Below are MTH Norfolk Southern ES44AC no. 8051 (MTH no. 20-20504-1)(purchased new from a dealer) and Lionel Norfolk Southern ES44AC (no. 6-82209)(purchased used off eBay).
The MTH model comes without the snow plow attached but there is one in the box that will affix with two supplied screws.
The Lionel model came with the snow plow attached to the kinematic pilot which will improve the realism of the locomotive on curves.
There are noticeable size differences on the model designation under the cab numbering. The MTH lettering is larger in this respect than Lionel’s.
The engineer’s side of each model. Lionel, top photo, MTH, bottom photo.
Lionel model.
The models have different screen patterns on the rear engineer’s side.
MTH model.
The rear headlights are oriented vertically on the MTH model and horizontally on the Lionel model. The Lionel model is the correct orientation for Norfolk Southern ES44ACs.
There are slight differences in the fuel tank gauges with the Lionel gauge outlined in red and the MTH gauge outlined in silver.
The horn cluster on the MTH model.
I like the windshield wipers on the Lionel model (8056) better than those on the MTH model (8051). They are larger and appear more adapted to heavy use.
MTH 8051 left, Lionel 8056 right.
An opening cab door on the MTH model.
The roof details on both models also vary. MTH 8051 left, Lionel 8056 right.
Rear roof detail. I like the MTH rear roof detail (top) better than the Lionel detail (bottom).
The horn cluster is larger on the MTH model (top).
Both are great looking ES44ACs!
