Good Morning All!
I have been wanting a J class 611 for a long time. So, I need thoughts on which is best, the Lionel 611 Legacy version or the MTH premier version?
Thanks in advance for what I am sure will be a spirited debate.
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It depends whats most important to you. Keeping it simple, the MTH version looks better, the Lionel version sounds better.
I'd probably do a search on the forum as well as other places like youtube to see pictures and video of each model and decide for yourself.
I have the new Premier MTH. Nice engine but the sound was a bit disappointing and the quill-able whistle is not very effective. After watching Lionel videos on Youtube it seems to be much more realistic. Not sure the price difference though. I have been kicking around the idea to get into Lionel for the higher end Steam Models. Even my NPR 765 the sound doesn't seem to be as nice.
When deciding on high end steamers, in my opinion, Lionel's sound, hands down is superior to MTH. Just purchased the J1 Hudson from MTH, happy with look and performance, but disappointed with sound. Also received Lionel S2 Turbine and Mohawk. Sounds are robust! However, you need to weigh the price difference and determine what is important for you.
Jeff
For what it's worth, the railroad is NOT the "N&S", but NS, i.e. Norfolk Southern. And the J Class 4-8-4 is an N&W steam locomotive (and is lettered NORFOLK AND WESTERN), since it was originally built by the N&W, and NS doesn't own it anyway.
Still cant let that got Hot Water?
Matt Makens posted:Still cant let that got Hot Water?
Let go of WHAT? Don't you like to be referred to by your proper name?
I have both 611`s, and I agree the Lionel sounds better, but I think the MTH looks better. If I had to have one, I would choose the MTH.
AAAAHHHH!!!
OKAY, NORFOLK SOUTHERN NS AND NORFOLK & WESTERN N & W.
Holy Smokes! Sorry for the mistake.
One area overlooked so far are the extra features of MTH locomotives, accessed through the soft keys. I personally never use them, but I've been to friends layouts where they enjoy using the Doppler effect, etc. Like many of the other posters above, I've been buying Lionel lately because I like their sound much better than MTH's.
Hot Water posted:For what it's worth, the railroad is NOT the "N&S", but NS, i.e. Norfolk Southern. And the J Class 4-8-4 is an N&W steam locomotive (and is lettered NORFOLK AND WESTERN), since it was originally built by the N&W, and NS doesn't own it anyway.
Thanks HW, I was about to say the same thing.
As for looks, I'll take the Lionel 606 with the correct double side rod assembly and correct roundtop tender and spoked engine truck wheels. All in all, there have been large & small errors made by both groups over the years. I guess it comes down to how well you know your J's and your tolerance for mistakes.
I only have the Williams Brass J, so which of the 3 LOOKs better?
Personally, I own and enjoy the Lionel RS-5 611 Class J - better whistle than the Legacy J.
Bob,
The Williams is a fine looking model. Find a trailing truck without the brake cylinder molded to the outside of the frame and you will be on your way. Like I said, it's how well you know your J's and what mistakes you personally can tolerate.
Art,
I like mine too. I had the double rods put on mine. I only need to get the four exhaust mod done.
Negative is the satin finish while the rebuilt engines always had a glossy finish.
Mr Union Pacific posted:AAAAHHHH!!!
OKAY, NORFOLK SOUTHERN NS AND NORFOLK & WESTERN N & W.
Holy Smokes! Sorry for the mistake.
Everyone knew what you meant.
Except for the guys that know everything....go figure.
RickO posted:... the MTH version looks better, the Lionel version sounds better..
Nailed it, Rick. Two additional points to consider.
- IMHO MTH Smokes better.
- IF you already have command control (Lionel or MTH)
I voted with my wallet and bought the MTH. No regrets....
Mr Union Pacific posted:
AAAAHHHH!!!
OKAY, NORFOLK SOUTHERN NS AND NORFOLK & WESTERN N & W.
Holy Smokes! Sorry for the mistake.
No need to apologize or take issue. If you worked for Hewlett-Packard, what would you do if someone asked if you worked for Hewlett and Packard or asked if you lived in North and Carolina? What do you do when your supervisor tells you that you are doing something the wrong way? Do you say "Holy Smokes! Sorry for the mistake."?
PORSCHE1662OGR FORUM MEMBER
26 MINUTES AGO
Everyone knew what you meant.
I wouldn't be so sure of that. People ask me about Norfolk and Southern almost every week.
RICKOOGR FORUM MEMBER
21 MINUTES AGO
Except for the guys that know everything....go figure.
It amazes me how some folks just can't stand to be corrected and want to lambast those who do.
Big Jim posted:
It amazes me how some folks just can't stand to be corrected and want to lambaste (fixed that) those who do.
Jim
Actually I suspect most people do not mind being corrected, but mind how they are corrected. I must say though, I didn't see any big deal on the correction that was offered.
I just bought a New SD80 Norfolk and Southern on Wed night. Ill post pics soon. Big locomotive 21" long !!!
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Big Jim posted:
It amazes me how some folks just can't stand to be corrected and want to lambast those who do.
Speaking of corrections Jim, the OP was asking about the best version of the 611. You recommended the Lionel 606 
You guys crack me up! I like the NS 606...very cool. And no, no, no, I do not mind being corrected. I'm a high school history teacher, heck I correct folks everyday.
RickO posted:Big Jim posted:
It amazes me how some folks just can't stand to be corrected and want to lambast those who do.
Speaking of corrections Jim, the OP was asking about the best version of the 611. You recommended the Lionel 606
The Lionel 606 has an excellent sound file. I have that RailSounds board in my 3rd Rail K2a, It sounds great!
I have the Spirt of Roanoke 611 on order from the MTH 2016 catalog. I have seen the new J from the 2015 catalog and there better detailed than the Legacy 611 I had. I don't think they sound much different IMO. The details on the MTH out weigh the little better sound from Lionel.
RickO posted:Big Jim posted:
It amazes me how some folks just can't stand to be corrected and want to lambast those who do.
Speaking of corrections Jim, the OP was asking about the best version of the 611. You recommended the Lionel 606
Well, yes, you got me there. I got hung up on the word "best" and passed over the number 611. But, that is because I think the 606 is a more distinctive and better looking model than any of the 611's.
FWIW, in my defense, I did say this in reply to Tinplate Art:
Personally, I own and enjoy the Lionel RS-5 611 Class J - better whistle than the Legacy J.
Art,
I like mine too. I had the double rods put on mine. I only need to get the four exhaust mod done.
I would the prefer the Roanoke Shops version. Only issue is that she it 1':12"!, it would not fir my layout!
Dominic Mazoch posted:I would the prefer the Roanoke Shops version. Only issue is that she it 1':12"!, it would not fir my layout!
What does your math represent?
Hot Water posted:Dominic Mazoch posted:I would the prefer the Roanoke Shops version. Only issue is that she it 1':12"!, it would not fir my layout!
What does your math represent?
I think he means full scale. The real 611 is what he wants for his layout.
Brandon Cole posted:Hot Water posted:Dominic Mazoch posted:I would the prefer the Roanoke Shops version. Only issue is that she it 1':12"!, it would not fir my layout!
What does your math represent?
I think he means full scale. The real 611 is what he wants for his layout.
Oh. Like "12 inch to the foot"? Dominic sometimes has trouble with facts.
You know, everyone thinks there N&W "J" is better, and guess what, They are probably Correct. I, however, think the new Legacy version is the best sounding and running one to date. I wish it had smoke and whistle effect, but, its just fine in my books. I will be able to post pictures of my layout soon......WOW!! My layout is all Legacy and its a fun to run Locomotive. I have not gotten the passenger cars out yet, but will soon....Happy Railroading.
I am looking for J number 610. That was the one which did a month of testing on the PRR!
Welp, as I figured very spirited indeed. Price will probably push me to the MTH Premier edition, and since I operate in dcs I'm sure it will be awesome. I'll have to admit, I should have checked the forum. I see this topic has been covered numerous times.
Bob D,
Some how I knew you were going to bring on the good stuff, got a big chuckle out of it sir!
PCRR/Dave
Dave, I'm just glad I was able to snag the Williams brass engines that I have. It's a shame they went OOB.
I've never really compared their J to the real one, but I think I'll pull out the photos I've taken and give it a once-over.
What I have noticed on mine is (as someone else pointed out a while back in another topic) that the "nose cone" paint has some tiny bubbles in it. It must have been from the heat of the light bulb, but it's noticeable and needs repainting.
Mr Union Pacific posted:Welp, as I figured very spirited indeed. Price will probably push me to the MTH Premier edition, and since I operate in dcs I'm sure it will be awesome. I'll have to admit, I should have checked the forum. I see this topic has been covered numerous times.
If you are running DCS then the MTH engine is the way to go. Both are pretty stunning examples but I do prefer Lionel sounds and I run primarily Legacy. If I were a DCS runner more, although with the app that's changing, I'd easily get the MTH version. I think you made the correct choice.
