What is the best make of model train?

[Anonymous]

I have purchase an "O-Scale" steam train for by son.  He is a train fanatic!!!!!  He recently ask for a diesel.  I wanted to know if there is a ranking for model train manufacturers.  Who is the best and who should I stay away from?

[Kooljock1]

If you're buying trains, start with a Starter Set. They're a great deal for the money. MTH have great smoke units, Lionel has better sounds. Some of both MTH and Lionel come equipped with command control. While the systems are only partially compatible with each other, the rolling stock and power systems are completely compatible.

I like Lionel's FasTrack system, but I think MTH often gets the edge on initial QC.

If you buy a Lionel, make sure the CW-80 transformer is of the latest run. Earlier versions had some "quirks".

Overall, you'll find excellent quality with all the "O" manufacturers when compared to our HO brethren. Lionel , MTH, K-Line, Williams, and the newcomer in starter sets: Atlas O are all good!

Jon

[laz 57]

TRAIN FAN DAD,

   I don't think you can say which is the better train to buy.  I for one have all different brands that I like.  Each engine I have has a different aspect that I enjoy.  I have bought Lionel MTH Williams, K-line, and Weaver trains all are great looking and for the most part good running engines.  No matter which way you go about choosing a brand there will always be some duds.  What I mean buy that is sometimes you'll get a bad engine sort a like a lemon when buying cars.  I fyou like a manufacturers item, read up on it through CTT and other reviews then make up your own mind.  Also this is a good place to ask THE GIZs questions.  Some GIZ are dyed in the wool Lionel while other GIZ a MTH fanatics, like I said before it's up to you.  Have fun.

laz57

[Anonymous]

There really is no "best" and there is no commonly accepted ranking--aside from rankings individuals may compile based on their own brand preferences (or dislikes).

I own O gauge trains from just about all of the manufacturers, and most items are great while a few are dogs.  This applies to EVERY manufacturer, across the board, and with no exceptions.

I have no special brand preferences, and simply buy the kind/type of train I want and like, regardless of who makes it.

[Anonymous]

What makes this even more difficult to give a simple answer to is the fact that most of MTH's lower cost deisels usually offer more detail (wire handrails, etc.) that, while pleasing to the eye, might be fragile. Many of Lionel's lower cost units might use the Postwar tooling with stamped handrails. While not as realistic, they are very durable in the hands of a young child.
Thus the age of the child would come into play.
Mike

[CSXect]

Do we realy want to open this can of worms? All manufactures have the ocasional problem. I have Lionel, MTH , Original k-line and RMT and have had very little problems with them all. I would say it is a more fair question to ask which is more suited to the beginer. In my opinion a starter set from Lionel or MTH would be a good start.

[nblum]

I've owned rolling and locos from every manufacturer and have not been able to discern any overall difference in quality, if appearance and operation are the criteria.

[jimhaleyscomet]

Lionel has RS-3 diesels but folks report they do not pull very will (especially the ones with just one motor).

RMT makes "Beep" diesels and they are low priced (about $60) but are definately not to scale and have no horn or bell.  They are sized more like a switcher.

Speaking of switchers.....K-line (now out of business) included scale switchers Iincluding horn) on all their latter diesel sets.  The switchers can be found on ebay for about $40 - $60.  Entire sets for about $50 to $100 more.

If you want to spend a tad more check out Williams diesels.  I got one one Ebay for about $100.  Regular price is closer to $200.  Still they are big, scale, and high quality!

Beware of Ebay...much of the stuff goes for more than list price.  Get a CTT magazine (they sponsor this forum) and check out the prices in the advertisements.  JusTrains is my favorite mail order but Islandtrains and others are also very good.   

Jim H  

[brianel027]

Train Dad, you don't give us much info to go on... what steam set did you get for your son? Without knowing, if it was a Lionel starter steam set (NYC Flyer, PRR Flyer, Polar Express, Santa Fe Steam) this is a consideration.

The real answer here is no answer.... it depends what you are looking for, the size of your planned (?) layout, whether or not you use a digital control system (DCS or TMCC) and how much you want to pay. In this regard, every brand made has it's pros and cons.

MTH Railking locos currently made are all full scale in proportion and will look out of whack with a Lionel set I mentioned above. The MTH Rugged Rails locos will be closer in size, but MTH cancelled many of them. The Rugged Rails SD90MAC is in my opinion the very best proportioned of all their "shrunk" down locos. All roads were cancelled except Nofolk Southern and John Deere I believe. They also left out the added MTH electronics with a horn only version, but raised the list price $30 to $180.

Williams locos are well made, decent quality locos perfect for a child. The GP9, Centercab switcher or NW2 are all basic locos with no electronic frills and available in a wide variety of roadnames.

The Lionel starter sets with a diesel (like the Alaska set and the new CP Rail set) all have a better quality diesel (for the price) than available separate sale. The locos in the sets all have dual motors. If you already bought a Lionel set, you'll get the loco plus more FasTrack, another transformer and more cars.... a good way to go economically speaking.

As separate sale, there are the K-Line by Lionel products: The Alco S-2 switcher for $75 is an outstanding value for a kid's first diesel. The Western Pacific one will be out next month. The MP-15 diesel is more scale in size, but still won't look out of place with a smaller Lionel steam loco. There's a Southern Pacific work train coming out with the MP-15 and some fun cars for a kid or adult.

For the price, it's hard to beat what RMT is doing today. The "BEEP" for $60 is a good value and available in dozens of road names. The "Buddy" at $70 is an updated version of the former K-Line Budd Car. Though not really a locomotive, it is neat, and could certainly pull some train cars.

I won't even mention used items. Under the ownership of General Foods, Lionel MPC made plenty of locos that will run well and would be fine for a child. The Alco S-2, MP-15 and Alco FA previously made by K-Line are still plentiful and available. They all have dual motors and an acceptable level of detail for a child's hands.

May I suggest Train Dad, you select some items in your price range, and then let your son see some pictures to see what he likes. In case you don't have catalogs, most companies have them on line. Good luck and have fun. I got my first set before I was even a week old!!!

www.williamstrains.com (2 choices, go to the traditional, and then diesels)

www.lionel.com (choose the current catalog and the K-Line by Lionel catalog)

www.readymadetoys.com (items displayed under category)

www.railking.com (see links for catalogs...  no Rugged Rails currently shown)

[1688torpedo]

 Hello Traindad!   You got some excellent advice above. My suggestion to you would be to take your son to a Trainshop or show & see what he & you really like & depending on your budget-take it from there. Read all you can on this forum & ask questions like you are now & also take a look at Sunday Photo Fun to see the Train's & Layout's some of the guys have set up. They are amazing & I've been fortunate to visit some of them as well & maybe someday you can too! Take Care & to the forum.

[3railguy]

He would love a Lionel Legacy Big Boy for sure. But to be a little more realistic, a good steam engine would be a Lionel 0-6-0 saddle tanker for around $100 which is a bargain consideing they are diecast, scale sized, well detailed, and excellent runners. A Lionel RS-3 with twin can motors is a good choice. You can get them for around $75. A Williams GP-9 is an excellent choice for around $100. Another would be a K-Line S-2 switcher. The can be had for around $60. If you shop around at shows, you can find old MPC diesels for around $50. They are decent runners.

[Anonymous]

I bought the ready to run Lionel Southwest Freight set and my GP38 ran two days and quit. I had to send it back to Lionel for warranty repair and got it back in about a month, they sent me a new engine. I was in a hobby shop the other day and another person was returning the same set, complaining of engine troubles also.

Wayray

[otftch]

Wayray,

       I have had my southwest freight since it came out.The GP-38 routinely pulls fifteen cars all with added weight.Its one of two on my layout and have no problrms with either.

       As to the question I would advise Williams for a beginner as they seem to just run forever.

                                                                                   Ed

[CSXect]

Williams trains are pretty good conventional trains they mostly make reproductions of sought after collectors items, very nice if you like the classics but can't pay the premium of the original they also make some traditional sized contemporay trains as well.

[Anonymous]

Don't limit yourself to one manufacturer!  That would be the biggest mistake you could make.  One that I made for many years and am now regretting because I passed on a lot of good deals on items I liked from other manufacturers... now that I have opened my mind and am not restricted due to manufacturer devotion I am happier and so are the local hobby shops and online retailers!  LOL!