I recentily got back into the hobby after about a 10 year layoff. I pulled out my Willliams Boston and Maine GP 9 and let me tell you that is one awesome engine! I have several MTH engines and Lionel lower end engines and the one Williams engine. Of all of them the Willaims wins hands down. It lacks the sound systems but boy does it have power! At the time I only paid 150.00 for it new and it was worth every penny. Im going to be purchasing several more engines in the near future. I stick to the lower end engine as I cant really afford the upper end stuff. Usually around the 150.00 to 400.00 rainge. Question- is Williams still a good quality engine as I think they have changed owners since I purchased mine, and how do they compare nowadays to Lionel and MTH in my price range?
I think Williams still makes great locomotives and are the best you can get for your money. The just released their new GP-30 with new tooling from the ground up and it looks and sounds great. They have True Blast plus now. It has Prime mover, Bell, Horn, and revup rev down. These can be had between 199.00-250.00. They look superb more like a highend Lionel or MTH. I have several Williams and they still pull a ton of cars behind them even though I am limited to about 14 they don't break a sweat. Their steamers are still good too but way over priced for what you get. They still don't have fan driven smoke units like Lionel and MTH sueth smoke units are terrible. Just my two cents but I think there are others that agree.
Kev
Can't stop working on the railroad!
At a time when the big boys are promoting bigger $$ Legacy this, and 3.0 that, WILLIAMS (old and new) is an attractive alternative.
After placing several MTH 2.0 engines on the "dead" line, I've recently turned to a less-tech mindset.
I have 8 Williams engines. And 3 Lionel. The Williams are the best. My favorites are the GG-1 and the Trainmasters.
Chuck
Williams has been purchased by Bachmann who up till now has change nothing. You can still get the same quality engine that you already have. As noted above they are beginning to upgrade which will make them nicer to run but more expensive. now is the time to buy.
"IT's GOOD TO BE THE KING",by Mel Brooks
Charter Member- Tardis Train Crew (TTC) - Detroit3railers- Detroit Historical society Glancy Modular trains- Charter member BTTS
Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.
Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month