MTH F3 or Lionel Postwar Celebration Series F3 - SAME PRICE !

[FEClionel]

Hey CheifEagles - the reason I asked the questions to their responce was to make a comparison. Why does the Lionel weigh more, why does it cost more, which one pulls better those are my real questions. Just hoping someone would answer that


3railguy - thanks for the answer. Now I feel I have made a bad choice - I really prefer magnetraction and pullmors over the MTH design. But I really love MTH offering FEC on an F3. Dealer says Ihave 48 to decide if I would like to trade. I'm only 24 and on a tight budget so this is a HUGE decision for me. I only own3 engines so this would be a 25% ofmy collection. Everything else I own is Lionel postwar and a fe PWC cars.

[3railguy]

FEC fan, unless you have a DCS controller, the MTH units will only give you little bang for the buck.

There are two things you should think about:

What operating system would you buy if you were to buy one in the future? The Southerns come with command control. Your postwar engines are easy to convert to command control for about $80. There is a wealth of TMCC aftermarket products where MTH keeps DCS technology all to themselves. Sounds like TMCC is for you.

The PWC Southerns are more robust than MTH. They have magnetraction, where MTH uses rubber band wheels. Sure rubber band wheels pull better but they break easy. I used to have a clean mouth until everybody started using the %^^* things. How many cars are you pulling? The PWC units pull nicely on an average size layout. The PWC units also have pullmore motors of the smooth vertical mount variety with ball thrust bearing. MTH uses mabuci can motors with sleeve bearings

These are the features in the PWC Southerns:

QUOTE: Dual Pullmor motors in powered unit, Command controlled, RailSounds with TowerCom and CrewTalk, Durable die-cast frames, trucks and pilots, Detailed molded bodies, Magne-Traction, Operating headlights and interiors, Directional lighting, ElectroCouplers on noses, Fixed couplers at rear, Metal ladders, Finished cab interior with engineer and brakeman figures, Postwar Celebration Series builders plaques

The only additional feature MTH gives you is cruise control and smoke? I'm partial to NICEGUY's comment except I'm backing my comment with facts and experience. To be realistic, the PWC units are for you if you are into postwar Lionel. $500 is a good deal if they come with the B unit.

[FEClionel]

Anyway I hate to tell you all this but - I won't be running these in DCS mode and I will be running them on my holiday layout.

[FEClionel]

Ok guys ithink your right! I got the MTH - my first MTH purchase its awesome!! I'm very happy - I just needed some reassurence about MTH since I have never owned any of there stuff. After I compared both and read the recent review in the Oct issue about the Union Pacific set I think the answer was clear. Plus its FEC - Lionel has never made an F3 FEC set. Thanks for all your help!!!

[ChiefEagles]

As always, when he ever posts, he asks a question, then he agrues with the answers. No need for him to ask the question. History keeps repeating its self.

[Anonymous]

Spankybird is correcto mundo! Buy the MTH and you'll get more value for your dollar.
BillFromWayne
www.modeltrainjournal.com

[spankybird]

You should be able to answer your own question. Make a list of the Lionel features and compare them to the MTH.

[FEClionel]

Why is the MTH a better bang for the buck? What makes it better than Lionel with pullmores. I love FEC as yoiu can see by my screen name and the MTH 30-2310-1 with PS2 is the model I'm looking at.

[ChiefEagles]

Now where did the above person come from. Tom, you know I love both compaines but I really think the MTH is the best buy. FDNY [Fire Dept NY???], I think you are a little predigest.

[Anonymous]

LIONEL all the way...do not aceppt a cheap imitation like MTH

[spankybird]

If this is the MTH that you are looking at, 30-2310-1 with PS2, with out a any question, the MTH is a better bang for the buck.


http://www.mth-railking.com/detail.asp?item=30-2310-1

It has full command control.

Even in conventional mode, you have engine sounds, cab chatter, Horn, bell, Speed Control, Remote Coupler.

And in all of these:
· Intricately Detailed ABS Body
· Colorful Paint Scheme
· Die-Cast Metal Chassis
· Die-Cast Truck Sides, Pilots and Fuel Tank
· Metal Wheels, Axles and Gears
· (2) Precision Flywheel Equipped Motors
· Locomotive Speed Control
· (2) Remotely Controlled Proto-Couplersr
· Proto-Sound 2.0 With The Digital Command System Featuring:
· Passenger Station Proto-Effects
· Unit Measures:40 1/4" x 2 5/8" x 3 3/4"
· Operates On O-31 Curves

Double check the item number and label to be sure it is PS2

tom

[FEClionel]

OK guys I've narrowed it down to two engines. A Florida East Coast MTH ABA F3 or Lionel's Postwar Celebration Series 2356 Southern ABA remake. I will be running this engine via ZW in convential mode. I will be pulling a mix of postwar rolling stock and Postwar Celebration Series rolling stock. I know both are good runners but - which is a better bang for the buck . I like them both and each have pros and cons. I have never owned anything MTH - I want to purchase this weekend both are $499 - on sale this weekend.