basic diesel recommendation

[Anonymous]

Hi there,

Looking to expand a beginner's layout (Lionel Pennsy flyer) with a diesel loco. Price limit is $200. Hoping to find some recommendations. No specific requirements other than PRR.

Thanks for your thoughts...

Tate1

[overall]

I would get a Williams GP-9 lettered for the Pennsylvania. It is close to the right era, williams products are of good quality. That's the direction I would go in myself.

George

[Warburton]

George is right. Check out williamstrains.com. I think they are even having a sale on some stuff right now. Their GEEP diesels are metal -- trucks, frames, railings.Lionel hasn't made anything in a PRR diesel under $200 lately except the all-plastic RS-3 which was cataloged last year. That is still available for about $75 but remember, it is all plastic including the frame and railings, etc. Still, it would be an economical choice and you could spend the rest of the $200 on other stuff...

[Anonymous]

Thanks for your thoughts. I had seen the Williams web site, but many of the diesels for PRR are listed out of stock. Haven't called to confirm. Are there any other brands to consider in this price range? Or perhaps there is an online reseller of Williams that may have these in stock?

Best,
Tate1

[jimhaleyscomet]

Another option is to get a K-line SET from Hobby Lobby or ebay or online with a switcher diesel. Hobby Lobby regular prices are a tad hight but they often has 1/2 or 40% off sales. The hobbylobby.com for their sales flyer.

I think MTH makes a PRR diesel set. If you found one online without PS2 (Protosound 2.0) it might be under $200.

JIm H

[dougdagrump]

If you are interested in Williams check out www.mapajunction.com they have some of the best prices around for Williams.

[Dr. John]

Here's a Williams PRR GP-9 on Ebay that's well within your range.

http://cgi.ebay.com/WILLIAMS-GP-9-PENNSYLVANIA-TUSCAN-NEW_W0QQitemZ6031946157QQcategoryZ38280QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[Anonymous]

The most inexpensive solution would be the Lionel RS-3 in PRR markings. I bought one new last year for $67. from Nicholas Smith Trains. It is a basic, "bare bones" engine, but looks quite nice in PRR green (much better than it looked in the catalog). It even comes with figures in the cab, and traction tires. Joe

[jefelectric]

Just saw an MTH trains set on www.cooltrains.com for 179.95 which has a PRR F-3 in it as well as cars, track and transformer. Might be the way to go. The number was MTH 30-4147-0.

John

[jimhaleyscomet]

Another option would be a PRR K-line plymouth switcher.

Jim H

[Warburton]

Also check justrains.com. They carry a lot of Williams. Price for GP-9 is listed at $115. Also, Williams website isn't always up-to-date as to availability. You'd be better off calling them to check on it.
Oh, and readymadetoys.com has their "Beep" little diesels in PRR livery, I think. Check that out too. They are only $60.