Lionel/MPC 8600 (Reissue of PW 646)

[sir james I]

The 8600 was the first engine that MPC put magnatraction on and it is still a very good conv.engine to own.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for sharing the info.  I want to buy the 8206.

I had one for $95.00, but the guy lied about the condition so he refunded my money!

But, I lost on the shipping cost.

Oh well, keep lookin'.

[1688torpedo]

 Hello Ken!  Your #8600 was part of the New York Central "Empire State Express" Set from 1976 & is a real nice top notch train to boot. I see them at Train Shows for around $375.00 - $400.00 for the complete set. Not a bad buy at all considering what you get. This was one of Lionel's top sets for that time period. Glad you enjoy the #8600 & hope you keep it for many years to come. Take Care.

[krapug1]

As many of you know with all the advances in Toy Train technology, you can sometimes find real bargains in MPC era engines. For me I have a large, but basic layout using conventional power only.

I recently found a 1976 era 8600 steamer in Like New condition and since the price as very right I bought it. I had some concerns since the only other 4-6-4 steamer done by MPC up to that point was the 8206 (PW 665), and these engines where known for "wheel wobble", and other issues.
Happily the 8600 has proven to be a real gem, it tracks straight, runs quiet, and with the white/silver painted boiler looks great running down the track. It does have the basic Pennsy type tender, but it is lettered New York Central.

Perhaps the MPC folks worked some of the bugs out of their larger steam engines when they made the 8600. If you spot one at the right price, I would recommend it.

Ken