Lionel Motor City Express Set

My review of Lionel's new 3-rail O-scale CSX Modern Auto Carrier Set, better known as the Motor City Express Set. Enjoy! This and other O-Scale train are available from my favorite train store, Legacy Station. Find them at www.legacystation.com or call them at 770-339-7780. More videos at www.ericstrains.com

[@CHADwuvkittyz]

I was given a CSX diesel engine from my grandfather, what a heavyweight! Magnetic wheels, lights, the whole lot. Beautiful layout and engines you got there!

[@Im_aNPC]

This train comes through my town all the time

[@WilliamSharonbigcountrywill]

@5:48 The rear of the engine looks like a huge robot face its so awesome

[@MookieFreeman]

lol thats one mad robot

[@maxkeenan4933]

True

[@07_942]

it does XD

[@CEWTX]

bruh do you even like trains?

[@jasonwainwright83]

I'm from folkston Ga many of you may or may not have heard of it. we are the number one spot on the eastern seaboard for train traffic. I have seen this particular style of train more than any other in my life thousands upon thousands of them. I am new to train collecting and I really want one like this.

[@Trainmaster909]

idk about that the Amtrak NEC in NJ has a train go by every 2-7 minutes

[@nathanielcruz6675]

It's cool hearing the 8 different RPM levels on the SD80MAC. It sounds like a jet engine.

[@WhiteRiverRails]

That's an epic set, and by the way I think your layout it one of the most realistic and awsome looking!!!!

[@AlexTraxxas]

BNSFguy 617 if only Lionel can stop overpricing there trains..............

[@WhiteRiverRails]

Alex Floyd I think mostly every brand is overpriced.

[@AlexTraxxas]

BNSFguy 617 I put up a new model railroad video.

[@dumbstuffadventures7598]

Yup your right about that

[@zachwheeler9846]

Very nice set, I love those auto carriers and the fact you can actually put cars in them. The engine is nice too, the CSX paint scheme is very sharp and crisp. Great review Eric!

[@nedkelly1306]

crisp sound, I also noticed that one of the power lines were vibrating from the bass of the train, it gives it a more realist visual feel. really appealing set

[@gbarnewall1]

Crew talk mentioning "I have three quarters of a tank..." literally

[@kennethoweis9425]

One thing I’ve never heard is realistic radio transmissions from any manufacturer. Where’s his train clearance? It should sound more like this: CSX 1234 to the dispatcher, we’re sitting on track 13 looking to head east. We are 5400 feet, 7500 tons we are not a key train PTC is up and running we have TO, sufficient fuel 3552 gallons in the lead unit and 2544 in the rear over.

[@paulm.gilbert1096]

Erick: I love the sound of the turbo on that SD80, it's got quite a whistle.

[@mommymilestones]

What a fool!

[@paulm.gilbert1096]

@@mommymilestones Watch your mouth , boy!

[@jamesmartinez5283]

Thanks for showing concepts for use as reference for my layout your knowledge is very useful to all O scale 3 model railroaders

[@christianpetterson1784]

My family has been to the Rouge plant, Greenfield Village and the Museum. We're all Ford fans, and my mom and dad both drive SVT Raptors!

[@boatx22]

I live near the ford truck in Louisville, my grandad worked there and my grandmother lived on the same road so when driving to visit her you could see the hundreds of auto racks as you passed

[@gustavovasile1495]

MIS FELICITACIONES POR TODOS ESTOS ESTUPENDOS VÍDEOS, EXCELENTE MUNDO DE LOS FERROCARRILES EN MINIATURA, QUE ES LO QUE AMAMOS, CONTINÚA ASI, ABRAZO FUERTE DESDE MONTEVIDEO, URUGUAY!!

[@johnrobertfox7775]

Hello again Eric ! On the sd80 mac's like all train model 's can be made to look more prototipical with plastic to make the tanks look more bulky Ido it to all my GE and all my EMD loco's and the results are stunning ! Just add fuel tank details and WOW! What a difference !!

[@Ericstrains]

Thanks. In the review I stated that the engine has operating marker lights, which means they do work.

[@Hendo56]

These reviews are very informative! There would not be a place on the layout for a late model loco like this, but it's still cool to watch you point out the pluses and minuses.

[@malachimarch956]

i love it im from flint michigan, all your gmc and chevy 1500, 2500 and, 3500 trucks are assembled there so i definitely like this. great review as always, and another great lionel

[@johnrobertfox7775]

Hello again Eric ! On the sd80mac fuel tank , it can be bulked up to look more prototipical with plastic , some new details and repainted ! I do this to all locos EMD AND GE 'S ! IN OTHER WORDS , KITBASH , KITBASH , KITBASH !

[@Ericstrains]

At this point it's mainly just tradition...it's what I started off with when I was a kid. From a technical point of view, 3-rail trains were invented because it's a bit easier to set up...you don't have to worry about polarity when setting up a layout which makes it easier for kids to work with...which was Lionel's target audience back in the early 20th century.

[@benjaminanthony5201]

Pretty god video quality for almost 8 years ago

[@revealingfacts4all]

Agree 100%! I'm from Detroit and I use to work for the blue oval myself. I was one of the Ford SYNC guys! Ford Motor is a great company to work for and I LOVE their Mustangs - CSX, Norfolk Southern run through Detroit and downriver as we call say here...

[@revealingfacts4all]

One minor nik is I wished you would have demonstrated the marker lights in operation. Are they working lights? Love your videos, Eric. I'm getting into HO but as a kid, I had 3-rail Lionels. Your reviews are very enjoyable and well organized. I love them! Keep them coming.

[@bradstrains]

Great review and awesome set Eric! That SD80MAC sounds awesome, the bass on it is incredible. "3 Rail O Scale trains are about fun" very true. Thanks for sharing and have a great one!

[@MrFogmang27]

As usual a great review. What a nice set. The engine sounds great. The turbo spooling up sounds great, when you boosted it.

[@FiveElms]

Im from the UK and model '00' but I always enjoy your vids and reviews. Jason.

[@BearCreekWoodworking]

Thanks for the great review Eric. I've been waiting a few weeks to see your review of this set. I'm thinking of getting this set, but I wanted to watch your review first. Thanks again!

[@brooklynhaloful]

Hi Eric I got the same set and it's beautiful the SD 80 I have a large layout and the fuel tank don't bother me much it's my only SD 80 in my collection and the csx colors make it a welcome addition

[@Greenrail1]

Nice review Eric. Someone at Lionel needs to get with modern railroad operations. The inside of those autoracks come with an old Vehicle securement system which hasn't been used by the railroad industry in over 20 years. Those are the old tiedowns with chains. Since 1992, the railroads have been using a Chocking system on Bi-Level autoracks. Nitpicky I know.. But, it is the way vehicles have been secured in those cars. I know, I was in the business for over 36 years.

[@FerroequinologistofColorado]

Hey Eric you should have placed the camera on the track in front of the train to show how powerful the low end base was (I do realize that doing so would have probably shorted out the center rail) but I was thinking it would be a cool idea to show how powerful the base on the locomotive is

[@TobyPasman]

The Northern Michigan Railroad Club (NMRRC) has one of these SD80MACs. Theirs is Conrail 4126. I have videos of that SD80MAC on my channel.

[@66NEETS]

The end train device is called a FredUnit it blinks red ALL the time and tells the engineer about any suspicous activity behind the train.

[@richardlindao2343]

Great video Eric, I saw the GS 2 back there, can't wait for that video, thanks for sharing.

[@frankwright8721]

Gosh he's got the dream job!

[@AlexTraxxas]

Frank Wright I think that's his hobby and he's just sharing his engines.

[@TheGundathrone18]

Eric great review and yes could u show us that daylight in a review soon!!

[@MrNemesis63]

Thanks for another great review! I have the CSX car from this set which looks great when coupled with my Atlas articulated auto carrier, which although the Atlas car has a bit more detail, I still think that the Lionel Auto Rack Cars are pretty cool!

[@kelvinthefox4299]

This just makes me depressed cause I know I'll never have a house big enough for a layout

[@thatoneguy611]

N scale?

[@CullenTabaczynski]

Your voice is so rich its awesome

[@Scep42]

The coupler mechanism is on HO and O now, I have a set of the JR500 train in HO and they have the self adjusting coupler system, with a weird coupler...

[@Scep42]

My guess is that it is taller so that it doesn't interfere with the decoupling track and accessory track, as well as just for fun, since it is a set. But then again, I can't be so sure about that.

[@Cruiseangel72]

Wow great review!! One of the best and informative. Thanks

[@matthewrotchford]

I know I'm pushing it, but will those Auto Carrier cars negotiate 048 Fastrack? Really nice set!

[@nicolerappa390]

THAT IS AWESOME TRAIN SET

[@adamswindell1442]

That spring mechanism on the auto racks is the same as the Lionel 261 draw bar mechanism.

[@MrBorderman01]

Plus a have lot of preorders such as some NS heritage engines, new Amtrak train....

[@SuperCamaro5]

Kind of disappointing that the front door doesn't open and the end of train device doesn't function. You know, Lionel does have an email you can contact them through if you have questions/comments/concerns. They have responded back to me when I've had questions. But despite the issues, the video was still great as always!

[@ajracer101]

Great Video. Hope to see you in July for the NMRA

[@train-addict4656]

I really like the way the base , so I acquired the G T road name thanks for the review

[@TheRealSchmiedy]

hi Eric, i would like to ask what you use as your "pointer" for your reviews. a suggestion is to use that spur in the carolina room as an auto factory or somthing. maybe you could use the spur on the top level by the doorway to the hallway room? just a suggestion. thank you for your time, Ben

[@Ericstrains]

Thanks! I've got a Ford myself.

[@Ericstrains]

No, you wouldn't damage it. All command control equipped trains can also be run with just a transformer as well.

[@skyzonegaming2334]

my plans are to make a big railroad set with just the amount of detail it needs and i might add more down the line

[@OffTheWalls88]

Really love your videos man AND i'm an HO guy. I think i will stick with HO though because of the limited space and also more affordable. I enjoy watching Lionel because of its options you can't get with ho such as smoke (some steam is available in HO but limited) and it"s sound. One thing i never knew though that there was a 2 rail option which is really neat. thanks.

[@train-addict4656]

I really enjoy your videos , can you tell me does the bass effect option work in ac6000 's with the dual speakers I have one but have the TCC,

[@Mercatoyd]

excellent review.. fully enjoy your videos.. Tom

[@adamswindell1442]

To add to your comment, Lionel also produced the SD70M-2

[@njtmodeler13]

Nice job Eric!

[@My1969chevelle]

Nice video, good job.

[@ronald8673]

Nice set! If you are not having fun, you are in the wrong hobby . IMHO

[@byates59]

WOW, awesome review Eric!!!!! To be honest with you I was not planning on purchasing this set, but now I want one! This sets strenghts far out way its weakness in my opinion. I love the self adjusting couplers on the auto carriers and the engine sounds flippen awesome! I am very pleased that they put 2 speakers in the engine! And the small fuel tank really does not bother me. Anyways, thats for the review my friend and have a great one!

[@joeyoung19475]

AS ALWAYS,TOP NOTCH VIDEO..THANKS

[@allegheny48]

Hey Eric; a great review on a really nice set. I agree with your take as to why this product lacked features it was supposed to have had. Getting a new product on the market in a timely fashion and keeping costs down may have also played a role. In regards to rotating bearing caps I have 2 Lionel cars with them and they have had a tendency to work their way off the axle tip on occasion. Haven't lost one yet but gluing them on would be tricky. Thanks again for a great and informative review.

[@Rammstein45]

I LOVE the SD80MAC

[@sunsetrailfan2004]

me too its a great engine!

[@cajunbisk]

Eric I LOVE csx do you

[@northjerseytrains]

It's one of my favorite trains!

[@deniserettew2300]

cajunbisk same

[@jasonyang3766]

一Rammstein45 肼

[@MikesChannel]

Hi Eric Great Looking Layout... Quick question MTH or Lionel SD70ACe for slow speed? Just looking to get into O gauge... Thanks Mike

[@RivannaRailfan]

Mike's Channel i would do i Lionel and get the legacy system controller. Gl for getting started

[@PennRailVideos]

Very nice!

[@zachthegreat6836]

I wonder if they made the fuel tank so high is because the sound coming from the speakers didn't sound right ?

[@scottsharp4861]

very-very nice! always enjoy watching (if i don't always comment). thanks for making great videos!

[@SignalLightProductions]

Great review Eric! The small fuel tank is on all of the SD80s and SD90s that Lionel has made.I'm in a dilemma about getting some two packs of the cars. I'll wait and see what's in the new catalog.

[@djmpvae27091978]

So it was the power rail 4 the locomotives. The transformer is 4 the whole model railroad. U can always correct me.

[@AndrewNeilFalconer]

The GTW auto carrier had graphics that were picked randomly from various photos of carriers repainted yellow. The graphics were NOT accurate for the carriers painted blue. The Intermountain Grand Trunk Western HO scale automobile carriers had the correct graphics applied.

[@TheTrainManiac]

Great Review Eric

[@adamswindell1442]

Mr. Siegel, when you film blog video 31, could you do a segment on the shelves that you trains rest on?

[@adamswindell1442]

Mr. Siegel, is that the Lionel Daylight GS-2 or the MTH GS-4?

[@jamesmartinez5283]

Hey Eric what' the best to keep your tracks,trains, accessories,and structures and your layout clean? Thanks for any advice and Howdy from TEXAS

[@allis-chalmersb-10]

For rails and wheels ONLY use rubbing alcohol and for the rest use paper towels to dust or compressed air.

[@shorelinerailproductions]

hey Eric you need to do Amtrak Acela.

[@Matthew_O_Scale_Trains]

Eric are you going to get all the new add on cars

[@spinster4000]

The only thing that isnt prototypical about O scale and whatnot is the track, it has 3 rails instead of 2 and it drives me nuts, but I hate o scale aswell idk why but i do love ur videos, they are a great way to relax and watch some o scale trains to their finest

[@MrBorderman01]

Great review Eric. Might be tempted to get this set. But I only at this time have DCS and operate MTH. So dont think it would be worth just getting a TMMC base and runnning train thru TMCC. I would be probably missing out alot of features if I dont add Legacy.

[@shauns7466]

Can you run the New version of this locomotive with the Lionel lionchief universal remote?

[@bob123601]

the fuel tank is correct it seems like a CONRAIL think that they did (looked at a few of of sd80s and sd70s from CONRAIL and seen that they were the same).

[@Ericstrains]

I wish that was the case, but pictures of CSX/CR 809 show a normal fuel tank.

[@nathanelfrink4151]

+ericstrains y

[@MichaelB450]

The fuel tank thing is weird to be honest. With different angles, the gap looks different on the real one. Most of the time the gap is quite small, but sometimes the gap looks like it's 2 feet large. The engine actually changed ownership 3 times. First owned by Conrail, then CSX (later renumbered as 4599), and then Norfolk Southern got ownership of it (numbered 7225). You can see in the first picture of 7225 that there's a huge gap, but with the rest of the pictures the gap looks a lot smaller. www.rrpicturearchives.net/LocoPicture.aspx?id=207833 So it's possible there's a lot of optical illusions going on with the fuel tank, or somehow the fuel tank kept getting changed around over the years. We'll never know for sure...

[@MegaTickleMyPickle]

IMO the non-scale Fuel Tank is an Easy Fix. Throw some styrene skirts on that bad boy and it'll look perfect. I do understand why you do not like the way it looks though.

[@dvagratian]

Question about the marker lights on the CSX SD80mac engine. Do they turn green in the front of the engine when moving forward like they did for the Conrail sd80mac engine from the Conrail lionmaster Freight set? Thanks

[@urarakastar6987]

Hay Eric can you pls do the metro north subway set

[@DerangedDragon99]

When did CSX go with the darker blue for their diesels?

[@SwindellSteamWorks]

In 3 rail track, the two out rails are ground while the middle is your hot rail.

[@CatonsvilleCentralRwy]

Unless they've changed it (I have the older CSX model from 2002 that uses the same tooling), the see-through screens on the side of the engine just under the exhaust outlet can pop out. I've yet to figure out why lol, but just a cool little extra

[@analuciaguerrero]

Hey Eric, Im new to model railroadinig so if you have a train with a trasformer would you damage a train like yours if you drive it with the same transformer.

[@engineerpat5290]

love that 80mac

[@66NEETS]

nice video

[@adamswindell1442]

Also, Lionel has produced the SD70M-2.

[@bradstrains]

The reason he mentioned the engine could operate on 0-36 curves is in case someone wanted to buy the engine separate from the set.

[@BalticFilms144]

Is that a GS-2 in the back @ 21:57? If so, is it the tmcc version or the legacy version?

[@vickysangani6604]

i want to know about two rail model trains. these three rail model is grabbing power from the center rail with the help of pick-up rollers. but what about two rail models i mean when it gets the power supply and how does it works?? also want to that what should tell those two rail models like which scale and which gauge.

[@SwindellSteamWorks]

I believe he meant when you amped the labor effect.

[@jefframey91]

I would like for the horn to sound a little bolder like the horn of the engine that was in the nyc lionmaster legacy set but I would still like to have this engine.

[@tankerct]

Does this set come with track and a controller? Also can you use the mobile Lionchief App?

[@train-addict4656]

Dose the legacy effects feature give the ac6000 more base. Is this I only apply to this sd80 edition

[@p42Amtrak83]

Nice review, Eric!

[@jakeb6944]

Can't wait till ill I get my at the end of the month and extract cars

[@michaelmohrmann]

Seems to me like Lionel should have arranged it so that the CSX locomotive had a train of CSX auto-carrier cars to go with it. But what do I know? I'm an HO scale operator.