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Post by josef on Feb 4, 2024 12:27:29 GMT
This guy probable does the best reviews compared to others on YouTube and would trust his conclusions more then others. What are your thoughts?
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Post by runamuckchuck on Feb 4, 2024 14:12:38 GMT
Thanks for bringing this review/reviewer to our attention josef.
I will unequivocally state that IMO this is the most informative/useful review of this engine I have seen. It is head and drive rods above the typical juvenile unboxing and oh this is so cool You Tube drivel that usually passes for a review.
This review reinforces my decision to cancel my preorder for this model. It is far too delicate and detailed for my needs and my wallet. If not for the incorrect wheel arrangement it makes me regret not ordering the far less detailed/less expensive Trainworld exclusive #90.
Mind you I am not criticizing those who spent the money and appreciate the level of detail this engine provides.
Perhaps later versions of this engine hinted at by Ryan Kunkel in his video announcing the #90 will work out some of the bugs noted in this review.
Better yet, perhaps MTH or Lionel will make a scale 'everyman' version of #90 that uses more conventional and less expensive production means and methods.
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Post by ron045 on Feb 4, 2024 14:16:17 GMT
That was a great review.
I liked his term... Expectations for a model of this price.
Like many, I too wanted a #90. Even my Wife does. But not at $1,900.
I can't even bring myself to purchase a $500 diesel, never mind a $2,000 steam engine.
I'm taking the family on a 10-day camping vacation in the Spring and that trip will be about $2,500.
I can't imagine denying the family that fun so I could have a model in the basement.
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Post by josef on Feb 4, 2024 14:31:12 GMT
Thanks for bringing this review/reviewer to our attention josef. I will unequivocally state that IMO this is the most informative/useful review of this engine I have seen. It is head and drive rods above the typical juvenile unboxing and oh this is so cool You Tube drivel that usually passes for a review. This review reinforces my decision to cancel my preorder for this model. It is far too delicate and detailed for my needs and my wallet. If not for the incorrect wheel arrangement it makes me regret not ordering the far less detailed/less expensive Trainworld exclusive #90. Mind you I am not criticizing those who spent the money and appreciate the level of detail this engine provides. Perhaps later versions of this engine hinted at by Ryan Kunkel in his video announcing the #90 will work out some of the bugs noted in this review. Better yet, perhaps MTH or Lionel will make a scale 'everyman' version of #90 that uses more conventional and less expensive production means and methods. You would not believe how close I came to also purchasing this engine. But then when I added up Lionels wooden coaches which were originally MTHs cost. I just said "no way". What's also is that my wife told me to go for it. But I'm glad I didn't. The cost, the wait, the possibility of something going wrong or not correct, is what stopped me and Lionel track record on if something may go wrong, it will be wrong.
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Post by Adam on Feb 4, 2024 15:23:26 GMT
Excellent review, very thorough. I agree with the video that at that price, there are simply too many issues and details that are amiss.
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Post by josef on Feb 4, 2024 15:47:12 GMT
Excellent review, very thorough. I agree with the video that at that price, there are simply too many issues and details that are amiss. I agree. He didn't waste time. Went directly to a review rather then opening a box with a knife of the week, etc. He gave a honest review which is lacking in details on many, the good and the bad.
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Post by rockymountaineer on Feb 4, 2024 18:36:56 GMT
Great OBJECTIVE review… and once again this candid review supports the conclusion I’ve drawn for years now about Lionel. The company is simply producing far too many products, and quality as well as attention to detail is being sacrificed. So once again, enthusiasts are forced to either pass on an offering OR adjust their expectations downward to live with any shortcomings in the model as delivered.
Sadly, I see nothing changing in Lionelville, until a new corporate culture is firmly established. And I just don’t see that happening any time soon. So meanwhile, we need to adjust our pre-order habits accordingly. And buy only when we’re satisfied the delivered product meets our expectations.
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Post by superwarp1 on Feb 4, 2024 19:18:31 GMT
Great OBJECTIVE review… and once again this candid review supports the conclusion I’ve drawn for years now about Lionel. The company is simply producing far too many products, and quality as well as attention to detail is being sacrificed. So once again, enthusiasts are forced to either pass on an offering OR adjust their expectations downward to live with any shortcomings in the model as delivered. Sadly, I see nothing changing in Lionelville, until a new corporate culture is firmly established. And I just don’t see that happening any time soon. So meanwhile, we need to adjust our pre-order habits accordingly. And buy only when we’re satisfied the delivered product meets our expectations. Nothing going to change until Lionel is sold to some rich guy who cares about the brand.
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Post by runamuckchuck on Feb 4, 2024 19:50:26 GMT
Great OBJECTIVE review… and once again this candid review supports the conclusion I’ve drawn for years now about Lionel. The company is simply producing far too many products, and quality as well as attention to detail is being sacrificed. So once again, enthusiasts are forced to either pass on an offering OR adjust their expectations downward to live with any shortcomings in the model as delivered. Sadly, I see nothing changing in Lionelville, until a new corporate culture is firmly established. And I just don’t see that happening any time soon. So meanwhile, we need to adjust our pre-order habits accordingly. And buy only when we’re satisfied the delivered product meets our expectations. Normally I would be all over the Christmas Hiawatha set however with rockymountaineer's observation that it has been a long time since Lionel made aluminum cars, and the gaff from the last big Christmas set, Yueltide Gate I have my hands firmly on the pause button. Have you seen some of the names on the Hiawatha coaches? They are just asking for misspelling. 
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Post by runamuckchuck on Feb 5, 2024 14:02:08 GMT
Excellent review, very thorough. I agree with the video that at that price, there are simply too many issues and details that are amiss. I agree. He didn't waste time. Went directly to a review rather then opening a box with a knife of the week, etc. He gave a honest review which is lacking in details on many, the good and the bad. The only other useful/informative video I saw on the #90 was with Ryan Kunkel and some nondescript fawning but none the less pleasant influencer on National Train Day. It was just an unboxing because of the intricate packing that Lionel used for this engine. Anyone who bought it would benefit from a look see as was clearly demonstrated to me at a local hobby shop where the new #90 owner struggled to get his engine out of the box. It was definitely touch and go even with three helpers. Of particular interest in this video was that the wing bolts that secured the engine to a metallic plate for added stability/rigidity were for whatever reason not of the same diameter. Ryan wisely noted that the owner should tape each bolt to the underside of the plate next to the hole from which it was removed so as not to have to fuss around when reboxing the engine. While all this is intended to keep delicate add on details from being damaged/dislodged during transit, I can't help but believe that the additional handling of the engine to remove the plate may add just as much risk if not more than normal shipping. That is not a criticism just a thought for extreme caution. With a seasonal layout, and not one to display or decorate with model trains, the prospect of un/reboxing the engine every six months or so considering the plate reattachment and the very snug fit of the styrofoam insert was the final deal breaker for me.
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