NOT WORTH THE PRICE? Lionel Strasburg 90
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- čas přidán 27. 06. 2024
- Is Lionels latest brass hybrid model of the infamous Strasburg railroad steam engine 90 2-10-0 engine worth the cost? At $1900, its quite the investment! It's been a popular engine on CZcams, with RBPTrains and Chris'sTrainsandThings among others raving about the engine, so I decided to get one to see for myself if it's worth the cost.
Take a look with me at the details and sounds of this engine and let me know, is it worth the extra costumer a normal Legacy engine?
This video has chapters, so have a look and bounce around as you please!
00:00 Intro
00:46 When did Lionel Announce?
01:44 What's a brass hybrid?
02:40 What's special about Strasburg?
03:52 Lets start talking about price
06:14 A QUICK unboxing...really!
08:13 The real money...ALL the fine details, CLOSE UP!
15:31 Those expensive custom sounds
21:29 Finally...THE RUN TIME!
25:33 Is it REALLY worth it? Final wrap up
Thanks to Legacy Station for this model, they got it to me quickly!
Check them out at www.legacystation.com
About Me
I have been collecting O Gauge Trains for several years and enjoy sharing the hobby with others! This channel to share O Gauge Trains and Experiences. I enjoy collecting trains and taking train adventures from time to time.
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Social Media: / gizmotrains
Considering that it was built using cheap Chinese labor, yes, the price is a bit high.
In my opinion, all of Lionel's present offerings are overpriced and overhyped. I often wonder how they expect to stay in business with $1000+ per loco and $500+ for entry-level sets.
Mostly why my fleet is 98% used, and Menards gets steady custom from me for new rolling stock.
Agreed, all of there engines are severely overpriced.
Yes a very nice engine, I'm 2hrs from Strasburg, but at that price it needs to have gold lettering, but my favorite will always be PRR K4 #1361 🚂
Right on
I can see paying that price if it came with a lifetime warranty and it wasn’t made with slave labor in China.
Would be nice to have that kind of warranty, but I don’t ever see that being feasible with anything that has electronics. It’s would have to be a much bigger change that’s beyond Lionel or any other manufacturer before that could happen.
I'm going to say this model, is not worth it to me, but only because I have no emotional attachment to Strasburg, never even been there. But that's not to say it's not worth it to someone else. I love my Frisco 1630, it's worth it to me, cause I live 30 miles from IRM, but someone from PA may say it's not worth it to them.
I actually think all of Lionel’s prices are outrageous! Besides that their Quality Control stinks. They think if they put it in a blue and orange box they can charge what they want. That’s why I still buy MTH Trains whenever I can.
@@pinkribbonrailroad1157 I agree with you. I like Diesels better than steam engines early diesels and especially the new modern ones
Or go Piko G scale
Had just as many mth break as lionel so after 40 yrs pf collecting i just buy what i like
I can agree
Ive had Proto sound issues and chip issues with MTH as well. Also color issues from one engine to another within the same livery. I think manufacturing in Asia is a big issue these days and since Lionel etc don’t own the actual builder, they struggle with keeping an eye on what’s being done once production commences. Not making excuses but I know people who use large scale Chinese sourcing and it’s a nightmare . Especially for electronic components. Not reliable for consistent quality. It’s not a simple as Lionel is bad. I’ve had issues with all sorts of stuff.
I like the engine, but I do believe it is overpriced by about $65 per inch. You can brag about some of the extra cool things that come with the engine, but all in all at the end it simply pulls the cars around the track.
Thanks for the great video and the detailed comments.
Happy New Year to all.
Great review. Fact is, they pulled out the Strasburg tax on this engine. QC is an issues, and pricing is out of control.
In 1995, when MTH came out with large, scale articulates, held Lionel's prices down for us for two and a half decades. Now they have blinked in the manufacturer stand-off and Lionel has free reign in its pricing again. Had MTH not been around, Lionel's JLC line of twenty years ago would have cost considerably more.
Thanks, Gizmo, for all you do for this hobby and your subscribers. Happy New Year.
Thanks for watching! Happy new year!
Highly suggest the wine and cheese train next time you’re there. I was on the train the first time they offered it and let me tell you there was literally no regulations on it. 4 full glasses of wine in a 45 minute trip was an absolute riot. Obviously they had to change that but still an awesome time
Will keep it in mind! The dinner train was absolutely fantastic. 5 star quality meal, never would have imagined it being so good on a “quick” train ride!
Good review. Thought provoking question. Need to ask these questions more often.
Time will tell I’m sure it’ll start falling apart and melting right in front of your eyes like 50% of the Lionel engines I bought
That’s some terrible luck at 50%, never had any engine melt down on me…except Mernards…
Leave it to a Lionel review to have to justify and sell the insane prices.
Not pushing product or trying to justify, only sharing for you the viewer to make an educated decision.
Thanks for watching!
As a proud Lancaster county man I’m glad to see how detailed and quality this model is. I’m really glad that 90s representation is so well done. Strasburg is truly one of the best steam excursion and steam shops around. They have so much knowledge so much equipment but more importantly they care so much about every project they do. I’m so glad that you got to experience, our little slice of paradise.
same!
The last time I saw packaging like this was in 2006 when I got my JLC C&O Allegheny, that model also came bolted to a very heavy Styrofoam crate. When I received my Legacy Allegheny, it came packaged the same way.
I wish I had the money to spend on this locomotive and a Strasburg passenger set. Strasburg got me into trains as a kid and while I never outgrew the model train hobby, the prices sure outgrew me!! Also, just wanted to mention we also have the Everett Railroad and the Rading and Northern (my home RR) which both use steam locomotives on occasion for freight service, and BOTH are in PA! The Northeast really is the best place to be in terms of steam preservation in the U.S.
I’ll check those railroads out, thanks for the heads up! Thanks for watching!
This engine was not on my radar but once I saw it, the details, the time they took to get the actual sound files. I ended up buying the same engine. Also bought the pilot since it was on 1 of 10 made. This engine with the wood coaches is an outstanding train to run.
Congrats on the pilot version, crazy that they only made 10!
@@gizmotrains least my outer box says 6 of 10. Probably low as wasn’t pictured in the catalog. My guess
Great review!! I have the same version of 90. It is a beautiful locomotive! Love that ghost whistle!
I wasn’t happy about the price but I am fortunate to have one, as well as getting a great deal on all 6 Strasburg cars ($600) so I can offset some of savings!
For my money, I will stick with MTH (as a rule). But if Lionel produces the N&E class M, all bets are off
Is it me or is the engine jerky at slow speeds? I’ve seen it on other channels and they all look jerky at slow speeds…
Great video man!! 😎
Hmmmm I didn’t really notice that, maybe just the videos? I’m no professional by any means 😂 I’ll have to give that a closer look!
@@gizmotrains maybe a touch of lube will help. Usually helps with a lot of things 🤣
It clears up with about 20 to 30 min run time
Good video.
I believe, from what I have seen, this engine is a great representation of 90. I am sure there will be no end to the comments about the cost. No, it is not a cheap locomotive, at the same time, the new tooling, added touches like the details, and the custom sounds all add to the cost. Mine is on layaway with a good hobby shop, and I expect to have it in hand by the end of January. I am really looking forward to it.
Good video. Keep the engine away from backhoes.
🤣🤣🤣 just saw that reel pop up earlier today again.
Thanks for watching!!
It's a nice model, but I won't be running out to buy one anytime soon. I like refurbishing the engines I collect and look for bargain priced models. I try to limit myself to 200 bucks. You can acquire a lot of nice running models for 100 bucks. The way I see it. I could get a lot of engines for 1900 bucks instead of one and still have money leftover. The most I've ever spent on a single engine is 380 dollars for a Bigboy, and I still can't believe I actually spent that much on a single engine. Love hurts.
Happy rails.
I've picked up several Premier PS1 steamers and A-B-A sets for $200-300 each, including a Greenbrier and 611 J. I think they're great values.
@stevenbullock9276 Those are great finds. I've been looking for a 611 myself, but the ones I came across are in the 5-600 dollar price range. I have a bit of an attraction for the streamlined steamers. I would love any of the new Dreyfus models.
As a life long Lancaster County resident born and raised here , it's worth every cent in my book , which is exactly why I bought all 3 variations in Strasburg livery to go with the massive fleet of Strasburg passenger and freight scale sized cars I've acquired over the years
All three?!?! That’s awesome! Congrats on the great collection. It’s a great railroad, hope to get back soon to visit the museum across the street (got there too late last time to tour).
Schedule your trip to the museum in August during Model RailRoad Days there's a lot of modular set ups on display from all around the tri state area . I'm not sure of the exact dates for next year's event yet but it will be on their website soon if it's not already .
The museum is an amazing asset to the county as well as the TCA National museum right down the road behind the RED Caboose Motel .
Extraordinary sounding locomotive Extraordinary details you have an awesome layout and train collection 👍🏻✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️
Thank you very much!
I have yet to be impressed by a brass hybrid compared to well detailed full diecast engines. You should have compared it to an engine of similar cost not an Atlantic. I own a VL GS-1 brass Hybrid and I’m honestly more impressed with the legacy Mohawk details. I would make this same argument with the brass hybrid challengers, I passed on those bc of the insane price for something that really isn’t much more if any detailed over a VL challenger(which is less expensive) I do like and understand brass hydrid allows Lionel to make new engines they don’t own tooling for already( I actually assume that’s why they do brass hybrid) but they should try to do it on an engine that one would truly appreciate the details
Thanks for the feedback! Was going with an engine of similar size, and it’s the only one I had on hand. For sure the Vision Line is right up there with this for sure, and I agree not all legacy engines are quite the same in regards to the details. My cab forward is very impressive on its detail parts.
@@gizmotrains a fairer engine to use for comparison would be the newer L-1’s which one could have gotten preorder for right around 700$. I understand people love the 90, I loved going to Strasburg and seeing the J and 475 run. If you really really, really like the 90, then this would be justifiable to purchase, I think lol. People like what they like. Would I purchase this if it had been all diecast and 1000-1100$ probably. But at this price point there are better engines imo to get and likely coming down the pipe. Great overall review of the engine, I hope it run well for you and all those who got one for years to come.
@@GoldStandardTrains oh man, don’t give me any more ideas on purchases, the L1 I had on preorder earlier in the year and cancelled for some other purchases 😂
@@gizmotrains for the price they exceeded my expectations. I went with the PRR one but the Sante fe looked great when I saw it at York. If it’s in your budget…..just saying lol. Friends help friends buy trains lol.
the concept of "the die cast and brass details" is nothing new they Model Rail mfgr, were doing it back in the late 1940's to 50's both inn HO and in 0 scale . it was cheaper than balding a brass model
Since I like to run my engines and spend a lot less for top quality used engines, at that price, I would keep it on the shelf. What fun is that. No, it isn't worth it. I do enjoy visiting Strasburg Railroad when I get out there. I wonder what was the actual cost to build the engine?? You could never find that out. MTH steam engines have many different sounds, good detailing, and a lower cost. I do run several Lionel older engines. Nice engine but several hundred dollars more then I would pay for it. Definitely falls into to a collector category.
It's a fine model to be sure, but out of my league. We've been to Strasburg a few times, and I wanted something better than the starter set #90 (although I really like the Strasburg-specific announcements on that) I have. I picked up TrainWorld's 2-8-0 #90 and I'm very pleased with it. Thanks for the video!
Thanks for watching!!! Congrats on the TrainWorld #90!
I too picked up the Trainworld custom run number 90 with whistle steam. Very happy with this rendition I was very disappointed when I heard the crew talk on this new version pretty sure Lionel said they were going to use the original voices of the engineer and conductor the crew specific voices they used are still the same old ones and it’s a lot of money to pay for the ghost whistle on the other hand It’s a very sweet, looking engine
I also have 606. I think it’s about time Lionel invests some money into retooling the Atlantics. That tooling is over 20 years old now
Wow! Had no idea they were so old. Maybe that’s why it lacks some of the detailing you find on some other Legacy engines?
@@gizmotrains I definitely think so. It would be nice to see the older toolings get retooled or used for the Lionchief plus 2.0 line. Don’t get me wrong, I love my 606 and it’s a nice engine for my Wabash roster but it’s far from what the real 606 looked like
I'm not an O gauge enthusiast but I appreciate any and all scale proportioned, well-detailed and heavy locomotives. I might possibly be able to overlook the third rail but with the prices these things carry, how do you put up with the toy-like crew chatter and those pot metal oversized pony truck wheels?
Hey there Gizmo. You had said briefly in the video that you were able to switch around the interior of the Presidents car (Philly No. 10) and readjust the wiring, would you be able to explain more on how you did that? It would be greatly appreciated.
@garrettvanni2018 I’ll do my best to explain, but may be a bit difficult without photos. Basically you just need to disassemble the car buy removing all the screws holding the chassis to the shell. Then when you access the interior, you’ll notice that the wiring is glued in place on the “interior” shell. Carefully with heat or solvent, separate the wire from the adhesive. If a little of the sheathing breaks off, don’t worry. You can use electrical tape (or “liquid” electrical tape is my favorite) and “fix it”.
Separating the wire from the shell allows you to then swap the shell 180 degrees and have enough length wire to now reach the new location of the connector for the overhead lights. Neatly pack the wiring into the channels and re-assemble the car carefully, insuring not only everything inside lines up, noting especially that the “on off” switch of the interior lighting is in the slot on the chassis.
I have a few pictures of this on my Instagram, feel free to check those out and give me a follow!
Instagram@gizmotrains
to be honest strasburg 90 is not my favorite it's just there but will admit it's kinda cool
On subject of price
Ever heard of company called 3rd rail?
Great detail models with lacking sound sets
Their steam are Just as expensive but lack the modern legacy sounds/smoke effects out of box
While lionel is expensive compared to usual models but its right inline for brass ones
Ehhh it’s just money you can’t take it with you. Enjoy it now!! Great video and locomotive!!
YES
It’s almost as if you are comparing a Railking model to a premier model which both are cheaper than Lionel‘s prices I’m a fan of both manufactures and the pricing is getting a little out of control I just have a hard time with Lionel‘s prices and not backing it up with their quality control. MTH is always put out a great product little bit lacking in the last couple years when it comes to technology but theyAlways put out something to be proud of. Lionel you’re gonna get something looks good sounds great but you’re paying top dollar for it and hopefully it runs when he set it up on the track and not have a light out or pieces falling off it
Cool engine! Pricy though…
Your still overpaying for Lionels electronics. would rather add my own!
hey thats Mac!
🤣🤣🤣
Just like Harley Davidson high prices and So- So quality.
For comparison, I have brass hybrid g gauge engines (small prototypes) that cost around 3.7k. So half that for a medium size prototype o scale engine seems reasonable.
G Gauge is where the real ballers are 🤣🤣🤣 pretty much anything brass is more expensive for sure, the cost of labor is a big factor. I bet yours looks great in that size!
Not even close for that price give me a Challenger or lots 2 go toward the Big Boy NO ITS NOT WORTH IT
i like trains
Wasn't worth me picking 1 up not at that price and some came damaged out Box and don't do Switches Well 😢
Awe man that sucks! Must have had one heck of a drop to be damaged with that packaging! Will agree sound is a challenge on some switches, had to add a tether to keep power to tender.
@gizmotrains definitely yeah Our Mail Person isn't Nice with Boxes had some come with Hole in the sides like they were looking for something 🤔 and l know that it happened in shippment people Always looking to steal something
I have Bachmann by Williams, Lionel and MTH all O gauge. I have had nothing but problems with the Quality of the Lionel Deisel and Steam Engines. All of which were purchased brand new. I have sent the products back to Lionel. They send them back 3 months later. They run well for a week then break down again. Lionel said they couldn't fix a brand new engine because it was the last of a 2 year old model and they had no parts. I sent the Engines to the Train Doctor. They didn't have parts. I will never waste a single dime of my money on any Lionel Deisel or Steam Engines. Because Lionel's Quality control is garbage and trash especially for the High top dollar that Lionel is asking for on everything they sell.
Keep your money folks
How did you get it for 1900.00? Trainworld is 2200.00.
Legacy Station is where I found mine for the “listed” price. Couldn’t bring myself to pay any more than that, and even that was a tough one!
Trainworld is high, that's why I use Hobbylinc, Trainz, and Euro model trains.
So did they sacrifice any of their profits, or did they just adjust the price to match expectations, fanboy! Youre really sweet. You really think they retooled out of generousity? If they had known the likes of you they wouldnt have felt the need go do so. Pathetic.
I think they retooled to get the model right, because they care about their product and customers. I really doubt they priced it with expecting to retool, not like they increased the price from the original listed. Brass construction has always brought a premium regardless of manufacturer, not to mention its the first time this has been modeled in o-scale so likely it was a big investment in tooling. But hey, it’s a company, and I’m sure they turned a profit, but that’s ok. What a business is for, and they have a lot of employees they are feeding. Is it worth the cost? All in the beholder. I’d personally buy a die cast next time at a lower cost.
Thanks for watching!
One issue, no way that Lionel just broke even on this loco. You have no way of knowing.
I just don't see the hype of this engine. Yeah, it's cool, but not for the price you're paying. But that's just me personally. If you feel otherwise and have one I hope you are enjoying it!!!
Nope average Joe can t pay out that kind of money . lionel is going to price them self out of busyness .
Don't care how active it is in real life still not deserves that price for how small it is and paying the people in Vietnam peanuts like in reality prolly around 1$ per hr which comparison lionel is making a killing on their products profit margins are huge why the fat cats in the headquarters making Big fat salaries so yeah keep paying for a small engine at a Challenger price
Couple hundred more u could of bought a mth shay look bettet
I plan to get one soon, I do need a shay in my collection!
I got a new Mt proto 1 that's a double like ur videos
@@bryanvandyke8523 thanks Bryan for the watch and support as always!
I wouldn't pay $190.00 for Lionel. Very poor quality control, what about parts in 15 years? All the bells and whistles are cute, but electronics, especially Chinese, are prone to early failures. I'll stick to vintage Lionel and American Flyer.
That engine is not worth the money. No matter how much detail is on it, it's too small, it's not even a vision line.
Mth are wayyy better than Lionel for real
Made in China at American made prices.
all Lionel is overpriced. Period.
I quit buying Lionel's overpriced no quality control products. I've moved into H O.
Lionel are garbage the price isn't never worth it