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Post by rockymountaineer on Nov 7, 2024 0:26:40 GMT
UPS delivered my Lionel Legacy Polar Express 20th Anniversary Plasmacoat Berkshire today, and the deco scheme is magnificent. Very much in the league of last year's plasmacoat Dreyfuss Hudson. This locomotive is available exclusively through the Lionelstore.com website, and it's now in-stock. I had pre-ordered mine when the 2024 Big Book (Vol1 catalog) was released in January.
I should say right off the bat that plasmacoat locomotives are a bit of a challenge to photograph properly. And in that regard, the photograph on Lionel's webstore page leaves a bit to be desired. It was supposedly a production sample. So I don't know if the model was photographed in poor lighting, or if a different paint and/or plasmacoat was used in production. Here's the Lionel photo... appearing dark blue with an almost black smokebox matching the black drivers on the locomotive.
However, on my layout which has lots of professional theatrical lighting, these photos below show how the plasma coating at different angles/lighting takes on very different appearances. The catalog describes this locomotive as plasmacoat that changes from blue to maroon, depending upon the viewing angle. I never quite got what I'd call a maroon color to appear under my lighting... but as you'll see, I was able to get a variety of color hues ranging from a satin, speckled blue to a deep shimmering violet. The smokebox color as delivered is what I'd call a medium-gray with a slight gloss to it.
Some of the photos here also show this year's plasmacoat locomotive along side last year's model. And you'll see the plasmacoat finish is very similar. I like it, but realize it might not be for everyone.
I'll post a video when I get a chance to put the locomotive through its paces, as I'm curious how many Polar Express Railsounds have been implemented on this model. I also have Polar Express coaches -- some with sounds. So this should make for a fun-filled Polar Express train during Christmastime. I sold my original Polar Express coaches with incandescent lights and black roofs last year. So I'm looking forward to the 20th Anniversary Passenger Set with LED lighting and simulated snow-covered roofs.
Meanwhile, enjoy the photos of this plasma-coat model as delivered...
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Post by david1 on Nov 7, 2024 1:08:30 GMT
It really looks nice, the color in different areas really stands out. Looks like Lionel got this one right.
Congrats on such a wonderful locomotive. Keep in mind that someone will not like it and will complain endlessly. Enjoy it.
Dave
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Post by runamuckchuck on Nov 7, 2024 1:24:28 GMT
The only PE engine to own if I were to own one that is. Razzle dazzle to beat the band! The future's so bright I had to wear shades.
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Post by Country Joe on Nov 7, 2024 1:52:16 GMT
That loco is really cool. I think Lionel hit a home run with this one. A grand salami!
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Post by Traindiesel! on Nov 7, 2024 2:31:20 GMT
David, that’s a beauty of a steam locomotive! Enjoy it.
However I’d be concerned that you were unable to see the maroon hue of the plasmacoat, especially under your high quality lighting.
Does anyone know if Lionel used the correct paint samples from the original 1925 Lima Locomotive Works plasmacoat Berkshire? Is it possible that omitting the advertised maroon hue was a cost cutting process, basically rendering this offering to a starter set level? This is the disadvantage of the BTO sales model.
Hopefully an upgrade to the Legacy Cab3 base can provide access to the maroon hue. I’d be a shame if you have to send the Berkshire back to Lionel for a maroon repair.  
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Post by runamuckchuck on Nov 7, 2024 11:35:22 GMT
As Bugs Bunny would say 'What a maroon!'
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Post by MartyE on Nov 7, 2024 11:37:58 GMT
Very Nice! Love this shot. Certainly looks like they hit a homer with this for those interested in this paint scheme. I'm a big PE guy but couldn't justify another Berk. Enjoy it David!
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Post by Adam on Nov 7, 2024 12:39:28 GMT
Interesting look for sure. Nice!
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Post by superwarp1 on Nov 7, 2024 13:08:28 GMT
Personally I think that's the ugliest engine ever, including my berk.  But each to his own, and if that's what Lionel advertised and delivered. A win win. |
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Post by rockymountaineer on Nov 7, 2024 13:49:16 GMT
Personally I think that's the ugliest engine ever, including my berk. But each to his own, and if that's what Lionel advertised and delivered. A win win.
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Post by JDaddy on Nov 7, 2024 14:11:19 GMT
Personally I like it but would I buy one? No. Definitely an eye catcher. enjoy!
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Post by elblumbo on Nov 7, 2024 18:42:49 GMT
Looks fantastic. Thanks for taking the time and effort to share.
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Post by runamuckchuck on Nov 7, 2024 21:53:15 GMT
As I recall the smokebox was to have been black. In your photos it looks sort of like a shade of clay grey. Can you elaborate please? Otherwise it looks like the Northern Lights on steroids!
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Post by rockymountaineer on Nov 8, 2024 1:02:17 GMT
As I recall the smokebox was to have been black. In your photos it looks sort of like a shade of clay grey. Can you elaborate please? Otherwise it looks like the Northern Lights on steroids! That's a question for the fine folks at Lionel. The "production sample" photo that Lionel posted on the company social media pages is the photo that's also been on the company store website for several months now. That's the first photo in my post. And yes... the smokebox appears almost black in that photo... as I noted, almost matching the color of the drivers (which ARE black).
Somewhere along the way... the product was illustrated in the catalog with a light blue body and a light gray smokebox. Yet the production sample photo was quite different. And then the "as delivered" locomotive is what you see in the photos on my layout. I'm quite pleased with the delivered model, as it's consistent with the plasma-coat color of last year's "Locomotive of the Year". The gray smoke box is a step up from the chalky gray we've seen Lionel use on far too many steamers. And this one has a slight gloss to it, which helps a bit. Thankfully it's not black.
As to why the production sample photo looks the way it does... only Lionel knows.
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Post by MartyE on Nov 8, 2024 10:29:58 GMT
Personally I think the gray is a better choice as it offsets itself from the Plasmacoat. Just my opinion though.
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But each to his own, and if that's what Lionel advertised and delivered. A win win.
