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Post by josef on Jul 31, 2022 12:24:59 GMT
What with Lionels pricing and one size fits all, just change color, and lettering to represent a road, 3rd Rail maybe a better option in pricing and correct engines?
I was thinking of 3rd Rails recent Krauss Maffei engines as an example. They were made in a limited 2 and 3 rail configuration. Production was low as all their engines are, yet able to detail differences of what each railroads specs called for, yet if one compares prices, not that bad and I consider reasonable for such limited production.
Now we look at Lionel which uses the same mold over and over, even on BTO and can't even get individual roads correct. Molds that are years old, yet their prices are high and little done to check finished product. Example is paint correct, details correct for given road, and finally, will it work?
Just imagine if Lionel had produced the Krauss Maffei what it would cost the buyer, or how many BTOs they would need to even consider making molds and start up production. Would they even oversee production, assemble, and final inspection before release?
These are just my observations and I maybe wrong. Just some thoughts.
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Post by Country Joe on Jul 31, 2022 15:23:46 GMT
For me 3rd Rail isn't an option. I don't run scale equipment and they are priced way, way, way out of my price range, however for those who run 3 rail scale and pay for Lionel Legacy engines I think 3rd Rail is a very good alternative and may be a better choice considering the points you raised.
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Post by Adam on Jul 31, 2022 17:07:13 GMT
I echo Joes comment. I have checked out some of their models in the past and they are beautiful, but out of my price range and won’t run on my layout.
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Post by harborbelt70 on Aug 19, 2022 18:24:21 GMT
I know that 3rd Rail is scale and requires a bigger track setup. But the build/assembly quality gap between 3rd Rail and Lionel ever widens while the price gap has narrowed significantly, to the point that if you buy less Lionel or MTH products overall it's possible to have an example or more of 3rd Rail. The real difference is in the play value with 3rd Rail having no Legacy/DCS sounds and other bells and whistles. In the end it's a question of what you really want out of a model; really prototypical detail or more operating fun.
I think we may soon be seeing some recent 3rail products, including a Santa Fe set destined for PTC (Brian). I look forward to that. BTW, Scott Mann of 3rd Rail provides the best customer service of anybody, should you need it. That's another major difference from the main importers.
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Post by ptc on Sept 6, 2022 13:18:47 GMT
They are a firm player in our hobby. Don't forget, they are now handling the TMCC upgrade boards as well.
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Post by thebigcrabcake on Sept 15, 2022 13:14:04 GMT
The Sunset 21” aluminum passenger cars are beyond anything Lionel is offering. Incredible detail and build quality.
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Post by lirr1926 on Oct 11, 2022 23:35:32 GMT
While I'm keeping my O-31 and O-42 three rail layout that is far from complete I find myself attracted to scale models. My interest is in the LIRR and I got a 2-rail model of their N-52 cabin car. There's a 2-rail club not far from me and I've picked up a couple of 3rd Rails RDC and an H-6sb. No way I have room to run them at home but I'm thinking of joining the club for that. I've also got a 3rd Rail Viewliner on display in my living room. My wife and I have ridden in them many times to FL and the model is gorgeous.
So 2-rail full scale, huge space has its appeal but I still love my Bang and MTH RDC's and etc on my 3-rail layout in the basement.
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oace
Full Member
Posts: 241
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Post by oace on Mar 2, 2024 22:16:46 GMT
Personally, I rely on 3-rails tinplate track because for temporary layouts, it offers a better contact and ruggered assembly than the two rails system. This is the obvious difference that I noticed between 2-rails HO gauge DC track and 3-rails O tinplate AC track (or even DC).
Of course, for a permanent layout, this is different...
OACE
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Post by RFCTrainGarden on Mar 11, 2024 13:49:10 GMT
Personally, I rely on 3-rails tinplate track because for temporary layouts, it offers a better contact and ruggered assembly than the two rails system. This is the obvious difference that I noticed between 2-rails HO gauge DC track and 3-rails O tinplate AC track (or even DC). Of course, for a permanent layout, this is different... OACE This is about the manufacturer 3rd Rail, a division of Sunset Models...
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hibar
New Member
Posts: 1
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Post by hibar on Jun 17, 2024 3:14:26 GMT
3rd rail just shipped out their SD40-2 models and a number of photos have been posted on the other forum, they have produced a number of variations for various RRs in both 2 and 3 rail versions with shipping these models are over 840.00 each this is the new norm for most of their models, if anyone on this forum has received a CSX version could you post some pics. Unless you are willing to subscribe to their magazine you can no longer post on that forum.
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Post by superwarp1 on Jul 12, 2024 13:31:45 GMT
almost have my steam engine roster is 3rdrail. Being custom made out of wax castings and brass, no two are alike and sometimes you have to modify to get them to run correctly. Not the electronics or mechanically but power pickup. They have improved the design over time. As for the diesels, I did order the F3 but was not impressed and Scott Mann took them back for a refund. The F3 came with a cast in diaphragm in the back which made tight coupling with kadees impossible and they got the details wrong on the B units.
One big negative for me is the generic railsounds. Limited in choices and sounds are going on twenty years old now.
With the cost 3rdrail is charging these days with outdated electronics it's a no for me. AtlasO going to MTH DCS system with details just as good IMO is a better choice going forward diesel wise anyway.
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Post by azdutch on Jul 26, 2024 6:08:14 GMT
The new Lionel SD70ACe is $700. A Third Rail GP30 is $780. I’ve never bought a Third Rail locomotive but I would absolutely buy one before I would buy a new Lionel, that’s for sure!
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