Looking for honest feedback...

[LordVokk]

First, I'm new to model railroading but I broke down and bought a Lionel Lines Classic Freight 'Ready-to-Run' starter set that comes with a 4-4-2 steam engine.

I've read some things that have me concerned.....

First, is that these sets come with "lower quality" engines, and that there average lifespan is less than 45 hours of run time. Is there any truth to this? I mean I know I didn't buy a $500 engine, but is the engine itself truely sub-standard?

Second, this set came with the CW-40 Transformer. Now I know this is not the most powerful of transformers, but realistically what should I be able to run on a 40 Watt transformer...just the train or can I add a couple of lighted or animated cars?

Lastly, someone on another forum mentioned that the engines that come with these starter sets have been crippled to work with the CW-40 transformer....is there any truth to that?

Thanks in advance!

 

[UP2CSX]

Some truth and some Lionel elitism mixed in there. A 40 watt transformer is small for Lionel equipment. However, it's more than adequate for pulling a three car passenger train or a five car freight. Once you start adding lighted cars or track accessories like log dumpers, you will start to run out of power but keeping the train length small and not having steep grades will still give you what you need for a small layout.

The 4-4-2 is Lionel's smallest steam engine. The motor is not "crippled", it's just small. It will run practically forever as long as it's not overheated by trying to pull too many cars or run for hours at a time. Just realize that you don't have a Big Boy and it will do fine.

Train sets are built for people who generally have a small layout that's not run frequently. If you really get into model railroading, you'll want a bigger transformer, a bigger engine, and more track and cars. Until then, what you have will work well as long as you understand the limitations.

 

[MrTrain]

You will not have any problem with that engine, a starter set is fine for the first train, you will find yourself starting to buy larger engines in the years to come.. The transformer will work fine if you use it with that starter set.

 

[PRR 561 0-8-0]

I have had no problems with my CW-40 yet. I have added 4 freight cars and 6 linear feet of track with my starter set. I got the PA flyer but they are the same except for the loco you got the 4-4-2 and I have the 0-8-0 but they are the same. Save up and build up your stable. Not saying though I am eyeing up the bigger trans and bigger loco...

 

[LordVokk]

Thanks all!