I am thinking about purchasing a Williams F7 ABA and 5 C&NW passenger cars. The gentleman I might purchase them from says they are like new in origin boxes. He is asking $275 for the set.
My question is this: What kind of quality are these. I know they were made in China, but that is about it. The engine number 4073. I am almost 100% Lionel postwar, but I am a C&NW fan and I thought these looked cool. There are 5 passenger cars that go with it. Your knowledge is appreciated.
Replies sorted oldest to newest
As with most Wms items, the quality is typically quite good, and they run well as they have modern can motors and OK gearing. Zoomy if you would like, but able to run at less silly speeds.
The Wms F7 body is descended from Kusan tooling, and has a less-than-accurate EMD "snout" shape. Their F3 body tooling is not related to this F7 tooling.
I have a nyc f7 a unit. I wired the motors in series to bring the speed down but it has 2 flywheel motors and runs smooth and runs well. It had basic horn only and that is pretty nasty sounding. I think it is similar detail level as later postwar f3 with molded roof vents, plastic horns nut still clear side portals.
Agreed, the Williams diesels are bullet proof. I don't have any F7s but do own several F3 AA sets. Great no frills trains.
You can't go wrong with Williams locomotives. As others have said they are bullet proof. I have the B&O F3s ( WbB ) and they run really fine and are great pullers. I also have an original ( not WbB ) Williams scale GG1, two Trainmasters, a brass Williams camelback and they all run and pull great too! I also own several WbB locomotives and am happy with all of them. The Williams True Blast horns are underwhelming ( at least to me ) but Williams and WbB overall... a great product!
Every Williams engine I’ve ever had has been a pulling and running fool. They hardly ever give problems and pull long strings of die cast or metal body cars up steep grades. Speed modulation has always been a tad tricky but not really a problem. The only drawbacks I’ve found are lack of a constant voltage headlight and no reverse lock-out switches.
I agree with all the positive comments on Williams locomotives. They are tough reliable locomotives that will pull heavy trains for a lifetime.
My Broadway Ltd PRR set runs with a Williams F7 and a string of Williams aluminum passengers cars; baggage. combo baggage, diner, two coaches, a sleeper and the tail end observation car. The engine pulls the 7 cars easily up and down varied terrain of steep grades. The Trueblast horn sounds like a real diesel horn although maybe not quite matching the tone of the prototype. All in all the set has been reliable, looks good and runs great. You are not going to get all the high tech features of the other brands but the price is right and on some layouts like mine, they are unimportant. If you seek simple reliable operation Bachmann-Williams may be for you.
I agree completely with all the positive statements provided'. I would like to add, it is not that difficult to install the TMC "Electric Railroad Sound Boards that Scot Mann, Golden Gate models sells. And if better start up speed is wanted, Re - wiring in series is also very simple. Those two enhancements make a Williams, I find perform just as well if not better than the high priced competitors. The sound boards run about a $100.00 bucks. Re-wiring cost is zero'... Just something to consider if you want better realistic sound and start up speed control'... But if you do nothing, you will still have a very reliable strong, powerful excellent operating and overall running engine that you will be completely happy with. And $275.00 for that ensemble is an outstanding deal'... If you change your mind, please have the gentleman contact me'..as I will jump right on that offer'....
Their locomotives are very rugged and reliable. The contours on the F7A are a little off but not terrible.
If the set has scale 72' Heavyweight cars (Madisons), you need to check the trucks carefully. I have some with zinc pest. They don't sell parts for them anymore, so if zinc pest is an issue on them or becomes one later, then you will have to find another brand to replace them with. The cars themselves are nice with good detail and paint. The streamlined cars are nice as well but rather generic. I have had issues with the trucks on the streamliners as well. Trucks are available for these cars.
Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership
