Dan Padova posted:...Look how long these things have been around and we're still using and able to repair them.
When I was a youngster in the 1960's my first Lionel trains were a plastic steamer and a plastic FA diesel. Gradually, I kept working back in time until I found what would become my favorite locomotives, prewar steam switchers. Most of mine are now 77ish years old now. Boy, do I love them, for everything everyone mentioned already, swiss watch-like craftsmanship, made in the USA, easily repaired, and they can last another 77 years, properly maintained. You can't beat all that as far as I am concerned.
Nice topic.
Tom