I started running and collecting Lionel Postwar trains these last 2 years, (after a lull of 60 years) during the pandemic. I've got all O27 track, but have some larger curve radii in places on my layout.
I have all PW locos and cars except the 1981 Lionel Red loco. Can't remember the number. I bought that for the looks and the construction seems near identical to PW units.
So I see a lot of Williams and MTH trains out there. Am I missing something not buying those?
And if so, what are your suggestions and opinions as to what to buy?
I want to stay with traditional setup. No bluetooth, etc.
I have 2 KW running my layout. And I'm not a big fan of those lightweight traction tire locos.. Had one. It could pull hardly any PW cars. And the reverse unit failed in 2 weeks. I like to run them, not just display or store them. The more cars the better, until they derail or decouple.
I see Williams has some nice looking die cast locos that look like a Hudson. Any good? Or just keep buying PW lionel. Or something else?
If you want to run conventional then Williams is a darn good choice. I own several and they're simple, rugged, and reliable. I'm a conventional runner myself with no interest in the "gee-whiz" electronics.
The only downside to Williams right now is their O Gauge product line is no-where near as extensive as it used to be, it's actually a shadow of its former self. However Williams products are still pretty easy to find at train shows and some dealers, both NOS "New Old Stock" or used.
I like MTH for the variety of steam locomotive types they've built over the years. However with MTH you'll be paying for features you'll never use if you're a conventional runner. In my case I was willing to do so because I wanted the locomotive and was willing to spend the money. But at this point I've got what wanted so I'm going to cool it on current production MTH (and Lionel) for now.
I AM getting into post-wars and MPC Lionels.
Hope this helps a bit. Feel free to ask me anything!
How about a Williams 5205? It looks like a Lionel 776 I think. Looks bigger than a Lionel 736. But it has some traction tires, even though it looks heavy, die cast.
I have to admit I don't know about the Williams 5205, however I've got a Williams catalog from 2012 (I kept it 'cause it's just so cool!) and there's a 5207 listed.
It's a scale Hudson. I'm guessing the equivalent of the Lionel 773 Hudson. It needed a 42" minimum radius curve, was 24" long with the tender, and had a manufacturers suggested retail price of $749.95. It's much bigger than a Lionel 736. The catalog doesn't say if it's got traction tires but I wouldn't bet it doesn't have them.
The Williams copy of the 736 was 19.5" overall and would handle O-31 curves. I've got one of those Williams Berkshires and it's a great runner. The traction tires wore out on it a while ago but since I can't run super-long consists on my layout, usually only 16 cars max, it handles that consist just fine without the tires, it's heavy enough to manage.
Personally, if the traction tires go on my engines and the engine doesn't miss them I don't bother to replace them.
Williams also made a semi-scale Hudson at the time pretty similar to a Lionel 2055 that would handle 027 curves. MSRP at the time (2012) was $429.95 but I NEVER saw them for sale in shops or at shows for that price, if I remember right $300 max was about the average.
I hope this helps!
Thanks,
Yes it seems like there are a lot of Williams NOS out there.
So what is your opinion on the Wiliams 2322 Trainmaster with what looks like dual motors? Or Williams 9831?
Do any Williams have magnatraction? Im looking for a dual motor that hauls good up a grade.
Both the Williams Trainmaster and 9831 F7 are excellent dual motor engines, either one is a good choice.
To my knowledge Williams didn't make anything with MagneTraction or an equivalent, everything they made in the last 20 years is going to have traction tires. As far as pulling up grades I can't speak from personal experience, my layout's simple and flat with no grades.
Thanks for your quick reply. Ill take a look at putting my toe into the post- postwar locos.
Do you run on tubular track? Do these locos run ok on old lionel 1950s track, or are they really made for the newer track?
Also, What is the scale of these locos? Are they much bigger than all my PW locos and rolling stock? Will that make it look out of proportion??
Thanks
Flintlock76To my knowledge Williams didn't make anything with MagneTraction or an equivalent...
Rob
trainlivebobDo these locos run ok on old lionel 1950s track, or are they really made for the newer track?
They don't know the difference.
trainlivebobAlso, What is the scale of these locos? Are they much bigger than all my PW locos and rolling stock?
They are "Lonel Scale". The FM matches the Lionel version, and the F7(from Kusan dies/tooling) nearly matches the Lionel F3.
I run on MTH RealTrax, it's nickle-silver so MagneTraction doesn't do me any good! I went with nickle-silver track as my layout's in an out-building and I didn't want to worry about corrosion of the track.
Williams engines will run on any O Gauge track out there. I will say if the engine's listed as needing an 031 curve take them at their word. I HAVE run my Williams Berkshire on 027 curves but let's say I got away with it when I tried it, it's below the minimum recomended curve.
As far as scale is concerned the Williams engines are of the same "scale" as Lionel post-wars and MPC era engines, they'll match up perfectly with your post-war rolling stock. The only outlier is that scale Hudson I mentioned earlier.
Just to add on, Lionel did make some very nice conventional engines in what I call the "Kughn Era" up to the mid-90's, they're worth looking at too.
Thanks to everyone for their replies. I will be looking around to try one of these "New" locomotives.
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