Well the techs [Lionel trained with certificates] at Miss Edna's have worked on one three times and sent it back to Lionel twice. Finally sent it back for refund. Well, seems they have a tiny motor. "Big Mike" at Lionel asked how many cars the customer was pulling. Guy replied 10 to 12 with caboose. "Big Mike" informs them that the engine only has a half pound drawbar pull. You should never pull over two or three cars with this engine. Interesting. Lionel says so much "stuff" inside [things that make the bell swing, smoke from the whistle, blow off and etc.] that there is no room for a bigger motor. So, if you buy one of those "high dollar" engines and tow a long line of cars, expect the motor to burn up. I guess someone will try to dispute my word. Not my word but Lionel's.
God bless TCA 05-58541 Benefactor Member of the NRA, Member of the American Legion, Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville , KC&D Qualified
I have a buddy who is pulling 15 die-cast hoppers up and down grades with his. There are even YouTube videos of this engine pulling long trains. The motor is, however not as good as the previously used Pittman motor, and I think this is the reason Lionel has held off releasing their other Legacy engines.
Jon
I have read about this motor problem on another forum, I agree Lionel should have stuck with the quality of Pittman. Unless of course we are reading about the same few over and over again which does happen.
"IT's GOOD TO BE THE KING",by Mel Brooks
Charter Member- Tardis Train Crew (TTC) - Detroit3railers- Detroit Historical society Glancy Modular trains- Charter member BTTS
That is a BIG trade off. I enjoyed seeing the Legacy engines last year at York, but if they are so limited, not worth it. You would think that for scale size, they could find a way to make it work. I actually was VERY interested in the new Legacy Hudson in the latest catalog, but I think I will wait to see the reports.
Dennis
TCA#09-63805
Does it say in the manual that it could only pull that many cars? I saw the CC2 at my local train shop and was not impressed with it. All those little things where neat but I would figure with all that money you are spending it would have alot of more detail. To me it looked just like any other Lionel engine on the shelf. I decided not to buy it. Maybe if the put out a edition without all the fancy extra stuff like the bell movement and whistle smoke I'll get it.
Just wanted everyone to know what "Big Mike" says at Lionel. Did not want anyone to "jump" in and buy one with out knowing this. Dennis, I was like you. Now I will wait.
I'm glad you posted this Chief cause now I'm definitely not getting one. I can't see it only being able to pull 3 or 4 cars. Maybe I should make that my next project loco. Built a Frankenstein 0-8-8-0 from my spare parts.
Well with the new Challenger being released ( I hope it will have the bigger motor) the CC-2 has dropped off the wish list. It will have to be an all out steal before I buy one.
Very strange that a $1500 steamer can't pull 12 modern freight cars for any duration without causing harm to the motor. Even if Lionel did reduce the size of the motor I would think 12 modern cars would not be a overwelming load for any quality motor.
Bill T.
Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.
Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month