Hi all, I got my LGB PRR set running for Christmas (first time I’ve run it in a good 5 years) and the G-gauge bug bit me again. I have always wanted an LGB Stainz engine but after being in O-gauge for many years, I’ve never had the need for one. I see Trainworld/Trainland’s website says they have the European passenger and goods/freight sets for $385. I can live without sound and I saw an LGB Full Gauge Railroad set with a black Stainz a flatcar/gondola and a passenger car for $310. Can anyone tell me about this one? Is this one of those Lehman (SP?) Toy Trains type sets or is it more of the standard LGB Stainz starter set? Thanks. Please excuse me if I have made any mistakes. I haven’t followed LGB’s latest issues plus I’ve been out of the G-gauge loop for so long I have forgotten some things. Thanks again!
Hi, if it has a Stainz type engine it is NOT part of the Toytrain lineup. I looked at the webpage adverstisements, I think that set might be the latest starter set from regrouped Marklin/LGB. The Porter type engine in the “Peanuts” set advertised is what the Toytrain line uesed to offer. While the Porter is a decent engine, you just can’t go wrong with a Stainz, very strong and utterly relaible, the darn little things are like the Energizer bunny, just keep going and going…
vsmith, Thanks for the reply. I contacted Trainworld this morning and asked about the set. I was told that it is one of the new LGB/Marklin pieces and has yet to come in. I would love to know when it may be coming in. If it is before Christmas, it would look mighty good under my tree! Thanks again!
BTW; I would like to put in a plug for the Lehmann Porter, I have three of them. They are American prototype and run good. One was adopted by my wife (to leave stock), I’ve kit bashed mine.
Thanks Rob. I’ve never really heard much about them and I’ll be on the lookout for one. Thanks again!
Unless you’re buying the LGB as a gift, check out Ebay. I’ve bought 3 stanz’s on ebay in the last 3 years, they are GREAT little locos. I like the staniz and the 0-4-0 american style locos better than the Porter’s or toy train line because they have a traction tire and bigger wheels. They pull and run better IMHO. I owned a porter and an Atlas (similar to stainz or american 0-4-0…toytrain engine). While both good, I like the others much more. I’ve only paid about $50-60 for my 0-4-0s (stainz and others) on ebay and all were in great condition, they last forever! I’ve also bought many shorty LGB cars on ebay for very cheap as well. Just be patient, and dowload and auto bidder program to help! I have lots of other larger G scale engine, but I do have a soft spot in my heart for the smaller LGB lines. I also have an LGB (bumblebee) Mogul …older model…from ebay as well. Very nice locos. You can find new or very lightly used starter sets on ebay too, from probably $100 to $300. As I said, keep trying…bid late.use an auto bidder if possible, and be patient. Oh, I have an UP 2-4-0 with tender and sound, plus the same in Peanuts paint scheme for the kids. I do like the way the LGBs run, very quiet, very smooth, good pullers. I hope this helps. Regards, Ted
Ted, Thanks for the reply. The set/engine will be a gift for myself so as long as it is mechanically and cosmetically sound, I’m all for it (at a decent price of course)! I have been watching ebay lately also. I have seen a few good deals but they were missing numerous detail parts so I passed. I am still waiting and watching. Also, please excuse my stupidity but how is “Stainz” pronounced. I’ve read that “stain with a z at the end” is not correct and is how I’ve always pronounced it. BTW, I got my 2-4-0 PRR set running around the tree this year. It is the first time in about 5 years I’ve really run the set and so far it has been running nicely. I need to give everything a good oiling tomorrow to quiet the squeaking/squealing. Thanks again. I appreciate it!