Lionrl Operating Water Tower Original 138 or newer 6-12916 or MTH?

Are you looking for scale appearance or operating?

I think the best one for guest visual eye candy is to take a #38 operating tank, toss the liquid parts and replace them with a light. Then paint the outer transparent tank except for the "Lionel" lettering and the lettering will appear to glow. There has to be a lot, including the newer models, that don't work anymore which make a great start.

Kevin.

If you decide on the Lionel #38 water tower, I have one available like new in the original box.  I will sell it for $60.00 plus shipping.     rjm          

Broadway Limited with movement and sounds. 

I have the Broadway Limited and its a nice unit

Tommy

The MTH water tower has a gigantic G-scale spout and the ladder also appears G-scale.  I'd rate it the least desirable choice.

Are you looking at a water tower that pumps water and lowers the spout (38) or a water tower that just lowers the spout (30 or 138)?

I looked at a 12916 reissue of the postwar 138 on EBay.

The 12916 has a can motor and a gearbox to lower the spout. There is also a small board in there.

The original 138 uses a solenoid.

I would take the original and somewhat rare #38 off your list.  Most examples have warped plastic issues.  I like the modern #6-14202 reissue of the #38 with clear not gold  tank.  It was pictured in the 1948 catalog but I don't think ever produced.  Also somewhat hard to find these days but available.. 

Joe 

I have two of the MTH towers but none of the Lionel. However, last year I purchased the Broadway Limited and IMHO it is far superior to the MTH towers in realistic movement and includes sounds too.  It will be interesting to see how the new MTH tower with sound will stand up against the Broadway Limited tower when MTH finally releases it.

What about Lionels 50,000 Water Tank 6-16861?

Will the BLI Water Tank run on AC current?