[superwarp1]

I purchased the special run J3a from Mr Muffins. Had it sent to Harry Heike for some light weathering just to take the shine off.

Received yesterday but sadly a little damage. So a call to Lionel for a replacement smoke box door is in order. Otherwise she runs like a top.

 

[superwarp1]

And here's the video. One thing, that over sized headlight has to go and I need scale wheels for the front pilot truck.

 

[Spence]

Very nice addition. :thumbsup: I like your layout. What are the dimensions? On another note I believe I saw a pile of wood pellets. I've had a pellet stove for about 5 years and love it.

 

[superwarp1]

Very nice addition. :thumbsup: I like your layout. What are the dimensions? On another note I believe I saw a pile of wood pellets. I've had a pellet stove for about 5 years and love it.

Oh man, dimensions? I lost my RR track software long ago where I designed the layout. I know I have a scale mile of mainline track. Yes that's a pellet stove. Been running a lot this past week, I need to clean it.

 

[Norton]

They do run nicely and the whistle steam is impressive.
Should be no problem getting a new door as Lionel has plenty of 5444 fronts in stock.
I am also surprised Harry didn't mask off the piping and handrails on the smokebox. I would have thought soot would have made them duller black vs lighter.

Pete

 

[Jeff T]

After that Mogul, you need a break!! :thumbsup:

Enjoy Gary!

 

[seayakbill]

Neat video Gary, you have the makings of a terrific layout.

Bill

 

[gunrunnerjohn]

Bummer about the boiler door, that's not uncommon. I got a VL-BB in that got damaged in shipment the same way, the door came open and got bent.

 

[Chugman]

Great engine, Tom! Looks really good pulling that passenger train too.

Art

 

[superwarp1]

They do run nicely and the whistle steam is impressive.
Should be no problem getting a new door as Lionel has plenty of 5444 fronts in stock.
I am also surprised Harry didn't mask off the piping and handrails on the smokebox. I would have thought soot would have made them duller black vs lighter.

Pete

Sadly that option wont work for me as that engine came with marker lights plus darker graphite was used. I'm sure Lionel will have spares, since they gave extra fronts for those who didn't want the markers.

 

[Norton]

Sadly that option wont work for me as that engine came with marker lights plus darker graphite was used. I'm sure Lionel will have spares, since they gave extra fronts for those who didn't want the markers.

Gary, The door comes off as well as the light. You don't need the whole front.
Here is my 5444 with the 5433 front. I just swapped the doors.

In the meantime while waiting for a new front you could likely just CA the hinge to the door.

Pete

 

[superwarp1]

I might need a front, as it's not flush with the smoke box and I think it's bent also but I'll keep this in mind. Haven't called Lionel yet.

I'll tell you though the head light looks better than what they put on this current engine.

Pete,

On another note, when was 5433 made?

 

[MichaelE]

That's a very nice layout. I really like the track you use too. A lot better looking than toy train track that is common with this scale.

Great looking locomotives too.

 

[Norton]

I might need a front, as it's not flush with the smoke box and I think it's bent also but I'll keep this in mind. Haven't called Lionel yet.

I'll tell you though the head light looks better than what they put on this current engine.

Pete,

On another note, when was 5433 made?

Lionel shows March of 2002 for the set. Interestingly it describes the engine as 5344. The 5433 fronts have been out of stock for well over ten years. I wish I had bought more than one.

http://www.lionel.com/products/50th-anniversary-set-loco-5344-6-31705/

Pete