Lionel New York Central Water Level Freight Set

A review of Lionel's 3-rail O-Scale New York Central Water Level Freight Set. Enjoy! More videos at www.ericstrains.com

[@GoldStandardTrains]

This review led to me getting my first set back in 2015 of the NYC water level freight set. Since then Ive been hooked and collecting. Thank you for all the time and effort you have put in over the years on these reviews. don't think id be nearly as interested in this hobby without your earlier videos and it is great to see you still going strong. Just came around full circle in my collection with the purchase of the new L2A pacemaker. Mohawk to Mohawk and now looking to the next one(AC12!!)

[@luke8993]

This is my favorite train set out of them all. I have been saving for it.

[@TobyPasman]

I've gotta say, Lionel does a pretty good job with detailing their trains.

[@Toaster844]

yes

[@dmrr7739]

I never understood the idea of designing highly derailed models, then running them on three rail track. Why?

[@mathewosyakob]

@@dmrr7739 It has to do with how O gauge trains were powered. Since the 1940s they were powered using 3 rail track since more could be done with it especially with accessories and sending electrical signals. Three rail was used to the point of no return because so many of Lionel trains were made to run only on three rail. It would be a bad decision to switch to two rail when literally every O gauge and scale engine is already 3 rail. Honestly while it's not prototypical 3 rail overall just has more capabilities while 2 rail can be quite limited on what you can do with the electronics. Like for example the startup and shutdown feature is not at all possible on 2 rail.

[@Leogar982]

I've quit HO scale and bought one of these L 2a on Atlas tracks. I couldn't be happier. Thank you Eric for all you do for the hobby.

[@alexanderbrown8546]

Love the way the smoke comes synchronized with the speed that the engine is moving at.

[@GlennHolland]

One of my favorite Central locomotives. This one is on the list of ones that I'll reproduce in LEGO some day... Great review, very thorough, and I will probably use it for reference!

[@minh-khanguyen7209]

HENRY FORSTER He hasn't, but if you want to see one modeled in LEGO, Google Tony Sava's Daylight. A few other great examples of LEGO steam engines include Cale Leiphart's Blue Comet, Cale and Glenn's Reading T-1, and Bricksonwheels' Big Boy. I really recommend you check these all out - they're really incredible. I also urge you not to prejudicially (in the basest sense of the word) write off these models as silly or toys merely because they are constructed with what are generally considered children's toys - LEGO is one of the best creative mediums I've ever come across, and the models I've mentioned are some of the very best.

[@minh-khanguyen7209]

Glenn Holland - StreamlinedBricks Incidentally, Glenn, have you gotten around to designing this in depth yet? I think I saw a rough LDD prototype on your Flickr, but I think ironed out you could really do this one some justice.

[@MackBricks]

Aha yes, I see we share a common source or inspiration😉!

[@fmartino100]

Magnificent as always, Thanks Eric.. Crystal clear crew talk on a 1920s engine isn't as prototypical as tying a note to a stone and throwing it at the dispatcher...Thanks again ..Frank

[@SteamKing2160]

I ran this engine at a local train store near where I live and this engine was amazing and I love its whistle! Though I wish I had the minimum radius curves to run that engine.

[@HudsonTrainman]

Great video Eric! I enjoyed it very much, I love the NYC railroad that set is gorgous, thanks for sharing.

[@DanielChannel57]

Nice set, Eric, especially the engine. You should double-head it with your 700E Hudson.

[@oxolotleman7226]

I have to agree, that boxcar is my favorite from the set. Same reason my Atlas Woodside reefers are some of my favorite cars that I own, very detailed and very nice looking.

[@AVFCAM]

Best reviews on KZbin by a long way.

[@revealingfacts4all]

So agree....

[@TobyPasman]

I 100% agree.

[@erniestammers5121]

Hi Eric Based upon your review of this set, I went ahead and ordered one spending my UK pension. I am not too disappointed but the thing that strikes me the most and as you say its not a deal breaker is the red marker lights on the caboose do not work, but the manual states that to turn them off simple turn off the switch. there is no separate switch and there are no flashing marker lights. I might rectify this my self, I have not had a chance to put the Mohawk through its paces yet, but from my test track it works well. Thanks for all of your reviews, it was these that got me hooked on Lionel. Thanks again Ernie Essex UK

[@218422100]

Might have to switch from HO SCALE to this. Awsome...

[@saraarchibald3623]

The first thing in common with a little bit of the most

[@mychemicalbromance97]

Switched from O to HO to N because I'm a teenager and don't have room or money. They're all great. mmm trains

[@Toaster844]

nah id rather stay ho has more space and they might start making more sets

[@Prewarpostwaramdmore]

This was one of the first videos of yours I watched 7 years ago. Still my favorite set and my favorite review of yours. Keep.up the good work.

[@Ericstrains]

Thanks!

[@intonerone6033]

That steam whistle is amazing! ❤️

[@Steven_Williams]

Very nice review Eric! Great set. Thanks for sharing!

[@homislebron2474]

Great Whistle Man

[@hovermotion]

O guage is truly awesome , a fine model worth the money I think...like the inferred on the tender .. I had this class from marklin trix ho scale but sold it on and regretted it ever since .. Always look forward to your vids as they show so much detail. ......jim

[@zachwheeler9846]

Beautiful set, that feed water heater on the top of the boiler in the front of the engine looks really cool I also like the silver tank car. Great video

[@Steamer235]

...and the swinging bell would be a nice touch on this one too.

[@ScottDowneywoundedbear]

Great set. I see Sheldon and Leonard stopped by to check out your trains.

[@Ericstrains]

They sure did!

[@WarbonnetProductions]

When I make a layout next summer I can't wait to get this set:)

[@nickystar600video3]

17:26 I like that whistle. It sounds like a real train whistle.

[@bradstrains]

Awesome whistle on this engine. Very nice set. Thanks for the review!

[@Ericstrains]

Thanks!

[@nickdeluna8681]

Nice locomotive from New York Central. I do like the whistle as well.

[@wiestbound]

Oh man I need to build an O scale layout someday!

[@wiestbound]

Joeme s Ok! :)

[@jaydendixon3637]

When I was 5 me and my grandpa made a layout it took 5 hours

[@user-hl1lx7ho2p]

6/30/2023 12:15 pm. I worked for BETHLEHEM STEEL in Lebanon, Pa. The whistle sounds like the one we had at 10 pm curfew at the plant. Beautiful soon effect.

[@DestroyertheRailwarrior]

Thanks for the clarification on the types of sets.

[@trainroomgary]

Hi Eric • Well done definition of starter & premium sets. A lot of details on this Legacy Engine. Builder plates details are a nice touch by Lionel. Lionel Engineering Department & Designers bring us model railroaders a first class model. I agree Michigan Central box car is well done. • Fun whislte trick • Cheers from Michigan

[@Ericstrains]

Thanks, Gary!

[@vidfreak727]

The quillable whistle is for when the train is on a raid! lol!

[@marthaisgodd]

OMG!!! That steam locomotive looks so cool!

[@bhomas_real]

Dude your layout is amazing.

[@HarmlessPotato98]

So close to 10K subs!! Good job Eric!!! Here since 620 subs!!!

[@christineanderson6750]

There's a reason I keep coming back to this video

[@Ericstrains]

Thank you!

[@christineanderson6750]

I didn't expect you to reply so quick. On a video 5 years old.

[@Ericstrains]

random dude54 surprise!

[@chirstmasman3457]

Good video. Love the train

[@MrDanielmarlowe]

Very nice I would love to see Lionel build a FEC mountain.. I’ve been waiting a very long time for someone to do one in O Scale.

[@ervmister]

Nice! Another cool feature would have been the bell if it could swing when ringing it. Thankx

[@matthewsmalley9819]

Will you be getting Lionel's new vision line big boy, new cab forward southern pacific, or exact scale polar express set?

[@oscartobaroatmeal6734]

That whistle is accurate, I saw an old video about the new York Central water level route, and the mohaks had that exact same sound.

[@WarbonnetProductions]

Cool review

[@Chessie1985]

Nice review Eric

[@BXGUY73]

@ERIC'S TRAINS - The RAIL CARS in this set look good, especially the DIE CAST COAL HOPPER, and the FROSTED WINDOWS suggestion you mentioned for the CABOOSE is a GREAT IDEA that would improve it. (How would the FROSTED WINDOWS be added?)

[@johnhagan7742]

With the Mohawk fleet, there were FOURTEEN different variations of the Mohawk type locomotive, to be exact. The fourteen different variations were the L1a, L1b, L1c, L1d, L2a, L2b, L2c, L2d, L3a, L3b, L3c, L3d, L4a, and L4b.

[@williammosher9278]

That is a beautiful set. The smoking whistle would have been cool.

[@thatredfokker]

Great review, Eric. Wish I could find the Legacy version, but I have the TMCC version #2795. Not completely as good, but the whistle sounds MUCH more like a NYC whistle, in my opinion.

[@Polak-dd7ds]

Eric, um, do you have any steam locomotives I should get for my layout?

[@timcookson8336]

@ericstrains; Okay, I don't have my own model railroad yet but does a Train Simulator act pretty much the same if I were to own a real model railroad set?

[@byates59]

AWESOME review as always Eric and FANTASTIC set!!!!!!!! I've seen this set selling for $1300.00 on line, I may have to pick one up! Anyways, thanks for the video bud!

[@Ericstrains]

Thanks, bud

[@WhiteCamry]

About the one detail I dislike about the caboose are the platform steps. They project well beyond the walls of the cab itself. That's unrealistic by any standard and can mess up a meet or a narrow passage on a layout.

[@aidenfleming7210]

Love this engine

[@K9Nick811GAMES]

at one point lionel put out a set that had everything you needed to start a command control layout. literally, it had a Chesapeake and Ohio Berkshire, a bunch of rolling stock, a legacy system, tons of fastrack, and more. it cost $2,700.

[@raymondleggs5508]

Awesome! that's as much as some people's monthly income!

[@K9Nick811GAMES]

with all the money he probably makes to afford all of these great engines, he could probably buy 5 in a month

[@williamhays3322]

Some 'strange' whistle signals herein. Also, the over-sized caboose handrails should be toned down.

[@MrLuvOldies]

Thanks. Nice. Good information also.

[@sdiv_tim]

Hey Eric, Love your channel and I was wondering if you are going to buy the vision line Big Boy? Thanks for sharing your nice layout.

[@stiggerloid4380]

Very very nice I like the whistle but no whistle steam why no whistle steam?

[@snakelegion1469]

O-Scale trains are the best. Great quality and some legendary trains like the Blue Comet and the Southern Crescent.

[@NinjagoGuy416]

8:04 anybody else find it strange that the safety valves are arranged in an X shape instead of sticking straight up?

[@cjgunther9757]

Have u see A Lionel Pennsylvania flyer sets with a 4-4-2 steam locomotive train set

[@DeanNickChase]

Oohooo! That Mohawk!

[@jimcetnar2651]

Hi Eric, Haven't seen any new videos for awhile. Have you published any since Jun 4, 2014?

[@cameronstefan1244]

Awesome Review! Makes me want one that much more! Can I do a review in your style?

[@BearCreekWoodworking]

Great review Eric! It does have a very cool whistle. I've never bought an engine for the whistle, but there's always a first time... right? lol

[@reggiep.9558]

Hi Eric. This is a nice channel you have here. I've recently found myself turning in to a steam train lifesize/real and model fan. I'm sure google will tell me but, are the tracks you have in your layout off the shelf or have you customized/created them on your own. They are quite realistic in the coloring, rail spikes and wood detailing.

[@yourock4132]

LOVE THE WISTLEON

[@machia-mw1lm]

Seems to me that when LIONEL wants to build a really good train, they blow away all the competition. Too bad they're not consistent. Beautiful set here, excellent. Sound is the best in the business.

[@aidensypolt]

What about the lionel NYC Flyer set w/bluetooth

[@Engineer5344]

you know eric, me being a NYC man. I can tell you right off the bat the whistle is not correct for the Mohawk. when they were built by alco and lima. most had either the standard New York Central 6 chime steptop longbell which was a copy of the standard Nathan 6 chime step top. and some also had the NYC 5 and 6 chime shortbell steptop. which was a specifically designed whistle for pretty much all New York Central steam power ranging from their Pacific's in the 20's, to the Hudson's in the 30's and the mohawks and niagaras in the 40's

[@SteamKing2160]

Their older tooling was based on the #3000 L2 Mohawk from 1991.

[@user-nx7ru2ge8p]

Eric are some of those engines in preservation?

[@mikeytrains1]

I always thought the New York Central named the Mohawks after the Mohawk Indians!

[@09JDCTrainMan]

Hehe, one might think.

[@mikeytrains1]

09trainman Hehe, Yes..

[@highlandwinterwolf8589]

That almost sounds like a NYC 5-chime. Prefer the deeper-toned 3-chime whistles but that is an amazing sounding engine. Darn O scale.....a little too big but the sound is so much better than on HO even if there's some that can really match it.

[@charlathomas2181]

I love its whistle

[@MichiganRailProductions]

Wow.... NICE MOHAWK!

[@ywolfgl]

Didn't they offer this set with Legacy track years ago!

[@lisathow6981]

Lionel renumbered the L-2A because L-2A road numbers are #2700-#2799,Road Numbers #2800-#2899 Are for L-2Cs.

[@TobyPasman]

I have a Lionel Hogwarts Express starter set that came with extra light bulbs for the passenger cars, extra traction tires for the engine, and a small bottle of smoke fluid.

[@shnimmuc]

Eric, it would be interesting if you would put your two Mohawks side by side to compare the differences. The MTH was a different "edition" with a later model number if I remember correctly. Anyway, this one is a beautiful model also.

[@MMID303]

thats a nice set. Love the whistle too. Was that a creaking noise at 20:12 ?? That's awesome!

[@AF1.Records]

Yup

[@dannyh.s.1936]

Please do a review of the Pennsylvania Railroad T1

[@ianallen1447]

awesome

[@mercury7590]

I saw Sheldon and Leonard. I guess Sheldon was chasing the train, and Leonard had to take him. BAZINGA

[@6672rock]

Can you add professional sets and extra track to an already existing and running beginner setup, or would some modifications need to be done?

[@trainlover9943]

Yes you can. Although most premium sets have command control like this one, so one modification it that you should have a command system to run a premium set with.

[@allegheny48]

Good video review, Eric. The Lionel L2a makes a nice companion to the MTH L4b Mohawk 3149 you acquired a few years ago. Did you receive the Pennsy S2 Turbine material I sent to you via email to your website a month or so ago? Thanks for the informative review. I also like the humor at the end.

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

Sweet!

[@jkids2014]

What do you mean by separately applied or hand applied pieces?

[@Ericstrains]

It means that a human being at the factory in China had to attach the detail piece to the model by hand, as opposed to a piece that's molded or cast into the model by injection molding or die-casting.

[@jkids2014]

ohhhhhhhhhhhh thanks im just stupid like that haha

[@ICU306]

What is that cylinder looking thing at the top of the engine in the front?

[@neargaming2057]

That is a water heater. This helps the boiling process by pre-heating the water in the boiler.

[@MU2DRVRca]

OK, so how many people caught the bobble-heads on the bridge support at 21:01 ?? Is there a story there? GREAT review of a dynamite set, thanks ...

[@Ericstrains]

It's Sheldon and Leonard checking out the trains.

[@Toaster844]

Even tho I prefer HO over O (mostly because of table space and pricing) I still think lionel has one of the greatest trains you can get out there

[@ThatTexanCollector]

Question, Can You connect 2 scale Couplers together? Will it work?

[@Ericstrains]

TheTexanFanMan Regular working scale couplers such as Kadee couplers, yes. The dummy scale couplers on the front of these engines, not really. They're mainly cosmetic.

[@ThatTexanCollector]

Ah. Ok. Neat!

[@SuperCamaro5]

Another great video as always. I appreciate how detailed and informative your videos are for those who are new to model trains. I like the bloopers too. Also, I think the caboose interior might be a trade-off for the diecast coal hopper. They probably just decided that the coal car fit better in the set than another plastic piece and including a more expensive caboose model might have driven up the price more than they wanted.

[@Ericstrains]

Thanks, Michael

[@NinjagoGuy416]

What exactly is this "quilling" action I keep hearing about? What does it mean to "quill" a whistle?

[@FridayGaming]

NinjagoGuy416 when it changed pitch like when you hear the whistle go up and down

[@carlosolivera2877]

Quilling is when you control the amount of steam going through the whistle to allow the whistle to play a lower sound. Engineers used this to make their own whistle signatures and things like that.

[@nickystar600video3]

Best train ever.

[@rondaxen88]

If you get a premium with just the train and maybe some little things, how in the world do you drive the train if it doesn't come with a controller?

[@rondaxen88]

But very nice video! I just got a Lionel train set for Christmas, as I, a young teen, am into trains again. I got a starter set, it was a New York central train, but this train has a very nice smoke effect.

[@keithm5224]

MrPackerAnderson You need to buy the track, transformer, and Legacy system separately. You can also use TMCC or just the transformer, but it won't be able to do the quilling whistle

[@rondaxen88]

Keith M Aah, okay, thanks.

[@rowenawickard3633]

i have this engine and it smokes great at start up and at slow speed but at a moderate speed the smoke is very light , is this normal for this engine

[@keithm5224]

Rowena Wickard are you running conventionally?

[@brianrigsby7900]

What’s that cylinder on her forehead?

[@BrickCityReviews]

How do you power the track if you use the Legacy system?

[@chrish3329]

Brick City Reviews with any transformer you just hook the system up to the track

[@MrGetarealgun]

Hey Eric I think your videos are amasing

[@alameachan]

I have a question for the US railroad afficionados: Why is it that the marker lights on US steam engines are green? An explanation would be greatly appreciated.

[@Engineer5344]

green would indicate that it was a superior train that had rights over other trains, and also green was to show that the train was moving forward. when it backed up the color would either be red, or white.

[@alameachan]

Engineer5344 Thank you for the explanation.

[@Engineer5344]

alameachan you're welcome

[@BO7611s]

Engineer5344 also with white flags above the green lights mean that it is a none scheduled or extra train.

[@TFN5459]

railfan man I think usually the green markers would be off and white flags would be flown or the lights would change to white to indicate an extra. Green means that it is a scheduled train with an additional "Section" of the same train following behind. The last train of the "Section" would not carry flags or lit marker lamps to indicate that there are no more trains behind it.

[@Snakeman-kw5ns]

Yea I can hear the air raid siren with the whistle