Yooohoooo !!! Got my Veranda this morning !

[Anonymous]

I couldnt resist to take some pics!
The first impression : I was very impressed by the quality. It seems strong and very well built.
After a detailled inspection, I must admit I have been a little bit disappointed by the railings, few of them were bent (due to the overseas shipping I guess) and I do not like the plastic. About the paintings, it is quite good, except on the top nose, the green color is not always straight.
The rest is good, the engine is impressive. I can't wait to hear it now and see it running.
I must go to my hobby shop to get a nice controller for it (bloody 3rail system I have [:D]
I guess I will fall on my a** when the turbine is on [;)]

few pics now (Ulrich, I thought of you when I took them) :

[Anonymous]

Congratulations. I'm sure you will find it a nice addition to your roster. The sounds are the coolest feature of this model.

[Anonymous]

HI Antoine,

CONGRATULATIONS !!!!!!!!!!!!

TIP: The Broadway Limited Sidekick controler works also with the Lionels - BLI and Lionel use both the QSI Sound Systems.

Some add feature work only in DCC - couplerclash and so but the main sounds you will hear also with a standard DC powerpack with a direction switch and/or the BLI Sidekick - exept the speed limitation in diesel mode - this works only in DCC!!!

AND NOW: HAVE FUN WITH THE BLAST FROM THE PAST !!!!!!!!!

[Anonymous]

Lets not get airborn, keep it on the track and don't let those turbins suck you in.

The World's Greatest Hobby awaits your evaluation.

[chutton01]

There has been some (negative) words in regards to the power train on this locomotive - see http://www.tonystrains.com/tonystips/2004/041604.htm. Does your experience bear this out yet?

[Anonymous]

Yes, only two trucks are powered - just like on an articulated steam loco or a two truck diesel. Would have been nice to have all 4 powered but it works and pulls pretty well with only the two. Lionel should have clearly pointed this out beforehand, but it wasn't new news to anyone who has been doing serious research before purchase. I knew it before I ever reserved mine 3-4 weeks ago. Enjoy it for what it is - a fun and great sounding loco. I'll be glad to pick up another one when everybody finishes bashing it and driving down the price. Too bad it's only the two roadnumbers or I could get more.

[Anonymous]

I have not tested yet the engine on the track. But honestly I do not see any problem in the fact that only 50% of the trucks are powered. For me it is a common thing in rail modeling and it does not shock me...but maybe I am alone.

All my engines are powered this way, my metal F7s, A or B unit, my metal PA1. Except the BigBoy, but regarding the number of wheels its about the same thing.

If some people wants power, why not doing 1:1 scale ? [:D].....com'on it's only a model. For those who said it was overpricy I would add that the sound system itself is so good (I heard it when they tested my model at the shop) that I do not feel ripped off ! It is a fair price when you compare other brass models .

More to come...

[Anonymous]

It´s heavy enough for a perfect tractive effort with only 4 powered axles !!!!

Okay, possible is everything but Lionel must find a design that works and handle thight curves. because of this, the maximum height for a gearbox in truck 1 and 4 is the height of the truck!!!

Hey: That´s modelrailroading!
Sometimes it´s a compromise, I have an let´s say expensive and perfect detailed LEMACO Re6/6 from the Switzerland Federal Railroad SBB - similar to the GM10 electro it has three trucks and the midtruck isn´t powered!!!
[:D]

[Anonymous]

Bad news [xx(][:(]
During a test at the hobby shop, my Veranda lost one of his truck for no "apparent reasons". After a curve, suddenly the rear truck began to slip and the engine stopped : the front truck had lost its power.

I dont want to feed the polemic now, I dont know what happened. Apparently I am not alone in this case but most of the other users seem happy of this model.

There are few theories about this failure and after more investigations I will be able to tell you what happened exactly.
My vendor who tried the engine and was the witness of the "accident" thinks it lost one of its gear because of high speed in the curve. I will know more tomorrow after the surgery [;)]

By the way, the Veranda remains a beautiful static model !! LOL ! [:D] (I am keeping my sense of humour)

[Anonymous]

We are waiting for your fail announcement.