Join the discussion on the following article:
O gauge UP 4-8-4 by Lionel
This is the finest detailed diecast engine I have ever seen. It looks totally at home with all my other 3rd rail brass engines and does not need to bow down to any of them on detail. The sound system, (unreal). If you have ever stood next to the real 844 and heard the whistle, the lionel is just as good. The 1st time I blew it, it sent shivers up my back, it is that good and no distortion in the sound at all. No current sound system will egual this and most have a long way to go to do so. The lionel tmcc sounds are weak and do not get close to the fef sounds. The running is already talked enough about here. It is the best in the industry. The record feature is one I do not know that any other sound system has. Push record and then for about the next 8 minutes everything you do is recorded EXACTLY. I even changed the chuff intensity by moving the train brake lever and it recorded it right on, change the smoke intensity and it will record it right on. I use this feature when the friends come so I can set the handheld down and let it do its thing. You would not belive the number of people that thought I used to play with expensive toys that now ask how much is that engine and where can I get one. Lionel is dead on with this one.
Good to here all the positive feedback. I hope the new Penn. mountain M1-b I just ordered gets the same or better review for the $1100.00 when its released. RICH
Great review! I had the opportunity to operate this locomotive at the Spring 2008 York show, and I agree, it’s probably the best Lionel steamer so far. Just blowing the whistle with the Legacy variable-whistle control will bring a tear to your eye. I have to get one of these locomotives. Great job Lionel!!
I THINK ALL THE STEAM ENGINES, THAT LIONEL HAS MADE FOR THEM, LOOK,SOUND & RUN GREAT, ITS REALLY TOOOO BAD THEY COST SO MUCH.
I own the model in the black and grey paint schemes and I’m still awe struck with it as well as the members at my club it draws a crowd just like its real life counterpart. I have to say one thing that wasnt mentioned in the review and its the smoke unit and its top notch with plumes of smoke so thick that you really must turn it down after a couple minutes cause you lose sight of the engine on the layout. I really enjoy the F.E.F just as much as the new big boy and I hope to read a review on that engine as well.
Beautiful, wish I could afford it! Being retired limits what you can purchase. However, I do have a 4-8-4 from M.T.H. that looks and runs great!
I’ve had this model for a couple of months now. Absolutely fabulous look, feel, and operation. Flawless! Also have the JLC Big Boy which is also a very well executed product. Exciting to see this level of design and performance from Lionel again. BTW, I had minor problems with the Big Boy (loose fly/encoder wheel, well reported in the forums and easily fixed myself) and a coupler casting defect in a Texas Special truck assembly that required a replacement part. Lionel support answered my E-mail question about the needed part in less than a day, and I had the replacement part within the week, no cost whatsoever. Then, received my Legacy Base and Cab-2 Firmware Release 1.2 upgrade kit in less than 3 days. Fantastic service ! //Mark
I wonder dose it smoke I don’t think I read anything about that and the on-line video dose not show any smoke, Just thought I would ask as I have three modern steam engins by Lionel purchased over the last several years (total cost aprox. $2,800.00) that don’t Just call me (slow lerner) Lionel lover
I wonder dose it smoke I don’t think I read anything about that and the on-line video dose not show any smoke, Just thought I would ask as I have three modern steam engins by Lionel purchased over the last several years (total cost aprox. $2,800.00) that don’t Just call me (slow lerner) Lionel lover
Wonderful piece of work. I have the black version. This locomotive has what can only be called a “presence”. If the phrase “if it looks good it is good” means anything this is it. I’ve run it on our club layout and it is really a head turner. I can’t believe they can get that sound quality and intensity out of a speaker that can’t be much more than 2" in diameter. I’ve run it at the head end of both passenger and freight consists and it looks, and performs great. Great job Lionel!