I enjoy LGB for their reliability. I also have an Aristocraft Mikado, but unfortunately it’s size is too large for my layout.
There are other trains beside LGB? Don’t care if they are odd size, you can not find anything that runs as good. Plus the service is tops.
Don, I agree with you 1000%… LGB is the best and they look good to me also. I have big collection of LGB and out of my engines my favorite is the Limited Coca-Cola Alco Diesel… But I will say me and my wife also collect coke products…
It’s difficult, if not impossible to specify a favorite. Each manufacturer has really settled down into its own niche in the hobby, so “favorite” isn’t really based on brand loyalty (such as it would with beer, cars, etc.) but on what each individual likes to pursue within the hobby. If you’re into scale narrow gauge (as I am), then most of the stuff on your shelf is going to be from Bachmann and Accucraft. If you’re doing US standard gauge, then USA and Aristo will dominate. LGB has its niche as the “Lionel” of large scale. It was the force that started most of us down this large scale road. They’re not “scale models,” and aren’t intended to be. Like Lionel, LGB enjoys a very strong following in its own right–people who enjoy the trains for exactly what they are.
I tend to stay away from “what’s your favorite” type of discussions, because they invariably degrade into manufacturer bashing. (Thankfully this one hasn’t gone there–yet.) Each has its strengths and weaknesses, and the consumer gets the task of making his/her choice based on how those strengths and weaknesses play into what he/she wants to get out of the hobby. Would I like “brand X’s” reputation for durability in “brand Y’s” locomotives? Yes, but not at the expense of brand Y’s scale fidelity. Do I think “brand X” could sell more trains if it relied on a more accurate scale rule? Sure, but then it runs the risk of abandoning those who like X’s products for what they are.
My “favorite?” Whoever makes something that appeals to me.
Later,
K
Most G scale people play together good, but every now and then someone will toss a rock at somebody… it’s just the hobby and we all are into our own scales and brands but I think G scale people are the best around…
IMHO LGB established itself as the dominant brand for durable, highly detailed model European narrow gauge trains. LGB’s foray into modern American standard gauge outline has had some successes and some questionable results; but their Euro line’s popularity overseas is legendary.
I like the whimsical, “fantasy” aspect of LGB Euro narrow gauge - as it represents a style of railroading that is unfamiliar to most Americans. Small, short lines that wind through mountains and valleys serving small villages and towns - kind of like what some parts of America had in the 19th and very early 20th century until our nation became mesmerized by the automobile. The short steam or electric engines and 2-axle cars negotiate tight curves without complaint and still look “appropriate”. Personally, I can’t think of a better brand for a G-gauge Christmas garden or narrow radius outdoor garden layout than LGB.
AL
I like LGB the most of what I have, nothing breaks off and engines run very smooth.
Rather like a question of GM vs Ford vs Chrysler isn’t it??? Different strokes for different folks, and one must recognize the fact the you can’t quantify a best. Other than a general steer in a certain direction because you prefer modelling a given segment of the railroad spectrum, these discussions are pointless and a waste of space!
I will be my different self, I have a thing for Lionel GP20’s and GP9’s. The smaller size suits my tight curves better than the larger USA Trains model. And the swinging pilot, ala O scale 3 rail trains, makes pulling cars on those tight curves without derailing possible. Now that MTH is doing 1:32nd stuff, I can get some decent cars to pull with them. I am hopping for some center flow grain hoppers soon. I need several to paint into the Cargil paint scheme. The short line I plan to model ran unit trains of them from Kokomo Grain south past my folks house to Tipton, IN most of my teenage years. LGB is nice, I have had many models from them and prefer thier track. Cheers Mike