Which to pick Lionel GG1, Dash 9, F3 or Dash 8

[FEClionel]

Well I want a new engine and now I'm torn whether or not I want to wanter into O-scale phototypical stuff or stay with the more toy side of Lionel railroading/collecting. Everytime I sit at a CSX crossing I think how cool it would be to have a Lionel Dash 8 or 9 CSX. However, when I'm home looking through CTT I think how cool it would be to own a certain F3 or postwar style GG1. My dealer is having a sale on the following.
Lionel Freight Color Santa Fe 18117 F3 w/b unit for $350
Lionel mid 90's GG1 command w/o railsounds - $250
Lionel CSX Dash 8 - dual motor magnatraction w/o rs -$180
Lionel CSX Dash 9 - signal sounds - $230

What would you do?

[cnw1995]

As everyone will tell you - it's really up to you - and how you like the size / length of the engine to look as it goes through the curves on your layout, whether you prefer command control, sounds, etc.. But this is a delightful choice to consider. My personal bias is toward the toy train / conventional control side of the hobby and I've always wanted a GG1 - this engine and the Santa Fe F are the true icons of O gauge. Presuming you have TMCC, I'd choose the GG1 first, then SF, then pricier Dash unit.

[Anonymous]

Stick with what you layout & wallet can handle, Remeber the Kiss rule, Keep It Simple Stupid.

[Anonymous]

When I got back into the hobby several years ago the first purchases that I made were the updated versions of the post-war trains that I didn't have back in the 50's. Recently I've made the transition to more modern equipment- the trains I see everyday as I make my rounds of the Kansas City metro area. I find that I run the more modern engines much more than the F3's and GG1's, etc. However, it certainly makes for a special occasion when I do put the warbonnet Santa Fe F3's and the GG1 on the layout at the same time. It always makes me smile.
Isn't choice a wonderful thing? Have a great weekend.
Bob

[FEClionel]

Well guys thanks for the advise. I ended up purchasing a Lionel GP9 - B&O 6-18879. It has TMCC & railsounds - $219. I've never seen this engine except in the Grzyboski Ad in CTT - stated as RARE - $395.99. So I figure I got a great deal plus it fits in perfect in what I'm looking to do. Small enough to run on my layout and strong enough to pull a lot of cars. Maybe someday I'll make the switch to standard O stuff - but for now I like mixing new and old Lionel postwar inspired stuff. I wish I would have found an Atlantic Coast Line Geep - but the B&O is a little different.