Hello
What do you guys think about the LGB Amtrak #91950 fast train? I recently got the bug for something totally different and saw a few of them on Ebay at various prices. I read online that the windows are actually decals and the cars themselves are rather flimsy for LGB standards. Is this true?
I also understand there is one engine in the front and the back is a dummy but it can be retrofitted with a power block. If you can find one. I have read that with just one power unit the train can spin its wheels on grades even with just the 3 cars that come with the set never mind with an added on car.
What is your opinion on these sets? Is the ICE version better or is it considered part of LGBs toy line.
Should I get one of these trains if I can find one at a good price or is it not a good idea.
Thanks
Todd
Todd;
I have one of the old LCE (Marklin got exclusive rights to use the ICE markings) trains, purchased in 1997 at the DC convention. I purchased an extra car with mine, making it 4 units, and yes, it was sluggish until I added a motor unit for the second power car. The pantographs are a joke - all plastic - and would wear out fast if actually used with catenary. Once I added the second motor unit, the train ran exceptionally well on a friend’s layout which had long grades of just over 3%. The second motor unit is worth the investment if you can find one.
At the time I had purchased this train, we had two cats who were fairly accustomed to me running trains in our living room. The cats would keep their distance whenever I ran the LCE train, however. Due to the articulated construction, there are no breaks between the cars on the LCE train. I decided that the train looked like a large white boa constrictor in the eyes of our cats.
Hope this helps,
David Meashey
I had the amtrak one for a while. I ended up getting rid of it when the Genesis and Amtubes were announced… and never did end up getting them.
Todd Haskins said:These express trains were bullett proof , and can operate in any weather , I used them as my rain trains , they are the enginzer bunny , they keep going and going . Really easy to rc and battery power them , giant space inside for what ever you want to install . I still have and operate mine sometimes . They are toy trains , and when operating thru your layout , they look great . They will be running a long time , way past when the the Aristo or Bachmann , USA power units , have broken down . Years ago a poster known as SPLICER [ the orginial one ] ran his Amtrak , 24 , 7 , for weeks non stop , after 911 . Nope they are not scale models , but when running on a layout they look good doing it . Of course they were a great price on closeouts .
Hello What do you guys think about the LGB Amtrak #91950 fast train? I recently got the bug for something totally different and saw a few of them on Ebay at various prices. I read online that the windows are actually decals and the cars themselves are rather flimsy for LGB standards. Is this true? I also understand there is one engine in the front and the back is a dummy but it can be retrofitted with a power block. If you can find one. I have read that with just one power unit the train can spin its wheels on grades even with just the 3 cars that come with the set never mind with an added on car. What is your opinion on these sets? Is the ICE version better or is it considered part of LGBs toy line. Should I get one of these trains if I can find one at a good price or is it not a good idea. Thanks Todd
Some LGB Express trains pictures . OH yes , when actually powered with a FULL 24 volts , they ARE Express trains , for sure . They actually brought a REAL set over here from Germany for testing on our tracks , its video is somewhere around of the real express trains here in the USA .
(http://1stclass.mylargescale.com/dennispaulson/LGB%20Express%20Trains/LCE&A001.jpg)
(http://1stclass.mylargescale.com/dennispaulson/LGB%20Express%20Trains/LCE&A009.jpg)
(http://1stclass.mylargescale.com/dennispaulson/LGB%20Express%20Trains/LCE&A015.jpg)
(http://1stclass.mylargescale.com/dennispaulson/LGB%20Express%20Trains/LCE&A017.jpg)
Youtube express train videos
Technically, the original ‘LCE’ items were NOT LGB. They were actually manufactured under contract to Piko and marketed as the Lehmann ‘toytrain’ line (down market LGB in a manner of sorts). Later (much later) they were absorbed into the LGB fold. They are being reintroduced this year as part of the Toytrain/LGB range for a price less that when first released many years ago.
That being said, actually my favourite Lehmann (LGB) model. I went overboard and purchased heaps in all the configurations, silver Amtrak (original test train was actually white with Amtrak name on nose), Mk1 ‘boxy’ version and the later Mk3 versions. I use additional motor blocks, power pickups and lighting to enhance these beasts. A single drive block is only good enough for itself and three cars.
Structurally they are very good. Cosmetically, the decals are the downfall. Even storing in the original package, the decals adhere to the clear packaging cover and destroy themselves when removed. I am very lucky to have hunted and searched and secured a sizable number for my collection. I really do like them and despite their toylike appearance they do make nice models when running. The sound they make when running (after metal wheelsets fitted) makes a sound card unnecessary. I even joined two end cars to make a ‘Desiro’ type two car unit.
This is the Mk1 version running on my railroad -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gDhPL4fUB0&feature=plcpLooking and sounding good Tim 
Hey Dennis,
I see FEMA came through on the upgrade from the catenary, glad to see passengers are still being served
Sorry but those are old pictures , but the ins adjuster finally came , now the cleanup can begin .
Nice photos and videos.
In one that Dennis listed the train looks weird when it comes off what is probably a super elevated curve like it is going to tip. maybe it was a optical illusion but it looked to tip side to side.
Now I’m sold and I will have to start watching for one of these sets at a good price. A beat up one rated 6-7 no box but with the extra power block and diner car went through the bay for about $250 last night. Is that typical? I saw another like new set for $280 and extra cars from $40-$90 plus shipping. I’m gonna have to be patient and watch out for a deal.
Watched a interesting movie last night but I bet the book was alot better. “Atlas Shrugged” it was about politics and industry and a high speed rail line through Colorado. The train looked liked a LCE.
Thanks guys
Todd
Todd;
I looked at the video you mentioned. The train that was tilting was a special design that tilts in curves to help counter the effects of centrifical force. There are some trains like that in use in England and Italy, and perhaps other parts of the world.
Best,
David Meashey
That is probably just what it is Dave. I’m sure its not a bad section of track. Amazing technology those tilting trains but it does allow them to go faster.
funny story with your cats thinking your LCE train is a white snake.
Todd
Naw Todd, that book was kinda 2 dimensional and preachy 
A better “train” book would be “Nothing Like It in the World” by Stephen Ambrose or “Empire Express” by David Bain… both about building the real transcontinental RR
“Amazing technology those tilting trains but it does allow them to go faster.”
Todd;
I believe that I read that it allows those trains to maintain their speed on lines with older and tighter curves. It also keeps the passengers more comfortable, as they are less likely to be shifted in their seats when the train speeds through a curve.
Perhaps another poster can add a better explanation than what I have been able to glean from reading about tilt trains.
Yours,
David Meashey
I will probably never live to see it operate, but Amtrak has announced plans for a new dedicated high-speed route; NY to Boston following the I-84 corridor right near me . These will be 200-300 MPH bullet trains. Hope I live long enough, but doubtful as the don’t plan this phase until 2040!
More Info: http://www.amtrak.com/ccurl/453/325/Amtrak-Vision-for-the-Northeast-Corridor.pdf
Jon Radder said:
I will probably never live to see it operate, but Amtrak has announced plans for a new dedicated high-speed route; NY to Boston following the I-84 corridor right near me . These will be 200-300 MPH bullet trains. Hope I live long enough, but doubtful as the don't plan this phase until 2040!More Info: http://www.amtrak.com/ccurl/453/325/Amtrak-Vision-for-the-Northeast-Corridor.pdf
And since its a gubmint projrct, it wint get done until 2050, about the time my arm heals!
Dave Meashey said:
"Amazing technology those tilting trains but it does allow them to go faster."Todd;
I believe that I read that it allows those trains to maintain their speed on lines with older and tighter curves. It also keeps the passengers more comfortable, as they are less likely to be shifted in their seats when the train speeds through a curve.
Perhaps another poster can add a better explanation than what I have been able to glean from reading about tilt trains.
Yours,
David Meashey
Talgo