Modern PW Style Lionel GP7's??

The postwar ones with the frame turned up sit lower and look better. Also with 3 steps instead of two there is less of a gap between the swiveling truck assemblies and the frame so postwar looks better.

And open frame motors run well together double headed, they run smoother.

Dennis / Mike

I just don't get it --- why go back to the MPC set-up

I agree the postwar frame / steps sit lower, look better, etc.

Oh well

Holding off on the new B&M and the LCCA MC geeps

Would have purchased both if they stayed with the postwar set-up

Just me

Sorry

Thx

Joe S  

I have the Archive collection GP7 with Pullmor motor from 2011 (6-38351). It is made to pay homage to a 1955 catalog offering.   It is traditional size (i.e., not scale size) and not the greastest runner.  Among the least favorite locos I have. 

I have a Lionchief+ GP7 that is much, much better.  Larger (scale size I think), with can motors, etc., sound, good control.  Infinitely better.  

Not sure why you really would want to former.  Love the later. 

But Lionel recently turned the frames up to match the PW spec.  So why go out of their way to revert back to MPC style?   Nicely tuned..the Pullmors growl with precision.  I think China must have not built the drive shaft/gearing properly on the recent CC pullmors.

I have to go with Lee on this one.  LionCHief + is the best of all worlds.  

Jon  

I believe that AC motors retain a durability advantage over DC can motors so I share some sympathy for your view.  That being said, I have never seen an AC motored GP7/GP9 (whether it be postwar Lionel Corporation, MPC remake, LTI remake, etc.) run as smoothly as the newer Lionchief plus version, or the can motored version available from, for example, MTH.  I don't think the Chinese manufacture of the unit plays a role in the operation of these AC powered units.  I think that is just the way they are. 

I am personally not a huge fan of the multiple remotes aspect of Lionchief Plus, but you should try one out.  Or try out an MTH or Williams GP.  I think you will be pleased with the performance relative to the AC powered variant.

Can they not just have two universal remotes at Lionel?  1 premium for the high end stuff..but also low end stuff.   1 budget for entry level stuff with less buttons.  Also, allow all items to run traditional as well.  

I am not sure about the durabllity advantage of AC motors.  I have read that many large public display layouts run locomotives with DC motors because of their reliability.  I'be got to wonder after reading Lee's post if the new Lionel Lionchief Plus engines will hold up well.  Sure hope they do, as I really like the one I have.  First new Lionel I've bought in several years.

China making Pullmor motors is like having Vikings growing Oranges.

Some items just need to stay Made in the USA.

Case in Point...My Made in USA Lionel Century Club S-2 Turbine with a Pullmor and TMCC runs a ton better than my Lionel PWC Congressional GG1 which has a Pullmor and TMCC as well.

Aren't the Chinese made AC motors for MTH tinplate well-made?

I love the PW GPs, but have tempered my single view enthusiasm recently.

If you want to mess around with something on the cheap, you can get MPC versions for next to nothing. Just make sure they are in fact pullmor powered, and not the DC motors horizontally attached to the trucks. I've seen them on the bay and local shows for around $40-$50.

The other thing I've come to appreciate is the Williams offerings. I recently liquidated a large collection and those Williams trains ran smoothly every time. I also own a couple and they are reliable and require minimal attention. Oncer again, the ones from about ten years ago with a little play wear can be found at a bargain.