New Gantry Crane and #38 Water Tower. Better than Originals ?

[Anonymous]

I a saving up to add some Lionel and MTH accesories so I can have more fun with my two train sets.

I'd like to buy the Lionel U.S. Steel Gantry Crane and the #38 Water Tower.

But, over time will my #38 Water Tower have problem like the original?

Will the Gantry Crane be as noisey as the Original? (Saw one on a video about train layouts. It was loud)

Should I play it safe with the water tower and get an MTH water tower?

steel rails

[iguanaman3]

"Should I play it safe with the water tower and get an MTH water tower?"

MTH doesn't make a water tower with real water like the 138. I haven't heard of a new Lionel water tower that leaks like the originals but they do break I'm sure. The new gantry cranes use can motors so they won't ever make that pulmor growl. That's the best part of the crane to me though... it makes it sound so powerful!!

[winrose46]

I have the TMCC gantry crane and it is not loud. I can hear both sets of gear when pulling up the magnet and while turning the body. It is not objectionable to me.

[Munster518]

I agree with Winrose, Ive got the new gantry crane and its very quite with smooth operation thats perfect everytime. I was originally going to buy the postwar version but found out that theres a good possiblity that you can strip the gears by accidently turning the dials in the wrong direction[:0]. The postwar gantry crane is noisy unlike the new one. The new water tower on the other hand I don't own, but I don't see much difference in the way of the postwar version, unless it comes with TMCC, which im not sure of[:D]

John

[Frank53]

I own both post war originals. 55 or so years later they still work great. Made in the USA, built to last.