Your thoughts on the Lionel Dockside Switcher?

[dougdagrump]

Dave, If you search some of the major e-tailers you can find them for about $92 to $95, however you can find them on E-Bay from dealers, new, for about $80.

[FJ and G]

THanks, Doug, Dennis. As for conversion, all I need to do is pop the shell, disconnect all wires except the 2 motor wires, remove the rollers and presto it's done. The R/C gear can go in a following boxcar or something else. The fact that it's diecast is a really big plus; as well as working valve gear. A big bang for its buck! I may check eBay tonight (although I've never used eBay before). Hope there's no hidden traps in eBay!

[dougdagrump]

Dave, After you convert the "Docksider" you should consider converting a "Polar Express". How cool would that be to have running in the backyard with a slight dusting of snow.

[FJ and G]

Does this one seem OK? Just click on "Buy it now?"

http://cgi.ebay.com/Lionel-28650-NYC-Docksider-Steamer-New_W0QQitemZ270012495384QQihZ017QQcategoryZ4148QQssPageNameZWD1VQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[FJ and G]

What a hassle. I tried to buy it on eBay and it said I had to first register. I tried to register and it said I'm already registered (which I never was). So I changed to my work email and did all new passwords, etc & it said I'm still registered. So it said I could chat in real time with someone, but when I tried, it said everyone was tied up & busy so I emailed them.

Also, I noticed that 99.99% of people who dealt with this guy were satisfied. What percentage range should I be looking for when buying?

Thanks

[dougdagrump]

99.99% sounds dang good to me.

[msacco]

my beth steel is still in the box waiting to be sent back to Lionel. MOst likely a busted eunit board.

When it ran it was nice. Nice detail and weight but if you're using 022s beware, cause they bump and grind through these switches. Sometimes I have to run it very fast or lock it in forward to keep the reverse unit from stalling the loco. Seems Lionel should have designed it bettter considering 022 switches are their equipment.

 

Mike S.

[Anonymous]

I own one Docksider and have another on the way.  This is the locomotive that brought me back to 3 rail.  Great detail and operations for the price.  My only complaint is the lack of a better sounding whistle.  I'm going to convert mine to TMCC.  IMHO, I would replace the 4-4-2 starter sets with this loco.  Heck, more kids today know what a Tank Engine is due to the little blue guy!

Smokebox

[kblester]

Does this one seem OK? Just click on "Buy it now?"

http://cgi.ebay.com/Lionel-28650-NYC-Docksider-Steamer-New_W0QQitemZ270012495384QQihZ017QQcategoryZ4148QQssPageNameZWD1VQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Dave, This seller has 99.99 % positive feedback with over 12,000 different customers buying over 27,000 items from him. He has had 17 total unhappy buyers. I think I bought rolling stock from him. You can click on his f/b score to read comments from buyers. Always read return policy and payment details as some sellers do not accept checks from new buyers. You may want to buy insurance, which adds to shipping cost. Watch Buy it now quanities as you can end up buying more than 1 x the price listed. If you need help let me know.

Regards, Ken

[Anonymous]

Nice detail and weight but if you're using 022s beware, cause they bump and grind through these switches. Sometimes I have to run it very fast or lock it in forward to keep the reverse unit from stalling the loco. Seems Lionel should have designed it bettter considering 022 switches are their equipment.

Mike S.

I'm using Atlas track and switches on my layout.  All of the various small locomotives (Dockside, Plymouth, Porter, BEEPs, etc.) run just fine on that track system, although I admittedly do not have any long-radius switches on the pike.

[twaldie]

Never have had one, but now one is on it's way.  Can't wait to get it and try it out, it should look real good with my BEEPS!
FJ&G - did you ever get onto E-Bay?  I noticed the one you had the link to is gone now. (It wasn't me - mine is an SP&S, really!)  I haven't had any trouble with E-Bay, as long as you buy from people that have been selling for a while and have GOOD feedback you should be OK.  Just remember to change your password occasionally.
Just one other quick note, I'm working in New Jersey this week, to help kill time Saturday I went to The Hobby Shop in Aberdeen to look around.  The folks there are real nice, and have a wonderful shop.  If you are ever in the area it is well worth visiting.
Have a good week!

Tim

[Brutus]

Yeah, this is a great ebayer.  I have bought from him a few times.