the ultimate train sets top 10

Not 3-rail, but this is really the only Lionel train set I'd love to have someday:

I just sold all my stuff, but kept that super O set and the LL service station set.  I would have sold the SS set, but I broke the ears off the C420 and I have always liked the engine anyway.   The super O set is simply awesome.  Great engine and operating cars.  Couldn't say goodbye.

Your top one, the Ice Cold Express, is on my short list as well.

A couple of your pics would be on my list too!   Lionel made some sets with turnouts and more, back in the day.   Those would also be on my list (but perhaps you are doing modern sets only?)

For me it's the k-line freedom train

and to complete the blue coronation set for my BR Pacific.

I would have to say the 1567W set, from 1956, the O gauge Blue Comet from the 1930's, and the 2148WS from 1950. 

I have a complete Railking chrome finished Santa Fe passenger set.  That's my favorite modern set.

I would also like a Southern Pacific Daylight set, and haven't decided between the Williams Crown Edition or the Weaver Gold / Limited Edition.  I would upgrade the set to command control.

However, my tinplate acquisitions are distracting me currently.

George

I can think of three Postwar Lionel sets:

the electronic turbine set that came with 022 switches, VW, 97 coal elevator and a 151 semaphore - #4110WS from 1949

the N&W "J" set that came with both a culvert loader and unloader - #2525WS from 1958

the 773 semiscale Hudson set with an operating milk car, operating horse car, operating chicken sweeper car, Super "O" remote switches, and a ZW. - #13150 - from 1964 and 1966

I have the Ice Cold Express, the Marines Missile Train and the CN Coal Train sets

George S posted:

I have a complete Railking chrome finished Santa Fe passenger set.  That's my favorite modern set.

 

I ALWAYS thought that was one of the most beautiful toy train sets ever made. Just stunning! Would love to get my hands on one (or for it to be made again!)

Matt Makens posted:

I have the Ice Cold Express, the Marines Missile Train and the CN Coal Train sets

That reminds me, a complete operating Coors Light Silver Bullet set.

6-29364 - L2a Mohawk freight set. 

Then some others.

I have that one too

prrhorseshoecurve posted:

For me it's the k-line freedom train

Yeah, if I was into 3-rail, I'd want as accurate of a Freedom Train as I could get in that scale. none of the fantasy cars like the dome car and other stuff the real train never had, though...

The Lionel Acela.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XGK7tRvgr8

My favorite Lionel set of all time has been and probably always will be the 2525WS Super O set from 1958 with the super cool N&W 4-8-4 Class J Northern on point and which contained both the culvert loader and unloader.  Right behind it comes the 1958 Super O 2519W set headed up by the blue and yellow Virginian FM Trainmaster and which contained the operating generator car, Evans Auto loader, illuminated poultry car, State of Maine boxcar and an illuminated smoking caboose.  A boat car was thrown in for good measure.   Good lord, how I used to dream about those two sets.   Unfortunately, both sets are still dreams.  

I have the modern reproduction of the Super O #13150 set with the 773 Hudson and I am very pleased with it. 

I've always wanted an Acela set but now Im afraid they are at the end of their good life and will become POS train sets with parts becoming short and so many things to go wrong with them

Originally posted by P51:

Yeah, if I was into 3-rail, I'd want as accurate of a Freedom Train as I could get in that scale. 
none of the fantasy cars like the dome car and other stuff the real train never had, though...

Correct on the comments re domes and incorrect boat tailed obs. I like the K-line cars only because of the slightly shorter length 18"

However I placed my Pre-order for the Lionel freedom train that will have 21" cars coming out by Christmas. I didn't have the funds to collect the K-line cars. I am hoping with the Lionel sets coming out, there will be a flood on the market of the K-line sets.

I'll add this: (always liked the fire set - classic motorized unit adapted to TMCC/sounds - how can you lose? )

While most people don't think too much of it today, I'll also add this as a personal favorite since it's what got me involved in 3 rail O Gauge when I first started in ~ 1996-97:  (PW model J with TMCC/sounds (CAB-1 included with the set) and hoppers/caboose, all weathered)

-Dave

 ♦  Brunswick 5 stripe GG-1 & Dover series Pullmans

  √ Tuscan 5 stripe GG-1 & streamlined Broadway Limited

  ♦"The War Horse" J and a coal drag.

  √  Virginian E-33 and a coal drag.

 ♦  Lacawanna  FM red top Trainmaster freight

  ♦ SP Daylight

 √  Land ,Sea, and Air X-set

  ♦ Small Climax-  timber, boxcar, flat, and a drovers caboose. 

  ♦ Red Devil interurbans

 √  SF A-B War Bonnet

  ♦ A Porter and ore cars

 ♦ A Great Northern  Whatever?

It's just gotta be green, orange. and electric

Despite it's problematic sound, one set I'd opt for is K-line's Reading Crusader.

I always thought this set was cool because it included everything, reminiscent of the '50's all-in-one sets.