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Post by rockymountaineer on Nov 30, 2023 5:39:52 GMT
It's undoubtedly risky business pre-ordering from Lionel these days, because you just don't know what's coming from the factory. In fact, some days you'd wonder if the factory even has LOOKED at Lionel's catalog illustration... because the production model can be SO different from what's illustrated in the catalog.
Apparently that's sadly the case with Lionel's latest Dreyfus offerings that were intended to be modeled after the prototype locomotive. Suffice it to say Lionel is getting a royal lambasting over on the other forum (except for the usual fanboys who defend anything Lionel does). Frankly, I have no dog in the hunt for those prototype models. HOWEVER, the "Locomotive of the Year" Lionel Lines Dreyfus did catch my eye when it was first announced earlier in 2023 as a Lionel Store "exclusive" offering. I didn't pre-order this fantasy version back then though. But I did call the store a couple of weeks ago, when I no longer saw the locomotive listed in the store website anymore. The rep I spoke to was EXTREMELY helpful... told me it would be shipping around Thanksgiving... and even gave me a discount coupon to use when she placed the order. Now that's what I call good customer service. SOLD!!!! 
Anyway, true to form... the locomotive arrived on my doorstep Black Friday. But I've been so busy doing yard clean-up, I hadn't opened the box yet. HOWEVER... after reading all the horrible posts reporting color problems over on the other forum tonight, I thought I'd better open the box ASAP to see what strange atrocities Lionel might have committed with its Lionel Lines version. Well let me just say this: No worries at all. LIONEL. HIT. A. GRAND. SLAM. WITH. THIS. MODEL!
Now I know fantasy models are strictly in the eye-of-the-beholder. Some folks love 'em. Others literally hate 'em. I tend to be highly selective about which fantasy models I want to include on my roster. For the most part, I'll lean toward prototype paint schemes. But every once in awhile, a whimsical "what if" model will really catch my eye.
So I was really drawn to THIS one, and I'll likely use it to head up an Empire State Express passenger train consisting of Lionel 18" polished aluminum passenger cars from almost 20 years ago (i.e., part of Lionel's Century Club II offerings if I recall correctly). For that reason, I cracked open the box of the ESE StationSounds diner for the first time -- just for a few photos, until I get a chance to put the locomotive through its paces. Gotta admit it felt pretty cool to FINALLY open a brand new train from 2005 in absolute pristine condition!!!
Anyway, here are some iPhone photos I captured tonight of the 2023 Lionel Lines Dreyfus along with the Empire State Express dining car. The locomotive's paint scheme is quite eye-catching. And even if you don't like fantasy paint schemes, you've gotta give Lionel props for going with such a pearlescent blue finish. It's absolutely stunning in-person. And depending upon the lighting or the angle you're viewing it, the blue can sometimes take on an almost violet hue. REALLY. COOL.
OK... enough talking about it. Here are some photos. I feel bad for all the disappointment expressed with the color of the prototype models. But Lionel took just the right amount of artistic license on this Lionel Lines version IMHO. It’s quite a unique addition to the roster. No doubt about it!
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Post by david1 on Nov 30, 2023 6:57:48 GMT
That sure is different for a Dreyfus hudson. Not a color scheme I would like but if you like it enjoy it. I love fantasy schemes and I encourage all train makers to keep doing it and the customers that like them to support your favorite maker.
Dave
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Post by Adam on Nov 30, 2023 8:06:13 GMT
I actually like the color scheme. It has a certain classic feel to it. Nice!
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Post by keithb on Nov 30, 2023 10:30:13 GMT
That is wild.
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Post by lionelllc on Nov 30, 2023 12:54:57 GMT
I LOVE IT!
Stu
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Post by runamuckchuck on Nov 30, 2023 14:34:06 GMT
That is a color scheme right out of a Grateful Dead concert!
Too bad they didn't do tie dye consist paint schemes!
Maybe next time.
A real eye catcher!
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Post by Country Joe on Nov 30, 2023 14:49:56 GMT
Congratulations on the new engine, David. Lionel did a fabulous job. It’s a great addition to your roster. 👍
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Post by runamuckchuck on Nov 30, 2023 15:39:30 GMT
Too bad Lionel did not have your photos rather than their drab internet photo. You have a real dazzler there for sure.
There is no way I would have purchased this engine based on the Lionel Store photos. It looks nothing like what was delivered. If I was expecting what was pictured which IMO was a pretty conventional Lionel Blue, I might be more than a bit put out by what you received.
That said the violet color really jumps out at you. Terrific nuance with the blue.
In a way this brings us back to your original observation of the angst elsewhere about the prototypical fail paint job/striping wise of the other Dreyfuss engines.
How do you know what you are actually going to receive from Lionel?
In this case I agree that you lucked out with a unique paint scheme.
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Post by dennym57 on Nov 30, 2023 16:02:45 GMT
It's different. Congrats on your new engine.
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Post by healey36 on Nov 30, 2023 18:29:47 GMT
That is a color scheme right out of a Grateful Dead concert! Too bad they didn't do tie dye consist paint schemes! Maybe next time. A real eye catcher! This thing is somewhat reminiscent of the Phantom series of locos Lionel produced back in the 1990s. I believe those were a design inspired by Neil Young during his days affiliated with the company. It was a neat project, and it's one of the few modern era locos I regret not pursuing.
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Post by runamuckchuck on Nov 30, 2023 19:51:00 GMT
If I modeled a Grinch stole Christmas 'Whoville' Village, this engine would certainly be featured in it!
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Post by sdivtim on Dec 1, 2023 19:09:41 GMT
I have no comment about this because I might offend someone who likes it.
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Post by Adam on Dec 1, 2023 19:18:14 GMT
I have no comment about this because I might offend someone who likes it. Don't hold back, as long as we are respectful you are welcome to share your opinion on the OGF. I don't mind it, but I probably come from a different perspective. I didn't recall seeing this in the catalog, so I don't know how on or off the mark Lionel is on the colors and details. I am judging it only on its own merit. It is unique and, to me, has a classic feel. Whether I like it or not, it is out of my budget range so no matter.
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Post by rockymountaineer on Dec 1, 2023 20:31:07 GMT
I have no comment about this because I might offend someone who likes it. 
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Post by rockymountaineer on Dec 1, 2023 20:51:29 GMT
... I didn't recall seeing this in the catalog, so I don't know how on or off the mark Lionel is on the colors and details. I am judging it only on its own merit. It is unique and, to me, has a classic feel. ... Adam, this Lionel Lines Dreyfus wasn't in one of Lionel's regular catalogs. It's one in the series of locomotives that's been an exclusive offering through the Lionel company store — something they’ve done for a few years now. They typically announce it early in the year with a pre-order deadline of mid-March or so. They’re typically decked out in the Lionel Lines livery — which by definition tends to appeal more to a crowd seeking some nostalgia.
I've added a couple of these "locomotive of the year" steamers to my roster, but I typically buy in Nov/Dec when they're delivered. Aside from the online illustration on the web store, there's no other image to guide interested parties.
It's very strange though. These jewels tend to disappear from the store's website later in the year -- almost implying they're "sold out". But then after the factory shipment arrives Stateside (usually about 45 units or so), they show up again on the store website -- which, as of this post, the Lionel Lines Dreyfus is available to purchase directly online (again).
The Circle-L logo is very 1960's for me. I remember it vividly in the 1966 Lionel catalog -- my first venture into Lionel trains. So there's the nostalgic childhood tug from the days my Dad would take me to a Lionel dealer near his office on Saturdays. And yes, it's got a very "classic" feel to it.
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