Questions On Lionel MPC Trains

[LS1Heli]

I think MPC stuff is great. My favorite Lionel diesel of all time is the MPC GE U36B. The ONLY new engine created during the MPC era. Personally, I would not buy MPC that is not mint. Essentially, all they are is postwar stuff with modern materials and great lettering, paint and graphics. Unfortunately, as technology progresses and modern materials and mfg. methods are used, people see this as a downfall. If you pick up an engine and if it doesn't weigh 500lbs than it must be junk- this the mindset that most collectors have of MPC.

Sometimes they used materials in some areas that they should have- like the gears. However, that does not mean they are junk. When lubed correctly and properly broken in my MPC F-3s run NO worse than my postwar diesels or PWC F-3s from 2005. Actually, I think they run quieter and smoother than any early postwar F-3.

If you do buy something regardless of condition please be sure to clean and lube it CORRECTLY. All moving parts need TLC.

[philo426]

I agree I picked up a Lionel F-3 for a low price on E-bay and was shocked how well it ran after a good cleaning and lubrication.It was a Preamble express that was neglected but not abused in fact the brushes exhibted almost no wear at all.The body was dirty and the horns were missing but this was not a problem because I had re-painted a postwar shell in Santa Fe livery.I painted the MPC f-3 frame and trucks silver and after mating the re-painted body shell with the freshly painted frame I had a Warbonnet F-3 for my around the tree loop for well under $100.00!I got several favorable comments about the engine from visitors who commented on the smooth operation and will look for other MPC engines on E-bay in the future.

[LS1Heli]

Can't beat that. A genunie Lionel F-3 Santa Fe for $100! MPC in mint shape is fairly easy to come by. Thats because as the postwar prices were going up everyone thought the same was going to happen to MPC. Everyone became a crook bought 10 of everything and was planning on making a quick buck..though it didn't really work out. MPC is the most affordable of all Lionel.

[dwiemer]

Steel Rails, Have you looked at Williams Trains? They seem to fit the bill of what you are looking for. They have a large list of postwar remakes and very good prices. Also, Williams has a good (pardon the pun), Track record as good running engines. I am seriously looking at the Blue Comet set that they have on special. If you join the club, you get even better deals. Not putting down MPC, but I would give Williams at least a good look for the afformentioned sets. Good Luck,
Dennis

[alton6]

Buying used MPC power has been a mixed bag for me. Some have been really nice and some not so. I live out west, far from the madding grounds of O gauge commerce, so I have had to acquire things mostly by mail without being able to test the items first.

Most of the them could be tinkered better, of course.

Carl

[LS1Heli]

Can you please elaborate on some were good and some were not? What was wrong with them?

[1688torpedo]

Hello LS1Heli! Most Lionel MPC Trains are very good and worth buying. However, They made certain things that are not very desirable for collectors such as the little Switchers that had plastic frames and shells. They used the #41 Postwar cab on these and they look kind of cheesy as a result and break easily. The Berkshires,2046 -2055 style Hudsons are worth having as they are made like the originals.Ditto for the Scale size Hudsons and Prewar B-6 Switcher from the late 80's- early 90's period. The GP-9s, NW-2, SD-28-40's Are also very desirable and have very good quality as well. So, as you can see there are some very good trains from the period that are worth having.Take care.

[alton6]

MPC locos:

I have 3 powered D&RGW GP7's. A couple of them are flat tired (one has flat tires). The other is a very good runner. Their 3 dummies run (are pulled) fine.

Of the 5 CB&Q SD28's, one is a terrific runner--like new, and nicely lubed by the seller. The other's are growlers and fairly cranky in operation.

A powered SLSF U36B is also noisy and cranky, but the dummy is fine.

The SD9 redecorated (I think) SSW runs nicely, but slows down to a crawl after awhile.

The SW1 (NW2) CB&Q switcher is a trusty unit. It was my first diesel.

My traditional MPC steamers are pretty good considering the price point they were aimed at.

I really like all of the diesel units, especially the Rio Grandes and the Cotton Belt. One of these days I need to start tinkering with them to see if their operation can be improved. And, it probably can. Most were bid on eBay, by guess and by golly, so my experience may be par for the course. Considering their age and the price that most of them were obtained for, I'm not complaining. Auctions are an ADVENTURE, after all.

I would probably buy a lot more MPC diesels if they didn't tower so over the traditional rolling stock they were meant to pull...

Carl

[krapug1]

As has been noted, MPC can be a great choice for operating units.

and just to throw in my 2 cents.

AVOID the early MPC Passenger Cars (Milw., and Pennsy cars), as noted they uncouple
often, and the aren't worth the hassle of trying to fix them.

Also, some mid-range MPC sets in the late 70's and early 80's are DC only. Is the B & O General one of them??. The MPC engines from this era that are DC Only, are just that.
Unlike later MPC and LTI engines that can run on either AC or DC, these engines will burn out if run on AC.

The "James Gang" General Set is one of the mid-range DC Only Sets, the "New Englander" is another, and the Chessie Steam Freight (from 1980) is another.

Happy MPC Hunting.

Ken

[LS1Heli]

I agree. MPC Lionel was meant to be ran. One of my favorite engines...the 8374 Burlington Northern NW-2 from 1984 which would make it 22 YEARS OLD. This is the first MPC engine to have a PC board and no mechanical E-unit. Silent operation.

TWENTY TWO years later that PC board which was suppose to burnout 5min after I bought it is still working and pulling my MPC refers. Only thing I ever needed to do was replace a slipping traction tire and headlight.

I only purchase the high -end Lionel which runs on AC but one Christmas I did get a DC powered 0-4-0 swicther. Runs fine but just DC powered.