UP Great Train Robbery 31939

[HopperSJ]

Anyone own the Lionel Great Trair Robbery set? My daughter has been eyeing it for a while and we recently saw one new for a good (not great) price ($150). What do you think of it? I can't find out too many details from the old lionel catalogue or from the catalogue I'd be buying it from.

Is the train plastic or die-cast?
How is the detail?
How is the pulling power / running quality of the engine?

I know it is only a beginner set, so it's not like the quality of a $500-$1000 loco, but what are your thoughts?

[Warburton]

I had one and liked it. Mostly plastic, but engine pulls pretty well and is a smooth runner. I believe it has a whistle in the one passenger car, too and the steamer smokes. Comes with a bonus handcar, so I think at $150 it's a good bargain. I'm sort of sorry I got rid of it, but I bought another General set and didn't need two. I gave my Robbery set to my next door neighbor boys to encourage them to get interested in toy trains.

[Anonymous]

Hi,

I have one of the Great Train Robbery sets. I have had it for about a year. It is plastic but very well done. It has a great whistle and I love the detail on the cars. I think that it is a great first set. It comes with the Fastrack and of course the CW-80 controller.

[Chris F]

I don't have the set, but I do have a couple of 4-4-0's, so I thought I'd offer some General ([;)]) thoughts.

Is the train plastic or die cast? Lionel's Generals always have had plastic bodies, ever since they were introduced in 1959. If a locomotive body is die-cast, chances are pretty good that the catalog copy will mention it.

How is the detail? Fortunately, not too great, especially considering the set is intended to be enjoyed by youngsters (and the young-at-heart). Add-on details break. The add-on whistle supplied with the Generals is prone to breakage.

How is the pulling power / running quality of the engine? It's about the same as Lionel's 4-4-2 starter set locos. The difference is weight - the lightweight plastic body doesn't help as far as traction is concerned. There's already a weight inside. You could add more weight to improve traction, but eventually you'd risk damage to the motor or gears.

Your last question implies a desire to add cars to the consist. AFAIK, Lionel hasn't offered add-on cars since the set was introduced in 2003. However, Lionel did offer a Sheriff and Outlaw car (26765) in 2001. This car would be a good match for the GTR set.

[HopperSJ]

Hey,

Thanks for the feedback. I think I'll hold off for now. Still trying to get my layout up and running and probably should put my $$ into that before branching out into too many other sets. Thanks again!