Looks like Lionel updated the catolog to call out stamped metal wheels instead of diecast trcucks. I am still not sure what Hatch couplers are versus latch couplers though. And they only updated the red comet, not the 246E set or the christmas set.
One Red COmet on pre-order though…
I can’t wait…
Hello Dennis!
Lionel meant Latch Couplers, not Hatch Couplers. Sometimes I think that Mr.Magoo is Lionel’s Catalog Proofreader. Since the Red Comet will have a Whistle Tender instead of Trainsounds that Meant a Change To Tin Stamped Wheels instead of the Diecast Versions that were used on the 269 E & 246E Sets. The Diecast Wheels on the previous sets were fastened to the axles & on the Tender there was a Hall Effect Sensor Magnet that activated the Trainsounds while the wheels were turning & a Whistle Tender needs no such arraingment in order to work. As a result, the Red Comet coming out will be very identical in sight & operation to the 1936 original. Hope this helps. Take Care.
Not trying to start an argument, but why are you buying this, when decent original sets are around the same price? I’d just like the opinion of a buyer, not skepticism which is so common.
I agree with you Ivesoby that you can get an original Red Comet in pretty good shape for less than the price of Lionel’s new offering. However, if you compared the cost of Lionel’s new offering to an original never used Red Comet set still in perfect boxes, Lionel’s offering would seem pretty appealing. Even though I only own original prewar stuff, I can only afford originals in very good to excellent condition (or I restore a piece). I would love to own just one near mint original prewar set. I was excited when Lionel started their prewar celebration series, but I’ve been dissapointed in the offerings so far (trainsounds, paint, wheels, etc). The Red Comet set is the first one I’m seriously considering now that Lionel has given it an air whistle and the right wheels. I know I could buy a lot of good prewar pieces with $650, but having a brand new Red Comet set is slowly gaining ground.
No argument needed, I would admit there are a few ways to look at this…These new sets are steep. Clearly with a little savy buying one could buy an original set for less depending on condition, how much less and in what condition is the 64 dollar question. So far I have found a prebuy for $526.99 and most seem to be above $550. Now, I would argue that the only way to get a set in compareable condition to “new” would be to restore and that still won’t quite get it. I have restored probably 30-40 cars and engines so thats not to big a deal to me. To me that means stripping, straightening, filling, sanding, painting, baking, polishing, rewiring, re-wheeling as needed, replacing parts only when absolutely needed. I like my newly “refurbished” trains when complete. Now I also think that while on one hand I could easily aquire two or three trains worth of restorable stuff for less than a red comet, I’d still have to buys some stuff like drivers, likely a 264e cab, and probably a set of siderods and other wheels and of course the latch couplers (I know they always were latch couplers, it was a sarcastic question[:)]). Those parts add up, thin rim drivers are $48 a set on Olsen now. And if you were to take the 246e set add in a new frame at $75+ as a likely replacement and your costs skyrocket. Now I know we can argure all day about how good a 264E or 262E you can buy for how little. I just let a 264E go on ebay for 135 and it needed a cab and those drivers, so add another $70 right away. I guess the bottom line is I can’t buy a new 1935 red comet for $526.99, but I can buy a 2008 red comet for that price, and to be honest, I’ll probably put together an original or restored one in the short term anyway. Either way its still fun.
RJ, your thought process mirrors my thoughts and is why I have one on order. I also think that $500 for a mint new Flying Yankee is a pretty good deal as well. There are plenty of rusty rats going for 2-300 on ebay all the time,Yet I missed a seemingly decent one on a buy it now for 225, I was just to slow.
Further, I’d think the argument about expense would make more sense if it was aimed at the fact that they are just pricing all of these sets in the same ballpark yet when they were new, they were not priced the same way. The flying yankee was probably half of the cost of a nice 262E passenger set let alone a 260E or 263E set. It would be nice if Lionel would make those(260E), but I’ll bet they are trying to make sets that mth has yet to copy which probably makes some sense as well.
I guess the idea of a new prewar set just grew on me. I’ll post what I thik of the 246E set once it arrives in the next few days. It grew on me too…
Please do post something about the 246e set. I’ve said this before, if Lionel would let you buy individual cars, then I’d think about the passenger cars because I don’t need the engine. The color combination of the passenger cars is one of my favorites. Look forward to seeing pictures.
Agreed, with all the possible color combos, extra cars or seperate sale sets of cars would be nice.
I would love it if they would make some late prewar cars with operating box couplers… that’ll never happen!
What type of carpet did you use on your layout? I am thinking of going that route if I can get something reasonable at Menards or Home depot.
Understood, if anyone is interested there is a solid and complete 1935 version of the red comet on ebay buy it now for 199.95. Needs a new cab and drivers, but it has the history and patina. The 35 version with the 261t is the more desirable, and IMHO the better looking set. No it’s not mine guys. Listed in prewar 1901-42.
Bet the new set doesn’t come with the red transformer!
That ebay auction number is 130199477926.
The carpet-like material I used was from Menards. Its called “Top Guard” by a company called Ozite. Here’s a link to an old thread of mine that shows it off.
Top Guard Link
This is the perfect reason to restore one, this way I can have both versions and have a “new” one and an “original” as well.
Darn, just missed out ona nice little 258 (cast frame version) for 125 or so. Thats not to bad if the frame and drivers are good. Maybe there is a project in the wind, see what can be hed for a set amount of money in regard to these prewar sets. It should be used to get a tougher to find set, not something common.
Quick update, since my last post. I have ended up with a 258, solid frame and 3 good drivers, of course it needs restoring though for about $60 and for $100 including shipping got a 264E/265W with solid original cab and drivers and most of the original siderods fairly shiney as well as some track a Q transformer three prewar cars and four postwar cars. I was figuring on selling everything but the engine/tender but the 657,652,654 might make part of a good christmas train with a 620 etc… So I’ll admit, this 26E was had for less than I thought one could be consisdering the good cab and drivers…
It is a late version though just like the New red comet. I am temped to paint it gloss black.
Of course my biggest problem is finding the time to “restore” them!!
I really like the idea of Lionels prewar re-releases. You get a brand new train with a warranty and no guilt feelings about running it. If I had a real prewar classic I would have to put it on the shelf even though I well know the arguement that these trains were meant to be run. I couldn’t bring myself to run it thinking something might happen to it. Thats the great thing about the new trains. Run it like you would any new train. I buy trauins for the visual appeal and the fun of running them anyway. I know people that spen a heck of alot more on new trains than 600 bucks. I think the price is fair. Just an opinion.
If you grew up running the prewar, then it seems like the natural thing to do.
Related question to you prewar operators:
Do you run the stuff over any brand of switches other than lionel 022? I recently added a Gargraves switch and my prewar cars derail. I’m thinking atlas ‘O’ may be the answer if I want variety of switch turnout radi to choose from??
Your feedback appreciated,
runtime
sarpilot,
Check out these sites:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sgma/
Runtime,
From my experience, the most consistently cited switches for prewar engines are the Atlas Os. I have Lionel switches, but several of my engines bounce through them. That’s why I do not have any switches on my permanent layout. However, the best advice I can give would be to go to your local hobby shop and try your engine out on different switches. Some of my prewar engines run fine, others do not, so take your worst offender and test it on several types. Good luck.
Hey palallin, Your point is well taken with the above websites. But I’m just a small time operator, 12 x 7 layout, half a dozen locos. I just can’t afford to drop 5 or 6 bills on a 70 yr old train that may need alot of work. If I’m going to invest that many of my very limited train dollars I will put it into a new TMCC unit that hopefully won’t give me many headaches for a while. After I get a bit more maintainence and repair experience I may feel different. I really love those old Standard Guage classics though. I think those are the most beautiful trains Lionel ever made. Thanks for hooking me up with those websites.
STEVE
Buy and run what you like. Unless you run into an attic deal (which is rare these days with prewar), pristine, completely origional Red Comets go for $1200 and up. On lesser grade, nicks, scratches, and corrosion can be hard to get used to. Especially with red. With the Lionel re-issue, you’re getting something in perfect condition and you can run it right out of the box (with a touch of lube here and there). If you already pre-ordered it, you can say it’s too late and a done deal. Look forward to and enjoy your Red Comet.