I don't care if it's last year's model...

[4kitties]

I just bought Lionel’s JLC edition N&W Y6b, and I’m floored. I can’t say enough good things about it. When I recently entered the market for an O gauge Y6b, I was ambivalent about whether to buy MTH’s or Lionel’s version. On the one hand I had more experience with MTH large steam than with Lionel, and I prefer a prototypical chuff rate. On the other hand, Lionel’s model appeared to have more features and better detailing. I was willing to take my time in deciding and not let brand loyalty sway me. But after viewing video of both models in action, it took me about 2 seconds to decide.

Actually, the whistle alone sold me on the Lionel. I don’t know whether the real Y6b’s had a “hooter” like Lionel’s model. All I know is that Lionel’s whistle sounds like that of the real N&W 1218, and that’s OK with me because I loved riding behind her in excursion service. The 2200's whistle is remarkably responsive to the sound activation button, and I can blow it with a finesse I’ve never experienced before. I think the echo is great too. It sounds more like what one would hear at trackside than in the cab. My wife looked in on me while I was running the model for the first time, and she said I was grinning like a little kid. And as for the prototypical shift from simple to compound mode, all I can say is it’s too bad I wasn’t around to see and hear the prototype. If this model can’t get you interested in steam locomotives, I suppose nothing will.

Overall appearance, smoke output, and running characteristics are great. The wireless tether really makes a difference in a model of this caliber. MTH, it’s high time for you to lose the umbilical cord, but I know it won’t be easy with most of your electronics in the tender. Clearly Lionel wasn’t (pardon the pun) blowing smoke when they stated that they had raised the bar with this model. If it proves to be as reliable as it is good looking, in the future Lionel’s competitors will have to work harder to get my hobby dollars.

Granted, this level of detail and performance comes at a cost but I don’t make purchases like this often. I was able to get a good deal online and I feel it was money well spent.

My opinion only. Just wanted to share it though.

[FJ and G]

I believe MTH is slightly lower in cost & also, they offer a semi-scale version for about 1/2 cost. But the Lion advantages you mention are nice too. Glad you liked.

[ben10ben]

Really glad you liked it.
The Lionel is one gorgeous model, with an equally incredible whistle. Lionel always seems to go out of their way on their high-end engines to get the whistles right, and they seem to have done just that with this model.

There was a debate on the OGR forum about the simple-to-compound, though. One forum member, whose knowledge and opinions I greatly respect, says that they got it backwards and it starts out in compound, then goes to simple. I don't know the difference between the two, so all I know is that it sounds good to me.

Enjoy your purchase. I wi***hat I could afford one.