Most Collectable/Wanted F3 set in past 10 years?

[FEClionel]

Which would you pick ???
GM Demo or ACL

Same price $449 - both ABA's

[brianel027]

ogage, you make a very valid point that is hardly a rant. The older trains from not just Lionel were made in large quantities over an extended production period. There are plenty of these trains still out there and therefore there is a valid interest in replacement parts - and therefore a justifed market for the parts, both original and reproduction. And there are some parts for even the older trains that are not available. Before anyone decides to manufacture reproduction parts, there needs to be a market and demand for them - and the numbers to justify the production run of these parts.

Many of these newer trains are not made in such large quantities and are not made for extended production runs. They want precise details and more variety in train loco and rolling stock types. Williams still practices the unprotypical practice of using an incorrect part for differing types of locos. So whether specific reproduction parts ever become available for many of these newer scale hi-tech trains remains to be seen. It has become obvious that the train companies themselves are not stocking replacement parts for all these new trains. And some of these companies may not be around long enough to do so either... time will tell.

The chances are better that parts for the older simplier trains will continue to be available for a long time to come. And that some folks with the newer train will find themselves having to cob parts or gasp, use unprototypical or incorrect parts for their trains.

[Anonymous]

Try buying an early MTH smokeunit or early electronics parts. Sure you can upgrade them to the newest stuff, but why should you have to? I have an MTH railking pennsy pacific that has an American Flyer reverse unit in the boiler due to the then QSI unit failing and then mth LOSING the freaking tender frame and trucks! No more new MTH since then for me. The then service guy wouldn't even talk to me about it and could care less whether I was happy with the 7 mth engines that I then had. opps, there I go again rant off.

[okiechoochoo]

That is why I also like Postwar or Williams. Parts are always available. I have always heard that with the high tech stuff that cottage industries will step up to the plate and produce replacements and while that may be true, I wonder about other items such as gears, bushings, wheels etc. Will there be replacements for these items or will the expensive locos become shelf queens

[Anonymous]

My only complaint about newer engines with old style motors is the fact that I have gotten quite a few engines with weak or loose magnets. Alas, what can you do, at least mag engines don't throw tires! BTW, what are you going to do when your can motors start wearing out and all the key players don't stock/sell replacements? This is one reason I prefer the old Pullmor motors.......That though is probably only worth a half cent:)

[Anonymous]

Probably the Texas Specials but I really like those GM Demos too. The Pullmore Motors in these things (all of the newer ones) are really quiet also.

[FEClionel]

WOW this posting is back...
I would say a new one now would be the Santa Fe 2383's from the sold out Super Cheif set.

[Anonymous]

Texas special for sure..........

The CP units will be worth some just because they were set only. Probably made less of them than the separate sale engines.

[Anonymous]

Current values of Select A-A "Excellent" sets as CTT reports them:
- Western Pacific #2355...........$1,350

- " " #2345..............1,250

-New York Central #2333........... 780 [rubber stamped]

-Southern #2356.......................... 750
They cite the Western Pacific units as the most scarce of postwar F-3s.

[Warburton]

I agree about the Texas Special being most sought after. I have a feeling in the longer run the Northern Pacific "Passenger Scheme" F-3 might move up towards the top, though. A lot of foks really like the Wabash, too, so keep an eye on that one also!

[Anonymous]

CP passenger set, or D&RGW freight set (Not so much for the set as for the Engines)!

[Anonymous]

Texas Special !

[Anonymous]

I WOULD SAY THE TEXAS SPECIAL F3, THE SANTA FE ANNIVERSARY SET, OR THE CANADIAN PACIFIC SET ALL FROM THE LLC ERA

[Anonymous]

Try to find a Texas Special F-3AB at a reasonable price. If you are asking what is the most collectible F3 set made in the past ten years this set would have to be at or near the top. They sold out quickly when introduced and have continued to increase in value.

[daan]

The New Haven F3's are probably the most collectable, if they are in good shape in LN or EX with boxes etc the postwar's are very expensive..
The most collectable are Like New or Excellent condition machines with all their boxes.
That those F3's disappear from the shop shelves is mainly because they are still good running and dependable diesels.
Seen a New York Central on Ebay for $100, running but lettering bad and without boxes, but also a New Haven F3 A unit which after 3 days (out of 7) was above $1000 and the matching unpowered B unit on seperate sale for over $900.
They where however undamaged and in Ex condition.

[Kooljock1]

I would GUESS that it's the Santa Fe "Anniversary" set. These seem to command huge prices everywhere I see them.

As far as the new ones go, aside from the price, I want them coupled closer together. I hear the new P-Comapny units will be nice, but still too far apart.

Jon [8D]

[FEClionel]

What Lionel F3 set is the most collectable or sought after set in the past 10 years. Lately I've seen a lot of F3 sets that have been sitting on the shelves at local train shops suddenly disappear.
-C&O
-Demo GM Set
-KCS
-ACL
-Wabash
-Southern
-Southern Pacific
-Or New style F3(i don't like them at all)