MTH Tinplate advice

[John Richardson]

Hi,

 

Although my primary interest is pre 1960 Lionel, those tinplate R-T-R sets from MTH look enticing.  My only concern is the long term reliability.  It seems like it's hit or miss right out of the box for the Proto versions, let alone lasting 20 plus years.  I wouldn't mind trying a Proto version, but I don't want a 600 dollar paper weight in 2 years.  I'd appreciate input from others who have already taken the plunge.

 

Thanks,

John

[cheapclassics]

Good evening John,

A person after my own heart.  I have had a Proto 2 384E set for the past few years.  While I have not run it recently, it has always fired up in the past.  They can produce a lot of smoke and the sound system is incredible.  Crank the throttle and the sound and the smoke up full tilt and the sensory overload is quite spectacular.  If you are leary of the electronics, you can find serviceable original or restored items for similar prices or less. I definitely recommend standard gauge if you are going to make the tinplate plunge.  Any tinplate is impressive but the standard gauge ones thunder down the tracks.  Another option is to find the Lionel Classics from the late 80s, early 90s.  No modern electronics, but some can be found still new in box and almost all will have a sheen like the latest RTR sets.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

 

[ivesboy]

Do yourself a favor and buy a real one!!!

I have many friends who have become disgusted with poor quality in those products and are scrambling to get pennies on the dollar for the new stuff to buy originals. Original Lionel standard gauge is extremely affordable at the moment. It is reliable easy to service and parts are readily available. You do not have to have the geek squad fix it. It may have a few scratches but you will enjoy it more in the long run, it has a history and a story. What is the point of a "new" old train. No soul!

Before anyone gets mad, he asked out opinion!