help me decide Lionel/Mth set

While MTH does provide more "bang for the buck" with their starter sets by including a full command and sound package, I found that wasn't impressed with the MTH starter remote when I actually used it. 

If remote uncoupling is the desire, I'd probably go with the Lionel set and add a fastrack uncoupling section or two as needed. 

Most starter layouts lack the many turnouts needed to make complicated switching moves so remote uncoupling tends to be a little overrated in these scenarios.

I don't know about that specific set, but MTH sets do have one big advantage.  They come with full command capability, so if you move up to command operation, you don't have to replace or upgrade the locomotives.

OK, looking at the two sets:

Lionel:

Conventional, good sounds. 3 generic passenger cars.

Dome, baggage and diner cars available separate. No observation car.

MTH:

PS3 command control, good sounds. Baggage, Dome and rear observation cars in the set.

Generic coach cars available separate. No diner car.

MTH MSRP $90 LESS.

Your Dealer markdown one or the other impossible to say.

I'm with MTH on this one, Command control, better car set and less cost.

Also you can always buy the Lionel add on diner and have the full up consist.

The MTH observation car is not available separate.

Wow, you guys are super. Thanks a lot for giving good direction.

Gotta sign off and take the bride to HL for some artist mat'l so maybe when I get back

I will order that MTH.

The difference in price is only about $8. so that's ok. And yeah, maybe this will be a new

toy for me and great grandson Teghan to play with!!

Thanks Again Men

If remote uncoupling is the desire, I'd probably go with the Lionel set and add a fastrack uncoupling section or two as needed. to be a little overrated in these scenarios.

That's not nearly the same as being able to uncouple anywhere on the tracks, both now and in the future.

Most starter layouts lack the many turnouts needed to make complicated switching moves so remote uncoupling tends to be a little overrated in these scenarios.

I couldn't disagree more!

Based on looking for low-end passenger with a remote, you could consider the new Lionel sets with the LionChief remote.   Their 2013 ReadyToRun catalog has a Chatanooga passenger set 6-30228 MSRP at $249, that will probably be available at under $200.  It will run on the same track and power with your CW-80.  

You might even fool around with two trains on the same track if your layout is large enough.   It will be a bit complicated because the transformer throttle must be advanced in order for the LionChief to allow power to the loco.

The LionChief remote is a dead end if you decide to move on to more than a basic layout with a couple of locomotives.  If he has a layout that's large enough to "fool around" with more than one train, he'll have both hands full of remotes, since each LionChief remote is tied to a single locomotive.

I put that option in the "toy" category, but it's not really expandable.  It's great for introducing someone to trains, but you have to know that if you move on you'll be replacing it.

Closing this thread.  Go to the duplicate thread with the same topic/title to add additional responses.