I’ve finally decided buy something That’s not postwar. I am really interested in expanding my NYC collection, and the Lionel 18005 and 18009 really caught my eye. If you happen to own one these locomotives, I would love to know the pro’s and con’s associated with each.
Thanks,
Darrell
I have the 18005 700E and the 18010 Turbine. There are no cons to it. Wonderful traditional engine. It is the closest Lionel has came to remaking something that truly is like the first run. The only difference is that the 18005 has smoke and RailSounds I. The quality, paint and graphics are exceptional. I also have the Railchief cars/scale freight cars to go with it. They are exceptional as well. You can not go wrong with any of the Kughn era heavy weight scale engines.
The Mohawk was one on my short list, and I scored one for $375 back in the mid-90s. Speaking only for the one I own – beautiful to look at, sound left a great deal to be desired, and it was a very mediocre model to run. The reverse unit was terrible and it would trip in mid-stride all on its own. I was going to run it on my layout for a tour by other Kalmbach employees, but it was so unreliable it went back in the plastic display case I bought for it and hasn’t been out since. Strictly late 80s technology.
I’d suggest running it before you buy it.
Bob, Thanks for your response. I am looking for a locomotive that runs well, not a shelf queen.
LS1heli, Have you had any issues while running your 18005? Can I expect the smoke unit to set off my fire alarm?[:)]
Darrell
I have the Mohawk in T&P livery (Thanks again, Dewey!). Mine runs VERY well. The only drawback–and this is unique to my layout, not the engine, really, is that, without traction tires, it won’t pull the whole K-line Heavyweight set up the ruling grade. It slips its wheels: the engine has scads of power but not enough grip for that. On the level and lower grades, it pulls well and relatively quietly. The sound isn’t RS5, but I don’t have the “latest & greatest” prejudices that many operators do nowadays. If your layout doesn’t have steep grades or you’re satisfied with short trains, an example like mine should be quite satisfying.
As Bob’s post demonstrates, however: Your Mileage May Vary!
As stated above your dealing with late 80’s technology (LOL). How ironic that some one would say that. The original 700E deals with “strictly 30’s technology” yet people dig into their 401Ks for examples that look like they were tossed around in a dryer.
I have no problems with any of my Lionel products. When I ran my 18005 for the first time it ran smooth and quiet. Make sure you do a full lube on it before operating it.
As for the comment about test running…I would test run any engine or operating accessory from any era. Not testing an operating piece before purchase is plain ignorance.
Don’t have the nostolgic “blinders” on when purchasing one of these engines. I am sure there have been a couple of 700Es that have had their E-unit sticking too.
As far as the smoke goes it smokes like any engine of that era. I would not compare it to a 2007 Lionel on level III with a fan.
It’s like comparing the clarity of a TV from 1990 and TV from 2007.
I have the LTI 700E and Mohawk. The 700E is the better performer of the two. Smooth running and good looks. I don’t care for the thick satiny paint Mt Clemens used on the 700E but it still looks good. The flatter paint on the Korean built Mohawk looks better. The Mohawk is not the greatest puller and the gear train is a tad noisy. However, it is a blast to run and it is reliable. It looks dynamite pulling a string of semi-scale re-issues Lionel did in 1991. Smoke unit performance on both is mediocre but there is a section in one of the OGR how to videos about reaming out a hole somewhere in the units to 1/8" diameter to improve the output. I never tried it.
I’ve had both engines apart and they are like postwar. Real simple and easy to maintain. If you’re a postwar guy, you will appreciate the robust old school technology in both engines. With exception of the Railsounds boards, there are no electronics to toast and no rubber bands to throw off the drivers. I hate those disgusting things.