Red Comet 400e Which passenger set?

I can't agree with some of the others, I love the look of the blue comet cars and the red comet cars look like they will be fantastic also.  I can't envision anything looking better with that red 400E than those red comet cars.  I'm liking the red American Flyer cars myself and will probably get those when they come out.  Good luck with your decision.

John.

I think the Dark Green are really 428 cars with 4 wheel trucks that MTH markets with 418 badging. The Apple Green have 6 wheel trucks and true 418 cars.

Saving a few dollars now may cost you in the long run by not havng a full red comet set. This looks like one run only.

A 390E may look more correct with Blue Comet cars. However, The Blue Comet would never be the icon it has become without a 400E out front. Those red cars will look just fine behind the 400E.

Whatever you buy. Buy what you like.

If you have decided on the two-tone red 400E, it makes sense to opt for the matching two-tone red passenger cars, as well, to complete the Red Comet set. "In for a penny. In for a pound".

Enjoy your purchase.

Bob

PS: Still believe IMHO that a two-tone blue 390E makes a better looking train overall than a two-tone blue 400E when mated with a Blue Comet set. Matching heights and proportional lengths matter.

And the 392E is the best looking of all.  MTH made a few blue ones in the early years.

There is always the option down the road to buy a Lionel Classic Fireball Express with the red 390E.

Off topic. One year the Blue Comet came with a Black engine. Was that a 400e or 392E?

"Off topic. One year the Blue Comet came with a Black engine. Was that a 400e or 392E?:

392E

I'd recommend buying the red comet cars. Buyer's remorse is likely to happen if you don't go all the way in on this, especially since you may not be able to find the cars easily later on, at least while this is relatively new.

Buyer's remorse is common when we buy these things. We always find reason to second guess ourselves. One of the first people I met in this hobby was a fellow at least 25 years older than me. He told me that money can be replaced, but sometimes you have to take the opportunity to buy something when it arises. Now that doesn't mean spending beyond your budget, but you're talking the difference in price between one set of cars and another. Something to think about.

The whole notion of the 400E being too large for the cars is kind of silly. There is absolutely nothing scale about anything tinplate, prewar or reproduction. It's really just a personal preference, and while a 390E may look more "prototypical" than a 400E, as far as proportion, the 400E will always draw more attention. The same goes with the comet cars versus the 418 cars. Yeah, the 418's are a little taller, but all the features on the comet cars set them apart.

I'm no statistician, but I'd make a guess that the 400E Blue Comet is one of the top two or three most easily identifiable trains that come to mind when people think Lionel standard gauge, not the 390E version. So, it's all about how you feel concerning its looks and cost, not what anyone on this forum says.

I'm not trying to sway you, but don't worry about what comments other people have concerning 400E's versus the cars. They've been mated together since 1931, and people still are attracted to them. And remember, we all post and read this forum, but in the end, when asking the opinion of contributors concerning what to buy, you're kind of asking strangers, to an extent, how to spend your money. Your opinion is just as valid and no less correct than any one of the contributors. And yes, I gave you my opinion. It's neither correct or incorrect. I just know that sometimes it's better to step up while you have the chance. Two months down the road, whether you spend $600 or $1000, you won't really remember the money.

Did anyone notice the Red Comet "WOLF" car?! 

Did not know there was a Wolf Comet! Tres COOL! 

It would be even cooler if it orbited Mars the mysterious RedPlanet instead of Juipter.

The other cars are named WILK,MELISH,OTERMA and REINMUTH.  

RE: The "Barnard" Blue Comet car

Edward BARNARD also discovered the fifth moon of Jupiter, besides the comet named after him. He started his career as an assistant to a photographer named POOLE (no relation) in Nashville, TN! He was also the only person ever to receive an honorary ACADEMIC degree from Vanderbilt University. 

That is why the "Barnard" Blue Comet car is special to me! I recently ordered the version with nickel trim. And, YES, I had the dealer inspect this car for any paint damage - fortunately, there was NONE! 

WILK,MELISH,OTERMA and REINMUTH

are all astronomers who discovered comets.

Chris

LVHR

Ok, I kind of figured that, but I didn't want to assume. That being the case, and in all due respect to Mr. Wolf, I would have rather had a Shoemaker/Levy car as this is relatively recent history. Maybe MTH will make an add-on.

Thanks for the info.

It is a legitimate comet name... just the excuse Mike needed.  I suppose if astronomers get to name comets after themselves, toy train makers can do the same. 

For all Mr. Wolf's dedication to keeping standard gauge alive and well, he certainly deserves a Comet car with HIS name, with all due respect to the ACTUAL discoverer!