Options for getting a model of the 1862 "The General" from "The Great Locomotive Chase"?

[spankybird]

you can go to this link and if you see an item that you like, click on it and then click on the 'Find it' icon to see who has it in stock.

 

http://www.mth-railking.com/list3.asp?qwest=0&cat=any&cla=any&lin=any&naam=19&rn=&cab=

 

http://www.mth-railking.com/list3.asp?qwest=0&cat=any&cla=any&lin=any&naam=overton&rn=&cab=

 

[Anonymous]

Where can one find the cars that go with the General? Does MTH make the old timey coach and mail car as Lionel does?

blabree11

[spankybird]

The last couple of MTH 4-4-0 that I bought, listed for $300.00 and street price was $265.00. The last few years MTH has lowerd the price on these. I do have some that did list as stated above, $400.00 and $429.00.

[BlackJack]

It looks like there is the Lionel 4-4-0 General, the 2002 MTH Railking 4-4-0 for $429 MSRP with Protosound 2 that are General locos.

Other options that might be cheaper is a 4-6-0 loco, like the one in this set (although it sounds like you like the 4-4-0 General)-maybe this is "close enough"

30-4140-1 Virginia & Truckee RailKing Original MSRP $349.95 2005 Ready-to-Run Sets(cg)

I think a child would be happy with any of the above. I think kids would be happy with "smoke and a whistle" features, but modern sound systems like MTH's Protosound and Lionel's Railsounds do add alot of fun and realism.  You will need track if you don't buy a set. Lionel Fastrack is probably preferred to MTH options by most begineers. The MTH z1000 100 watt is a very good transformer, and I would recommend it.   I think a kid would also like the animated Lionel cars that have been made over the years, like the sheriff chasing the bad guy, etc.

 

 

[lionelsoni]

The prototype General is a 4-4-0 American type, which was pretty much all there was in this country during the Civil War.

[spankybird]

Thanks for all the posts so far.  The only MTH sets I saw had the 4-6-0, is that the one you meant?

Spankybird, what models are yours and who did you get them from?

Are the postwar Lionel trains, is the best place to pick one of those up on eBay?

My MTH and Lionel's are all 4-4-0. Check out my web site by clicking on the icon below to see all of them.

The best deal is the MTH starter set with the 4-6-0 ten wheeler. The complete set list for $350.00 and can be bought for $265.00 whcih includes the transformer, cars and track.

Check out Glen's Trains in Akron, Ohio at 330-253-6527 and also Jim's 'lectric Trains Works at  http://home.woh.rr.com/mthjim/

tom

[Anonymous]

I saw an ad in the latest OGR and the 2002 issue was going for $99.00. This after I just recieved one I paid $200.00 for on EBay! I dont have the mag any longer, gave it to a friend who has it now, but, the ad was one of the larger mail order houses and it was down in the Steam Locomotive section. No cars available though. Im waiting for parts to convert it to TMCC with Railsoulds. This Lionel engine is very much plastic except the frame and wheels etc. It is not heavy but has smoke and an electronics board in it with a can motor so it should convert to TMCC well.  Be careful what you bid on at EBay, I saw the very same engine that is $99 in the OGR ad, and I paid $200 for, with a buy it now price of $900!!! Ask a lot of questions of the seller if you must bid. 

Good Luck!

blabree11 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for all the posts so far.  The only MTH sets I saw had the 4-6-0, is that the one you meant?

Spankybird, what models are yours and who did you get them from?

Are the postwar Lionel trains, is the best place to pick one of those up on eBay?

[msacco]

I have eight of the Lionel 4-4-0s (including the General), and once had five of the MTH models.  I sold all of the MTH versions a few years ago simply because I liked the overall proportions and look of the Lionel versions better, even though the Lionel models do not have the heft, features, and detailing of the MTH models.  Still, to my eyes, the Lionel 4-4-0s simply have a better overall appearance, so I stuck with them.  One day, I hope to use all of my 4-4-0s on a Civil War theme layout.

I simply could not bring myself to pay $1,000 for the scale models of this locomotive that are also being offered, even though they are true beauties to behold and are, I'm sure, worth the money.  I just don't pay $1,000 for O gauge locomotives of any type, and likely never will.

Yep, Allan I agree 100%. Though my version (1862) doesn't have smoke or a whistle I just love the way Lionel traslated this loco down to toy size. I also have seen others and just don't like the look as much. I kept coming back to this one, so I finally got one a few months back.

That SMR version is amazing, but I just can't pull the trigger on that one. Too much dough. It's the only other one I'd want.

[Anonymous]

I have eight of the Lionel 4-4-0s (including the General), and once had five of the MTH models.  I sold all of the MTH versions a few years ago simply because I liked the overall proportions and look of the Lionel versions better, even though the Lionel models do not have the heft, features, and detailing of the MTH models.  Still, to my eyes, the Lionel 4-4-0s simply have a better overall appearance, so I stuck with them.  One day, I hope to use all of my 4-4-0s on a Civil War theme layout.

I simply could not bring myself to pay $1,000 for the scale models of this locomotive that are also being offered, even though they are true beauties to behold and are, I'm sure, worth the money.  I just don't pay $1,000 for O gauge locomotives of any type, and likely never will.

[msacco]

Sorry, but I still prefer the classics. Take a look at this beauty.  POstwar Rules!!!!

Mike S.

[spankybird]

I own about 6 of each ( 6 Lionel and 6 MTH) 4-4-0. IMO there is no comparison in quality between the two. I would strongly recommend the MTH engine. IT has PS2 (DCS), smoke, whistle, bell, sounds, diecast body, etc. You get a lot for a little more money.

be sure to click on the pics to enlarge them

[HopperSJ]

Not everyone is comfortable with it, but ebay is a great place to find things like this. There are always a few lionel "general" sets or engines out there on ebay for much more reasonable prices than $1000. Some are in better condition than others, but if you take some time and follow the auctions for a while, you get the feel of what things are selling for and what is a good deal.

I also second the idea of the MTH old time engine. It is beautiful and I believe die cast metal unlike the lionel plastic body on the general. I will probably go for the MTH set myself once I finish buying my track and putting together my layout. Good luck!

[BlackJack]

Well, Lionel has the Lionel General. It is toy like versus the detailed SMR. check lionel.com. It was recently released as a Halloween locomotive, but there are "western" versions.

MTH has a nice starter set with a latter 1900s steamer that is a quality piece with Protosounds 2-check mth-railking.com

Here is a CTT lionel story

http://www.trains.com/ctt/default.aspx?c=a&id=588

[Anonymous]

My kids love to watch the old Disney movie "The Great Locomotive Chase" and my son want to get a version of the "Marietta Train," what he calls the General.  I'm new to trains and have looked around a little, and saw that SMR Trains has a very nice one in the Sept 2006 CTT: http://www.smrtrains.com/general3.htm but I'm not going to pay over $1000 for something for my 3-yr old to play with.  Is there a cheaper, readily available O-scale model that looks similar enough to tide him over?  Maybe another 4-4-0 from the same era? 

I'm new to trains (http://www.trains.com/trccs/forums/866818/ShowPost.aspx) and appreciate any help you maight can give.  Thanks!