Great review as usual! A bit of background on this particular paint scheme: The 2101 ran the famed Chessie Steam Special from 1977-78, but the locomotive's owners, Ross Rowland and his Steam Locomotive Corporation of America, felt it was likely that 1978 would be the final year for the trips and began looking for a new "adoptive parent" to accommodate the 2101 on mainline excursions. The paint scheme depicted on this model is based on authentic concept art from Bob Lorenz, the legendary railroad artist who also designed paint schemes for the American Freedom Train, the Chessie Steam Special and many of Rowland's other ventures. The concept was pitched to Conrail management in 1978, and as history suggests, it was rejected, as Conrail was still in the thick of resolving the many issues that plagued it's predecessor roads. Sadly, the 2101 would lose her chance at ever running again with a tragic roundhouse fire that set the poor thing ablaze in 1979. Because the locomotive's original tender was warped by the fire, it was swapped with that of the 2100, the locomotive's parts source at the time, and she was cosmetically restored and donated to the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore. She was traded for Chesapeake & Ohio no. 614, which was restored to run more excursions on Chessie starting in 1981. The Conrail Steam Special was shelved until Richard Sandborn came on board as CEO and Chairman of the Board at Conrail in 1989. Rowland and Sandborn had worked together in the past on the Chessie excursions, and upon his appointment, the two began crafting a system-wide steam program using the 614. They were reportedly very close to signing a contract when Sandborn suddenly died of a heart attack just 43 days into his tenure as CEO. The proposal to run steam on Conrail died with him. Again, great work!
To see the original conceptual drawing, visit the Conrail Historical Society's Archive Site, who own the originals, that were generously donated in 2019. Bob Lorenz made these watercolors of 2101, it's Auxiliary Tender, and an Observation Car.
The stock whistle is the ATSF 3751 whistle, the 2nd whistle is the Frisco 4-8-4, the 3rd whistle is the SP 6 chime from the Legacy 4-4-2's, GS-2, GS-4, Gs-6. The 4th whistle is the original T1 whistle, and whistle 5 is the same as 4 just slightly lower. The stock bell sounds like a D&RGW K-36.
so for anyone who never knew this: The Conrail paint scheme for Reading 2101 was proposed and therefore supposed to happen, but the roundhouse fire commenced and the 2101 was heavily damaged. This resulted in the cancellation for the Conrail 2101 Excursions, and 2101 as already said resides in the B&O Railroad Museum.
I love the whistle steam smoke effect on this locomotive. And I’m never sure either if a Reading T1 locomotive had a Conrail scheme or not. But I too cannot ignore Lionels creativity. I like this scheme as much as the Milwaukee S2 #260 in Hiawatha colors. Even though not prototypical. This engine is awesome. I’m ready for tomorrow.
The "what if" paint scheme on the T-1 looks awesome! The ability to change the whistle is very cool! As well as the bell. You picked a great one! Regarding the SD-40, I always like that GM&O scheme. Thanks for sharing Eric!
A few very impressive models. In spite of being a British railway fan, I’ve always had a soft spot for Yank engines. Hope you enjoy them! - The Caledonian
Never before has the Conrail Livery looked so appropriate on a steam locomotive until now. I guess this fictional livery is meant to homage both all of those HO scale Conrail steam engine models from back in the day as well as being in the same vein as the Chessie System Livery the real engine wore.
That actually was a proposed paint scheme for Reading 2101 that was to be for a steam program on Conrail that was being considered but never became a reality. According to the catalog, the Conrail paint scheme was based on an actual artist's rendition of 2101
My favorite locomotive, the Reading T-Hog. I gotta say the Conrail scheme looks good and using the Chessie cars behind 2101 is kinda funny too. Now for the criticism, Lionel still can’t get the right whistle on their stuff or bells. Whistle 4 or 5 is the closest to a Reading 6 chime you can get and I think it’s bell 2 or 3 that is closest. I’m happy they finally gave people more options than the old cookie cutter whistles and bells. Once again you did a great video Eric! Now I gotta decide if I want to make a CR 2101 in HO scale.
What an absolutely beautiful locomotive. She looks awesome. Now, if anyone were to make one of these in H0 I am quite sure I wouldn't resist too long...... or at all. In fact I would have it on preorder as soon as possible. But yes, this T-1 is very much to my taste.
An interesting T1 version. The new trailing truck, after the removal of those brake cylinders, better reflects what the prototype actually had which was equipped with a booster engine. Now the model has it too. The smokebox reflects the changes owner Ross Rowland applied which includes centering the headlight and adding the angled numberboards. Nice that Lionel finally provided us with a choice of bells and whistles (no pun intended). This in my opinion has been long overdue in the model train world. Although I would much prefer to see 2101 in her revised American Freedom Train colors the Conrail blue is different. Thanks for the video and Happy New Year to you.
Conrail blue looks good on any locomotive, even a steam locomotive! (I actually have a Conrail Blue 0-4-0 Pennsy A3 steam loco in HO scale. Unfortunately, it no longer works and has become a parts engine.
Still waiting for the high speed run by, after all it is a passenger train with a schedule to keep. Loved the double heading ( nice touch). awaiting next video...
Even though 2101 never pulled any excursion trains for Conrail, I really like the way it looks. I would really like to see if Broadway Limited makes something similar to this in HO.
That multiple whistle feature is for me more annoying than attractive. All Lionel needs to do is (if recording of the actual loco exist) to digitally duplicate it and put it in that particular model. I have a JLC Allegheny, beautiful engine but they really blew it with the whistle. So I had it upgraded to Legacy. The whistle is prototypical AND it runs smoother, starting out much slower and not jerking when it starts to move. The technician did a fantastic job with my model.
This is a really nice model. The timbre in bell #'s 2,3,4 sound nice with a brass soft edge. However, those whistle sounds seem too close in sound while resembling a riverboat whistle. I personally love the deep throaty sound of the Y6B or the NYC Niagra. Crew talk has improved and passes with dialogue reflective for the time period. That is where Lionel and MTH miss it with most of their steam engines. The crew talk does not reflect the time period nor are there any really accurate background sounds. They also sound like two robots communicating and not real people with one exception. I'd love to have a function whereby while the train is running, you can hear sounds from the cab such as the injectors pouring water into the boiler ,the sound of the fireman either shoveling coal or the stoker conveyor moving coal into the firebox with the sound of the steam jet spraying it into the firebox. Also, I'd love to hear the engineer running the train: moving the Johnson bar or the power reverse as well as calling out signals.
Well if Conrail would gone through with there steam program, most likely Ross Rowland would have painted the 2101, like they painted 2101 in the Chessie Steam Special
Beautiful engine Eric! In case you do a review of the SD40, please know that Mobile is pronounced "mobeel". It's also a fantastic engine, I got the 906.
![Megan Thee Stallion - Bigger In Texas [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/QxTkZTLWdo4/mqdefault.jpg)
That Conrail T-1 is giving me some "Blue Comet" vibes, it's nice to have something that's unrealistic to stand out in the fleet
But the Blue Comet is real…
Great review as usual!
A bit of background on this particular paint scheme: The 2101 ran the famed Chessie Steam Special from 1977-78, but the locomotive's owners, Ross Rowland and his Steam Locomotive Corporation of America, felt it was likely that 1978 would be the final year for the trips and began looking for a new "adoptive parent" to accommodate the 2101 on mainline excursions.
The paint scheme depicted on this model is based on authentic concept art from Bob Lorenz, the legendary railroad artist who also designed paint schemes for the American Freedom Train, the Chessie Steam Special and many of Rowland's other ventures.
The concept was pitched to Conrail management in 1978, and as history suggests, it was rejected, as Conrail was still in the thick of resolving the many issues that plagued it's predecessor roads. Sadly, the 2101 would lose her chance at ever running again with a tragic roundhouse fire that set the poor thing ablaze in 1979. Because the locomotive's original tender was warped by the fire, it was swapped with that of the 2100, the locomotive's parts source at the time, and she was cosmetically restored and donated to the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore. She was traded for Chesapeake & Ohio no. 614, which was restored to run more excursions on Chessie starting in 1981.
The Conrail Steam Special was shelved until Richard Sandborn came on board as CEO and Chairman of the Board at Conrail in 1989. Rowland and Sandborn had worked together in the past on the Chessie excursions, and upon his appointment, the two began crafting a system-wide steam program using the 614. They were reportedly very close to signing a contract when Sandborn suddenly died of a heart attack just 43 days into his tenure as CEO. The proposal to run steam on Conrail died with him.
Again, great work!
ONE TRAIN WITH 5 WHISTLES AND BELLS I swear to god my mind is completely blown
To see the original conceptual drawing, visit the Conrail Historical Society's Archive Site, who own the originals, that were generously donated in 2019. Bob Lorenz made these watercolors of 2101, it's Auxiliary Tender, and an Observation Car.
😮
I love the fact that you can change the whistle and bell sounds!
I saw the thumbnail and thought, “no way he actually got one.”
While it is one of Lionel’s numerous “what if” engines, I really like the Conrail T1.
As do I, the paint scheme is brilliant
It should be a real locomotive
I believe I seen that Conrail scheme on HO steam trains
Think it was on a IHC & they may have done others or it was proposed
Do want!
I love it
@@SteamIsntKing ayyy, hey there amigo
The town in Alabama and railroad name Gulf, Mobile and Ohio is pronounced "Mo-beel". When pronounced like Mo-bull" it is an oil/gas station chain.
Yeah I know, it was just a mistake.
You are correct, also, Go Jags
The stock whistle is the ATSF 3751 whistle, the 2nd whistle is the Frisco 4-8-4, the 3rd whistle is the SP 6 chime from the Legacy 4-4-2's, GS-2, GS-4, Gs-6. The 4th whistle is the original T1 whistle, and whistle 5 is the same as 4 just slightly lower. The stock bell sounds like a D&RGW K-36.
so for anyone who never knew this:
The Conrail paint scheme for Reading 2101 was proposed and therefore supposed to happen, but the roundhouse fire commenced and the 2101 was heavily damaged. This resulted in the cancellation for the Conrail 2101 Excursions, and 2101 as already said resides in the B&O Railroad Museum.
Sheriff Teasley: What do you open with a knife like that?
Eric: Name it.
Seriously
Nice First Blood reference!
What do I use to open this new train box? A big ass knife!😂 Nice knife and nice engine!
Those long, deep, quilling whistles 👌
May not be realistic but that’s one of the most beautiful schemes I’ve ever seen Lionel roll out.
I love the whistle steam smoke effect on this locomotive. And I’m never sure either if a Reading T1 locomotive had a Conrail scheme or not. But I too cannot ignore Lionels creativity. I like this scheme as much as the Milwaukee S2 #260 in Hiawatha colors. Even though not prototypical. This engine is awesome. I’m ready for tomorrow.
love it when you turn down the lights for a "night" run......
A Conrail steam locomotive, sick! Next we need a streamlined Amtrak steam engine!
the T1 looks beautiful I wish there was a smaller version that fits on O36
I like the whistles on this model.
I like the changeable whistle and bells
That’s a lot of thick smoke coming out of that whistle.
I love how we are starting to see body mounted couplers on O-scale engines!
That whistle steam looks amazing
I like whistle number 4.Over all a very cool locomotive.
I actually found myself watching the entire HelloFresh ad because the baby was so cute.
That zoom in looks really cool 12:57
WOW, WHAT A LOCOMOTIVE! That Conrail T-1 is just stunning, thanks for sharing!
Cool job on the T1 Doubleheader starting at 14:50. You sure surprised me.
The "what if" paint scheme on the T-1 looks awesome! The ability to change the whistle is very cool! As well as the bell. You picked a great one!
Regarding the SD-40, I always like that GM&O scheme.
Thanks for sharing Eric!
A few very impressive models. In spite of being a British railway fan, I’ve always had a soft spot for Yank engines. Hope you enjoy them!
- The Caledonian
I love the whistle options
Whistle 3 and bell 1... wowsie wowsie wow wow wow 🤩!
Never before has the Conrail Livery looked so appropriate on a steam locomotive until now. I guess this fictional livery is meant to homage both all of those HO scale Conrail steam engine models from back in the day as well as being in the same vein as the Chessie System Livery the real engine wore.
I’m so glad you picked up the Conrail T-1! The would-be look just fits so well and looks good! Great work!
I love unboxing videos. Do this on your regular Videos ! Whistle 4 and 5 are really good
That actually was a proposed paint scheme for Reading 2101 that was to be for a steam program on Conrail that was being considered but never became a reality. According to the catalog, the Conrail paint scheme was based on an actual artist's rendition of 2101
My favorite locomotive, the Reading T-Hog. I gotta say the Conrail scheme looks good and using the Chessie cars behind 2101 is kinda funny too. Now for the criticism, Lionel still can’t get the right whistle on their stuff or bells. Whistle 4 or 5 is the closest to a Reading 6 chime you can get and I think it’s bell 2 or 3 that is closest. I’m happy they finally gave people more options than the old cookie cutter whistles and bells. Once again you did a great video Eric! Now I gotta decide if I want to make a CR 2101 in HO scale.
I'd love to see a Northern type locomotive decked out in an Amtrak Phase III paint scheme.
Love the paint scheme choice. That blue is awsome. Great looking loco thanks for sharing hope your having a great holiday
That's really a good comparison. I bet the older T1 looks a little jealous. ;)
What an absolutely beautiful locomotive.
She looks awesome.
Now, if anyone were to make one of these in H0 I am quite sure I wouldn't resist too long...... or at all.
In fact I would have it on preorder as soon as possible.
But yes, this T-1 is very much to my taste.
Whistle 5 is the best to go with. Considering this is an RDG T-1 the RDG 6 chime fits it well
Oh damn! You got one of my favorite fantasy locomotives Eric! Congratulations!
The T-1 was built on my birthday! Pretty cool!
Superb vid....amazing sounds...the alloy coaches are stunning....
Jim.
That T-1 would look great doubleheaded with the Blue Comet locomotive.
5 whistles and not one of them is the Reading freight whistle native to the T1. SMH. I do love that you can change the class lights. That’s cool.
An interesting T1 version. The new trailing truck, after the removal of those brake cylinders, better reflects what the prototype actually had which was equipped with a booster engine. Now the model has it too. The smokebox reflects the changes owner Ross Rowland applied which includes centering the headlight and adding the angled numberboards. Nice that Lionel finally provided us with a choice of bells and whistles (no pun intended). This in my opinion has been long overdue in the model train world. Although I would much prefer to see 2101 in her revised American Freedom Train colors the Conrail blue is different. Thanks for the video and Happy New Year to you.
i got 1 contrail locomotive for christmas, its a diesel. I do own 2 PRR steam engines, which is why i’ve been due for a contrail diesel engine.
8:48 Is it just me, or does this sound exactly like Reading 425? (I mean it is a Reading 6 chime)
So beautiful video,the sounds great😍👍
Thanks
Conrail blue looks good on any locomotive, even a steam locomotive! (I actually have a Conrail Blue 0-4-0 Pennsy A3 steam loco in HO scale. Unfortunately, it no longer works and has become a parts engine.
Dang, Eric, you sure find Ones that stand out
Still waiting for the high speed run by, after all it is a passenger train with a schedule to keep. Loved the double heading ( nice touch). awaiting next video...
Really nice! Thanks for sharing! Happy New Year!
Gosh I love that blue.
Hey, I alredy had the idea of repainting a steam locomotives into Conrail livery! Anyway, this is beautiful!!
I’ve never seen a Conrail steam loco. It looks really cool
I never saw a model like that Eric totally awesome
😮I love the paint scheme
Heck of an engine Eric heck of an engine
...
Never have I seen something so cursed yet so beautiful!
That is a sharp looking engine and train cars!
You should really have a first aid kit on standby when working with such a big piece of American made cutlery! :-)
Even though 2101 never pulled any excursion trains for Conrail, I really like the way it looks. I would really like to see if Broadway Limited makes something similar to this in HO.
whistle number 5 is my favorite
Are you gonna do a video of the lionel Jupiter and 119 models?
yes
It seems as though the smoke units and railsounds have also improved.
Amazing video!!!!! Love the T1 and the sd40
That lionel conrail T1 looks awesome but I think it could look just a little better with some scale polar express passenger cars behind it's tender
A ConRail steam locomotive?
I have officially seen it all.....
That multiple whistle feature is for me more annoying than attractive. All Lionel needs to do is (if recording of the actual loco exist) to digitally duplicate it and put it in that particular model. I have a JLC Allegheny, beautiful engine but they really blew it with the whistle. So I had it upgraded to Legacy. The whistle is prototypical AND it runs smoother, starting out much slower and not jerking when it starts to move. The technician did a fantastic job with my model.
I love the knife your using lol
This is a really nice model. The timbre in bell #'s 2,3,4 sound nice with a brass soft edge. However, those whistle sounds seem too close in sound while resembling a riverboat whistle. I personally love the deep throaty sound of the Y6B or the NYC Niagra. Crew talk has improved and passes with dialogue reflective for the time period.
That is where Lionel and MTH miss it with most of their steam engines. The crew talk does not reflect the time period nor are there any really accurate background sounds. They also sound like two robots communicating and not real people with one exception.
I'd love to have a function whereby while the train is running, you can hear sounds from the cab such as the injectors pouring water into the boiler ,the sound of the fireman either shoveling coal or the stoker conveyor moving coal into the firebox with the sound of the steam jet spraying it into the firebox. Also, I'd love to hear the engineer running the train: moving the Johnson bar or the power reverse as well as calling out signals.
🎶 Don’t ask what I did with the rent just consider it money well spent 🎶 😂
Great review of the conrail T1 Eric!!!
A conrail business train would look good behind that.
Wow, amazing model. Beautiful too, even if it uses artistic license to have special paint!
whistle three fits this engine too good
Are we going to see the Promontory celebration 440 locomotives reviewed?
Get the Auxiliary Tender and the Conrail business Lionel train and make the dream train set
Conrail planned to purchase a T-1 for a never-concieved steam program. The deal fell through though.
I love this video and I will like and subscribe
Very cool model! Only slight letdown was the blue didn't have the same shade or gloss as the image from Lionel's website
I can’t tell if I like that conrail t-1 or not tbh, then again we all have our preferences
Its gonna take me 10 years to catch up to you're collection eric lol
I liked whistles 2 and 5
Well if Conrail would gone through with there steam program, most likely Ross Rowland would have painted the 2101, like they painted 2101 in the Chessie Steam Special
When you have an open house, I can try running the diesel locomotive on my iPhone if you need extra hand
I vote for whistle number 3
You're around maple street? Very cool to see.
hola buenas noche muchas gracias por subir el video abrazo grande
Long live 2101!
i see that BR 185 in the background
The actual CR # 2101 was a EMD GP-20.
And ofcourse, I think all 5 whistles are disappointing, due to my preference for the high-pitched Reading Hooters. ;)
I like whistle 3 and 4
From one Eric to another, Please don't weather this Conrail!
Beautiful engine Eric! In case you do a review of the SD40, please know that Mobile is pronounced "mobeel". It's also a fantastic engine, I got the 906.
I had a brain fart, For some reason I thought that was Sp&p 700
Until I read the description
Wait what a reading T1 in conrail blue?
Will you ever review the LC2 0-6-0t?