American Flyer 0-6-0 Docksider by Lionel questions.

[Railroader_Sailor_SSN-760]

 My wife and I have been contemplating buying one of the newer American Flyer by Lionel 0-6-0 docksiders, partially out of wanting a small tank engine, and also out of the fact that as of right now, our only reliable S scale engine is a American Flyer by Lionel Baldwin Switcher (as part of the Southern Work Train set).

Other S gauge engines are down either due to bad motors or bad reverse units (lesson learned, try to avoid connecticut-sourced electrical components...) Some of my other engines run, albeit erratically due to reverse unit issues. I am in the process of converting the fleet to DC operation, to both rid myself of the reverse unit issues, as well as easier control (direction controlled by track polarity vice reverse unit function).

I remember seeing the review of the New York Central decorated AF by Lionel Docksider a few years ago, and it was well, less than flattering. The sample engine had a faulty smoke unit and problems with the reverse unit switch.

I am sure that the sample engine was just a fluke, as it was part of the early production of the "new" docksider 0-6-0. 

Does anyone out there have a  copy of the American Flyer by Lionel Docksider? And if so, does anyone have any issues that I need to be on the look out for if I buy us a copy of the Docksider?

Thanks,

James

[Sturgeon-Phish]

I have one of the docksiders.  As a matter of fact it is the only "S" engine I have that was made after 1966.  It runs OK, but the smoke started out weak and then went out completly.  Not my favorite engine by a long shot.  I prefer the original Gilbert AF locos hands down.

Most of the time they can be easily fixed, and usually a cleaning and a lube and they are running.  If you choose to dive into repairing, ask questions and we will help you out.

Jim