@Tommy_F posted:Not to beat a dead horse but I wanted to expand on the “MPC is cheap” cliche bounced around occasionally on here.
The problem is sometimes we will read about how bad MPC was followed by a comparison of MPC’s bottom of the line set to a dual-motored F-3. What this approach ignores is that half of the Postwar era fails the test as well.
Lionel cheapened the diesel switchers in 1955, not 1970. Plastic trucks were introduced in 1957, plastic-bodied steam engines took over starter sets around 1959, and 25-watt transformers were the norm through the 1960s. That was MPC’s starting point, not what was made in the late 1940s.
We take for granted how remarkable it is that MPC revived nearly every Postwar-era locomotive and rolling stock design and was willing to invest the capital to do it. When drawing comparisons we need to look the MPC era vs. 1960s Postwar and recognize what a comeback they pulled off.
I totally get you Tommy. Mpc was not the best quality, but it is what I grew up on. My parents could barley afford those trains as it was. If they were made any better I dont think I would have had much. My parents bought me the Spirit of 76 complete set one Christmas and I was buzzing for a month. I still have it today and it is very close to my heart. More than my Vision line locomotives. Guess its all in your perspective.
Enjoy those trains! Nick
