Lionel FT vs F3 Diesel - size, looks & performance

[FEClionel]

I was wondering how the newer Lionel FT's compare to F3 in size, looks and performance. I've never seen an FT and F3 side-by-side so I don't know how they look. I want another F3 but I also like the look of the FT with the 4 porthole and attractive details. My question is how do they compare or is this a non-comparable issue. Thanks everybody.

[dougdagrump]

I don't know how they compare as to size and looks but the FT that I have won't set any speed records but it will haul a BUNCH of cars around the layout. Currently it is pulling 23 cars, 14 of which are die cast 4 bay hoppers and die cast auto transports, with no problems. I just wish Lionel would get the TMCC/Railsounds upgrades finished sooner than april.

[FEClionel]

I've heard they are good haulers with dual motors. I assume yours is the convential version, the one I was looking at has TMCC w/ railsounds. I guess I was looking for a cheaper alternative than purchasing an F-3 w/ TMCC. Now that I purchased TMCC and a ZW I don't want to waste my investment by not having TMCC trains. I just wish I could compare it to an F-3 in scale and weight.

[brianel027]

FEC, According to the Sept. 2000 issue of Classic Toys Trains, the FT AA is 104 feet in O- scale compared to a prototype A-B length of 96 feet, so I'd say it's not too far off in scale dimensions. The detail level on the FT is not as good as what is on the better Lionel diesels like the Dash-9 or C-420. Number boards are non-illuminated, horns are plastic, non-vented roof grills and the FT has a stamped sheet metal frame instead of die-cast like the F-3. The FT pilot is die-cast and superior to the F-3. An FT A unit weighs 3 lb. 10 oz. According to the review, performance of the FT was comparable to the F3. Drawbar pull is a little higher with the postwar dual motored F-3 but not by that much. The magazine listed cons as being "Only moderate detail for the price range, many compromies when opertating in command control with dummy unit."
There are a couple of Lionel sets with FT diesels starting with the 2000 catalog... they don't look to out of wack with the passenger cars in the sets. Although these are the newer Lionel streamliner cars and are a little bigger than the previous 027 versions. The FT is still a tad taller than those cars, but to me it doesn't look too bad - AND I do take notice of that kind of thing being a "traditionally" sized 027 operator.
If you can find a copy of the Sept. 2000 issue, there's a photo of the F-3 and FT together. I'd say the FT looks a little better in their photo. Of course, modern painting techniques have taken leaps and bounds over what could be done during the postwar years of Lionel. On a detail level, I think the FT looks nice. But I don't go for the super-detailed stuff either... looks out of place with the rest of my stuff.
One funny thing I notice in many reviews of more prototypically detailed items, is that there's usually some kind of statement that the "details are fragile" or cautioning the customer some details are just waiting to be broke off. Guess that's why I like "suggested" details... they're a little more durable.
Personally I like the K-Line Alco FA. The newer ones do have a little more detail on them. But on a size-level, they look right at home on my layout. I don't measure prototype though... I look for the "feel" and suggested appearance of the real thing. Think of it in terms of impressionist paintings.... when you see photos of the people Vincent VanGogh actually painted, it's amazing how much on the mark he was. Of course, the paintings were in Vincent's own unique style, BUT he still got it!!
I also like the MTH Railking F-3. I know many dislike the "squat" size of it, but for me it's just right! Besides, there's absolutely no shortage these days of scale-sized offerings. For those who want more in detail and scale, it's readily available!

[FEClionel]

Brianel027, thanks again for all your help. I wish I could see each side by side. I like the FT and while it maynot be a pullmore and magne-traction equiped beast it can still hold it own and besides for as much use and I will use it on my layout and under the tree. I think its great for the money plus I can use my newest toy(TMCC). I plan on using it with a mix of post-war celebration and new rolling stock and I hope it fits the bill. I'm not into super detail either,I just prefer the hint of realness. After all Lionel is a Toy Company!

[lionelsoni]

Brianel, you alluded to the problem of running undersized 2400-style passenger cars behind the scale F3. I find that putting an express boxcar between the locomotive and the cars makes the abrupt width and height transition less obvious.

[Anonymous]

I just purchased the Burlington FT AA (#6-24511) set today and they are beautifully decorated engines. Sizewise, each unit is about 1/4" shorter than a PW F-3 unit. The PW unit weighs a little more but the FT is no feather, either. It has 4 traction tires so it will definitely pull. Lionel has also wisely put the tire on the two axles nearest the center so the engine will trip non-derailing switches. However, Lionel has 3 inaccuracies on their catalog website about this set, though. 1. They do not have a smoke unit. 2. The motors are not flywheel equipped. 3. The units do not have directional lighting. I hadn't looked them up until after the purchase, so I don't feel "burned", but I thought I would warn everyone.

My BIG complaint with these engines is the slow speed performance. The slowest speed I can get is "truckin". The thing just jumps off the line as soon as it gets power. I am using an MRC Dual Power O27 pack. I can make most of my postwar stuff crawl with the pack, but this FT is very touchy on the throttle. Is there a remedy for this, like rewiring the motors, etc? Or do I just need to break in the engine. HELP!

Greg