Ok. I am looking for a Lionel Union Pacific SD70MAC. When searching I find what appears to be the same model with various ‘engine’ numbers. And the prices seem to vary. Are they all basicly the same? Does the engine number denote anything different or special than another engine with different number.
Just want to make sure I know what I am getting at this price point.
Thanks in advance…
Rather than comparing cab or road #'s, look for Lionel’s item #, usually a 6-XXXXX type of # for “O” Scale/gauge trains.
Some important things to look/look out for are Scale/size, Features and detail.
For full scale, Lionel typically uses either “Scale” or Standard O" to describe full scale models.
The “Lionmaster” series, are semi-scale, but very well proportioned and detailed models, that usually will operate on 031 curves.
“Traditional” is smaller than scale, and not necessarilly consistent in proportioning, and will typically run on 031 curves, with some able to operate on 027 curves.
“027” will as implied run on 027 curves, and detailing will typically be pretty sparse.
Electronics, are another area to research the particular model that you are considering. Conventional, TMCC or full Legacy? Make sure you KNOW which you are buying, there can be a considerable price difference depending on the electronics in the particular locomotive that you are looking at.
Especially in the “Traditional” size there were often some locomotives of the same model offered in some road names with one type of control system(conventional vs TMCC) and other road names of the same model, with different control systems. Know which is in THE locomotive you are looking at.
I do not know all the variations of SD 70 MAC that Lionel produced, so as I said above, Research each one by ITEM#, not CAB#, before you commit to buying one.
Doug
I personally find the product search function in Lionel’s website to be Very Frustrating, and not very user friendly. I did not find any UP SD70MAC’s, but did find some Legacy SD70ACE’s and SD90MAC’s in UP. I believe Lionel dida Lionmaster SD90? in UP, but didn’t find it on their website.
I did find some SD70MAC’s in other road names, that were from about 2005, that were Command READY, meaning TMCC UPGRADABLE, Conventional, so as above, Research and be sure of what you are buying before you buy it.
Doug
Doug,
Looking at one with TMCC and Odyssey Sound System. Took a look at the owners manual and it appears that the operation of the unit with all functions could be complicated. I am buying this for use by my 10 year old grandson. Any idea or opinion of the wisdom of that?
Thanks,
Tucker
Hi Tucker,
It sounds like you are looking at a TMCC, not Legacy equipped locomotive.
TMCC is Lionel’s original/1st generation command control system, Legacy is Lionel’s second(and current) generation command control system. Legacy has finer speed control, 200 vs 128 for TMCC IIRC and has more functions than TMCC, such as the quilling whistle.
Each system will operate the other, to within the limits of the lowest common denominator. TMCC will run Legacy locomotives, but will not have access to second generation features. a Legacy locomotive will respond to the 32 or 128 speed step scale of the TMCC system, and of course directional control and basic sound controls, but wont be able to quill the whistle/horn of a legacy locomotive.
The Legacy system will operate all the features of the TMCC locomotives, but will not be able to offer the features of the Legacy locomotives, that TMCC doesn’t offer.
Legacy, TMCC and MTH’s DCS system, can all be used at the same time, and do not interfere with each other, “They Play Nicely Together”. Legacy will control TMCC locomotives, but if you have, and still want to use any TMCC “Cab1” remotes, you will need to hook up both the Legacy and TMCC bases, which the Legacy system should include the proper cable for connecting the bases together.
MTH’s DCS system is also capable of controlling Lionel command control locomotives, but it still requires that you at least have a TMCC base connected to the DCS system, as it can not control them without it.
Although Lionel no longer produces the TMCC system, it is still a viable system, and in MY EXPERIENCE, is a m uch more robust reliable system(I have BOTH systems, and locomotives with each system). I have had faillures of two Legacy locomotives, that had very little use when they failed. All of my TMCC locomotives have performed flawlessly for years witout fail. The only TMCC failure, that I have had was with the TMCC
Doug,
Thanks so much. The link below is the one I am looking at.
http://www.lionel.com/products/union-pacific-tmcc-sd70mac-4979-6-28227/
Tucker
Hi Tucker,
That is a Great looking locomotive. That is a TMCC, not Legacy locomotive, and it is “Standard O”, so it is full 1:48 scale size, not semiscale or Traditional, it will be a Big locomotive at 18" long.
This locomotive was produced around 2004, is it used, or dealer NOS (New Old Stock)? If used, you typically don’t get a warranty any way, if it is NOS from a dealer, ask, and hopefully get in writing, if THEY will guarantee the locomotive. Lionel does not warranty anything after it has been out of production for more than IIRC, 3 years, and I think MTH is 5 years after production. It was/is not uncommon for dealers to have NOS on their shelves, but Lionel and MTH have put caps on how long they will warranty items after production ends, even if sold as “NEW”. That said, MY EXPERIENCE, with TMCC locomotives is such that I would still buy one, but ask if the seller will stand behind it.
Your Grandson is a Lucky young man, and should be THRILLED with that impressive locomotive.
Doug
Doug…can I send you a message at your personal mailbox…think I figured out how [:D]
Tucker
Yes Tucker, that would be fine send me a PM, or email.
Doug
Hi Tucker,
my personal email is:
Feel free to email me directly if you like.
Doug