What would you rather have?

I like factory new looking trains.  I would go for restored.  I have always loved tinplate but never liked the way it ran.  I have started buying the new Lionel (MTH) Lines Tinplate.  I am very happy with the operation.

I have no interest in restored pieces. I would either accept genuine postwar pieces in lesser condition, or purchase modern era repros. It depends on the item.

Hi

I have purchase Prewar stuff and restored them. Just wanted to get the experience I how to do it.  After going through the time, learning curve and expense I am sticking to the modern version. Going through the fields of broken Prewar trains to find the right candidate for restore takes a great deal of time. If you have the time and the are able to go to the train shows my hat is off to you. I live in the NYC area and I found out very quickly it is the same vendors that go from one show to another with the same stock.  Now if you are able to go to York or Amherst train shows and look around that is another story. You can purchase the modern stuff on the second hand market for 40-60 % off the suggested retail price. This is more of a personal choice go luck on your decision,

How did this thread get talking about tinplate? POSTWAR means postwar. If you want brand-new looking stuff, buy new. Restored/repainted is usually a pre-war tinplate option. Personally, I like the nostalgia of decent condition steam. If I wanted a pristine SF diesel, I'd probably opt for "new".

I like both, original and good restorations. Like the quality Len C. delivers. Of course I prefer originals, but if the right deal on an excellent refurbish of an original comes along, that's OK too. As long as it's ALL postwar.

None of the "new" units do it for me. I tried to like them and bought a few. But "it" just wasn't there.  Swapped them to a good friend that does like them.

I have a set of 2383 that Len C. did. Talk about great, and it's still postwar. Bet you couldn't tell that they have been refurbished! Even the best of you! Now if I had done the work, you'd swear it was a 3rd grade art class project.

Actually I am learning. I painted a 726 recently but have to number it yet. Coming pretty good so far. Also have a 671rr waiting to be done. They'll come good. Not Len C. good, but good. They are just for me anyhow, so I'll be happy.

Matt

Personally, I like the new stuff and would definitely choose the reproductions.

Sounds like a familiar situation for me.  I have some nice PW pieces but they are tough to find in good condition at a reasonable price. I enjoy the hunt and will still pick some up now and then.

But I also have many of the Lionel Conventional Classics (and PWC) and they are great fun. Fairly nice repros that look great, run well, and don't require too much TLC.

I too like Postwar but prefer the new offerings. Sadly a few of them have had quality issues though.

Reproductions.

I've restored a number of post war war engines, even to the point of doing my own heat stamping of a 681 numbers back on the cab. Found some good paint that matches my un-restored engines, even made copies of the inside the cab sticker that tells you how to remove the Lionel smoke debris off the engine. I've been able to repair/replace some broken/missing pot metal as long as it is not to much. In most cases, unless the engine has been soaked in water, the motor just needs a good tune up or perhaps a wire or two replaced and a e-unit tune up. Those things were way over engineered. So I've been able to take $40 engines and bring them back to life and they look as new. Me, I'm just not into the modern stuff. Just don't care for them. Plus I don't want to pay as much for an engine as I do a riding mower especially now that I heard they are made in China.