Unless you're buying the LGB as a gift, check out Ebay. I've bought 3 stanz's on ebay in the last 3 years, they are GREAT little locos. I like the staniz and the 0-4-0 american style locos better than the Porter's or toy train line because they have a traction tire and bigger wheels. They pull and run better IMHO. I owned a porter and an Atlas (similar to stainz or american 0-4-0...toytrain engine). While both good, I like the others much more. I've only paid about $50-60 for my 0-4-0s (stainz and others) on ebay and all were in great condition, they last forever! I've also bought many shorty LGB cars on ebay for very cheap as well. Just be patient, and dowload and auto bidder program to help! I have lots of other larger G scale engine, but I do have a soft spot in my heart for the smaller LGB lines. I also have an LGB (bumblebee) Mogul ...older model..from ebay as well. Very nice locos. You can find new or very lightly used starter sets on ebay too, from probably $100 to $300. As I said, keep trying...bid late.use an auto bidder if possible, and be patient. Oh, I have an UP 2-4-0 with tender and sound, plus the same in Peanuts paint scheme for the kids. I do like the way the LGBs run, very quiet, very smooth, good pullers. I hope this helps. Regards, Ted
BTW; I would like to put in a plug for the Lehmann Porter, I have three of them. They are American prototype and run good. One was adopted by my wife (to leave stock), I’ve kit bashed mine.
Hi, if it has a Stainz type engine it is NOT part of the Toytrain lineup. I looked at the webpage adverstisements, I think that set might be the latest starter set from regrouped Marklin/LGB. The Porter type engine in the "Peanuts" set advertised is what the Toytrain line uesed to offer. While the Porter is a decent engine, you just can't go wrong with a Stainz, very strong and utterly relaible, the darn little things are like the Energizer bunny, just keep going and going...
Have fun with your trains
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