[fishhunt22]

Hello,
I want to buy a O scale train for my family. Something I can keep in the family for the next 30 years. The question is.....Should I buy a old used train....one that I might to fix on my owe down the road or buy a new train with all of the bells and whistles. I really only want a train that sounds good and blows smoke. I really don't need a fancy digital one right now.....or do I? The second question is do I buy a Lionel or MHT Premiere? Any information would be great.

Mike T
[email protected]

 

[Boston&Maine]

Welcome to MTF

Hmm... By used, do you mean like ten years old at the most, or were you considering Lionel trains from like the 1940's and 1950's? The trains from that era did not have much in the sound department though, basically just a whistle which did not sound much like an authentic whistle...

If you were considering a more modern used train though then I would just buy a new locomotive... I have no experience with modern Lionel locomotives, but I know their "Standard O" line rolling stock is top quality... I do own two MTH locomotives, one a Railking steamer and the other a Premier diesel... I am happy with both and have not experienced any problems with them yet...

If you are only going to run one locomotive at a time on your track then you do not need to get a DCC (Digital Command Control) equipped engine [called TrainMaster Command Control by Lionel and Digital Command System (Protosound) by MTH]... One with basic "loco sounds" should suffice...

 

[fishhunt22]

I was thinking about buy a train 20-30 years old because it would be easier to fix down the road if it breaks. Do you think the new engines will be hard to fix 20-30 year down the road? I would like to bu a train that will stay in the family for many years to come and not have to worry about replacing expensive digital part down the road. What do you think? Thanks for the respones so quick.
Mike T

 

[T-Man]

Shop around and buy a set. They are made for the beginner. Produced in numbers they will not be in short supply, and later bought used to furnish parts. Some parts are common through a period and used on more than one type. It's hard to think of as buying a Lemon. You could stock up on parts on what you need for the future or buy a second engine if the oportunity arrises.
The scout engine was manufactured for years and it has a lot of interchangable parts for that model, through the years.
Electronics may be different. It does det outdated. Certain people have laughed at my steam chuff tender from the 70's. It still works. Who knows it may turn around and be collectable because it is obsolete.
O gage has a reputation for lastingr over time. A diecast engine is more durable too.

 

[Boxcar Willie]

If you want new with no frills that is relieable try Williams. Great runners with the old Lionel design. Should be fine in 20 to 30 years.

 

[Casey-Jones]

Get both. New & Used Model Trains. Why not.