First off an introduction. Mark here, long time postwar collector.

I've recently been interested by a couple of modern Lionel items. the first was the N&W "J" from 2002.

Yesterday i was at the local Lionel shop to see what I could find. After talking awhile about the control systems available from Lionel the subject turned to the fact that they had a Bigboy there and it was for sale and included the Legacy control system. Well I thought about it for a bit then purchased the lot.

Im not going to keep it new in the box, I opened it right away and started through the directions. After a bit of fussing with the controller everything was in ready.

Im trully impressed! The bigboy by its self is something to behold, no mistaking it for the toy steamers of the postwar era (not that I mind them by any stretch!). Add on the legacy system and WOW.

At my place I can only operate it on a straight section due to the 0-72 minimum radius requirement. Someday maybe a bigger layout.

If you get the chance to check out the Legacy system, do yourself a favor and do it.

Cheers.