Williams Santa Fe F3 passenger set or Lionel PWC Super Chief F3 Set?

[FEClionel]

Hey guys

Whats your input - I was doing a search this weekend after I decided I need an F3 and I found that after a search of Justrains.com they have Williams F3's fro $235 - shipped but they also have the Lionel PWC Super Chief set for $695 shipped. So the Williams F3's with passenger cars would come out to $435 versus the Lionel set for $695 - which would you all go for?

[phillyreading]

Do you know what condition the Lionel PWC Super Chief set is in?  You may need to do some work to the Lionel set regardless what the seller says or claims and be sure to see photos, NO photos equals NO sale! 

Williams has some very good stuff for the money, does not come with all the electronics that others may have but is very good quality for the money.

Lee

[Jumijo]

I love Williams trains, so it would be an easy choice for me. Especially when the price difference heavily favors Williams. The Lionel set does have Railsounds though. I'd still go with Williams.

Jim

[FEClionel]

Whats the advantage of the Williams set if the price difference is $200 - a lifetime of collecting/operating its not that big of a deal!

[Jumijo]

From what you wrote, the price difference is actually $260. If that's not a big deal to you, send that money to me. I'll consider it a big deal. It will easily pay for a second set of Williams F3s.

The Williams comes with a lifetime warranty, and has all metal gears.

Jim

[okiechoochoo]

I don't like the front pilot gap on the Williams F3s but for the difference I would still go with Williams.  They do have a life time warranty and METAL gears which to me would be a big selling factor.  Why Lionel does not use metal gears at the price they charge is beyond me but then I buy mostly Lionel postwar anyway and they just about all have metal gears.

[FEClionel]

I think I'm gonna go with the Texas Special F3's and hope the passenger cars come in before Christmas. Even if the AA configuration of the 2245's isn't stock Lionel - its still a pretty train. Plus my Grandpa worked for Frisco in Southwest Missouri!

[Jumijo]

Tune in tomorrow for yet another "what should I get" post from you know who . . .

[YGBSM]

LOL!  How true.

[okiechoochoo]

I have been meaning to ask if he has ever decided anything without others opinions

[FEClionel]

thanks for your help - no more questions for now. Sorry - no train buddies here in South Florida so I have bounce things off you all. Just want to make a sound decision but, no further questions...