topics for discussion...

[mpzpw3]

Just thought I would post a few things that have interested me, concerning the new Lionel catalog, Williams reproductions, layout building, and just plain questions that I would like answered.
The new Lionel catalog: really not that bad from my point of view. There are things that interest me , and will probably purchase from it. I like the 2005 postwar collector series, especially the REA reefer. The Rio Grande set is especially interesting ( a lot of operating cars come with this set, and figureing in value for this set, realisticly priced, opposed to some other sets in the catalog, not mentioning the greendale set, which I have an opinion on.) The Santa Fe docksider is a "will buy", and the Santa Fe caboose is a "see what the bargain is" in the mags.
My opinion of the Williams reproductions sets: I like them, I like them a lot, but... They are expensive. I own 4 Williams engines, and I cannot say enough good things about them. $305.00 for a discounted set of F-3s, hard to believe. I recently bought a set of MTH used Proto-1 F-3s in Silver and Red, AND in blue and yellow for $500.00. The detail is great, and I got to retire my Postwar 2343 Lionels. I was planning on using Williams new F-3s to replace them, but pricing was right for proto-1 units. I wonder about the detail on the new Lionel F-3s, compared to the MTH versions? I am by no means a MTH fan, but when a guy can buy used, with sound, for less than a new locomotive without sound, what do you do? I am a super-dooper advocate of Williams, Industrial rail, MTH Rugged Rails, and e-bay deals. The Lionel starter cars that I have seen don't compare, as they are see through plastic, from what I have seen.
I am hoping that this topic will bring will bring some responses. I find myself being an average toy train guy: I look for deals in the magazines, and on the internet. Scale doesn't concern me, and prototpical operations are something I can only dream of. It would be nice to "count rivets", but I can't afford it...