so, after 18 months of experimentation, trial and error, I’ve developed some definite favourites from amongst my collection. In no particular order, they are;
1) Lionel “Polar Express” 2-8-4. Basically a traditional size, traditional style loco with a whistle tender and can motor. Robust, pulls reasonably well, totally reliable, a nice piece.
2) Williams die-cast Scale Hudson. Big, sure-footed thing with lots of pulling power, will walk away with 5 carriages (belying its reputation as an uncontrollable rocket ship, although it definitely IS fast if that’s what you want. Terrifying whistle. Another “PreWar reborn” loco and none the worse for it.
3) MTH K4s, with PS1 replaced by modern electronics. I just like this; scale size, nicely detailed, looks the part. I was always going to have a K4s, and here it is.
4) Williams brass USRA Pacific. Just a nice, simple, “period” brass loco. Didn’t cost much, a whistle would be nice...
5) Lionel 24xx carriages, now upgraded with LED lights. Just a thoroughly nice set.
6) Lionel 1992 TCA extruded carriages, 5 in all. I was always going to have a dome car!
What are others’ favourites?