I have the Polar Express now and want to add a diesel set to my new layout. My question is… MTH or Lionel? I looked at both in the mid range with sound and able to use remote systems later down the road. Both look like good stuff. Please give me some input about ease of upgrading to remotes and longevity of products. T.Y.
Hi Sarge and welcome! I think you should get what you like in that diesel set. The Polar Express set is not equipped with Lionel’s command control system. You could run it in ‘conventional’ mode with either manufacturer’s command systems. Alternatively, you might want to consider adding an after-market module that would allow the PoleEx engine to be run with Lionel’s system.
What kind of diesel set are you interested in, passenger or freight?
What’s your price range?
There are some good trains in the market place and all but MTH will run with Lionels TMCC. exception: Williams does not make anything remote control, but aftermarket upgrades are available.
Went and pulled the trigger! I picked up a MTH RSD-4 Diesel set tonight. I was just looking for some track and maybe a nice bridge, but instead came home with everything! I got the whole set for the price of the locomotive. Oh well now I need to put it up and post pics. T.Y. Like all hobbies I start they Snowball!! Ha Ha
[:-,] The bug has bitten [bow]
Well that company would have been my very LAST choice, but being a train nut I like them all. Enjoy your new train set.
Ditto ( what happened to our Ditto smiley??)
If you decide to buy into command control, you will need a DCS control system to run your RSD-4 in command mode. You can later add a Lionel TMCC 1 command base to your DCS outfit to run Lionel engines in command with your DCS controller. You will also need cab 1 to program Lionel engines. I don’t believe this will work with a legacy command base. I am running a PS-2 engine in conventional with a Lionel TMCC 1 outfit and TPC300. I can access most of the features such as cruise, couplers, sounds, braking, etc.
Sarge,
Many of us here on the forum have our personal preferrances, some are Lionel, others MTH. Do NOT be dismayed regarding the comments. ALL are well intended, and I Don’t think anyone will mislead you. Personnally I prefer MTH, but always looking at both. The above post by John Long is right on target. With the approach he laid out, you will have maximum selectivity of any engine that appeals to you. Which is the best condition, the only downside, is that ultimately the “bite” may turn into a consumming hobby.
Enjoy ! And don’t be reluctant to ask any questions.
Welcome Sarge! [#welcome].
Jack
As don said some of us have our preferences to company and I will honestly say I do like Lionel but don’t really have any fault with MTH and have seen some real good stuff from them I just prefer Lionel even thou I do have some rolling stock MTH but no engines at this time. So just enjoy and Welcome as I stated bug has bitten now let the infection spread
Bill
Hey thanks for the replies! i got her up and running today! The kids had a blast with two trains running at once. The MTH seems like its well made no better or worse than any starter set I have had. Im sure if I would spend more than $ 300 for a set let alone a engine I would be a little more picky, but for now its fun. Thanks again!
[#welcome]
The price of a starter set can be as high as the price of some locomotives, however some locomotives sell for over $1000.00, mainly the longer steam locos. I used to be brand loyal but now I buy whatever I like regardless of brand.
The newer command control systems which offer remote control are not compatible with all brands, so you have to know what will run on each commnd system before buying one. As far as I know Williams Trains don’t have any command modules installed in them and you would have to install one at the cost of around $300.00 or better for each locomotive.
I feel that model trains were made to have fun with, not have arguments over who has a better product.
Lee F.
I did not see any arguments here, just opinions. In fact the new set owner was given well wishs to have fun.