MPC DC Roundup

Classic Toy Trains Forum
1

MPC made a number of DC Only Engines in the 70’s and early 80’s.

While a number of these came with bottom of the line starter sets, MPC strated to use the DC engine in some mid-price sets in the 80’s, prior to the development of their DC/AC engines. At one point MPC wanted to develop the DC only line further.

I know that the following were DC only.

James Gang set.
New Englander Freight set
Chessie Steam Freight set (1980)

What else was DC only???

Some interesting notes on these DC only engines. The 8007 from the New Englander set is a plastic reissue of the Postwar K-5, and has a redlight in the cab for firebox glow, I also think it’s the only 6 wheel driver DC engine. The engine from the Chessie Steam Freight used a die cast body (was this the only metal DC steamer ?), and despite what the catalog said it did not have the
firebox glow light.

Ken

2

There weren’t many. There was only a small window of a year or two in the early 80’s. I believe the Laser train was another. It was only the low end starter sets that were DC only. After that they moved to electronic eunits which allowed them to use the can motors with AC, making them universal.

3

The “Workin’ on the Railroad” set (s?) had a DC only motor, I am pretty sure.

It was powered by that awful red power supply that had a handle that rotated up from the base, and was fed by a wall-wart.

-Dave

4

I have the Crayola train for the kids & it is DC, also I had the Lionel standard gauge Thomas train & it was DC.

5

There’s also the 4-4-0 from the Redwood Valley Express set. Then, there’s the red RI 0-4-0ST from the Rail Blazer set and the blue ATSF 0-4-0ST from the Midnight Shift set (I think that’s what the name was; correct me if I’m wrong).

At http://www.tcamembers.org/articles/collecting/SWITCHER/index.html it shows every DC switcher if you scroll down. They are the 8161 L.A.S.E.R., 8350 US Steel, 8377 Commando Assault, 8760 Chessie, 8769 Republic Steel and 8900 Pensy.

I have a James Gang 4-4-0 that I found cheap at an antique show a couple of years ago, my only modern era O gauge engine. It’s a fun and reliable engine, although an extremely poor puller. It’s primary uses are for around the Christmas tree or on my display at train shows.

I would love to get my hands on a L.A.S.E.R. set. Even though I’m a strictly prewar/postwar guy when it comes to Lionel, I’ve always really wanted one of those sets. I just love the chrome! I’ve always had a soft spot for shiny chromed/metallic trains and this is no exception.