This model gets my nod for being a good reissue of what was undeniably an icon for kids and collectors alike.
This is another Lionel Conventional Classics release (see the Thunderbird review in the July 2009 CTT). This series offers affordable releases made in as close to original style as is practical. This is as nice a rendering of a vintage train as you’ll find.
The model
Just like the postwar Lionel GG1, this is a faithfully rendered, and selectively compressed (that is, “toy-like”) GG1. Generally speaking, the level of detail isn’t exactly craftsman quality, but it is satisfactory. It probably gets a few extra points for modern production techniques, rather than old school-style construction from way back when.
For example, the safety rails over the cab windows are probably the width of an O scale crewman’s arm – or wider. There really aren’t side doors for the crew because of the old-timey need to have a smooth surface for the printing of the locomotive’s stripes. And the ladders are big hunks of stamped steel.
The model gets the main detail reference points as right as a non-scale model can get, down to rather nice cast-in air intakes on the engineer’s side.
I liked the cast-in doors (and safety bars) on both ends of the shell. The tooling was particularly smooth to the touch on the curves and angle.
There were a few spots where things looked a bit rough, but those were in confined spaces (such as the recesses around the upper part of the cab windows). I surmise it might have been caused by a tad too much paint and not a defect in the metal it was applied to.
The paint application was first-rate, with the possible exception noted above. The five-stripe scheme was very well executed.
Attaching the pantographs to the shell is easy. They are easy to raise or lock in the down position.
On the test track
This locomotive was run on track with O-36 and wider diameter curves. With the exception of a derailment or two (literally a handful out of hundreds of laps), it was a pretty smooth runner.
This is a solid, well-constructed model. As mentioned, the shell is die-cast metal, as are the trucks. The pilot and couplers are also die-cast metal.
The model has two power-pickup rollers spaced roughly 6 ½ inches apart.
The horn and bell are digital versions. Sure, this is against the grain of postwar authenticity, but it is an improvement over a postwar-style doorbell buzzer.
Our low-speed test average was 12.5 scale miles per hour, and the high-speed average was 65 scale miles per hour. Motor operation was smooth, and the locomotive was responsive to throttle command. Drawbar pull for the locomotive was 1 pound, 2 ounces.
I’d give the Conventional Classic GG1 a solid “Okay.” It is a well-made rendering of a postwar icon; it runs well and is priced to move!
Price: $279.99 (no. 38303)
Features: O-31 operation, two Pullmor motors, Magne-Traction, digital horn and bell
Staff comments: How smart of Lionel LLC to reissue the no. 2340-1 GG1, which was cataloged in 1955 only and headed the top-of-the-line no. 2254W Congressional passenger outfit. – Roger
