As of This time, which is considered the best 3 rail model of the BigBoy

I think you will get answers that may be tied to brand loyalty, and that is perfectly OK as everyone would like to think that their Big Boy is the greatest. I was very excited when Lionel announced their Big Boy back in 1999-2000 and I ordered one immediately. I still have it and I like it very much. As to whether it is the greatest, probably not since many other Big Boys have been released since including the Lionel version with Legacy.

The bottom line is if you love it, that is all that counts. Enjoy it for many years to come.

I go with PTC if you like it enjoy. As to the best one, it's gonna go with what brand the person likes. So you will not get a real answer here.

I definetely like the one I ( Lionel JLC series ) have but am always interested in what exists in UP BigBoy models in general.

thanks,

Bob C.

I'd say Lionel's 2006 JLC Big Boy is the best there is not because of brand loyalty, but because of the stunning combination of JLC detail and Legacy sound and features.

I agree.  I have it and it is arguably the best loco I have, period. It looks very good and is fairly correct to the prototype.  It runs very smoothly and linearly.  Sound is quite good - still competitive with all but the very best latest offerings. 

The only model I can see being better detailed than Lionel's is a 3rd Rail brass model. I know they've made Big Boys but I have no idea how they compare aesthetically. I do know they certainly don't come close in the sound and features department. Nothing really does even 6 years later.

I'm an MTH fan and have several of their engines. But from the pictures I've seen, the JLC is still the King of the models.

I'd love a Vision model with blow-down, Generator and Whistle steam effects.

As far as I know no engine has all three.

For a Vision Line price tag, it should be Scale and have everything there is.

No telling how I'd afford one though...

The vision line challengers do, no reason a VL bigboy wouldn't....or should I say couldn't.

I have every Scale Lionel and MTH Premier PS2 Big Boy made. That's eight I think.  The Lionel Legacy mentioned before has the edge because of the sound package. I have seen the 3rd rail Big Boy and as far as attention to detail,it's simply awesome.

I have the 2002 issue of the 3rd Rail Big boy and the detail is outstanding.  It has TMCC and the sound is ok.  But it looks great on my club layout pulling large consists.  it is a great runner and runs very smooth. 

I had considered also purchasing an MTH Big Boy to use at my club because the only negative to 3rd Rail Brass Models and most brass models is that they are very fragile and must be handled carefully.  They are very exquisite pieces.

The diecast MTH engine is an engine you can carry on a regular basis to and from your house to the club with minimal risk of damage.