stationmaster12 I've watched your videos many times I love the loco! However I'm a bit confused, the 773 Hudson is not the same as the "scale" Hudson...correct? What is the difference? Thanks!!
I've watched your videos many times I love the loco! However I'm a bit confused, the 773 Hudson is not the same as the "scale" Hudson...correct? What is the difference?
Thanks!!
The 773 is a scale sized locomotive, but like the Lionel locomotive it's replicating, it has a slightly smaller than scale tender (2426W). The scale hudsons come with a scale sized tender which is a little bigger and a prototypical road number (or a more prototypical road number). Other than that I think they are exactly the same engine.
Here are a few pictures of mine.
I have the pre-bachmann Williams 773 hudson. I run it on O-36 Lionel Fastrack curves with no problem (but it would look better on bigger curves, I think the tender is the reason it can't run on real small curves, but I'm not sure). It looks more like the later Lionel model (no valve guides), but is still a great looking engine.
I believe the regular Williams scale hudson actually has a scale sized tender and has an O-42 minimum curve requirement because of it. The 773 has a slightly smaller tender (just like the one the 1950 hudson had).
I added TMCC/Railsounds to mine and love it even more. Before I did that it didn't run slow very well and it wouldn't take much to have it fly off a layout if you weren't watching. The TMCC gives it cruise control which slows things down a lot.
It does have one feature that I don't think the originals had, a red light bulb under the firebox to simulate the glowing fire. I removed that feature when I added TMCC to simplify the wiring a bit.
A few videos of mine for you to look at. It really is an awesome engine for the price.
As bought, no electronics
watch?v=Krlk8RKN0Xs&feature=channelvideotitle
TMCC Added
watch?v=aK06WdGmtPw&feature=relmfu
Railsounds added
watch?v=k621VhqmGQ&feature=relmfu
Hello,
I'm on the same as you! I have a small layout.. actually its track on the floor for now! And I'm also interested in the NYC Hudson. I can't afford a Lionel, so I'll probably go with the Williams version. I've had Williams locos before and I love them. they are affordable, simple to run and simple in construction. To me that means less things to go wrong. In short they a bullet proof! And as far as the small layout is concerned... I'll just have to make it bigger!
Thanks for the help. I too have a small 4 X 8 foot layout that I put up for the holidays at work for the children to see. It is also my only chance to run any trains. A friend of mine brought over his Lioenl 773 and it was absolutely beautiful! The children and I loved it. I was hoping to be able to get one for this coming holiday season. So the reason for so many questions. Still undecided, but at least it's nice to know people do think Williams by Bachmann are worthwhile dependable engines.
Oh I forgot about this engine, you CAN get a Lionel 785 Hudson for around 300-400 dollars in great shape or maybe cheaper than that on ebay.
Give me steam locomotives or give me DEATH!
Berkshire Junction, bringing fourth the cry of the Iron Horse since 1900.
The Williams 773 Hudson and the Williams scale Hudson are the same size. Just the 773 is a remake of Lionel's postwar version without magnatraction. They are nice engines but I would recommend at least 0-54 curves but they can run on sharper 0-42 curves, but not as well. They are extremely heavy engines too. I had one for a very short while but decided to get rid of it because I had a small layout at the time 4 by 8 feet. Williams engines are great runners and they have a wierd seuthe smoke unit which are kindof sparadic in the smoke output and you should put either williams smoke fluid or seuthe smoke fluid in them or they will clog and not work right. The one in mine didn't work all that well because the unit was mounted too far down in the smoke stack. Hope this helps.
I'm looking for some help with regard to a Williams 773 Hudson and the Williams scale Hudson. I know that Williams in now under Bachmann, but I am interested in one of the above and can't make up my mind. I can't touch a classic Lionel, so with that said would like to know if anyone has some feedback as to the running and looks of each of the above. Also, does the 773 have the valve guide like the 1950's Lionel 773 or is it omiytted like in the 1960's re-issue. Would love some feedback as to looks, reliability, etc... to help make up my mind. None of the hobby shops near me carry Williams so I have to get it by mail and must ask for reviews.
Thanks!
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