The prototype has plenty of detail points to model, and this new product does an exemplary job of reproducing those reference spots.
Opening the box
The Lionel model features a pilot complete with snowplow and the usual array of cables. It also has a movable (non-functioning) uncoupler arm with white accents where a brakeman would lift the arm. White handrails are mounted on the pilot, and the deck has safety tread. The steps (on the pivoting truck) have drain holes. The last step before reaching the pilot deck is affixed to the frame, and it has drain holes.
Ditch lights are mounted to the deck, and a safety chain adorns the center handrails.
The diesel’s nose has grab irons on the right and left sides, with grab irons running up the fireman’s side to the top of the deck. Sand filler lines/caps are located on both sides of the nose, and four grab irons are on the nose.
While I always marvel at how they are made to function, I’ve always figured that opening O gauge cab doors are kind of pointless. Well, this model does have an opening nose door – though the cast-in door latch/handle was non-functioning. I was extremely impressed with the printing of the Union Pacific winged logo over the nose and door.
I really like modern diesel carbodies with their jumble of angles, boxes, and lumps. This model delivers all of them, from the sharp lines and chopped, sloping angles on the nose to the roof top antenna housing and electric box behind the fireman’s side of the cab. The carbody has a terrific level of cast-in detail. The hinge and latch details are clear and crisp and deeply cast.
There is a series of louvers on the fireman’s side that give the appearance of being deep enough to be see-through. In addition, the side filters behind the cab, the tall screens at the rear of the locomotive, and the radiator wings are all see-through.
The top of the cab is fairly clean. You’ll find some cast-in rivets and seams, as well as a handful of lift rings scattered about. You’ll find a smoke unit exhaust and three fans with see-through screens and fan blades.
I liked the ultra-small louvers above the red UP stripe on the end of the long hood, a very nice detail to replicate. The rear also has grab irons leading upward, rear lights, and a cap for sand on the top.
The frame has a lot of nice conduit/piping cast into it. The trucks are a nice rendering of an HTCR radial truck.
Painting and decoration of the SD70ACe may be the most dazzling I’ve seen on a Lionel product. The general paint job (the UP yellow body, red accent stripe, and gray roof) is excellent – all the more notable since there are so many nooks and crannies for paint to pool in or gunk up. The paint was all neatly and cleanly applied.
Lettering, plus the UP wing and shields, was up to snuff. There are roughly 20 small nomenclature and safety decals on each side, and even on the truck side frames.
Of course, the supreme graphic element on this model is the American flag. Old Glory is remarkably well done, both in color and shape, giving the impression of texture and of a flag waving in the breeze.
On the test track
Performance of the SD70ACe was fine in all speed ranges. Our low-speed average was 2.9 scale miles per hour, and the high-speed average was 64 scale miles per hour (and I’m pretty sure a longer straightaway would result in a faster speed). Drawbar pull was a robust 3 pounds, 2 ounces. Jeepers!
The model has four power pickup rollers, each roughly 3 inches apart and 7¾ inches apart from truck to truck. Two traction tires are found on each truck (on the innermost axle).
All (yes, all) of the controls you need are topside. The lid is held on snugly, and a tiny magnet seals the deal. They are concealed beneath the radiator wings. You’ll see smoke and sound switches, run/program and speed control on/off switches, and a big honking knob for controlling the volume.
The sound system continues to astound me. When starting up the SD and putting it through its paces, I was impressed. Particularly notable is the sound of the prime mover as the model ramps up. But when I hit the horn, it was, well, a “made my day” moment. I want to use a poorly worded exclamation like “It’s More Awesomer!” or something like that.
The functions and options controlled by Legacy all performed well. My Legacy operating tip for the month: If you re-program the number to, say 48, be sure you don’t type in “84” and then spend a half-hour trying to get number 48 to start up. Nuff said.
The only operational bug hearkened back to the early Lionel Alco C-420. The flanges tend to contact the base of a switch and bounce through them. We didn’t experience any operational problems with this, but it does detract a bit from a close-to-perfect model.
The Lionel O gauge SD70ACe looks great, runs like a champ, and has an extraordinary sound package. Give it a look (and a listen)!
Price: $449.99 (no. 28264)
Features: O-31 operation, two can-style motors, coil couplers, traction tires, Lionel RailSounds and Legacy command system
Staff comments: Awesome sounds, mighty pulling power, as close to smooch-worthy as any diesel I’ve seen. It may bounce through some of your switches, however. – Bob; Absolutely loved the ready access to programming controls. – Kent
I've got the CNW and Rio Grande versions from Lionel; which I run using MTH's DCS system along with Lionels TMCC. The locomotives run extremely smooth, even as low as one scale mph.The horn has multiple tones and volumes; with one particular sequence that knocks you out of the ballpark. Detail for the most part is exceptional; I find MTH's versions have crisper looking truck detail. Friends viewing these models have remarked on their realistic appearance. My only complaint with these engines is that they get jolted when going through my Lionel O-72 fastrack switches, because of their overly large wheel flanges; which prevents me from running them at higher speeds; because I don't want the jarring to damage them in any way.
Learning about the SD70ACe was informative. I'm looking forward to reading about the VISION line of diesel locomotives in Lionel's 2009 catelog. I will purchasing my first system this fall.
I read with interest, your Review of the new Legacy , UP SD70ACe by Lionel and the many comments on its details and features.
I have 2 of these locomotives which I operate on my Legacy equipped layout and on our train club layout (Chicago Land Lionel RR Club in New Lenox, IL.)
I must confess I am a bit disappointed in the Diesel sound and horn volume. The tower commands and crew talk has excellent volume. But the horn and diesel sounds are not as loud as I would have expected. For comparison, I parked my Lionel New Haven RS11 next to the UP SD70ACe and the horn and
diesel sounds on the RS11 are far superior.
I have adjusted the manual controls under the rear cover and worked thru the Legacy system to improve the sound with no success.
While at our club layout last week end we compared the other Lionel , SD70ACe Locomotives (Kathy, C&NW, WP, Mo. Pac. and another UP). All have poor diesel and horn volume. My Lionel RS11 out blasted them all!
I just wanted to pass this comparison information to Lionel SD70ACe owners that if their horn and diesel sound volumes do not meet their expectations they are not alone and the condition appears normal.
On a recent business trip the middle of January my work took me to a coal handling facility in Mobile, AL. Over a period of several days I noted a dozen or more CXS and UP, SD70ACe locomotives moving in and out of the car staging area. The horns and diesel sounds on these actual locomotives were awesome! Convinced me more than ever Lionel did not do their home work with diesel and horn sounds.
I have the sd70ace and it is everything you said and MORE !!
I do agree 110%. All of Lionels SD70ace's are just awsome, I own this one and the dummy unit, and the three Lionel Heritage SD70ace's. I am hopeing the other three will be out soon. But what I have learned, is good things come to those who wait. Lionels products are worth waiting for.
I to was impressed when I received my SD70AC. I had difficulty with removal of access panel on top it should be easier at times i thought It would break. I also have the dommy unit. Both are impressive looking as a unit, however there are no lights or sounds for the dummy unit. I found that very disappointing. I expected at least to have operational lights. I am told in 2009 all dummy units will in fact have lights and sound.
Looks like a must have item,the horn is outstanding.Being from the pre war years myself,I have heard all types of noises made by toys and trains,this has to be one of the best.Appearance wise it looks top notch,and apparently it must pull like a mule.
A bit off subject,it may be my old eyes,but Bob`s videos seem to need a bit more light directed toward Bob and the items he may display.
Wow, and takes 0-31 curves too. I love the addition of the soon-to-be-famous Borden ruler in the video. I wonder what the curves are on the CTT test oval?
I'm on the fence trying to decide whether or not to INVEST in the Lionel Kansas City Southern SD70ACe ,Model 6-28287. Can any owners provide me with their opinions? This seems to be the MAC DADDY, but based on some of the comments from the UP SD70ACe owners, I don't want to be disappointed.
Still lovin' this loco! During a low-light photo shoot, I just discovered the locomotive is equipped with running lights (blue LEDs mounted above the front truck) that illuminate during low speed operation. What a neat extra feature!
Lionel knocked this one out of the park Boys, get one of these units.
I have just purchased the Legacy system, in the process of installing it now, cannot wait to get the trains rolling.waiting for TPC unit to arrive.i will let you know how the system works.
I'm probably boing to get one so this is the review I want to read.
Hello ye all:
What switches did this unit pass through during your review tests? There should be no bouncing.
Hope Tom at Ross Switches comments about this.
Harry.
I agree with your evaluation. Mine ran very well until the CAB-2 forgot the locomotive information! I re-loaded the module and once again I could use the Legacy system.
My hearing is not the best, but I swear I hear little sqeaking sounds that would emanate from a moving locomotive!
I did not have any problem with my Ross (#8, #6 and 072), 072 Lionel and 031 Lionel switches.
It is "AWESOMER"!!!
It is my favorite engine. Lionel is #1 in my book.
Great engine and the sounds will blow you away.
I love the diesels so much I bought 4 powered and 3 dummy units. This is one unit that should be in your stables. When I saw the engine I thought I cant wait for the csx ac6000 i ordered to come in from the looks of the U.P the csx is sure to be a over the top.