Who's PRR M1 would you get?

I've always heard that the Sunset/3rd Rail PRR M1a/M1b models were the most accurate, just as their J1a model was the most accurate.

It depends on your goals.  Detailing the Weaver model may be the best option if you get pleasure from doing the work.  You may get a more accurate model if you do the research and work yourself.

I don't know the difference between the two Lionel models.  They may be basically the same with the newer model having better electronics.  I suppose getting the Lionel model would be a good option if you just want something to run quickly.  

You might want to research whether 3rd Rail made this model also.

NH Joe

Originally posted by Hot Water:

I've always heard that the Sunset/3rd Rail PRR M1a/M1b models were the most accurate,

 Unfortunately, I didn't have the $$ for that one and that model sold out quickly. Trying to find many 3rd rail PRR models on the secondary market is really tough! I can't even find the PRR doodlebug! UG!

just as their J1a model was the most accurate.

True that!

Originally posted by Hot Water:

I've always heard that the Sunset/3rd Rail PRR M1a/M1b models were the most accurate,

 Unfortunately, I didn't have the $$ for that one and that model sold out quickly. Trying to find many 3rd rail PRR models on the secondary market is really tough!

Well, all good things come to he who waits...Got my 3rd Rail M-1a/b off'n the 'Bay for a "decent" price. Lovely model.

I have the Weaver version. OK model, but bare. The motor is an ampere hog.

If cost and availability are your drivers, by all means snag a Lionel version. It's a fine second choice.

True, but not available in 3-Rail.  However, the Sunset/3rd Rail 3-rail M1 models pop up on eBay all the time.

 I have the Lionel version M1a, I changed the smoke unit and I am very happy with it. Good runner.

PRR,

        I have the Lionel TMCC M1a that has been upgraded with a super chuff board and 4 cuffs per rev by Alex M. Looks, smokes and sounds great. The last time I browsed through eBay they seemed to be available especially after Lionel put out the Legacy versions. The TMCC version was going for around $500 as low as $450. I would go that route.

JohnB

I have a scale MTH M1 and I am happy with it.

The posted photo is not of an M1. It is the J1A.

Yes, he even states that in his post!

While Lionel, MTH, Weaver and Sunset have done versions of the PRR M1a/b, to date no PRR M1 has been offered in O scale 3 rail.  On the 2 rail side over the years Japanese builder KTM created 2 rail M1's for Max Gray and Westside. Two rail M1a/b's have been imported by US Hobbies, Overland, Weaver, Sunset, and possibly MTH??

  The PRR had 201 M1's and 100 M1a/b's.  External differences between the M1 and the M1a/b subclasses are quite noticeable and include the number of air pumps (1 on the M1, 2 on the M1a/b), feed water heater behind the stack on the M1a/b,  and external steam delivery pipes on the M1 - internal ones on the M1a/b.  After WWII the PRR upgraded 40 of the 100 M1a's to the higher boiler pressure M1b class.  The only visible difference between M1a and M1b locomotives are the 3 round circulator fittings found on each side of an M1b firebox - relatively subtle.  Note that details such as pilot type(horizontal bar, footboard, drop coupler), headlight/generator location, chin platform, and tender type cannot be reliably used to id the sub classes as over the years PRR shops made numerous changes to the M fleet.

For those looking for more info on PRR M's a good source is Pennsylvania Dual Service Mountains - Classic Power No. 8 by Bert Pennypacker.  The 120 page softcover was published by NJ International back in 1990 but it is not unusual to find one on used book tables at train shows.

It would seem at some point an O scale 3 rail builder would find it worth while to test the waters by taking reservations a model of the M1.

Ed Rappe

The TMCC Lionel version has great sound with deep chuffs. I have two and really like double heading them. One of these days I am going to add the Alex M. upgrades.

My only gripe is the front pilots seem to snap off very easily, so be-careful.

I have the Lionel M1a and it is my favorite loco. Lionel put a new smoke unit in for me last year and it is a great runner and puller. And as said earlier, the deep sounds are fantastic. If you can get one, grab it! I also have to look at the pilot, I was not aware that they break easily..

I am still waiting for mine to get in.

I order the Lionel legacy m-1A set. cant wait to get it to add to my fleet.

 I think the hold up on sets got to be the caboose. I got first set of three coal cars.

 and have had the loose engines in shop all reddy. 

Here is a link to my photobucket file, pictures of the M1a/b  Railroad Museum of PA. Strasburg, PA.

M1a/b   Click on the underlined phrase.

thanks for sharing. she sure needs some lovin....

I have both (TMCC M1a and the Legacy M1b) and love them.  I don't think the quillable whistle on the M1b is as good as other Legacy engines though...compared to the Lionel Legacy K4, they are worlds apart in my opinion.  I'm just now starting to modify some of my engines.  There are some things that bother me that don't bother others and vice versa.  On the M1s, I don't like Lionel's gigantic smoke box front hinges.  I had someone make scale hinges on the M1b and on the M1a I tried it myself.  I think it looks much better now, but I'm sure others would argue otherwise. On the TMCC M1a, I added 2 additional lobes to the cam with JB Weld and had Gunrunner John's Super Chuffer board installed. Love the upgrade!

Good luck finding one!

The Weaver M1a/b is a good project locomotive, brass, and detail can be added.  I thought the front truck and pilot wasn't quite right.  This model has an EOB upgrade, and runs well.

 Things to do.  

(1.)May be chop and compact the nose/front pilot  to match the pictures.

(2.) Remove white walls. (done)

(3.) Dull coat.

(4.) Repaint the cab and tender top oxide red.

(5.) Extremely skinny engineer and fireman need replaced.

(6.) Add a stoker to the cab.

(6a.) Precision Scale has a cab detail kit.  

(7.) May be a Nathan Oiler and small pipe/wire detail.

(8.) Add brake detail.

(9.) Add exhaust steam return pipe detail.

(10.) Train phone detail.

(11.) Maybe additional sander detail from the sand dome.

Please add to the list.   Mike CT

(1.)May be chop and compact the nose/front pilot  to match the pictures.Pilot truck semi-easy. Redoing the pilot:tricky unless you have better tools than I do.

 

(2.) Remove white walls. (done) Check

(3.) Dull coat. Check

 

(4.) Repaint the cab and tender top oxide red. Shouldn't do that. Not right for late steam.

 

(5.) Extremely skinny engineer and fireman need replaced.Check

(6.) Add a stoker to the cab.Check

(6a.) Precision Scale has a cab detail kit.  A step too far for me: this is a runner, not a photographic showpiece. 

(7.) May be a Nathan Oiler and small pipe/wire detail.Check

(8.) Add brake detail.Check

(9.) Add exhaust steam return pipe detail.CheckCheck

(10.) Train phone detail.Check

(11.) Maybe additional sander detail from the sand dome.Check

(12) Replace motor with 8000-series Pittman

IMO the biggest shortcoming on the Weaver M1b tender (PRR class 210F75) is that the doghouse doesn't sit in a well cut into the deck.  Years ago Steve Grabowski (Keystone Model Works) offed a beautiful brass kit for that style of PRR doghouse.  I've used several to upgrade Pennsy tenders.  I last saw one on Steve's table at a PRRT&HS annual meet awhile back.  

Ed Rappe

Weaver M1a/b tender left.  Third Rail I1 Decapod tender right.  Note the recess cut in the Decapod tender.   Also note the radiophone antenna.