You set the record straight, Neil. Sounds more like locomotive 10 is trying to stir the pot with some folklore…
Neil’s corrections of the original assertion are absolutely correct.
As far as my favorite train makers: I’ve never met a model train that I didn’t like, regardless of who made it.
Postwar Lionel, and Williams (I like my trains to be able to fall off a table and not “Explode” everywhere).
WEAVER is one of my favorites. I have one of their basic engines, it runs much smoother the most my other basic engs. Williams and K-line. (both are great engs) their rolling stock, low price very good detail AND. Made in U.S.A.