I know there is at least one other thread discussing this set, so I thought I’d start one with pictures to help. Today I purchased at Menard’s in Hudson, WI for $159.99 my first and only “modern” Lionel set. Its the Wisconsin Central passenger set. Everything else I own is prewar, so this is quite the jump. The first four photos are the set running on Lionel O27 tubular track. The curve shown consists of five 027 curves (one end of a psuedo wishbone).
It ran great right out of the box. No scratches, dings or anything. If I forget about the plastic (why I prefer prewar), I really like the color scheme, details, and looks. For those concerned about overhang, here’s a closer look at the passenger cars as they go around the curve.
Here’s a bit better view of the engine coming around the corners.
Here’s an overview of the whole train coming out of the corner.
Finally, just in case you need to see it on the fastrack it came with, here’s how the passenger car looks cornering on fastrack.
Taking into account that I’m a complete rookie with fastrack and “modern” stuff, I am very pleased with my purchase. Great value. Smokes great, lights work, whistle sounds great, and the engine responds well. Being a Wisconsinite, I was really attracted to the set and decided to take the plunge. It’ll be joining my prewar bretheren around the Christmas tree this year. I have some more close-up pictures of each car if interested.
Even though I live in the south, I really like this set. I’m going to look into ordering one, if its possible. I wish a chain store down here would do something like this, but with Southern, N&W, Atlantic Coast Line, and etc. schemes.
The only Lionels sold in chain stores down here are at target. Even though they are nice, they are not lettered for regional railroads.
Thanks for posting those pictures. Thats a great color scheme. What a great set for under the Christmas tree. I’ll have to keep checking my Menards to see if they get some.
I ask this as I live in the east, and menards on-line store is very limited and does not include trains.
However I figured I could always call the store and see if I can order it.
There’s been some question about whether the passenger cars are illuminated. Yes, all three are and here’s a picture to show one of the cars lit up.
Krapug1: I purchased my set at the Mendard’s in Hudson, Wisconsin. They had two more sets left when I got mine yesterday.
prewardude: I agree about it kinda lookin’ like a prewar set. For me its the maroon/cream/black paint scheme. That’s one of my favorite prewar passenger car color combinations. As long as I don’t pick them up (plastic is much lighter than metal), I forget that they are modern. I’m really glad I purchased this set. Great value for a starter set.
I stopped in my local store. Both sets on sale for $159.99 through 12-02-07. 4 of each set on the shelf. I did not ask if they had more in the back. I talked to an employee about the demand outside of the Menards region and them selling on ebay for $220.00 and more. They will ship an item but are a little leary of doing that. If someone from say Texas calls a store to buy a set it sounds like they “will” do it but the possibility of the card being used, for the transaction being a stolen card makes it possible some stores won’t do it. If the card was stolen, the store would be liable for the charge on the card to the owner of the card. When you buy something on a card at a store they get verification with your I.D.
