Why this set?
a. How does it meet the requirements of an entry level Lionel Set on ease of setup and use, price point, and performance/ features/ value, keeping in mind it may be for a first time operator.
b. Introduction to Fastrack, how it compares with traditional O-31 and O-27 Lionel tubular track.
c. Attractive GN colors on locomotive, availability of additional searchlight car and flatcar with bulkheads as add ons.
Let’s take price point first. Although familiar with Lionel Trains, I wanted to approach this with a clean slate, as if I were purchasing a Lionel Train set for the first time. Some good editorials have indicated how important entry level sets are to introduce the hobby to a new generation, so price will be a consideration. Someone new to the hobby may invest cautiously until a real interest develops. Therefore the first impression a starter set makes can have a significant impact on continuation with the hobby.
The Great Northern Glacier Route Set seemed like a good choice at a very reasonable price. The colors on the locomotive are certainly appealing and it includes a horn and headlight; all metal wheels and axles in case insulated sections are utilized for accessory activation, operating couplers and available add-on cars available.
Although I purchased mail order through CTT, the retail price suggested in the Lionel catalog for a customer in a hobby shop is still reasonable and affordable.
When the shipment arrived, naturally the first impression comes from the artwork on the set box. I’m happy to say it was very impressive and depicted the set accurately. Although the artwork was a dramatic illustration, it suggested imagination and fun. It covered the front of the box and seems more inspired than a photograph.
On opening, the set loco and rolling contents appear first. They were well packaged and protected with two layers of heavy corrugated stock with c
Thanks for the detailed review. It will be helpful to those who purchase the set. Too bad the Fast Track created a problem.
Arkimede, very nice review. A very thoughtful review from a beginner… well maybe not, but a beginner to the CTT Forum. Welcome.
I witnessed an interesting exchange while visiting a train shop out of town a maybe a couple years ago tops. A father and son were looking at one of the separate sale Lionel RS-3’s: same model type included in the current GN set above. Seemed the dealer at first was almost trying to discourage the sale asking about the customer’s layout and what kinds of cars they had. Was there a track elevation? But he then proceeded to explain because of the all plastic construction and single motor, the RS-3 is a poor puller. He then showed them a K-Line MP-15 with caboose for not much more money and explained it was a much better bargain and a much better engine for not much more money. “That the MP-15 will easily pull many more cars than the budget RS-3.” They may have been new to the hobby, but they made the smart choice in this case and bought the MP-15 combo.
I have heard other complaints in the same vein that those light weight all plastic starter set RS-3’s basically pull the set and one or two more cars. Maybe Lionel figures that’s all a beginner wants or needs.
Such a shame that a nice looking engine like the GN one (the past couple RS-3’s have all looked nice… the ATSF black one was also sharp) reviewed above isn’t the kind of engine you’ll be able to really expand a layout with.
Arkimede, if you have trouble with traction or pulling power, you may want to remove the shell and add some self-sticking automobile tire lead weights to the inside above the motor truck or in the fuel tank if there’s room (I assume the horn speaker may be in the fuel tank).
I don’t know if there’s been specification changes, but I was told some time ago by a tech at Lionel that the DC motor in the Industrial Switcher (another very light-weight all plastic loco) was the same DC motor in all the other low-end Lionel engines, like the die-cast 4-4-
I also purchased this set for my son. In general I thought that the remarks were right on the money. The set was a great value for the typical starter.
I agree heartily with the assessment of fasttrak. It’s great for operating on carpet, but it doesn’t have the conductivity of tubular 3 rail. This becomes abundantly clear if you run some postwar stuff on there - speed is in inverse proportion to the distance from the power connection - and this is with a small loop. At least it’s easy to add a power connection with some wire and a few connectors from radio shack. I think you would need to jumper every section to do it right, however. What’s up with the square section rail? Once again I like the tubular better. I also recieved the fasttrack with the black center rail. I don’t think that should be the problem as I own tubular track with a black center rail and it works better. I do like the 36" dia. turns. I like the built-in roadbed.
The GN RS3 that comes with the set is really pretty to my eye. Mine pulls 6 or 7 modern cars around a loop, but there’s some wheelslip on acceleration. It would be easy enough to add some weight (perhaps some lead shot in the fuel tank), should you want to pull more. Lionel should definitly consider offering a “power up” kit to add a 2nd motor to these pretty units.
All that said, it’s a wonderful starter set good for hours and hours of fun.
Have fun,
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