I truely understand that the 3rd Rail locomotives are great models and very true to the prototype. At the same time, they are marketed to a higher end group of modelers. While Lionel can be pricey, they are still cheaper then most of the 3rd Rail models, and offer features that 3rd Rail does not (Bluetooth and whistle steam as an example).
I don’t want this to derail the thread. What I am trying to say is that the O Scale market is probably capable of supporting the same or similar models from both manufacturers. I don’t believe Lionel and 3rd Rail are necessarily competing for the same buyers.
Just my two cents.
