Lionel postwar or modern GG1? I collect postwar but...

[FEClionel]

Ok guys I have never owned a GG1 and I really want one to run around the tree. What do you think is a better choice. A newer GG1 or a postwar. The newer one has Command which I will never use and the postwar 2340 Green is in Very Good condition(no stripes left). Both are about the same price - well the new one is $100 cheaper. Which would you choose and did the 2340 come in a frieght set in 1955?
THANKS!!!!

[highrailjon]

If you are never going to use Command on a GG1 , then why pay for it? What you might consider is going on Ebay and finding a K-line diecast conventional GG1 for a couple hundred or less.

[FEClionel]

Actually the command version is cheaper than a postwar model and teh same price as a Kline or Williams model.

[daan]

I guess the postwar GG1 keeps it's value, the K-line will sell for far less if you want to sell it later on. Besides that, postwar GG1's become difficult to get, and the K-line's will pop up on ebay for the next couple of decades. On the other hand, if you want a nice machine with a low noise run, better buy a new one. The engines used in the GG1 are the same as in the F3, and they make noise like nothing else. But the postwar has magnatraction, keeping it on the rails on higher speeds. I guess the new one has griprubber on it's wheels.

[Anonymous]

I would look for a 2332, single motor, green GG1, they run darn near silently. the stripes and lettering are usualy gone, but that can be replaced. If your not pulling a lot and not running super fast. they are more affordable than the duel motored GG1's that came later during the postwar years. I have one and you cannot hear it run, just the sound of metal wheels on the track. Cheers Mike

[Anonymous]

...of course, if you wanted the first, truly scale GG-1 by Lionel... the first in its history... you might consider this:

http://www.lionel.com/Products/Catalogs/Catalog.cfm?CatalogID=4&PageID=336

[daan]

Yes, looks awesome, but only for 072 radius and what the f**k is the smoke unit doing in an electric locomotive..?[%-)]

[SPFan]

Street prices on Williams GG-1s are typically less than $200. There is one for sale on the OGR buy-sell board for $165. At this price depreciation should be negligable.

Pete

[lionelsoni]

The GG1 had a boiler for steam to heat passenger trains.

[FEClionel]

Is the williams a good choice. I really only run my trains during the holiday and display and play with them ocasionally on the floor. I don't have a layout or display shelf. I just like collecting the train I thought were cool when I read my dads Lionel catalogs from the 1950's. The GG1 I'm looking at is origina and in VG condition - not too good to run on the floor - and not a shelf queen. I've though about the Williams units but there so perfect that they will probably clash with my excellent to very good + condition postwar rolling stock. What do you think?!

[johnsgg1]

FEC, I have all the Lionel GG1s in my PRR collection. I don't think you can go wrong with the green 2340 as long as it is serviced and there is no battery damage.

It has two vertical motors that are very quiet, it just kinda glides along the track. They are Pulmore motors, serviceable, and good pullers. The 2340 also has Magnetraction. That combined with the diecast shell and 12 wheel drive allows for very good pulling - without the need for traction tires. The reverse unit may buzz - but that is some of the charm of Postwar Lionel. The D cell operated horn is usually very reliable because of the design of the GG1 battery/relay/horn unit.

You can buy decal sets to replace the stripes and heralds - the lettering and numbers are heat stamped and are usually more durable. And of course, if at some future time, you want your 2340 to look like new, there are guys like Elliot Welz that can restore the cab and fini***o a better than new condition.

Personally, I'd spring for one of the new ones, from a couple years ago, 2332 black, 2340 tuscan or 2332 green. For a little under $99 you buy a Command Base and Cab-1, and you'll have the best of the above features (minus the e unit buzz), full command control, directional lighting, remote operating couplers, and the best electric GG1 sounds available.

If you have any specific questions, just shoot me an e-mail.