Yeah that's what I've noticed about lionel videos in the past 5 years, so much boot licking in hopes that they'll be given stuff for cheap or to review. It's how it is for every "high end" model manufacturer for every scale.
Fascinating insights into fixing the loco problems. The double-headed pair look and sound superb. Fantastic weathering of all stock and buildings. The layout looks so realistic. Thanks so much for sharing!.
Great job on the weathering. Overdone weathering seems to be rampant across all genres of modeling now, whether it be railroad, aircraft, whatever. One of the things I noticed about you layout last night and tonight, is how the layout itself is instantly (to me, anyway) as the industrial area of the northeastern US, even without knowing what railroad you're modeling.
Thank you for the amazing video...being honest and truly showing the issues with the colors plus the mechanical issues. This is exactly why I am terrified with pre-ordering locos anymore. As always well done and yes, subtle is the name of the game with weathering. Not the apocalyptic weathering look of the 1970's bankrupt railroads.
Well, Norm, you've done it again, schooled us Charboneau acolytes in what an attention to detail and an obsession with realism can achieve in O scale, three rail modeling. It's an inspiration to those of us who can appreciate your genius. I think you represent the pinnacle talent in master modeling within our genre of model railroading regardless of gauge and scale. It's truly a joy to watch you in action, my friend. As a personal note, one of the highlights of my visit to October York was sitting down to lunch with you and Peter Gentieu to talk about the pastime we love. I'm so grateful for what you have contributed to the hobby. You've generously taught us so much about what can be achieved through perseverance and dedication to such a wonderful avocation. I'm painfully aware that at my tender age of 78 I will never have the time, talent, or patience to achieve what you have accomplished, but it doesn't keep me from enjoying or appreciating your contributions! Well done. Don't stop!
Great work Norm!! I have the video "When Giants Roamed" and that UP fireman said the chuffs of a Big Boy at speed was saying come along, come along, your double header sounded like "lets go, lets go"!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Great vid Norm... you took care of that green real good.😆 Here's an idea Norm.. Patten your weathering technique and end result, sell it to Lionel and maybe they can shrink wrap their locomotives! Lol😂 Lionel has been in the business a long time... no excuses accepted, despite what some other RUclips contributors say about Lionel or are afraid too (shmoozed). Thanks again Norm Great vid great layout I always enjoy.👍🏻😃
This is great, Norm. Like others have said, it is nice to see a video that doesn't gloss over the significant quality issues Lionel has had lately. I have an L1 and, knock on wood, it has been 100% problem free with no gearbox noise or issues running forward or reverse. Then again, with a 4x8, I am not pulling tree stumps out of the ground with it so perhaps that is part of my success. I don't disagree with the color but, personally, I don't really care what color it is if they give a solid mechanical product - no gear issues, etc. Clearly they need to go back to the drawing board. I am done preordering Lionel engines, the Legacy Strasburg #90 seems to be a winner but after the Mogul fiasco of a few years ago and other issues, I'm doing the "wait and see" thing. Then again, I'm mostly an MTH guy anyway. Both companies make a nice product (usually) but there are far, far less surprises when you open a purple box.
That is the kind of work I expect and do to 80's and 90's era brass locos. I'd NOT expect that work on a new high dollar loco. Thanks for sharing.......I'm going downstairs and run vintage 3rO brass..........thx
Another great video Norm and excellent job for addressing the dinosaur in the room- color; it’s almost as if they’re color blind! I’ve not had to face color issues in my collection having deferred to black for all my steam, but to constantly eff up the PRR color gamut is maddening! Who signs off on this??? I’d love to see someone in authority on a video sometime with real examples look Ryan and Dave in the eye and have them answer that question directly. So many videos lavishing praise of the mothership while avoiding the emperor with no clothes. In Fact, the company needs to get ahead of this and address the community as a whole and… FIX THE DAMN PROBLEM!
A lot of their color choices are absolutely jarring to look at. It’s like they are using Home Depot’s leftover ‘oops’ paints that customers return after they chose a bad color.
Another superb vid Norm. Much better after your fine touches. Regarding the whole paint (and other) issues, I do worry that manufacturers are losing their "primary source" connections with railroad history to the point where accuracy suffers. The younger generations are choosy about what they care about, just hope enough are interested to keep the hobby going well. It seems we are alright, but some things you run into make you stop and wonder. Anyway, thanks again Norm- happy holidays and all the best to you and the family!
Thanks! It’s frustrating to witness since a lot of this stuff has been figured out in the not too distant past. I think it’s a combination of lost wisdom and a crisis of competence.
Excellent work as always Norm. Can't get enough of seeing the weathered trains on your layout. I passed on these L1s, and looking at the quirks it has, maybe I dodged a bullet. Sucks because they are really well detailed and have fantastic sounds, but boy the headaches with the gearbox and choice of green paint almost makes it not worth the price. At least they look better and operate better now! I've been lucky in getting Lionel locomotives without any major QC issues in the past decade (aside from a bunch of the USRA light Mikes I sent to Pat for some longevity reassurance), but it still sucks when this happens.
I've been trying to be more subtle on my weathering as well. My recent efforts to dail back my washes have made a noticeable improvement in the look of my kits. As always I am in awe of your work. 👍💯
As someone just entering the realm of 3Rs, I have my eye on the weaver h10, any comments?. Also I absolutely love the content recently as always so keep it up!
I have an early MTH PS2 5V PRR H10s. Probably one of the most detailed O-scale locomotives I have. It still has the original boards in it and runs well.
I'll have to do this fix. I found sheets of polystyrene on Amazon available in 0.015" and 0.020", which is in the range needed. Mine will look pretty sloppy, but as long as I get the general shape, I should be good.
Awesome, I found your files on the forum. I don't know anyone with a printer, but Etsy has multiple 3D printing service sellers. I can get a quote from one of them.
@@Jared-91 maybe see if library nearby has a maker space that can print for you? I wouldn’t bother doing the 2mm, just multiples of the other three I put up.
Nice job Norm. Not sure if you had any experience with MTH GP-38-3 diesels. I have 2 of them that binding issues in the trucks. I was going to replace the trucks but maybe its a worm gear problem. The motors are vertical so I'm not sure if its similar issue as your L1
I hope to someday! That's an early 2000s Atlas phase 1 GP7. I'll need to print fixed pilot parts for it. It's a match for my Atlas GP7 dummy unit. Hard to find!
Yes, a one-off experiment before they moved the equipment to their tenders. Stauffer’s Pennsy Power 1 has a pic. I give Lionel credit for making this unique version.
This is truly disappointing. The gearbox and color issue. Lionel's quality control is virtually non existent at this point. It's not acceptable by any means especially for the money they ask for. The new Lionel Legacy NYC Dreyfuss Hudsons are causing an uproar of criticism for Lionel. The colors were completely wrong. I have the MTH Premier version of the PRR L1s and I even recently picked up this engine in the LNE scheme. I hope that mine does not have the gear box issue. I've told my dealer about this and they are going to take a good look at my engine to make sure it doesn't encounter this problem.
@normstrains this comment saids alot coming from you Norm. Your a die hard Lionel fanatic and many people and even some well known dealers have defended Lionel about their choice of colors for the new NYC Dreyfuss.
It's good you can print these parts off. I got an Ender 3 Pro. I really enjoy it. But I hate that spool on top. I think it often contributes to bad prints. Working on putting it to the side so it can feed better. I enjoyed your vid.
I changed over to Cura and have way better prints. I had a problem with tangling on the interior print for my Bessemer Bar. I have yet to try moving the spool location. 🤔
@@normstrains Just the Banshee whistle in general. Like a physically can't listen to it cause I don't want to remember what it sounds like. It's that bad. Nothing wrong with the locomotive itself.
Finally… a video about a new Lionel product that doesn’t totally gloss over major issues
Yeah that's what I've noticed about lionel videos in the past 5 years, so much boot licking in hopes that they'll be given stuff for cheap or to review. It's how it is for every "high end" model manufacturer for every scale.
I like the other RUclips guys and what they do in promoting the hobby but I don’t understand the reluctance to be critical on these massive screwups.
Fascinating insights into fixing the loco problems. The double-headed pair look and sound superb. Fantastic weathering of all stock and buildings. The layout looks so realistic. Thanks so much for sharing!.
Great job on the weathering. Overdone weathering seems to be rampant across all genres of modeling now, whether it be railroad, aircraft, whatever. One of the things I noticed about you layout last night and tonight, is how the layout itself is instantly (to me, anyway) as the industrial area of the northeastern US, even without knowing what railroad you're modeling.
Sir, you have some sort of bizarre Genius. You are the Edward Hopper of Model Railroading. One stands in Awe.
Thank you for the amazing video...being honest and truly showing the issues with the colors plus the mechanical issues. This is exactly why I am terrified with pre-ordering locos anymore. As always well done and yes, subtle is the name of the game with weathering. Not the apocalyptic weathering look of the 1970's bankrupt railroads.
Well, Norm, you've done it again, schooled us Charboneau acolytes in what an attention to detail and an obsession with realism can achieve in O scale, three rail modeling. It's an inspiration to those of us who can appreciate your genius. I think you represent the pinnacle talent in master modeling within our genre of model railroading regardless of gauge and scale. It's truly a joy to watch you in action, my friend.
As a personal note, one of the highlights of my visit to October York was sitting down to lunch with you and Peter Gentieu to talk about the pastime we love. I'm so grateful for what you have contributed to the hobby. You've generously taught us so much about what can be achieved through perseverance and dedication to such a wonderful avocation. I'm painfully aware that at my tender age of 78 I will never have the time, talent, or patience to achieve what you have accomplished, but it doesn't keep me from enjoying or appreciating your contributions! Well done. Don't stop!
Thanks again Bear for the kind words! It was nice to see you guys at York!
I just want you to know… that even though I’m an HO scale Modeler… the geeky part of me LOVES your thorough explanations in your videos
Great work Norm!! I have the video "When Giants Roamed"
and that UP fireman said the chuffs of a Big Boy at speed was saying come along, come along, your double header sounded like "lets go, lets go"!!
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Great vid Norm... you took care of that green real good.😆 Here's an idea Norm.. Patten your weathering technique and end result, sell it to Lionel and maybe they can shrink wrap their locomotives! Lol😂 Lionel has been in the business a long time... no excuses accepted, despite what some other RUclips contributors say about Lionel or are afraid too (shmoozed). Thanks again Norm Great vid great layout I always enjoy.👍🏻😃
This is great, Norm. Like others have said, it is nice to see a video that doesn't gloss over the significant quality issues Lionel has had lately. I have an L1 and, knock on wood, it has been 100% problem free with no gearbox noise or issues running forward or reverse. Then again, with a 4x8, I am not pulling tree stumps out of the ground with it so perhaps that is part of my success.
I don't disagree with the color but, personally, I don't really care what color it is if they give a solid mechanical product - no gear issues, etc. Clearly they need to go back to the drawing board. I am done preordering Lionel engines, the Legacy Strasburg #90 seems to be a winner but after the Mogul fiasco of a few years ago and other issues, I'm doing the "wait and see" thing. Then again, I'm mostly an MTH guy anyway. Both companies make a nice product (usually) but there are far, far less surprises when you open a purple box.
That is the kind of work I expect and do to 80's and 90's era brass locos. I'd NOT expect that work on a new high dollar loco. Thanks for sharing.......I'm going downstairs and run vintage 3rO brass..........thx
PRR & B&O at the same time! Sweet! 👍👍
Fantastic work!
You resolved the operational issue and did another amazing weathering job.
Thanks for another fun video.
Another great video Norm! Your weathering paint job managed to get rid of Lionel’s Ugly Paint Job.
I totally get the concerns about paint however the weathering really brought it down a notch even the Tuscan red looks better
Another great video Norm and excellent job for addressing the dinosaur in the room- color; it’s almost as if they’re color blind! I’ve not had to face color issues in my collection having deferred to black for all my steam, but to constantly eff up the PRR color gamut is maddening! Who signs off on this??? I’d love to see someone in authority on a video sometime with real examples look Ryan and Dave in the eye and have them answer that question directly. So many videos lavishing praise of the mothership while avoiding the emperor with no clothes. In Fact, the company needs to get ahead of this and address the community as a whole and… FIX THE DAMN PROBLEM!
A lot of their color choices are absolutely jarring to look at. It’s like they are using Home Depot’s leftover ‘oops’ paints that customers return after they chose a bad color.
@@normstrains It's so glaring I'd almost have to agree however, that would be particularly brazen bordering on fraud.
Another superb vid Norm. Much better after your fine touches. Regarding the whole paint (and other) issues, I do worry that manufacturers are losing their "primary source" connections with railroad history to the point where accuracy suffers. The younger generations are choosy about what they care about, just hope enough are interested to keep the hobby going well. It seems we are alright, but some things you run into make you stop and wonder.
Anyway, thanks again Norm- happy holidays and all the best to you and the family!
Thanks! It’s frustrating to witness since a lot of this stuff has been figured out in the not too distant past. I think it’s a combination of lost wisdom and a crisis of competence.
Nice video on how to fix the L1 issue, your layout and weathering is amazing!
Very informative video. Way above my brush cleaning and soldering capabilities, but I enjoyed this.
Norm, that looks sick. Man, i love the weathering you do. I only wish I had the nerve to do my own loco's. lol
The transformation is amazing. I love your videos because they are so creative and relaxing to watch.
Lionel’s QC has been all over the place… I got a brass 90 (1990) missing it’s from number board. Still waiting for a response from Lionel.
I told you at York last year you are a genius
I have to look at a gear box issue I'm having too. This is a great video to help trouble shoot. Thanks.
Beautifully done norm once again great information and lecture on a very intricate gear assembly totally realistic thanks for sharing
Ironic thing about the DGLE complaints, the I1sa came in and they nailed the paint on her
The Decs are much darker and more pleasing to the eye. Still a bit green but not as green as these L1s.
So much fun, I watched it twice. 👍🏻
Excellent work as always Norm. Can't get enough of seeing the weathered trains on your layout.
I passed on these L1s, and looking at the quirks it has, maybe I dodged a bullet.
Sucks because they are really well detailed and have fantastic sounds, but boy the headaches with the gearbox and choice of green paint almost makes it not worth the price. At least they look better and operate better now!
I've been lucky in getting Lionel locomotives without any major QC issues in the past decade (aside from a bunch of the USRA light Mikes I sent to Pat for some longevity reassurance), but it still sucks when this happens.
I've been trying to be more subtle on my weathering as well. My recent efforts to dail back my washes have made a noticeable improvement in the look of my kits. As always I am in awe of your work. 👍💯
I'm sticking with pre and postwar Lionel but the new trains are nice when they work. You have a nice layout and weathered steam locomotives.
Watching this video while I fighting with some Kadee couplers that im trying to put on a HO scale Bachmann Spectrum PRR SD-45.
The paint was the biggest disappointment for me. Still trying to figure out if I should sell or try and repaint.
As someone just entering the realm of 3Rs, I have my eye on the weaver h10, any comments?. Also I absolutely love the content recently as always so keep it up!
I’d look for the old MTH H10. Better details and a nice driveline. You can sometimes find them with blown PS2 electronics real cheap.
I have an early MTH PS2 5V PRR H10s. Probably one of the most detailed O-scale locomotives I have. It still has the original boards in it and runs well.
Amazing layout!!!
Excellent! 👍👍
I also purchased 2 of these. I’m debating on whether to weather them or not.
I'll have to do this fix. I found sheets of polystyrene on Amazon available in 0.015" and 0.020", which is in the range needed. Mine will look pretty sloppy, but as long as I get the general shape, I should be good.
I can share the very simple designs if you know someone with a printer. I posted them on the OGR thread about the L1s.
Awesome, I found your files on the forum. I don't know anyone with a printer, but Etsy has multiple 3D printing service sellers. I can get a quote from one of them.
@@Jared-91 maybe see if library nearby has a maker space that can print for you? I wouldn’t bother doing the 2mm, just multiples of the other three I put up.
Nice job Norm. Not sure if you had any experience with MTH GP-38-3 diesels. I have 2 of them that binding issues in the trucks. I was going to replace the trucks but maybe its a worm gear problem. The motors are vertical so I'm not sure if its similar issue as your L1
I saw your comment on the Diorama Train (Korea Brass factory) channel - hope they got the message :)!
I hope so too!
Very nice I can't wait till I can weather a steam locomotive I can only afford diesel locomotives right now
I always thought the colors on the original engines were never exact to on another if they weren't painted at the same facility during the same time.
Norm what is the best way to contact you I have questions about trains coupler systems. Dan Great show !
Can you do a video about the atlas GP 7 in this video?Is it a master line engine?
I hope to someday! That's an early 2000s Atlas phase 1 GP7. I'll need to print fixed pilot parts for it. It's a match for my Atlas GP7 dummy unit. Hard to find!
Did he spray paint all the wheels and moving parts?! Won’t that gum it up?
Very little paint is actually used. Been doing this for a while now, no probs.
Trainphone on the boiler?
Yes, a one-off experiment before they moved the equipment to their tenders. Stauffer’s Pennsy Power 1 has a pic. I give Lionel credit for making this unique version.
Norm - what is your preferred type/ make of o gauge track?
I am running Atlas O on this layout.
@@normstrainsthanks man. Noted.
This is truly disappointing. The gearbox and color issue. Lionel's quality control is virtually non existent at this point. It's not acceptable by any means especially for the money they ask for. The new Lionel Legacy NYC Dreyfuss Hudsons are causing an uproar of criticism for Lionel. The colors were completely wrong. I have the MTH Premier version of the PRR L1s and I even recently picked up this engine in the LNE scheme. I hope that mine does not have the gear box issue. I've told my dealer about this and they are going to take a good look at my engine to make sure it doesn't encounter this problem.
I hope Lionel addresses the gearbox issue. They also need to find other work for whoever it is that’s picking their colors. The Dreyfuss is awful. 😞
@normstrains this comment saids alot coming from you Norm. Your a die hard Lionel fanatic and many people and even some well known dealers have defended Lionel about their choice of colors for the new NYC Dreyfuss.
Got any Weaver engines Norm?
I used to, not anymore though.
It's good you can print these parts off. I got an Ender 3 Pro. I really enjoy it. But I hate that spool on top. I think it often contributes to bad prints. Working on putting it to the side so it can feed better. I enjoyed your vid.
I changed over to Cura and have way better prints. I had a problem with tangling on the interior print for my Bessemer Bar. I have yet to try moving the spool location. 🤔
steller!!
so life like.....
Oil, a few drops of oil in the gearbox
Wouldn’t have helped. This gearbox was not properly set up.
Still hate there whistles
Idk #5 seemed ok?
@@normstrains Just the Banshee whistle in general. Like a physically can't listen to it cause I don't want to remember what it sounds like. It's that bad. Nothing wrong with the locomotive itself.
Lionel is crap, what are they thinking.
Yeah they blew it on these. Their drivelines used to be very stout. Really mad these setups are in the Decs. I have two that I haven’t unboxed yet.
sounds like a side rods out of time
Good lord, there isn’t enuf time in the day for this obsessive nonsense.
Of course there is!