Lionel vs MTH Steam Turbine

Well the MTH would have more modern features but if you want the true Lionel look that's the one to get. Do consider the 1980 version, it seems to be an exact 682 and with true Pennsy road name. It also has the Mighty Sound of Steam that doesn't sync with that engine at all.

It depends on what you want to buy and what system you have for command control if you have one. I have 5 MTH engines with PS-2 and have the MTH TIU and AIU.

I have one other Atlas engine that has TMCC in it and am not able to use it in command control mode. Thinking about either selling it or updating it to PS-2 or PS-3 by MTH. I am considering the costs of update right now, so not sure about updating it or not.

Lee Fritz

The MTH Railking Shorty does not look right, I had one and sold it and then bought their Railking Scale version.

Also, Williams made a Post war clone with a can motor.

if you're talking about the Bantam version of the MTH, that was my thoughts too. The Williams repro of the 671 looks good. But there are plenty of Lionel Postwar Turbines out there. Be patient.

The nice, "big" RK 6-8-6 (RK Imperial, I think?) is a very nice piece. I had an early one years ago and sold it. Sometimes I regret that, but as I have the Lionel Legacy 1:48 version, I'll make do...

Anyway, this loco has drivers that are really a bit too small, proportionally, which can give it a bit of the "high-pockets" look. (The real 6-8-6 did not have overly large drivers, actually.) Personally, I think it looks just fine, and is a better model than any of the true small ones (Lionel PW; WBB copy). I'd definitely go that way, if I were you. Classy job.

The MTH Railking Imperial sized turbine will literally dwarf the 027/Postwar variation. I have a Postwar version that I just love. I was glad I didn't buy the latest MTH Railking version from a few years ago - it was just so big. 

It really depends on what you want. If you are a conventional person, the Williams or Postwar units will serve you well. MTH PS1 turbines are also an option.

I have one of the MTH Protosound equipped (PS-1) turbines and love it.  It's an excellent runner.  I plan to upgrade it to TMCC now that there is a steam turbine sound set from ERR.  Here it is behind a Vision Line Big Boy on my wall.

As you can tell from photo it is under sized, but the way MTH compressed it I think it look just fine with most scale and traditional freight.  I think it even looks okay next to those scale GP38-2.  Best thing is it can run on O27 curves.

I was going to add that I thought Williams made one pretty darn close to the Lionel postwar version. I've heard good things about Williams. I have a few but never ran them yet.

I've found a picture of the Williams turbine.  It is nice looking proportionately.   

I have several post war Lionel Steam Turbines to include 2020s, 671s and 681s.  I also have the FARR version #6200.  The 6200 looks really good with its great paint job but I like running the post war versions better.  They just look, smell and smoke better.  I love 'em.  

Dan,

The Imperial RailKing ( on the left ) can be seen here in comparison with a PW Lionel.  While the PW turbines have a good reputation, the Imperial has obvious pulling capacity improvement.  Mine is the PS1 issue, and the sounds are tailored to the turbine whooosh!  I'd prefer a scale CC version but this beast always gets a workout when running with TPC or variable DCS output,

Dan,

Here is another photo of the Imperial Rail King vs my 671rr.  I collect this particular engine.  The 671rr pictured is the first engine I ever ran.  My dad got it for Christmas in 1952.

Currently I own the 671rr, a 681, 6200 (#8404 from 1984), the Century Club 671 and add on tender, and finally the Imperial Rail King.

I like them all for different reasons.  If I were looking for 1, I would go with a PW 681 or 682.  Their rock solid and have magna-traction.  The '84 6200 is kind of a copy of the 682, but I feel the PW stuff runs better.  The 6200 has sound but you will turn it off, trust me.  If you want TMCC, the CC 671 is the choice.  I also like the MTH Imperial version mainly because it's closer to scale and still runs on less 072 unlike the scale versions.  I am not fond of the PS1 control so if you could find one that is already converted to PS2 or PS3 even better.

Tony

Dan Padova posted:

I've found a picture of the Williams turbine.  It is nice looking proportionately.   

The Williams steam engines are very nice looking and are pretty accurate at times for the model. I have had 2 Williams steam engines and am not that fond of the steam output, otherwise the Williams steam engines run very well and are strong pulling engines. You may need to upgrade the steam unit in the original Williams steam engine to one that has a better steam output. My Williams S-2 steam engine would pull up to 26 medium weight freight cars and have a decent speed as well.

Remember that you must be happy with the engine you want to purchase, so take a little time to find out what you can about the engine you are looking to purchase.

Lee Fritz

I'm in no particular hurry.  I thought I look around at York in a few weeks.  

Dan Padova posted:

I'm in no particular hurry.  I thought I look around at York in a few weeks.  

You can take your time. I have not been to York PA for a train meet but have been through there on one of the highways a few times. If I buy model train stuff in Pennsylvania it is usually at Hamburg's train show or in Strasburg PA.

Lee Fritz

Will probably be, shot, hung, excommunicated, etc. for this (wrong forum), but since I may have the Lionel's 1980s release of the turbine in the Famous American Railroads version you are leaning towards, I have one (mint I believe) that I'd be willing to part with - if it is an item you desire as your needs are more important than my "storage" - I'll take that chance as your needs are more important then strict forum adhesion.  My email address is in my profile or call 760-948-7147