Needing some advice on two Lionel Engines

Given the two choices, I would go with the UP. Those Lackawanna Northerns are notorious for being troublesome out of the box.

 

you might want to consider a Williams by Bachmann Berkshire. You get the classic good looks of the Lionel Postwar Berk (on which the UP is based), but a strong DC can motor and a quiet reverse unit.

 

Good look!

being a calif guy you might want the UP. If money is not your issue buy both

Either way you should be ok

I would second Ron's suggestion above - get a Williams Berk and you'll have a bullet proof steamer that could eventually be upgraded easily to command and good sound.

You really can't go wrong with the Berkshire but if you get this one I'd check the condition of the foam insulation/tap under the circuit board in the tender as it may have deteriorated which could short the board out. Alternatively, a postwar 736 would also be a good runner and a strong puller.

 

Peter

Thank you so far for your replies everyone. I have already a PW 736 and Conventional Classics 2056 and 726. Mostly I'm looking for a Northern configuration, but the UP Berk came in my radar with in the same price range (just under $400). Originally I was thinking about an MTH Imperial 4-8-4 FEF from 2013, but I had been told it wasnt worth the money because PS3 has been having alot of problems. I have a PS3 Pennsy Starter set but I havent had a single problem. Should I stay away from MTH or is it an actually good buy?

I have that ENGINE And cars for sale if interested,Marc

Don't stay away from MTH,Lionel or Williams because of one issue with a particular engine

You will be most pleased with the MTH steamers - especially the 'Imperial' Rail King models...

I bought a Lehigh Valley Hudson with PS-3, and am very pleased with it. It is an Imperial version, I believe, and the only complaint I have is that the coal pile wasn't glued properly. I had to add some look alike coal, and use dilute white glue to secure it. Has great sounds and looks great with my repainted KLine red cross cars. Photo tomorrow.