Above the running boards, there appears to be more cast in detail on the MTH unit while Lionel's appears to be smoother....either on purpose or b/c they didn't add the extra detail.
So, the question becomes, who is more correct?
What are the actual dimensions of the Lionel and MTH models?
Originally Posted by Berkshire President:
Above the running boards, there appears to be more cast in detail on the MTH unit while Lionel's appears to be smoother....either on purpose or b/c they didn't add the extra detail.
So, the question becomes, who is more correct?
The "who is more correct?" question can really only be answered by the question of exactly what era/time frame the model is patterned after. The Vision Line model is supposed to be "as delivered" while the MTH model/models vary from "as delivered" to "in service post 1950".
Fair enough....and understood.
Originally Posted by Hot Water:
Originally Posted by Berkshire President:
Above the running boards, there appears to be more cast in detail on the MTH unit while Lionel's appears to be smoother....either on purpose or b/c they didn't add the extra detail.
So, the question becomes, who is more correct?
The "who is more correct?" question can really only be answered by the question of exactly what era/time frame the model is patterned after. The Vision Line model is supposed to be "as delivered" while the MTH model/models vary from "as delivered" to "in service post 1950".
Originally Posted by Hot Water:
Originally Posted by gunrunnerjohn:
The MTH rendition of the markers appears more correct, at least for 4004. However, there's this picture of 4501...
Yes, checking the books, the rear of the MTH tender is "more correct".
Now, what is the picture of 4501 all about?
Beats me, I just found it on Google. 
I hold no prejudices and always buy from those providing the absolute most value for the least amount of money. If I were to buy a Big Boy ( don't have the layout curves and run exclusively Eastern routes) I would lean towards the MTH with its higher detail, equal features and competitive price. If operation is the issue; MTH is controlled remotely much the same as Lionel and they run on TMCC and Legacy.
Just curious, how do you figure the MTH has "equal features"?
Originally Posted by gunrunnerjohn:
Just curious, how do you figure the MTH has "equal features"?
yeah, Really Dennis? not even close on features and detail is superb
MTH BB Cab #4004, Part #20-3228-1E Photos
Here is my MTH BB. I have had it for a couple of years, I got it from ebay for less than a $1000. I am happy with it and I think it is a great loco.
I will be receiving my Lionel VL BB in a few days. If I have time, I will post some pictures of both of them side by side.
I think each rendition has its own merits and the best thing to do to settle who's better, for me anyway, is to get one from each manufacturer 
I know it is a lot of money, but I sold all of my HO collection to get into O scale, and so far no regrets.
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Originally Posted by gunrunnerjohn:
Just curious, how do you figure the MTH has "equal features"?
Not to mention "MTH is controlled remotely much the same as Lionel and they run on TMCC and Legacy"
Originally Posted by Chris Lord:
Originally Posted by gunrunnerjohn:
Just curious, how do you figure the MTH has "equal features"?
Not to mention "MTH is controlled remotely much the same as Lionel and they run on TMCC and Legacy"
Chris, I was going to let that one pass if I got a satisfactory answer to my query.
A few more pictures for your discretion
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Thanks Joe for posting that photo. Overall length is a bit meaningless though, as tender spacing can affect it quite a bit. I also noticed that pilot spacing on articulateds can vary depending on who made the model. I think the critical measurement here is the actual boiler length but I have yet to see it posted.
Originally Posted by cbojanower:
Originally Posted by Bob Bubeck:
Its only potential drawback (depending on the expectations of the user) is that it has the incorrect whistle sound.
There is a simple fix for that, AF big boys used the same chip with the correct sound. But side by side the new big boy blows away the sound of the older one
Not so sure that's a viable option. According to the Lionel parts breakdown on the AFBB, the part is $55 and you have to chase Lionel to (maybe) get it from them:
http://www.lionel.com/Customer...c1-80ef-d468105d1d76
If there's one thing that makes me want to cut loose my JLCBB, it's the weak and incorrect whistle sound.
Guess after seeing the MTH version with the correct enclosed cab I'm slightly let down (not ready to shed my VLBB though). Why the heck does Lionel use (incorrect) curtains? For the MSRP it should at least have been accurate on basic aspects like this. Seems like MTH also has 3 crew members in the cab over the 2 in the VLBB and JLC, etc.
Peter
