Lionel or MTH whats your favorite and why

[jimhaleyscomet]

I should add that I have taken the DCS plunge and do enjoy it alot.  It is much easier to control PS2.0 engines and to access all the sounds.  I typically purchase MTH sets with PS2.0 engines and believe they are a good value for a command control train.

 Jim H

[Anonymous]

Thanks Dep and Jim. Given the cost, and given the news that many of the PS 2 features can be accessed via the transformer commands, I will probably give it a pass for right now.

[Deputy]

Given the choice, I like DCS way better than TMCC. I like the screen readout. It let's you know EXACTLY what is going on. I also have the CAB-1 stuff and it's pretty obvious when you use it that it's 1st generation remote control. Like the old button clacking remotes for TV compared to the IR and RF/digital remotes we use nowadays. Looking at TMCC II, I'm not all that impressed with it. And no compatibility with MTH means I probably won't buy it.

Dep

[jimhaleyscomet]

The DCS unit (base and handheld) is about $250.  Many of the features of PS2.0 engines can be accessed with a series of bell/whistle commands.  DCS might be less at Justrains (free shipping), islandtrains or other.  The unit will also control conventional locomotives but the minimum voltage is 5V which can make for jack rabbit starts on modern engines.  Lionel new ZW or powermaster and TMCC handles conventional better.  

Jim H 

[Anonymous]

This may (or may not) be a good time to inquire as to a related issue. I've shied away from MTH engines generally (though I have their semi-scale GG-1 w/horn and it is the most solid and reliable engine I have) because I do not have DCS.

Is upgrading to DCS a very costly process, or does it only require purchase of a remote/command base set up like TMCC-1, which I do have? And if so, can anyone recommend a place from which to purchase that equipment? Thanks.

Lionel is my sentimental favorite. I have five Lionel engines: My old 8310 from when I was a kid, my dad's 726 berk, a Southern PS-4, a Lehigh Valley 627, and a TMCC Dreyfus Hudson. Still, that GG-1 runs like a swiss watch and I am very impressed with it, so I would like the option of DCS benefits in the MTH context.

[Deputy]

I run both Lionel and MTH, as well as Weaver, Atlas, K-line, Williams & RMT.  Probably have more MTH than any of the others, but I buy based more on RR and engine type than Manufacturer.  Of all the engines I own, I have never had one DOA.  Two have required after purchase service.

Reading T-1, We all suffer from foot in mouth disease on occasion, don't let it keep you from posting.  BTW I have an MTH T-1 and love it.  Also just got an MTH Crusader, has a really neat whistle, not sure if it is authentic, but it sounds great.

Active engines on the layout at present include 4 MTH, 1 Lionel, 1 K-line & 1 Weaver.

Just my .

John said it best for me. I also lean more towards MTH because of the Proto 2 sounds. I think they are way beyond Lionel in that aspect. Now if Marty would just sell me the Century Club S2 and F3 for "dirt cheap", I'd be a happy camper

Dep

[dbaker48]

I just LIKE TRAINS !!

That being said, the majority I have is Lionel, but since I rediscovered the hobby last year, MTH is awesome!  I think WE have greatly benefited from the competition, and have available today much greater capability, engine variations, and road names.  I also have the new Legacy Big Boy on order, AND the MTH UP SD4000AC on order.

I get extremely frustrated when I am around the extremely opinionated folks which excessively bad mouth either one.  They are only demeaning themselves for their apparent lack awareness.  Both have some advantages and disadvantages.  One of my old favorite LHS if you mention MTH they go into convulsions, and will not allow anything in their shop of that brand.  It IS his shop, but he is losing a lot of customers!

One of my favorites is a pair of K-Line diesels that I have, extemely rugged and great runners. (Cotton Belts), got them at a great price cause no one liked the road name?!?

Overall, I do respect other people's opinion, it is their choice.  But, at the same time don't insult me for having or enjoying a variety of tastes.  

I usually select my purchase based upon the engine type, road name, and availability.  Sometimes its really tough to determine which I want to put on the track.

Finally, I do find Lionel more costly than I think it should be, and believe your paying a LOT for the name, and not necessarily getting the features and capabilities as available elsewhere.

I do want to get some William and Atlas as well.  I also find when I compare a similiar car in the same price range, Lionel does not usually come up on top.  To many other choices, due to competition.

[AKKevinT]

I have a soft spot for Lionel products since that where it all started with my first set in 1958. That said, I also like MTH, Williams, and K-Line products also. I have some of each and I am happy with everything I have. (Just wish my wife was— that wil have to be for another thread.) I like collecting Alaska Railroad and all of the above trademarks have some great Alaska items out there. I like all the variety of rolling stock that MTH offers but I also like the other guys stuff as well.

I also really like postwar Lionel so there is not much else to say there since Lionel postwar is postwar along with Marx and American Flyer!

To sum up my opinion "It's all good" and why is that "because it is all fun"!

Kevin T. 

[daan]

On this fairly though question, which one do I like the best, I'ld like to answer that I like toytrains no matter what brand there is on the bottom of the engine. It's simple, competition leads to better products at a lower price and that's what we all want.

I therefore don't have a real favourite, except Lionel postwar, but that is not being made today, that's more like collecting antiques.. From the modern lineup of engines I have some cheapo Lionel, K-line, Williams and MTH and all are doing a great job for their money. I guess on the lower side of the market the trains are too simple to mess up with and it doesn't make a difference which one you buy.

[Anonymous]

 Only one thing to say --- I'm glad K-LINE and MTH produced engines and rolling stock ! Could you imagine what we'd be paying for engines and cars if only lionel sold them ? I shudder to think . And as far as bashing lionel for out of country dealings --- did everyone forget who owns NBC ? THE JAPENESE ! And one of our major oil companies ? South american interests ! And you better peek at all the "made in " fine print on most electronic companies in the USA .  Our automobiles are farmed out to Mexico . In my opinion -- maybe wrong --- but K-Line was 98 % lionel before being bought out .

[Jim Rotella]

I like Lionel mainly for its history and the nostalgia of the trains I grew up with. I drifted away from the hobby while in high school Sixties, but when I read Ron Hollander"s All Aboard book in the early Eighties, it was Lionel that got me back into it. Nothing against MTH, they make a great product, but my heart is with Lionel.

Jim

[Lionelking313]

Sorry Neil, just venting, wont happen again....

 I love Lionel, never had any problems with the hundreds of items I have with them, postwar, MPC, LTI, LLC. I love the history, the people I met in the Lionel clubs,  and the just the all around fun of LIONEL.

 

 

[overall]

I do have some MTH products ( three diesels a railking steam engine). Their electronics in the modern diesels is a bit odd and quirky. The steam engine, a railking berkshire, seems to do pretty well. I also have an older SD-45 diesel that runs well. I guess I would prefer Lionel out of those two.

George 

 

[jimhaleyscomet]

Hey all,

 I believe the question is "what do you like and why?"  So let's stick to what we "like" and forget the comments about the manufacturer we "do not like".  

 Jim H

[Neil B.]

Lionelking313,

You're crossing the line on this thread. Please keep on the topic and refrain from "garbage" comments.

Neil Besougloff
editor 

[Lionelking313]

LIONEL all the way!!! BEST SOUNDS BEST CONTROL!

MTH is garbage, nothing but a rip off artist who copies old Lionel Designs, and that has the nerve to sue any company who trys to come his way with new innovations, claiming he made it first, STAY WITH LIONEL!

[laz 57]

I run both too.

Love some of each for their differnt qualities, either in sound or looks.  I run what is appealing to my eye and what will look great on the layout.

laz57

[jefelectric]

I run both Lionel and MTH, as well as Weaver, Atlas, K-line, Williams & RMT.  Probably have more MTH than any of the others, but I buy based more on RR and engine type than Manufacturer.  Of all the engines I own, I have never had one DOA.  Two have required after purchase service.

Reading T-1, We all suffer from foot in mouth disease on occasion, don't let it keep you from posting.  BTW I have an MTH T-1 and love it.  Also just got an MTH Crusader, has a really neat whistle, not sure if it is authentic, but it sounds great.

Active engines on the layout at present include 4 MTH, 1 Lionel, 1 K-line & 1 Weaver.

Just my .

[anjdevil2]

Lionel....I guess I was born into it.  MTH has nice stuff, have yet to partake.  Atlas also, but I'm not much of a diesel guy....

[otftch]

I've had bad luck with MTH.I have not purchased one (of four) that worked out of the box. I've heard others say the same about Lionel but I've not had that problem.A Williams board takes care of the running problems, although there are no sounds.Too many with sounds just drown each ther out anyway.

                                         Ed

[dennyblock]

I have mostly Lionel postwar and just a few MTH accessories. I tend to like old stuff from my childhood. Lately been picking up tin Marx, it's cheap and runs forever, and fun to custom paint.

[3railguy]

Postwar Lionel for me. That's mostly what I collect and operate. No rubber band wheels to break, no electronics to sizzle. I do buy an Atlas or Lionel scale engine now and then.

[MartyE]

Although I enjoy both I would say I lean towards Lionel.  I had TMCC first and have had Lionel's all my life.  My prefernce I would say is more nostalgic than anything though because they both make some great trains and duds.

[alexweiihman]

I think with the lionel stuff part of the price has to do with their name

[pbjwilson]

I like MTH. Their products just appeal to me more. I think they make the best low end steam engines. And diesels for that matter. And for starter sets you get alot for your money, sound, speed control, and a nice transformer. And the speed control even on the inexpensive stuff is great. I do like Lionels operating cars. Some pretty unique rolling stock. But Lionel has always seemed overpriced to me.

[alexweiihman]

Thank you for giving me a second chance. I'm not used to typing my opionion in words on the internet and may come off sounding like a jerk. That is not my intent. I believe both lionel and Mth have alot of strong and weak points. But a little competion never hurt anyone and in the long run will only make the trains better!

 

You hit the spot

[Reading T-1]

Thank you for giving me a second chance. I'm not used to typing my opionion in words on the internet and may come off sounding like a jerk. That is not my intent. I believe both lionel and Mth have alot of strong and weak points. But a little competion never hurt anyone and in the long run will only make the trains better!

[nblum]

"Once again I am sorry if I offended anyone."

 

Don't worry about it too much.  You apologized and everyone needs a thick skin to post and read on an internet forum :).  Anyhow, if no one ever said anything that offended anyone else,life would be pretty dull on the internet, don't you think?

[ChiefEagles]

I'm sorry if I upset someone with my posts! May be I miss read your feelings on the subject of Mth. As far as me only having three post I have been a member for about a year and have posted many times but due to the changes in the website I have had problems keeping my name the same. Once again I am sorry if I offended anyone.

Understand.  Haven't we all had fun with this software.  Keep on plugging away at it.  Now start posting more instead of watching.  Then we will get to know you better.