Opinions on modern accessories compared to postwar

[okiechoochoo]

Just wondering what your opinions are on the quality and operating characteristics of the modern accessories such as milk car, horse car, ice house, forklift compared to the original postwar issues of these items.  Do the modern ones operate as well, or better.  Thanks

[mpzpw3]

I can only compare one of your listed accessories: The Ice Station. I have both versions, and in my opinion the latest Lionel release is much better than the postwar version. Cosmeticlly the new ice house looks much better in the current colors. At least you can imagine someone painting it like that. Operationally, it is quiet and very reliable. It uses a can motor which, again, in my opinion, makes for a much smoother operation.

I own the postwar versions of the milk cars and the horse car. They all work very well, but have no newer versions to compare them to. I too, would be interested in hearing about the newer versions of these accessories.

[fifedog]

I was fortunate to pre-order the Lionel Rotary Coal tipple (6-32910) several years ago.  It has been one of the best operating accessories I have ever seen...anywhere.  With the companion rotary "bathtub" gons, you could spend an entire operating session taking this train to a power station, watch each hopper being clamped down and slowly rotated to dump its load, then pushed through to unload the next hopper.  Only caution is, you have to use official Lionel coal tipple packs of coal.  The older and finer Lionel coal will find its way into the rotary's gears and grind everything to a noisy halt.  I haven't seen this accesory offered at YORK, and the pack of coal are getting harder to come by.  I was told there were only a limited number of these made (around 500---correct me if I'm wrong fellas).

[Dr. John]

Depends on which accessory. Some modern ones work better (as mentioned, can motors help) some about the same. In some cases, the improvements improve operation but hurt the appearances (for example, the modern culvert loader has a little man, supposedly holding a contoller with wires that go to the can motor - looks odd to me). I'm just happy that Lionel still makes them! I personally like the postwar accessories (the nostalgia buff in me).

[ChiefEagles]

I think the modern ones are better [as a whole].  Improvements in plastics and motors have helped. 

[Frank53]

I think the modern ones are better [as a whole].  Improvements in plastics and motors have helped. 

 

some folks

[dlagrua]

While the new accessories MAY sometimes work and look better, they will never last as long as the old post war Lionel accessories. I have some old Lionel accessories that are over 50 years old and they still run strong. IMO you can't compare a heavy wound A/C motor with metal gearing to the cheap import DC can motors w plastic gears that Lionel is using these days. Stall one of those new can motor/plastic gear accessories and they blow out. A can motor is a disposable item. While it can be said that if it blows out , just pop a new one in the trouble is that repair parts for new accessories are seldom available.  The old motors and gearboxes can also take far more abuse. 

[Frank53]

Dennis - you are clearly the voice of reason on this issue.

All of my 50+ year old Lionel accessories work great. Unfortunately, I will be weeding out a few of teh larger ones, as I will not have room on my layout for them. LIke all of the material I unpacked a gfew years ago, I put power to them and did a little tweeking and they work like they did in the 50's. I doubt the new accessories will fare so well in 2055. I do believe however that mine will still be going strong, even if I am not around to see them.

[3railguy]

Yes, it depends on the accessory. In many cases the current accessories work better and are smoother running because vibrator motors, solenoids, and field wound motors have been replaced with can motors. However, as someone else pointed out, postwar accessories are more robust in construction. Where metal and bakelite was used, it has been replaced with plastic. The postwar accessories are also easier to fix.

[Joe Hohmann]

Yes, it depends on the accessory. In many cases the current accessories work better and are smoother running because vibrator motors, solenoids, and field wound motors have been replaced with can motors. However, as someone else pointed out, postwar accessories are more robust in construction. Where metal and bakelite was used, it has been replaced with plastic. The postwar accessories are also easier to fix.

Very good summary. This is my understanding, as well. Joe