> "aztecfan" wrote:
> Buying a $500 engine and throwing away the sound unit is not the thing to do
> just to run on DC.
Yes, you are correct. It makes no sense in the long run, but it is the best way
to go if you want it right now today.
> We all know all Lionel AF have DC motors.
Are you certain that everyone knows that?
> Lionel can sell us one with out the sound unit with Scale wheels and everyone
> will be happy.
Lionel first must make a decision to make a product such as you describe. That
decision has not yet been made. Until it is made, you will not be able to buy
such an engine from Lionel. Until then, you will not be happy.
> Is this too simple?
You need to ask Lionel that question. Have you written to them to express your
thoughts? That might help them to see the light.
> Their old engines run on DC.
Could be. I never owned any old AF or Flyonel locos.
> That was my point for 3 months.
If I understand you correctly, you want a DCC-operated loco with smoke and
sounds and scale wheels. I would suggest you buy any scale loco you want and
install a Tsunami decoder and a smoke unit if it can fit. AM steamers come
with smoke. I do not know of any easier way to get there. Maybe someone else
will have some idea.
> So like I said we can't buy a new Lionel engine that runs DC, just old
> versions.
Yes, that is true to the best of my knowledge. For more details, I would
suggest you communicate directly with Lionel or Doug Peck.
> So I ordered 2 AM enignes for $225 each.
I am sure Ron Bashista appreciates your business.
> I have not spent any money on any Lionels new engines.
This is a free country and you can spend your money as you see fit.
> They still seem to ignore the customer.
You are also entitled to your opinions. We all have those.
> I want all the new engines and can afford them at $250.
I want Heaven and 77 virgins.
> So I have to pay over a $1,000 or more to in electronics.
Tsunami decoders run about $90 at discount dealers. Installation can be
purchased for about $50. Sometimes a club member or friend will do it for free.
> Then buy more electronics to get sound back in the engines.
The Tsunami has it's own sound. Just need a speaker or two at about $10 each.
> Then spend weeks of labor.
An experienced Tsunami installer can do it in a few hours.
> Not user friendly.
What you want is not commercially available in ready-to-run form. But it all
is doable and is not hard for an experienced modeler. User friendliness is a
judgement call. Easy for some, harder for others.
> Defend them all you want, but if you run DC and not AC I don't see a defense.
I don't think anyone is defending them. I think we are all trying to figure
out how to get what we want. My advice is to have lots and lots of folks
communicate directly with Lionel and MTH about their desires. This is not a
defense, but it is a strategy. I will admit that my request for Heaven with 77
virgins has not yet made it into any model railroad catalog.
> No don't have the time or money to waste.
For those who cannot find the products they desire commercially available, the
best option is to find a custom builder or a skilled modeler to do the
modifications for you. Yes, it costs money since it all takes time. Other
than that, I have no suggestions except to consider switching to HO or 3-rail O
since both of those scales have a lot more to offer in RTR products than S
scale.
Have fun....Ed L.
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