Back in the day, my first three MTH purchases were Rail King steam engines. I had to go cheap, because I couldn't justify buying Premier or even the added cost of the Rail King PS1 option. At this point, I have no regrets and am quite happy that I bought the basic versions. They run reliably, smoothly, and quietly (I only do conventional), and I haven't had to cope with failed circuit boards with features I do not need or want. I enjoy running trains quietly. It gives me a sort of Zen peace and contentment. The basic electronic whistles are good enough for when I want a momentary break in the silence. My preference for simple and basic conventional running also probably explains my purchase of quite a few Williams diesels. I think of Williams as "post" postwar Lionel, since it reproduced Lionel designs, but with many more paint schemes; and Williams added new designs of its own, which were affordable, attractive, and enjoyable to run. I found I didn't have to have the best or the most expensive to enjoy running trains. Made me lucky I guess, since "simple" has given me fewer headaches.
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