MTH Ready to Run Set

[emk]

I love the MTH F-3 Texas Special, and I am debating the merits of the Rail King Ready-to-Run set (O-27) versus moving up to the larger scale ABA sets with smoke.  The RTR passenger cars appear to be detailed similar (just shorter at 13 inches long versus 16 inches) and the engine is smaller at 11.5 inches.  Nonetheless, its a good looking set and I am seriously considering the O-27 look.  My layout is not too large, but I have the O-31 and O-42 curves that would support either size.  I am looking for some feedback on the pros/cons of this decision, and any relevant considerations or experiences that other readers may have.

[Seayakbill]

If you are staying with the 027 look and configuration the short F units fit right in, I prefer the longer RailKing F units. Smoke is a must for me since the grandkids think its cool even though I cannot keep the smoke units on for any length of time or I start smoking out the upstairs and smoke detectors start blaring.

[RRaddict]

I haven't seen the RTR Texas Special in the larger scale.  If you want smoke though that is what you need to go with>  I have a special preference for F and E units especially with smoke.  I agree the RTR passenger cars are just fine and look good I have quite a few of them and I am very satisfied with them.  They are much cheaper than the Premiere line with the only negative being they don't come with passengers but you can add them yourself for very little you just need to avoid the name brand sellers. I have several sets of 027 locomotives also and really enjoy them and they make my smaller layout look a little bigger when running them. I am also using 042 curves and the standard gauge still looks too big but you cant beat having smoke.

[emk]

Thanks... there's a difference between the O-27 passengers cars, the 60-foot (Rail King) and the 80-foot Premier cars.  The smaller O-27 cars are 13 9/16 inches long while the 60-foot cars are 16 11/16 inches long (width and height aren't too different).  The detail on these cars is similar, included lighted interiors and rubber end diaphragms. The size is what I'm debating.  I think I can find a non-powered A unit that has smoke, so that's a good insight.    Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE

[emk]

Thanks... the smoke is a good criterion. There's a difference between the O-27 passengers cars, the 60-foot (Rail King) and the 80-foot Premier cars.  The smaller O-27 cars are 13 9/16 inches long while the 60-foot cars are 16 11/16 inches long (width and height aren't too different).  The detail on these cars is similar, included lighted interiors and rubber end diaphragms. The size is what I'm debating.  I think I can find a non-powered A unit that has smoke, so that's a good insight.   

[RRaddict]

The Rail King passenger cars are very nice even if they are scaled down. I have 72' Premiere cars too but run the Rail Kings more often.  I don't know if they make Rail King locomotives in 027 with smoke.  If you find some please post them.

Kevin