My O-gauge milestones

[mpzpw3]

I was looking at my train stuff the other day, and began to think about how we got from there to here. Excluding postwar milestones, and railsounds, TMCC, MTH DCS, and super high priced imports, I started looking at what made it happen to be where we are today. I made a list, and would like your thoughts as well. I'm not made of money, so my list may be a little "low-end", but here goes: 1.Lionel SD-18s. New tooling for the trucks, and modified tooling for the body.
2. The K-Line MP- 15 switcher. The first reasonably priced engine with can motors, new tooling, and an attemt at wire handrails.
3. The Lionel "Northern". Perhaps the first new steam engine, even if it uses a Berk. chassis.
4. Walthers building kits. There were no real affordable buildings at the time.
5. MTH F-3s. The first attempt to make these classic engines more prototypical.
6. MTH starter sets from way back when. In the 1st couple years of the company, You could get a starter set that was not a Lionel modern scout set.
7. Williams in last couple of years. Want a Lionel classic, Here is one with dual motors (quiet) great pulling power, and a digital horn and bell that doesn't sound that bad. Also, you can get some modern or different motive-power that doesn't break the budget.
8. The Polar Express. Not including the discout prices, when could you buy a die-cast metal berk. with horn and smoke, 3 passenger cars, a circle or track, and a transformer for under $200.00?
This is just my list . You can agree or disagree. I am interested in hearing what You think has been the greatest things to happen in O-gauge since the postwar era came to a close!!

[3railguy]

I didn't become an O gauger until 1980 but here are my views:

1) Lionel SP daylight set. 1981 - I preordered one from C Ro for $408. It was the first Mt Clemens F-3 to have magnetraction. At the same time, the first Lionel SD-40 was announced in Santa-Fe.

2) Williams Brass scale hudson, around 1984 - I did not buy one but it was the first mass produced 3 rail scale steam engine of the "modern era".

3) Lionel B-6 switcher. I did preorder one and it was the first mass produced die cast 3 rail scale steamer of the modern era. It was also the first Lionel engine to come with railsounds. Shortly after, the Reading T-1 was announced.

[Anonymous]

1) Lionel's New York Central starter set with diecast engine and a diecast 18 wheeler. first afforable set I had seen in years that was made of rugged metal. That thing still runs circles around some of my other engines!
2) SD90 Mac diesel with railsounds. All the bells and whistles (sorry, no pun intended) and under $500.

[Anonymous]

1) MTH Trains; no fan of the man but he changed everything.
2) TMCC the first and still the simplest and least expensive control system. Completely changed model railroading.
3) Weaver with its long-running accurate, scale rolling stock.
4) Third Rail/Sunset; great looking and running brass engines at a decent price. Still a bargain.
5) The MTH F-3 in '95. Finally an F unit that looks realistic.
6) The lionel PA in '95.
7) The Atlas Reefers.