WBB or MPC NH F-3AA?

No question, the MPC one.

I prefer electromechanical e-units.

And some of the earlier Modern Era Lionel trains are now old enough to be interesting to collect.

Someone who has the NH MPC F3's chime in here on the details, as what I have are their contemporary PRR green F3's. Unlike the catalog image, my Pennsy's in real life have the handrails and portholes, and were purchased new-in-box. (Running changes were not unknown from MPC.) If the MPC New Havens came out the same, I'd stick with the MPC units. The only body difference would then be the nose door detail and the slots vs. screens on the roof vents.

Why? For one, I'm not a fan of the pre-programmed Tru-Blast horn; I'd prefer to install my own sound system or a repro of the MPC electronic horn that's directly controllable. I also prefer the appearance of the cast horns on the MPC units, as opposed to the postwar-style riveted-together horns on a metal flange that WBB and Lionel are both using now. I'm well-acquainted with the care and feeding of the open-frame motors and like how they run.

WBB would be my choice,They will  pull 100% better and built better.I have 9 different sets of Williams F3. Buy buy for they money.

Hands down, it's the WBB!  Even though I detest the truly ghastly pre-programmed horn, the performance and reliability of my WBB EP-5 has been spectacular, and that's what really matters to me.

Pete

I would choose, and currently have, the Williams NH F3's. Doesn't the lionel ones have nylon gears? If true, that would be a deciding factor.

Rob

depends -  I have a few williams engines & about 5 MPC F3s.  The WBB does have more detail & would pull circles around the MPC  one.  The MPC NH is missing the portholes, nose grabs, nose vent & a few other details.   The WBB shell is pretty close to a 2333.   Its a tough choice.  Id say if you wanted them for running, go with the WBB, if you want them to collect or like Lionel & the magic of ozone & pullmor motors, go w/ the MPC

The nylon gears. I forgot about that. Is there any sensible way to change those out?

No contest; WBB

No reason to unless there is a specific problem.  I've never had a spur gear wear out or break, only one I can think of that the splines spun out.  A very easy repair with a thin film of epoxy to bind the gear back onto the shaft.

If you wanted an AB set though, you can still find the Lionel 6-38324 '#2507W NH F3 Freight set' at very good prices from several dealers.

I would get the WBB.  They will have a warranty - and probably never need it.  And can motors run with a lot less current draw - a lot less - so you will stress your power supply less and leae more of its capacity for lighted cars and accessories.  Plus they run a bit better and quieter at low speeds.  

No doubt about it,,,,,,,hands down MPC,, THe WBB will pull better, run quiter, but the MPC will sell better if you wish to sell  it.

If they cost the same.

My MPC still runs , had been tuned up a couple of times, has never been any trouble, has never pulled more than 15 MPC cars( lower drag than post war cars).

If costs were the same, I would go with the MPC.  If thre was a major cost difference:  WBB.

If your a Lionel buff, well, then, gotta do the Lionel.

If your not attached to a particular brand, then, WBB.

WBB, Side by side, It's built better, Overall, it's just a better engine. Plain and simple. And to top it off, WBB are very, very affordable.

Enjoy!