hudson that looks good and runs well, I’d say he has other options, wouldn’t you?
Johnathon - let us know what you decide…
Yup, there are so many choices. The NYC Hudson is one of my favorites. Thank you Lionel! Nice pictures Jim. Now I’m getting the Scale K-line urge! [:P] Well maybe someday! By the way if any one is interested in a K-line semi-scale version there’s one available on Ebay now. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=28139&item=5970746790&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW
And one scale: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=28139&item=5970514216&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW
he wouldhave other choices Jim, but by now, you know that I let tradition kick economy and whizbangetry straight to the curb.
Williams semi-scale Hudson does it for me.
Jim