All of my locomotives have to have TMCC (or Legacy) to run on my layout. I've given up on all the old stuff.

I don't have a big layout, so any sort of digital command system just seems unnecessary. I do like the idea behind the LionChief locos, of not having to purchase any additional system to run the trains, so one of those could be in the future.

I'm also not at all a fan of the crew chatter, which to me is as prototypical as any of the whimiscal Lionel operating cars that some of the die-hard scale guys would shun as being unprototypical. And actually, I don't need the operating sounds that some insist on having. I have an MRC Sound Station, so if I do want some sounds, they're there for everything I run. The best sounds are in my imagination.

I buy the smaller locomotives (Lionel Alco FA, NW2, Centercab, Industrial Switcher, small steamers, K-Line (RMT now) S-2/4, Alco FA, MP-15, RDC) that look better on 027 curves. Granted, there is not a lot of variety made in this area, but I've learned to be happy with what is out there. I've never had any trouble with the MPC era locomotives, and price-wise, they are a deal compared to anything brand new. I also do an extensive amount of repainting to get modern road names, or fallen flag roads that a particular loco was never made in.

Example: I have Industrial Switchers in Lehigh Valley, CNJ as well as Norfolk Southern, CSX and Conrail. Lionel hasn't made the Ind.Switcher in any of those roads, save for the special club promo NS one. I have a Lionel Centercab I repainted for Conrail. I took an RMT RDC, sealed up half the windows, did it in Conrail and use it as a special purpose loco. Given that the real Conrail was power short in the early days, anything was possible.

And I do kitbashing. I modified a BEEP Erie Lackawanna shell to go on a modified Lionel Industrial Switcher base, and now that pulls cars like the BEEP could never do. And I chopped down a Lionel U36 shell to fit on to a K-Line MP-15 frame, so I have a somewhat modern looking engine that looks right at home on my layout.

I sort of wish Lionel would pick-up where MTH has given up on (Rugged Rails), and develop a smaller modern-day equal to the 1950's Lionel AlcoFA, only this time a modern Dash type locomotive.

But for me, it's a hobby and meant to be fun. I think too many modelers today would rather grumble about what hasn't been made, instead of being thankful for what has been made. Or doing this as a REAL hobby, and do what the HO guys have been doing for decades (and they have much more variety available) ... make it  yourself.

I think all that crew talk stuff is a bit boring, IMHO.  When I run trains, I want to run trains - not listen! 

 I really like tinplate, so I tend to favor prewar Lionel and Marx engines.  Lately, I have picked up a couple of Prewar O gauge Ameriacn Flyer - mid 1930 stuff.  It's pretty neat to run an old engine that is older than you are.....and I am older than dirt!



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