So I was thinking, if I am going to spend $700-1000 on a diesel locomotive,shouldn't I just wait to see if Sunset/3rdRail is running a similar or equally desirable diesel locomotive? What are your thoughts, friends?
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3rd too expensive. I stick with my Lionel/MTH trains. 3rd doesn appeal to me.
Strictly personal preference. Go with your gut. There's no objective way to make a decision.
To be fair, which diesels is Lionel selling for $700 - $1,000 in this catalog? The most expensive one I see is the DD35 that lists for $699.99 (so it will be less than that at preorder / street price).
Lately all of my Legacy diesels have been purchased used (except for a Virginian FM Train Master last year -- couldn't resist, and am glad I did it -- very nice model). Knock on wood, I haven't had a single issue, and some of these engines are almost 10 years old now. I've saved quite a bit of money that way.
I cannot say the same for Lionel Legacy steam -- the last two I purchased new arrived non-operational and required months out being serviced.
One of the great things about 3rd Rail is that they make a lot of models of prototypes that no one else does, often with lots of road-specific details. If that's what you're looking for, there may be no other option in O gauge / O scale.
@BlueFeather posted:To be fair, which diesels is Lionel selling for $700 - $1,000 in this catalog? The most expensive one I see is the DD35 that lists for $699.99 (so it will be less than that at preorder / street price).
Lately all of my Legacy diesels have been purchased used (except for a Virginian FM Train Master last year -- couldn't resist, and am glad I did it -- very nice model). Knock on wood, I haven't had a single issue, and some of these engines are almost 10 years old now. I've saved quite a bit of money that way.
I cannot say the same for Lionel Legacy steam -- the last two I purchased new arrived non-operational and required months out being serviced.
I'm seeing $629 at my local dealer for the DD35, so it's a bit cheaper, for sure.
@BobRoyals posted:So I was thinking, if I am going to spend $700-1000 on a diesel locomotive, shouldn't I just wait to see if Sunset/3rdRail is running a similar or equally desirable diesel locomotive? What are your thoughts, friends?
My observation; 3rd rail looks for locomotives that haven't been done by Lionel, MTH, Weaver, etc. So, it's highly unlikely that 3rd rail will produce what you are considering.
I agree with Keith. 3rd rail produces mainly what Scale 2 railers want. Thats their market. I doubt you will see the SD45 being done anytime soon with the amount of MTH, brass, brass kits, etc. already out there.
The latest push is the F45/FP45 and/or SDP40F for Amtrak.
However, in the rare instance both importers are Advertising The same diesel model, it will depend on what you want and your budget as in the ALCo FA-2.
If you sre s stickler for details, 3rd rail.is where i would look. If your more into operation and sound, Lionel is where you want to go.
You can't go wrong with a Lionel Legacy SD40 or SD45. IMO, they are among the best O-scale diesel's for the money.
Lionel Legacy sounds and control I think are the best... then again it might be worth ordering a 3rd Rail to see if they are worth the extra $, at least you'll know for sure. While I like detail, I'm not a rivet counter, Legacy diesels roll on my tracks.
