Just as an FYI, they are all like that - 700E/763E, 773, 783, 785 and 1990 700E. The goal was not to have the E-unit lever protruding through a scale boiler. And yes, it is a unique way...that is how they did it in the mid-1930s :)
If the electronic board is shot it would be cool to install or just use the old fashioned air whistle. It is amazing how much bigger this engine is compared to all the others. I have a Century Club version and love it.
Having started watching your videos recently I have to say I like the way you collect, mostly simple engines that can actually be fixed, so many have modern legacy models that when the complex electrics fail will just be shelf ornaments, yours are much closer to the spirit of Lionel as it has always been, I have a collection of Standard scale, you can fix a one hundred year old locomotive, almost anything can be repaired, be interesting to see how the modern stuff will fare over the next century.
Thank you! I agree, the old stuff is fixable, serviceable, and can be brought back from the dead. The newer stuff is just not going to last, except as you say, as a shelf ornament. The only thing I’ve found to be an issue with the old stuff is the darn zinc rot or whatever it’s called. I have an old standard gauge 1835 and I could get everything working, but the frame is busted. Other than that though, the old stuff will always be my favorite.
@@dagryffynhobby I rebuilt my 1835 using a repro frame from Hennings trains, also replaced wheels on many locomotives, I have a U frame 33 that’s well over 100yrs old and still runs, it’s a very broad hobby, but then I also have steam models running in my garden and British 0 gauge as well, so I am a lost cause 😇 thanks for the videos
Each era of Lionel production has identifying characteristics. The era in which your 783 was produced was quite different from today’s Lionel. At that time, Lionel’s perception of their customer base was that of baby boomers who grew up in the 1950’s with unsatisfied desire for the excellent Lionel products from the fifties. They were quite accurate. Thus, the 783 was built very much like the 773 from 1950. The 773 was built as a “not as much scale” cousin of the 700E from the late 1930’s, but very rugged and of high quality. One thing that 783 inherited from it’s predecessors is low gearing in order to have “scale like” speeds. It looks like you have already discovered that.
I grew up wanting the postwar trains that my grandfather and uncle had. I spent a lot of time watching them run trains on their layouts. I’ve always been into trains, but due to space constraints I was modeling in N scale for a long time. Now that I have the space, I am rediscovering those trains I wanted as a kid. So whether it’s pre/postwar or a later reproduction, it just makes me happy. I wonder how my interests will change as time passes.
Reminder of my childhood days playing with my dad's Lionel set from the 60's which still has. Needs some work. However I remember more when mom and dad got me an HO set and what I do now. Not up or really started. I have a 4x8 layout that dad and I worked on setting up. I then got interested in ham radio and got put on the back burner. I was getting ready to set up and then got word that I'm going to be an uncle for the first time. In light of that mom asked if I want to move to Ohio and I said yes. So in about a year or so would be moving. I will set it back up and actually finish it and extend it. I just found you.
My uncle always said to me, there will be a time for the trains. I went without them for a long time. Spent the first 10+ years renovating my house after work and looking at the garage knowing one day I would have a layout in there. I really only started building it last summer. It’s good to have plans, regardless of scale. I seriously considered a large N scale layout, but ended up going to O. Thanks for watching 👍
If the problem is the board you may be able to get one from Lionel. I was able to get a 2014 board for my 2004 Polar express. Best of luck. The engine looks great. I am fortunate to have the one with the spokes that you spoke of and yes it is a beauty.
As for the no sound tender. Lionel used a double stick tape to hold the board to the steel frame. They turned to dust allowing the board to short to the frame. Open the tender shell to check for this problem or a broken wire at the board and at the engine. The large tender used on the 18003 has a plastic board holder so it won't short out. I have two 18003s. Train Tender may have these boards if it's shorted. I would look for a better sound system if a replacement is needed and maybe have it installed by a repair shop. Or try to find a steam rail sounds box car.
There are definitely some options! I’ll do a service on it and see if I can get it working. From underneath the bit of foam I can see seems ok, but I won’t really know until I get in there. I’m still hoping for just a broken wire 🤞
Awesome! I got a 785 a few months ago and I love it! I got such a good deal on it, I couldn't pass it up. There's nothing like a lionel scale hudson. I actually have mine on a shelf in my bedroom so I can gaze upon whenever I want.
Nice unboxing. Looks great and runs smooth! I got a 783 a few years ago and it kicked off my interest in scale sized engines, though I do still have a soft spot for my semi-scale Lionel and Railking.
Very nice Hudson. I enjoyed watching and particularly related to the comment “I really need to cool off, been buying too much lately”. Once the train bug gets you …. I acquired the Lionel Century Club 773 version and it is very similar in overall appearance. Love it! Keep it up!
Thanks!! The century club 773 is a beautiful piece. Yeah if I don’t slow down there may be a domestic force disturbance, and I may end up sleeping in the garage!
Also, One thing I've done is started a "Wish List" on my I-phone notes so that I can park that thought for at least a bit before actually buying anything else. I also research prices a bit so gives me some time to "browse" but hopefully not buy. Hope that helps. Enjoy the engine!
Great video as usual. Love your new purchase! I myself, went a crazy with a purchase. I just bought a Lionel Norfolk and Western class A, 1218. All I can say there is, good thing I am not married. :)
Thank you! It’s ok in there unless it’s real hot out for a few days, the. It gets gross, but I have two ceiling fans and that helps. Winter is another story though!
Beautiful locomotive! I have a soft spot for the MPC scale Hudsons. I have the grey 785 Hudson and plan on getting a postwar 773 from a friend in the near future. Keep the videos coming!
Both great engines! It’s a good thing I didn’t know about these when they came out, I would have been about ten years old and would have really wanted one!
Nice engine! I personally never liked that type of sounds of steam in that Lackawanna tender. I would run sound delete if I had one. I’ll take the old standard air chime whistle in the tender for sound any day!
Thanks! I rarely use the Sound of Steam , I’d rather listen to the sound of rolling on the rails and the sound of the motor. Come to think of it, I don’t use the old style whistles much either.
Dave if i was in the market to buy a scale hudson in the modern Era that would be the one. The vision line is really feature full but, im not a command control type operator. Now postwar or prewar would be my top choice (prewar hands down) but they are really expensive. Great find! Enjoy it!
Oh I know! If i get one I'll do tbe same as you did, mpc. I also wanted to let you know that on your past videos you have featured a real nice 225e, i kept looking at the vidoes and decided i had to have one too, so i took a chance on a fixerupper on e bay and gott a real nice runner,thanks to you and your channel.
I love that there isn’t a slot, I understand that it’s easier to use the one with the lever out the top, but not having the lever looks so much better!
Nice! It really is a nice engine, especially for the price. I have a little issue on my O54 and I’m not sure if it’s the engine or the track. I’ll figure it out one of these days. Either way it runs well and doesn’t derail, so I’m happy.
It just goes to show that the 783 is the REAL McCoy. Scale Hudson motors were built to run on 0-25 Volts. (Type V/Z transformer output) It has the soul of a prewar engine.
People can say what they want but the mighty sound steam was a very ingenious way of putting sound in a steam locomotive. I do just like to hear the train going down the track without all the sound effects with multiple trains it gets old and cacophonous after a while.
Great video, Dave. Beautiful engine. If I were lucky enough to own this, I would leave The Mighty Sound of Static disconnected. Compared to modern sound systems it is very primitive. I do enjoy all of your videos, keep them coming.
Very Nice Piece for your collection brother. Lol yes Sir I understand the "For a while" aspect you're referring to. I have my sights set upon a grey 785 Hudson myself. If my wife found out how much it is going to cost??? SMFH Yeah......! I totally get ya man! But otherwise, beautiful looking train you have yourself now! Hope it's everything you wanted and then some.
I really enjoy this engine! It’s not perfect but it runs well and looks good. And it didn’t break the bank either. I saw a 785 and a 783 at a show, guy wanted to sell both, I’m fairly certain if I bought both I could have gotten them for under $300 each.
The plug for the sound is reversible I put a dab of paint for a guide .,and I run mine on 042 curves .I haven't tried it through 042 switches ..And I have the 5344 ,1990 scale Hudson with the open spoke drivers ,but it doesn't have Magnetration like yours does .Magnetraction ,sorry .Both great runners .
"What might be my last purchase for quite some time." If I had a dollar for every time my wife has heard that I could buy another engine! Very fun video and nice new engine! Should be a fun runner for a long time.
Nice engine. I just got a 6-18006 Hudson from 1990. The sound system doesn't work so I'm planning to upgrade it with an ERR sound board and maybe an AC commander if I go with TMCC on my railroad. One of the things I love about these engines is the made in America tag on the bottom of the engine. It will be interesting to see if the new stuff from China and Korea holds up as long as the old trains.
Thanks. It’s a great piece, not perfect but a well made beauty. It’s been recommended to me many times to upgrade mine the way you mention. Maybe someday.
In my old issues of Model Railroader Magazine from the late 1940s through the early 1950s in their photo sections they would show a lot of kitbashed Lionel locomotive a lot of guys took to Berkshire shed made articulated locomotives out of them and they look really good to makes me wonder where they are now.
Good idea to buy a nice engine. The ZW and most other traditional transformers will give you about 5 volts more with the whistle button and on an electronic horn or whistle you won't lose much current like you would on a motorized whistle. Yes, I now have 1501 Lackawanna. Mine the whistle sounded weird on the first test and a few later but about 5 minutes later it almost sounded like the Lionel air whistle. I assume the capacitors will need some replacing in the circuit, but sometime when electronics set for so long as long as they are not damaged or burnt out they can reform and then work fine. Oh, just this week 5/20/2022 I got the Lionel Milwaukee road passenger set form 1993, and the combo sound of steam and whistle board in the tender was still on the original foam and that foam had not rotted out. Did not get to run it yet, but I was impressed, it was till in tact
I’ve found that the 5volt start on the ZW is fine for 95% of what I run. I think I’m going to hook up a modern transformer to the outer loop and put them both on a switch so I can go back and forth between the ZW and the newer one. I’ve had some SOS boards still on the original foam, but I’ve also had some where the foam was absolutely disintegrated. At some point I’ll have to practice replacing things like capacitors on these boards. I don’t really have enough confidence in my soldering to try it at the moment.
I need to get some smoke fluid! I usually turn off the sound of steam also, but if it’s supposed to have it, I want it to work, even if I never use it!
@@dagryffynhobby the railsounds quit on my 5340 Hudson ,and people said then to get the Dallee sound system ,but i never did .the nice whistle still works .
I just grabbed myself a mint, unrun 784. Luckily, it has a plastic piece holding the Sound of Steam board, so it still works great. Now to find out how to get the smoke unit to actually puff smoke out of the right places...
Nice!! Smoke out of the right places? I’d say don’t put too much in, maybe let it sit in neutral for a moment. Hopefully that does it. If not, I’ve found the lines/hoses they use for the steam chest smoke can deteriorate. I used a little piece of fuel line for a lawn mower to replace it. Of course I can’t remember if that was this engine or a different one.
I have that engine, I purchased it new and when I ran it I thought it was slow so I took it back yo the hobby shop where I purchased it and they said because of it's size it is normal to run a little slower so I put it back in the box and didn't run it for another ten or eleven years but when I took it out of the box to run it again I still felt that something wasn't right so I took it to another hobby shop and they thought that the motor was defective and I should contact Lionel but since it was so old Lionel didn't want to service it . Lionel recommended that I send it to Brasseurs for repair or service . Brasseurs repaired it by replacing the motor , now it runs fine , these engines were made in Mexico where the quality control was terrible, the sad part is that I had to pay for a new motor on a new engine.
@@dagryffynhobby Probably my fault because I wasn't familiar with the Hudson Engine I believed the hobby shop owner that told me that the slow operation was normal especially since he told me that he purchased one for himself. I would have thought that the second place that I sent it to would have seen how it was in new condition and at least asked Lionel for a free motor.
Your engine is fine. The modern Hudsons are engineered just like the pre and postwar ones I.E. the speed is scale. A normal Lionel engine running at full speed would be a scale speed of about 300 mph. Your Hudson, when running at full speed, is doing a scale speed of about 90 mph which is way more realistic than 300 mph. Hope this helps and gets you to like it more :=)
@@d.b.cooper4495 yes engine is fine now that the motor was replaced. the motor that it was shipped with wouldn't make ip the elevated grade on a hobby shop owners layout where I took it to get serviced all of his engines made up the grade just fine, I have had many problems with new Lionel products that were produced during that time , i am not sure but it may have been due to production being done in Mexico . The Hudson that I received from Lionel had a bad motor in it and I had to pay to ship it out and have the motor replaced , my fault for waiting so long to verify that it had a real problem. Side note my GE 2010 vision line was shipped to me with a smoke unit fan that was wired in reverse and again one hobby shop re programmed or reset the engine ( at the time I was only able to run it in conventional mode since I didn't have Legacy Control) and I ran it a few times around a loop and it smoked then I stored it away for a few years and it wouldn't smoke and now I had a Legacy Command unit to use it with , had to bring it in for repair and the discovered the reversed wires on the smoke fan.
@@dennis2494 I have heard story after story like that from friends and postings on line and (no offense to anybody BUT) I am so glad I never got into the modern Lionel stuff. Some call me old-fashioned because I won't go near it but I am in love with my postwar stuff and the more stories like that I hear the more I like where I am. But, again, no offense to anybody - to each his own. And so far as my previous comment. my explanation is also stated in one of Doyle's books somewhere referring to people who considered the pre and postwar Hudsons "underpowered". And for the record - I have a '64 773 and it runs slow also.
What was great about Lionel and everything was that everything was made in America. This country used to make everything and now it makes nothing. So sad.
I initially had a negative opinion of them because of the cheap plastic entry level loco I had growing up, but the nicer stuff from that era is really nice and I’m enjoying finding some to add to my roster.
Where did you get your passenger rolling stock at I found some plastic cars but I think 50.00 dollars a piece is a little high for used plastic passenger cars
I'm sorry I am just so spoiled from my HO scale modeling days and having a cab interior in a steam locomotive in just two instead of just seeing the end of the motor I would rather have a cab interior with a crew.
The 1950 773 has the same it’s not new that eUnit system has been around a long time. Even the 1937 700e I believe has the same eUnit system. Now they are geared that way to look the true speed. I run my 773 on 0-31 and o36. They look much better on a larger loops. Sorry I do not like that 80’s sound that just me. I have videos on my 1950 773 50th year anniversary Hudson
Just as an FYI, they are all like that - 700E/763E, 773, 783, 785 and 1990 700E. The goal was not to have the E-unit lever protruding through a scale boiler. And yes, it is a unique way...that is how they did it in the mid-1930s :)
Cool, I like it. Kind of wish they had done that on all engines, scale or not. I’ve never liked the lever through the top of the boiler.
If the electronic board is shot it would be cool to install or just use the old fashioned air whistle. It is amazing how much bigger this engine is compared to all the others. I have a Century Club version and love it.
Ooooo the century version, very nice.
I’ve thought maybe just an old fashion whistle. Not sure yet, I’ll tinker a bit and see what happens.
This engine is on my list, great find! It has that same growl as the Post War version. Can’t beat that!
Thanks! It really does sound good! And it’s close enough to the pw version.
Having started watching your videos recently I have to say I like the way you collect, mostly simple engines that can actually be fixed, so many have modern legacy models that when the complex electrics fail will just be shelf ornaments, yours are much closer to the spirit of Lionel as it has always been, I have a collection of Standard scale, you can fix a one hundred year old locomotive, almost anything can be repaired, be interesting to see how the modern stuff will fare over the next century.
Thank you! I agree, the old stuff is fixable, serviceable, and can be brought back from the dead. The newer stuff is just not going to last, except as you say, as a shelf ornament.
The only thing I’ve found to be an issue with the old stuff is the darn zinc rot or whatever it’s called. I have an old standard gauge 1835 and I could get everything working, but the frame is busted. Other than that though, the old stuff will always be my favorite.
@@dagryffynhobby I rebuilt my 1835 using a repro frame from Hennings trains, also replaced wheels on many locomotives, I have a U frame 33 that’s well over 100yrs old and still runs, it’s a very broad hobby, but then I also have steam models running in my garden and British 0 gauge as well, so I am a lost cause 😇 thanks for the videos
Each era of Lionel production has identifying characteristics. The era in which your 783 was produced was quite different from today’s Lionel. At that time, Lionel’s perception of their customer base was that of baby boomers who grew up in the 1950’s with unsatisfied desire for the excellent Lionel products from the fifties. They were quite accurate. Thus, the 783 was built very much like the 773 from 1950. The 773 was built as a “not as much scale” cousin of the 700E from the late 1930’s, but very rugged and of high quality. One thing that 783 inherited from it’s predecessors is low gearing in order to have “scale like” speeds. It looks like you have already discovered that.
I grew up wanting the postwar trains that my grandfather and uncle had. I spent a lot of time watching them run trains on their layouts. I’ve always been into trains, but due to space constraints I was modeling in N scale for a long time. Now that I have the space, I am rediscovering those trains I wanted as a kid. So whether it’s pre/postwar or a later reproduction, it just makes me happy. I wonder how my interests will change as time passes.
She's a beauty. Maybe not as fast as the postwar engines but she does alright. Congrats!
Thanks. I’m enjoying running it, goes plenty fast for me!
I have that engine...it's a big sucker. I absolutely love it.
I can’t believe it took me so long to get one. I’m loving it.
I have 1958 Hudson that SOUNDS EXACTLY LIKE THAT!!! Love it!
The 773? Sweet. A beautiful engine.
I like your channel because you seem to like old school post war trains, which are the classics.
Thanks! I definitely love the postwar trains. I like that they are old, simplistic in design, and void of troublesome electronics.
Reminder of my childhood days playing with my dad's Lionel set from the 60's which still has. Needs some work. However I remember more when mom and dad got me an HO set and what I do now. Not up or really started. I have a 4x8 layout that dad and I worked on setting up. I then got interested in ham radio and got put on the back burner. I was getting ready to set up and then got word that I'm going to be an uncle for the first time. In light of that mom asked if I want to move to Ohio and I said yes. So in about a year or so would be moving. I will set it back up and actually finish it and extend it. I just found you.
My uncle always said to me, there will be a time for the trains. I went without them for a long time. Spent the first 10+ years renovating my house after work and looking at the garage knowing one day I would have a layout in there. I really only started building it last summer.
It’s good to have plans, regardless of scale. I seriously considered a large N scale layout, but ended up going to O.
Thanks for watching 👍
If the problem is the board you may be able to get one from Lionel. I was able to get a 2014 board for my 2004 Polar express. Best of luck. The engine looks great. I am fortunate to have the one with the spokes that you spoke of and yes it is a beauty.
Thanks Ray, I may look into that. I hope I can be happy with the version I have and not start looking for more!
As for the no sound tender. Lionel used a double stick tape to hold the board to the steel frame. They turned to dust allowing the board to short to the frame. Open the tender shell to check for this problem or a broken wire at the board and at the engine. The large tender used on the 18003 has a plastic board holder so it won't short out. I have two 18003s. Train Tender may have these boards if it's shorted. I would look for a better sound system if a replacement is needed and maybe have it installed by a repair shop. Or try to find a steam rail sounds box car.
There are definitely some options! I’ll do a service on it and see if I can get it working. From underneath the bit of foam I can see seems ok, but I won’t really know until I get in there. I’m still hoping for just a broken wire 🤞
Awesome! I got a 785 a few months ago and I love it! I got such a good deal on it, I couldn't pass it up. There's nothing like a lionel scale hudson. I actually have mine on a shelf in my bedroom so I can gaze upon whenever I want.
Very nice! It does make for a nice display piece! I have to get some shelves up in the train room for just that reason.
Nice unboxing. Looks great and runs smooth! I got a 783 a few years ago and it kicked off my interest in scale sized engines, though I do still have a soft spot for my semi-scale Lionel and Railking.
Thanks! I really hope this engine does not get me hooked on scale models, hopefully I’ll be ok sticking with postwar.
Looks cool! Super detailed!
It’s awesome, a nice big engine, and I love it
Very nice Hudson. I enjoyed watching and particularly related to the comment “I really need to cool off, been buying too much lately”. Once the train bug gets you …. I acquired the Lionel Century Club 773 version and it is very similar in overall appearance. Love it! Keep it up!
Thanks!! The century club 773 is a beautiful piece. Yeah if I don’t slow down there may be a domestic force disturbance, and I may end up sleeping in the garage!
@@dagryffynhobby Yep, totally get it.
Also, One thing I've done is started a "Wish List" on my I-phone notes so that I can park that thought for at least a bit before actually buying anything else. I also research prices a bit so gives me some time to "browse" but hopefully not buy. Hope that helps. Enjoy the engine!
@@gsoscaletrains6550 yeah I have a list, but then I can’t sleep and end up shopping. Oh well.
Great Addition. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, and thanks for watching!
Great video as usual. Love your new purchase! I myself, went a crazy with a purchase. I just bought a Lionel Norfolk and Western class A, 1218. All I can say there is, good thing I am not married. :)
Haha! I guess that can make these things easier! That 1218 is a stunning engine! Nice choice.
Nice engine I have a Lionel 1990 700E Hudson. The 783 looks great!
Thanks! The 700e from ‘90 is a gorgeous engine. 👍
@@dagryffynhobby I also have a Lionel 1997 commodore Vanderbilt 777. I love the whistle on it in my opinion one of the best whistles
@@brendanstrains9725 another beautiful engine!
Great looking engine! Love the size of it!
It’s a great piece for sure
I have one of them .It's one of my favorite engines .
Nice running session, love your layout design, it must be bearable in the room or garrage so fair play to run trains in that cool! Cheers
Thank you!
It’s ok in there unless it’s real hot out for a few days, the. It gets gross, but I have two ceiling fans and that helps. Winter is another story though!
Beautiful locomotive! I have a soft spot for the MPC scale Hudsons. I have the grey 785 Hudson and plan on getting a postwar 773 from a friend in the near future. Keep the videos coming!
Both great engines! It’s a good thing I didn’t know about these when they came out, I would have been about ten years old and would have really wanted one!
Dave,
I am just seeing this video, but what a beautiful locomotive! You did good finding and purchasing this beauty.
Congratulations!
Thanks! Still love this one!
Nice engine! I personally never liked that type of sounds of steam in that Lackawanna tender. I would run sound delete if I had one. I’ll take the old standard air chime whistle in the tender for sound any day!
Thanks!
I rarely use the Sound of Steam , I’d rather listen to the sound of rolling on the rails and the sound of the motor. Come to think of it, I don’t use the old style whistles much either.
I usually keep the S O S turned off.
Dave if i was in the market to buy a scale hudson in the modern Era that would be the one. The vision line is really feature full but, im not a command control type operator. Now postwar or prewar would be my top choice (prewar hands down) but they are really expensive. Great find! Enjoy it!
I feel the same way Bill. The postwar would be my first choice, but for the difference in price, the MPC comes out on top.
Oh I know! If i get one I'll do tbe same as you did, mpc. I also wanted to let you know that on your past videos you have featured a real nice 225e, i kept looking at the vidoes and decided i had to have one too, so i took a chance on a fixerupper on e bay and gott a real nice runner,thanks to you and your channel.
That really is a beautiful engine!
Thanks! I’m really enjoying it!
Hi again Dave, the Lionel 726 (1946) has an atomic motor with the same e-unit. I liked that there isn't a slot in the boiler for the switch.
I love that there isn’t a slot, I understand that it’s easier to use the one with the lever out the top, but not having the lever looks so much better!
@@dagryffynhobby Absolutely!!!
The e-unit set-up with the different plugs for the different functions is the same as on a couple of my pre-war engines.
A lever is easier but I love that there isn’t one sticking up through the boiler
@@dagryffynhobby Yes, I have to agree it makes them look more real.
Go through it and replace the original grease.
Mine blew the Sound of Steam board, so I retrofitted it with Railsounds from the 1997 Warhorse Hudson.
I will definitely be taking it apart and cleaning the old grease out. If I can stop running it long enough! Nice idea about the rail sounds .
Thanks for your videos Doug in Ga enjoyed it very much 😎
Glad you enjoyed the video! That makes me happy!
I bought one N O S in2003 and it's a great engine.Really runs great .
I run mine on 042 curves .It's fine but I haven't tried any switches.
Nice! It really is a nice engine, especially for the price. I have a little issue on my O54 and I’m not sure if it’s the engine or the track. I’ll figure it out one of these days. Either way it runs well and doesn’t derail, so I’m happy.
It just goes to show that the 783 is the REAL McCoy. Scale Hudson motors were built to run on 0-25 Volts. (Type V/Z transformer output) It has the soul of a prewar engine.
They really did a nice job on this one. I saw a doc about it recently, on Prime I think. They really put effort into it.
Really nice engine 👍 great video.
Thank you!!
People can say what they want but the mighty sound steam was a very ingenious way of putting sound in a steam locomotive. I do just like to hear the train going down the track without all the sound effects with multiple trains it gets old and cacophonous after a while.
I agree. It was a noble effort. I like to listen to it for a bit but then it needs to go off, especially if there are a few of them going
Great video, Dave. Beautiful engine. If I were lucky enough to own this, I would leave The Mighty Sound of Static disconnected. Compared to modern sound systems it is very primitive. I do enjoy all of your videos, keep them coming.
Thanks! I usually run any of the engines from that time with the SOS disconnected, but once in a while it’s fun to use, but only for a bit.
@@dagryffynhobby I totally agree 👍
Yes I usually keep the sound of steam turned off.
Very Nice Piece for your collection brother. Lol yes Sir I understand the "For a while" aspect you're referring to. I have my sights set upon a grey 785 Hudson myself. If my wife found out how much it is going to cost??? SMFH Yeah......! I totally get ya man! But otherwise, beautiful looking train you have yourself now! Hope it's everything you wanted and then some.
I really enjoy this engine! It’s not perfect but it runs well and looks good. And it didn’t break the bank either.
I saw a 785 and a 783 at a show, guy wanted to sell both, I’m fairly certain if I bought both I could have gotten them for under $300 each.
Nice Locomotive! I love my scale Hudson. You will not regret that pick up at all. If you do, you can sell it to me!😁
I think I’m keepin it! But ….
The plug for the sound is reversible I put a dab of paint for a guide .,and I run mine on 042 curves .I haven't tried it through 042 switches ..And I have the 5344 ,1990 scale Hudson with the open spoke drivers ,but it doesn't have Magnetration like yours does .Magnetraction ,sorry .Both great runners .
The Magnetraction is a big feature for me, especially since most of my rolling stock is heavier postwar
Cool new loco!
Thank you!
"What might be my last purchase for quite some time." If I had a dollar for every time my wife has heard that I could buy another engine! Very fun video and nice new engine! Should be a fun runner for a long time.
Haha! No, I really mean it! (I think) I’m not going to want anything else, I’ve already got everything I want! 😂
@@dagryffynhobby Sure!
Nice engine. I just got a 6-18006 Hudson from 1990. The sound system doesn't work so I'm planning to upgrade it with an ERR sound board and maybe an AC commander if I go with TMCC on my railroad. One of the things I love about these engines is the made in America tag on the bottom of the engine. It will be interesting to see if the new stuff from China and Korea holds up as long as the old trains.
Thanks. It’s a great piece, not perfect but a well made beauty. It’s been recommended to me many times to upgrade mine the way you mention. Maybe someday.
In my old issues of Model Railroader Magazine from the late 1940s through the early 1950s in their photo sections they would show a lot of kitbashed Lionel locomotive a lot of guys took to Berkshire shed made articulated locomotives out of them and they look really good to makes me wonder where they are now.
That’s too cool, I’d like to see that
Awesome 👍. I've been wanting a scale Hudson for a while. 773 would be nice too but it has no sounds.
Thanks! I would prefer a 773, but they are almost the same, so I’m happy 👍
@@dagryffynhobby They want an arm and a leg for 773s so those are great for the price.
@@joeystrains.9316 yeah the 773 continuously goes for a lot more than a 783. I’m a runner more than a collector so it’s close enough for me!
@@dagryffynhobby Oh, shoot. Now I'm eyeballing one on eBay. My wife is going to be....
@@joeystrains.9316 do it!
Good idea to buy a nice engine. The ZW and most other traditional transformers will give you about 5 volts more with the whistle button and on an electronic horn or whistle you won't lose much current like you would on a motorized whistle. Yes, I now have 1501 Lackawanna. Mine the whistle sounded weird on the first test and a few later but about 5 minutes later it almost sounded like the Lionel air whistle. I assume the capacitors will need some replacing in the circuit, but sometime when electronics set for so long as long as they are not damaged or burnt out they can reform and then work fine. Oh, just this week 5/20/2022 I got the Lionel Milwaukee road passenger set form 1993, and the combo sound of steam and whistle board in the tender was still on the original foam and that foam had not rotted out. Did not get to run it yet, but I was impressed, it was till in tact
I’ve found that the 5volt start on the ZW is fine for 95% of what I run. I think I’m going to hook up a modern transformer to the outer loop and put them both on a switch so I can go back and forth between the ZW and the newer one.
I’ve had some SOS boards still on the original foam, but I’ve also had some where the foam was absolutely disintegrated.
At some point I’ll have to practice replacing things like capacitors on these boards. I don’t really have enough confidence in my soldering to try it at the moment.
Very cool engine I hope you can find out what's wrong with the tender.
Me too! I am working on another sound of steam tender, so hopefully I can get at least one of them working.
I usually shut off the sound of steam ,but they really run great ..I bought mine in 2004 .
They smoke real nice also
I need to get some smoke fluid! I usually turn off the sound of steam also, but if it’s supposed to have it, I want it to work, even if I never use it!
@@dagryffynhobby The plug is reversible .I put a dab of paint on mine as a guide .You might want to try that .Nice video .
I think I tried both ways, I’ll double check.
@@dagryffynhobby the railsounds quit on my 5340 Hudson ,and people said then to get the Dallee sound system ,but i never did .the nice whistle still works .
I been following you channel i recently sold my o gauge for s gauge and am glad it did i only have a 5.5 by 8 layout
Sold your O gauge?! Oh no! I love S gauge too, so many great classics and modern stuff in S.
Nice!
Thank you!
I just grabbed myself a mint, unrun 784. Luckily, it has a plastic piece holding the Sound of Steam board, so it still works great. Now to find out how to get the smoke unit to actually puff smoke out of the right places...
Nice!! Smoke out of the right places? I’d say don’t put too much in, maybe let it sit in neutral for a moment. Hopefully that does it. If not, I’ve found the lines/hoses they use for the steam chest smoke can deteriorate. I used a little piece of fuel line for a lawn mower to replace it. Of course I can’t remember if that was this engine or a different one.
Lube it up.
Yup. Applied some oil to a few spots. Now I’m going to take it all apart and clean and lube it.
I have the Hudson 700e 5340. The sound of the horn is awesome
Nice!
@@dagryffynhobby Did you get your sound working?
@@gwilson61 yes I did. I don’t recall what the issue was though
I have that engine, I purchased it new and when I ran it I thought it was slow so I took it back yo the hobby shop where I purchased it and they said because of it's size it is normal to run a little slower so I put it back in the box and didn't run it for another ten or eleven years but when I took it out of the box to run it again I still felt that something wasn't right so I took it to another hobby shop and they thought that the motor was defective and I should contact Lionel but since it was so old Lionel didn't want to service it . Lionel recommended that I send it to Brasseurs for repair or service . Brasseurs repaired it by replacing the motor , now it runs fine , these engines were made in Mexico where the quality control was terrible, the sad part is that I had to pay for a new motor on a new engine.
Well that stinks that they didn’t do anything about it at the start! Would have been nice if they fixed it then.
@@dagryffynhobby Probably my fault because I wasn't familiar with the Hudson Engine I believed the hobby shop owner that told me that the slow operation was normal especially since he told me that he purchased one for himself. I would have thought that the second place that I sent it to would have seen how it was in new condition and at least asked Lionel for a free motor.
Your engine is fine. The modern Hudsons are engineered just like the pre and postwar ones I.E. the speed is scale. A normal Lionel engine running at full speed would be a scale speed of about 300 mph. Your Hudson, when running at full speed, is doing a scale speed of about 90 mph which is way more realistic than 300 mph. Hope this helps and gets you to like it more :=)
@@d.b.cooper4495 yes engine is fine now that the motor was replaced. the motor that it was shipped with wouldn't make ip the elevated grade on a hobby shop owners layout where I took it to get serviced all of his engines made up the grade just fine, I have had many problems with new Lionel products that were produced during that time , i am not sure but it may have been due to production being done in Mexico . The Hudson that I received from Lionel had a bad motor in it and I had to pay to ship it out and have the motor replaced , my fault for waiting so long to verify that it had a real problem. Side note my GE 2010 vision line was shipped to me with a smoke unit fan that was wired in reverse and again one hobby shop re programmed or reset the engine ( at the time I was only able to run it in conventional mode since I didn't have Legacy Control) and I ran it a few times around a loop and it smoked then I stored it away for a few years and it wouldn't smoke and now I had a Legacy Command unit to use it with , had to bring it in for repair and the discovered the reversed wires on the smoke fan.
@@dennis2494 I have heard story after story like that from friends and postings on line and (no offense to anybody BUT) I am so glad I never got into the modern Lionel stuff. Some call me old-fashioned because I won't go near it but I am in love with my postwar stuff and the more stories like that I hear the more I like where I am. But, again, no offense to anybody - to each his own. And so far as my previous comment. my explanation is also stated in one of Doyle's books somewhere referring to people who considered the pre and postwar Hudsons "underpowered". And for the record - I have a '64 773 and it runs slow also.
Your hudson sounds just like my old Marx
Old trains sound the best
Hello Dave nice engine I have the scale mth premier bigboy
Thanks. Very nice.
I see you took my advice.
Yes sir I did!
Looks like you got a good deal
I think so too. Still enjoy running this one.
They had an on off switch under the tender .
Yup, the switch had no effect. I’ll open the tender up soon and check out the wiring.
What was great about Lionel and everything was that everything was made in America. This country used to make everything and now it makes nothing. So sad.
Love the Lionel baseball hat at the beginning of the video! Where did you get that?
Picked the hat up at the Lionel Store in North Carolina.
Just FYI - It runs on 0-31 O-gauge curves just not 0-27 - This is the same as the 773 Hudson
I can’t imaging it runs very well on those tight turns. I’ll have to try it iut
I really like the Lionel MPC era trains.
I initially had a negative opinion of them because of the cheap plastic entry level loco I had growing up, but the nicer stuff from that era is really nice and I’m enjoying finding some to add to my roster.
Where did you get your passenger rolling stock at I found some plastic cars but I think 50.00 dollars a piece is a little high for used plastic passenger cars
Passenger cars, I shoot for around $25 each, train shows are best but good deals can be found on eBay
Where can I get one of those hats ?🧢
At the Lionel store!
Sounds like a cow. We sure have come a long way.
It’s nothing like the new stuff but it has a charm of its own.
dagryffyn hobby I still got some post war stuff with the air whistles
@@V-max97 the classics never go out of style
Can u convert this engine to an MTH Protosound 2 or 3 upgrade ?
That is something I know nothing about. Sorry.
@@dagryffynhobby thats ight m8
I'm sorry I am just so spoiled from my HO scale modeling days and having a cab interior in a steam locomotive in just two instead of just seeing the end of the motor I would rather have a cab interior with a crew.
Can interiors would be nice
The 1950 773 has the same it’s not new that eUnit system has been around a long time. Even the 1937 700e I believe has the same eUnit system. Now they are geared that way to look the true speed. I run my 773 on 0-31 and o36. They look much better on a larger loops. Sorry I do not like that 80’s sound that just me. I have videos on my 1950 773 50th year anniversary Hudson
Just uploaded a new video with my 1950 773 Hudson. Enjoy 😉
I found one for 350
Nice. Did you get it?
If it had that crappy "sound of steam" originally, I'd count my blessings that it doesn't work!
3 RAIL TOY TRAIN....CAN'T MAKE A REALISTIC MODEL RAILWAY WITH THOSE TRACKS...WHAT'S WRONG WITH LIONEL....
There is always 2 rail conversion if that’s a concern. Personally I’m not going for total realism and I like the nostalgia of the 3 rail track.