Which one would you buy: latest GG1 from MTH or Lionel vision line GG1 ?

It just depends on what you find that you want in the engine.  Which system do you run? 

MTH has operating pans, DCS control, sound, as well as all the DCS goodies.  It can also be powered via the pantographs.

Lionel has the Legacy stereo sounds, speed, operating pans, arching effect.  You cannot use the pantographs for power.  Some models have a slight seam visible.

Either engine is a winner.  It's been repeatedly pointed out that the MTH model is less $$ and all you're losing is the arching effect and some other Legacy specific items such as dual speakers.  You'll have to weigh cost vs options and whats important to you.

I asked Lionel to make a Legacy GG1 so I purchased one but MTH makes a very nice units with all the features of DCS.  Again you have to weigh what's important to you.

Marty summed it up nicely. 

For most people, the financial reality always rears its ugly head rather quickly.  And in that regard, some dealers are offering great deals on the MTH GG-1's to clear them out of inventory.  So if you're "primarily" an operator and don't need the latest gee-whiz features on the Lionel Legacy GG-1's, then you can save yourself hundreds of dollars with an MTH GG-1 (or for that matter even a Lionel JLC GG-1) -- both of which could save you more than half of what you'd spend on Lionel's latest VisionLine GG-1's.  OTOH, if you're really into the detailed "old rivets" design, simulated arcing effect or stereoscopic Legacy Railsounds, then Lionel is you're only game in town.  And they've never been shy about making it hurt to pay premium prices for these new features.  One thing is for sure... Lionel is NOT Menards in terms of giving us the best bang for our hard-earned dollars!    Not even close.

David 

Seems to me people asking questions like this should start by answering the question "Do you operate with Lionel Legacy or with MTH DCS?" Answering that simple question will give a simple answer.

Some folks run both systems, but most don't. The question by the OP only makes sense for those who do.

Let's see...did the GG1 run on the Milwaukee Road? Let me guess...NO! I don't need any of them. Nice electrics though. Don

Lionel - Legacy.

Personally, I would look for a Sunset/3rd Rail version of the PRR GG1.

I have a Williams scale one that I upgraded to TMCC, better lighting, etc.  I also have the Lionel JLC model.  I looked long and hard at the VL-GG1, but I couldn't really justify the price for sparking pantographs.  The sound is nice, but then there's not as much sound to worry about with the GG1.

The JLC version (same as legacy) is a better model of  the real thing. Look for one on ebay

I have the JLC version which is quite nice and has 'real' spoked wheels (as does the VL model I would guess) and is slightly longer than the MTH models. They can be had quite reasonably now and the difference of $500-$600 less than the new one is a tough hurdle for many of us.

The MTH, but if I could get the two-rail version.

I have three Lionel GG1's , 2 Vision line GG1's and one JLC.  love them all.