F3, FM or GG1 - Which would u pick???

[FEClionel]

Ok so I'm getting married in Nov and I need to stop spending so much on trains and start saving for the wedding. This will be my last major(above $150) train purchase for the year. I want a PWC Lionel F3, GG1 or FM. Which would you pick to head up a consist of PWC and Archive release cars. I will primarly have this as a shelf piece with occassional trips on the carpet layout.

[Frank53]

I am partial to the FM myself. I economy is an issue, the F3 is an easy choice, and it is available in a number of road names.

I am seeking an FM furiously, however, as with anything else, common ones are being peddled as 'mint', and ones that look great are usually repainted. There are more than a few Lackawana's (pretty common) that are repainted as Jersey Central (least common). Poking around ebay will get you plenty of these. You can get a decent Lackawana in the $300 range.

GG1's have never held much appeal for me as they are pretty banged up and worn at a reasonable price for an authentic one.

You may be better served to look at the Williams "Golden Memories" catalog. THey make Lionel post war repros and according to what I here, they are very nice pieces and quite reliable. I think you can get a brand new FM repro for either $199 or $299.

[3railguy]

I would call off the wedding and lie low in Mexico for a few months. My pick would probably be a PWC trainmaster to go with the cars. JC or Virginian. As Frank 53 mentioned, Williams is another good choice.

[Jumijo]

I've been tossing this question around of late, myself, although I'm thinking new. The 2005 Lionel catalog has a Santa Fe El Capitan set led by a very nice looking FT with two (count em) headlights and Railsounds for $349. They also have a post-war celebration series F3 Santa Fe Super Chief for $849. The latter looks like an awesome set, with aluminum cars, etc., but the El Capitan has caught my eye. It has lighted cars with detailed interiors, and a an FT B-unit add-on for $85.

Jim

[Dr. John]

My personal favorite would be the F3 with the GG1 as a close second. You really can't go wrong with any of them.

[laz 57]

F3s all the way. I have the KCS AA set and they work great , just set the speed and watch em go.
laz57
Ps Wish I could get a B unit.

[cnw1995]

Just to be different, I want a GG1 - I'm on the look-out for an inexpensive one (hah!) that runs on 027 curves.

[Frank53]

QUOTE: Originally posted by laz 57


Ps Wish I could get a B unit.

***, they are pricey. I have looked at a number of New York Central Center Units (they are referred to as B's, I want to call them C's) and the price is always up there.

The postwar F3's are great runners - probably some of the best Lionel made.

[espeefoamer]

I'd go for a set of Santa Fe F3s. Those things are awesome[:p]!

[lionelsoni]

My 2360 has no trouble with O27.

[philo426]

I am partial to the GG-1 which is my favorite postwar engine.Be sure to get one with Magnetraction and dual motors.

[bigwally]

I'd go for the GG-1, with the F3s as second choice.

QUOTE: Just to be different, I want a GG1 - I'm on the look-out for an inexpensive one (hah!) that runs on 027 curves.

Doug,
Check out eBay and try to find a K-Line KCC GG-1. Great runners, O27, and very affordable!

bigwally

[Anonymous]

The GG-1 was always my favorite and my first Lionel purchase as an adult in 1977. It was the first MPC issue 8753 with the nylon gears. I've never run it. It sits proudly in a case on top of my mantel. And it will be there until...?

Which one does your fiance like? Is she a train fan too? Maybe it might be a good idea to let her do the pickin'. It might just spark more than romance! [:D][:I] A joint hobby!
In any case, congratulations to the both of you!

[cnw1995]

Thanks, Bigwally, I'll look - I've been leery of using eBay for a source. I didn't know K-Line had made some GG1s.

[spankybird]

I like my C & O F3's



Chief had a K-Line Trainmaster for sale. Don't konw if he still has it.

[cnw1995]

He sold it.

[laz 57]

DOUG I got a Kline GGi with four passenger cars on Ebay for $200. The GG1 will run on 0-27 curves as long as you have a straight peice to break up the half circle. Runs great unlike the Lionel GG1 I am having trouble with.
laz57

[1688torpedo]

Hello FECLionel ! How about the Texas Special F3 Lionel made a few years ago? It looks colorful & should go with any of your Postwar Cars. Just a thought.............Keith

[FEClionel]

I love the Texas Special but its hard to find....& $$$$. I'm looking at the Wabash PWC 2240 from the Set a last year. I found on ebay. The GG1 is the 2360 single stripe from the majestic set. Other option is the Santa Fe Super Chief Set with passenger cars.