Is a Williams Berkshire Worth It?

If you want the most reliable, best built modern conventional engine available, choose the Williams.  If you are looking for ultra-scale or command control, look elsewhere.

 

Earl

I'm curious as well about comments regarding the Williams Berks.

Wished they whistled louder and were heavier smokers.

 

 

At $179, its a fair deal.  I run only conventional so I've really considered Williams locos, but I'm not a fan of any Williams steam locos except the Baldwin 10 wheeler, which is really more Bachman than Williams I think -- with its gearing it's a nice smooth runner.  Williams Berkshires are not bad locos but they jackrabbit a bit due to their gearing, they don't smoke that well, which is not important to me since I usually run without it, but they have no sound (except whistle, etc.) and I'd prefer that. 

 

Still, you have to take into account that for $179 you will get a loco that will run forever.  Only an RMT BEEP is lower cost, that basic, and that well made.

 

In spite of that, I prefer to spent more and get more.  The Lionel Legacy Bershire, with the cab modified as I did, is fantastic

You can get a WBB Berk, and run a Lionel RailSounds steam boxcar behind it.

I run conventional so for me Williams is a perfect fit. They provide great running, great looking reasonably priced engines. If you are concerned about features and details then MTH or Lionel may be a better choice, but you will not find any of those brands for $179.

I think EIS  post above  nailed it.   READ IT.  [read it again]  if running conventional, Williams / wbb   cant be beat ...

Hello MrBlack........

 

About 3 years ago, i had one of those williams santa fe berkshire and it came with a standard size can motor (same size as the ones used in williams diesels) and it is a fine runner, very good paint and finish.  The motor never got hot pulling 4 williams  madison cars.  It is a great engine for the money except for one major flaw, the driver wheels are deformed or out of round and wobbles a bit Which is too bad because it is a good looking engine.  I got a replacement chassis with the new drivers and still the same wobbling and out of round wheels.   The smoke units are a joke.   If the wobbling does not bother you then this engine will make you happy.   The berkshire does not draw much power and any good 90 watt transformer will work.   Just make sure it has grease in the gearbox and oil the axle bearings, siderod bolts and the motor shaft then you are good to go.

 

the woman who loves the S.F. 5011

Tiffany

I guess I was lucky.  Mine had round wheels and did not wobble. It ran fine expcet for a penchant to go really fast, not slow.   About three years ago I gathered together a bunch of loco, rolling stock and track nd stuff I knew I would never useand I donated them to church for a children's home or something.  The Williams Berk was one of the locos I included, knowing it wasn't what I really wanted, but also knowing it would give good service to its new owners. 

The Williams before Bachmann version might be worth it! But the newer Williams by Bachmann(WBB) not so sure of.

On most of Williams steam engines the smoke feature is a bit poor, but can be upgraded with a better aftermarket suethe smoke unit.

Williams are dependable and strong pullers.

 

Lee Fritz

Yes very worth it

Keep your eye out on ebay. Ive seem then cheeper there.

Another place for used trains is www.choochooauction.com look under Williams section, the prices are probally lower than ebay.

 

Lee F.

+1. I have about a dozen William engines but all are pre Bachmann. Zero problems with all of them but I have been reading of more and more issues with the Bachmann versions. Hopefully they will pay closer attention to quality control.

 

Pete

Built from lionel classics molds and they use a 2426 tender that looks together. Whistle sounds great. Very smooth operation.

i just purchased my wife the williams "Girls set" with the pink birkshire.

 

i have to admit, my only other williams purchased was a used GG1, and its more of a shelf queen, like most semi scale gg1's the pilot trucks derail. but this berkshire in the girls set was amazing, very smooth runner, sounds were alittle quiet. but i'm almost tempted to buy one (not pink) for myself. compaired next to the PW lionel, its apples to oranges. but i was very impressed

Thanks everyone for your input, love this forum.