first, hopefully i am in the correct forum
lionel was the only product available when i was a kid, but i see an o gauge distributer called mth (less expensive)...do people mix and match - for example if i were to buy a transformer from meh, would it work on lionel products or do you risk losing some of the bells and whistles (literally) - is the rolling stock compatible
...am i better served buying through the internet or working through a dealer
1. Yes, you are on the correct forum. Welcome!
2. Yes, you most definitely can "mix and match" MTH, Lionel and other products (Williams by Bachmann, Weaver, Atlas, RMT, etc.). With a conventional transformer (as compared to digital command control) virtually all items--locomotives, rolling stock, accessories and the related basic features such as smoke, whistle, bell, etc.--are interchangeable between manufacturers. Things get a bit more complicated when digital command control is considered (Lionel TMCC/Legacy and MTH DCS), but at this point that's not something for you to be terribly concerned about. In fact, I would suggest you not get involved with either digital command system until you become a bit more familiar with what is available out there in the broader O gauge hobby in terms of brands, track systems, road names you may prefer, and so forth. Do NOT allow yourself to be overwhelmed by the choices--there are tons of choices out there--and do not leap into one thing or another until you have taken a good look around for yourself.
You are almost always better served by working with a local dealer, if at all possible. If that is not a possibility, try to find a reliable online dealer that you can establish a relationship with. There are many good ones around, and the one you pick should be one that normally stocks the lines and items that most interest you. At least that is a good place to start.
