Yet Another GG1 Comparison

[Anonymous]

I have finally had the opportunity to run and examine both the Lionel GG1 and the MTH Premier GG1, courtesy of the Train Shack in Burbank. Both were run in command, on the same track, at the same time (I had a Cab-1 in my left hand and a DCS Handheld in my right). I had the privilege of operating both for about a half an hour.

Let me preface this by stating that I am biased towards MTH, but tried very hard not to let this color my judgment ( I suspect it did anyway).

The fit and finish on both models was impeccable. The castings on both were clean and without flaw. The casting on the MTH was slightly cleaner than the Lionel, but it was very close. As far as the body contours go, the Lionel seemed a bit wider, with the body hanging over the trucks a little more than the MTH. To my eye, the MTH looked like the proportions were slightly better, but I have to qualify this as I have been looking at my own, older version of the MTH Premier GG1 for a couple of years, so that is what I am used to.

Most of the differences in the two models were in the execution of the details: hoses, hatches, pantographs, etc.

Cab: As others have noted, the Lionel version has an insert in the cab, representing the cab interior, this is very nicely executed. The MTH model does not have this. The size and shape of the side windows is virtually identical, while the front facing cab window is noticeably taller on the Lionel. I do not know which is more prototypical. The windows are slightly more flush with the casting on the Lionel. Both models have windshield wipers.

Detail items. With regard to the small details (hoses, handrails, etc.), the MTH has much finer detail. Smaller gauge wire was used for handrails, etc. The same is true for the pilots-coupler lift bar and hoses are much finer on the MTH. The fold-down step on the ends of both models folds down on both. The Lionel has a tread molded in on this step, the MTH does not.

There is a small hatch on the top of each end of each model, on the roof just aft of the headlight and in front of the pantograph. It opens on both models. On the MTH, the hatch is mounted so that it lies flat on the top of the engine when closed. On the Lionel, the hatch is designed to lie flush with the roof of the model, but would not close completely (on either end).

Pilot Trucks: There is a rod extending from the power trucks to the pilot on the left front and right rear of the Lionel locomotive to the actual pilot. On the right front and left rear this rod is not present, leaving a somewhat empty space between the body shell and the pilot truck. Pilot truck moves somewhat independently of the actual pilot/coupler assembly. This detail does not appear on the MTH GG1. In the same area, the MTH model has multiple fine wires, simulating either electrical wiring or some type of hoses. There are also placards on the pilot trucks of the MTH GG1. These may have been present on the Lionel but I do not recall seeing them. Pilots are integral with the pilot truck on the MTH model.

The rims on the driving wheels were bright on the Lionel, and blackened on the MTH.

In operation, both ran very well and both behaved quite typically for MTH and Lionel. Minimum speed that the Lionel GG1 would operate at was between four and five scale miles per hour, with a very slight pulsing. The Lionel leapt to this speed immediately (no ramp up in speed from 0-4/5 SMPH). Minimum speed that the MTH GG1 would operate at was 2 scale miles per hour (it would actually run at 1 scale mile per hour, but hesitated when doing so). The MTH ramped up much more smoothly to its minimum speed.

Smoke from the Lionel operated on Command from the Cab-1. Smoke from the MTH operated periodically with a steam exhaust sound.

The roof hatches on the Lionel are removable: One hatch to hold the 9V battery to retain sounds in conventional operation, the other holds the controls for smoke, Odyssey, Prog/Run, volume etc. The MTH hatches were not removable as most of the features can be accessed through the DCS Handheld. I did not lift either model off the track, but I imagine that there is a volume pot and a smoke switch underneath the MTH.

Marker lights: On the Lionel, the marker lights extinguished on one end, and lighted on the other when reversing direction. On the MTH, the marker lights changed colors when reversing direction. I had to request assistance from store personnel when observing the marker lights, as I am so colorblind I could not tell what was going on.

Pantographs: Detail on the Lionel pantographs is excellent, better that the MTH. Movement wise, the Lionel pantographs moved up and down with a slightly jerky motion. The sound emitted by the Lionel Railsounds when the pantographs moved was very interesting-clanking and rattling. The MTH pantographs moved silently and very smoothly, as if they were actually air operated. No sound was emitted from the PS-2 system when the pantographs were actuated. Whether one likes the sound or not will be a pure matter of taste-I suspect in this case, both manufacturers got it wrong (the only time I have ever heard a pantograph being raised was on a Milwaukee Road video, and it made an air release noise).

One could depress the Lionel pantographs slightly, but I was warned that they are not to be moved manually. The MTH pantographs had a good range of motion when extended and appeared suitable for catenary operation.

The moving pantographs were fascinating on both models (and I really exercised them too).

Sound: The Lionel was silent when running; the MTH had a sound similar to that in the Bipolar (if one does not like the sound in the MTH, the volume for the engine sounds can be turned off). The horn on the Lionel was duller and more distant sounding, with more base. The horn on the MTH model was crisp, clear and very, very loud. The bells, although different, were similar enough that I cannot remember which was which.

The bottom line to all this, is that both of these are excellent models. My personal preference is toward the MTH (remember, I said I was biased) as running/operational characteristics, especially at very low speed, are very important to me.

Both are excellent!

[highrailjon]

RAK, I appreciate the fact that you explained your bias toward MTH before you did the comparison. It certainly did'nt reflect in anything you wrote, and I believe was a nicely detailed report. Thanks for sharing. Jon

[Anonymous]

Thank you John. I tried very hard to be objective and to see both the good and bad in each model, then tried to focus on the good things. Both of these are really impressive. If I did not already have the black MTH, I would purchase the Tuscan Red MTH (bias showing through). It did run much better at very slow speed (this is a hot button for me).

You could not loose with either one of these (although one of each would be better...)!

I thought it was really nice of the Train Shack to allow me to run both of these for that length of time. They are great people.