Folks
how does the Lionel polar express bump and go compare to MTH bump and go trolleys?
smoothness? Slow speed bump and go? Robustness?
thanks!
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I have Lionel and MTH bump & go trolley cars on my layout.
MTH Bump & Go Trolley: The MTH cars have significantly more mass than the Lionel cars because the MTH plastic car body is larger in length, larger in height, and their power truck is metal, so the heavier MTH cars reverse at lower speeds and run smoother than the Lionel cars. Another operating advantage of the MTH cars is that they have 2 electric pickup rollers.
Lionel Bump & Go Trolley: The Lionel cars have 2 trolley poles and details on the roof of the cars whereas the MTH cars have one pole and lack details. Overall, the Lionel cars have a better appearance. A negative on the Lionel cars is the sliding type electrical pickup which is inferior to the rollers of the MTH cars. Lionel's power truck is plastic, and the overall mass of the Lionel cars is too small for smooth running
. 
In conclusion, the MTH bump & go trolley cars are the better runners, but the Lionel cars are better lookers.
Fun video. Should have used Flight of the Bumblebee as the soundtrack
