Guess what me and my companion discovered today?! We are new train hobbyists and saw that the Lionel Train Store, one of only 2 in the country, is right here in Charlotte, NC. We’re going tomorrow. And the store is….huge!
As a youngster I remember watching the PRR / CONRAIL GG1 locomotives roar past the Radnor train station on the main line near my high school. They were massive and downright frightening. Just awesome to see moving at high speeds. You could also hear them coming through the overhead catenary wires, which would make a metallic sound like a bullet ricochet. And they had a distinct smell to them as well.
Just think, it won’t be long before our kids say ‘look at how great these things run and they’re 100 years old!’ I have a NYC F3 that’s 72 years old and runs just like it did 72 years ago with just a bit of maintenance. And it doesn’t need railsounds!
I have a old F3 nyc, got it off eBay, hadn't run in decades, but a good bit of degreasing, etc, it runs amazing. The paint is all original and still there after all the time. I scored a b unit a while back, the set is definitely a favorite...
Spot on with the ranking. When I started collecting postwar, one of the first things I bought was the Sante Fe f3 ABA. Have it in HO too. An absolute icon in the model train world and certainly deserves the top spot.
The Hudson and the Santa Fe F3 are the two I think of when my mind is directed to think of a steam loco or a diesel. I was born in the 1940's, so these were the first locomotives that come to mind. At Christmas time I used to drag mother to toy train displays in the big department stores to see the layouts. These two models were always featured. The experience of seeing those two locomotives stays with me even after all these years. Thanks for journey to some good memories!
One thing to note about the Berkshire is that while other locomotives came and went during the postwar era, the Berk remained in production from 1946 until the end in 1968.
This was fun. Growing up in the mid 1950s through 1960s my Dad built a large mountain style layout in our basement. I grew up looking at Lionel catalogs. Each Christmas more was added. We had the Santa Fe you show and another I only remember as a Lionel steam locomotive.trainset. The Santa Fe colors are the best and I remember a second favorite we did not have was the red Texas Special.
Have always liked the F-1s' Diesels. I've also heard that some people refer to them as the "Baby Face". I appreciate your interest and knowledge on the toy train hobby. It's so much fun and great to collect many pieces!
Growing up in an ACL family in the late 50s - early 60s, I was surrounded by HO operational layouts and the Christmas tree train was a "toy" Lionel O gauge 3-rail figure 8 with a 0-6-2 steamer/tender with 3 cars and a caboose. The main thing I remember was that the thing smelled like an oil fire while running. Out in the shed, on the other hand, was a full 28' x 16' hand-laid rail HO layout that my dad and oldest brother built. Most everything was scratch built except for the engines, so I never got bitten by the collector bug. It was always - this engine is for this purpose, these cars handle those industries. Interesting seeing things from a collector's view as to the top examples of collectible motive power. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and collection. My list would be very different from an operator's perspective from the late transition era (and have 5): SW1/7/9 Switcher F3/7 Road consist E3/8/9 Passenger consist 4-6-2 Switcher K-Series 4-6-0 And some sort of U-boat Those would work a 1940s-1960s line with aplomb.
I have all three of your TOP THREE and I agree. I even have two or more of each group. Love these trains for their nostalgic memories they bring out. Your Honorable Mentions are good too! Thanks Chris for this fun video! Jerry
Proud to say I own all of these in N scale. Kato offers starter train packs with Santa Fe F7s in multiple colors so it’s very easy to get those. I own a Bachmann DCC Sound GG1 in Pennsylvania tuscan red and just recently I managed to get a Bachmann J3A Hudson that’s also DCC Sound fitted. Hadn’t had much luck with that one up to this point, all the ones I’d ever seen for sale in the hobby shops had very noticeable broken pieces.
Trains are fun and so is this video! Although I have multiple versions of all of those mentioned and several articulated units in UP and KCS liveries, I usually run short "fun" trains on my layout. For example, at the moment I'm running a Lionel Toy Story train set, an MTH subway set, and an MTH EMD switcher pulling a couple of Lionel work cars, a boxcar and caboose. They're sized about right for my 072 spaghetti bowl layout. Oh, and then there's the Lionel #65 hand car. Mostly, it's kid friendly stuff. Would love to see you make a "most fun train" video.
I'm trying to learn the hobby as my 5 year old has become extremely interested in trains. Looking to build us a cool layout soon. Thank you for the awesome content!
You will never go wrong with this hobby i have a very large 2 story garage when i retired and Covid hit we were stuck home i started with i sheet of plywood and of course it grew i have 2 grandsons who always want to go to PaPa s that is me i do not care for the new trains with computer and blue tooth Lionel from post war to 1968 you can repair them yourself like the old cars of the 60s oh and i have a 1968 Plymouth 426 Hemi Roadrunner sitting in my garage and i can tune it and work on it just like the old Lionel Trains be close with your son and his needs of the hobby i have one son who is lost with the evil things that around
It's very obvious you really took your time and put lots of thought/research into your list! I had guessed your top 3 as the video opened, before you announced. I own multiples of all three of your top 3 list and I totally agree with your choice and the order which you put them. I must say though, I think an articulated steam locomotive ( such as the Big Boy or Allegheny ) should have been among your " honorable mentions"... just because of their uniqueness. Great video!! I just subscribed to your channel!!
I was surprised but pleased by your selection of a GG1 as one of your "Top Three" must have locomotives for every collector. Not everyone has had the opportunity of being literally blown away by the real engines which thundered past (and through) my Villanova University student years. They ran past many times a day running on the old Pennsylvania Main Line. The Lionel Hudson was certainly an excellent choice as well since it was the first prototypically styled Lionel Locomotive. The good old F7 (or F3) design was also a brilliant choice as pretty much everyone of a certain age in the USA, and almost everyone living across the USA at the time was able to see the real deal everywhere in the country. Congratulations on another great video.
Hey RBP I love your videos Did you hear That NYC 3001 mohawk is going to be restored to operation :D that is soo cool. All of the Hudson's spirits now live their legacy in 3001. It will now be the biggest gothic NYC steam engine back under steam
RBP as always your list is spot on. I love that you did a video that tries to include everybody in every scale and every price range. For those looking around for a nice F unit take a look at Menards engines. They are reasonably priced, look and run beautifully, and are definitely something the kids can play with.
NYC Hudsons are my favorite locomotive, and I can remember seeing them in action in the early 50s. I would have originally stated that it should have been number one on your list, but in retrospect I have to agree the F3 nosed out my beloved Hudsons for the first spot. It was close though. Great video.
The 1957 Canadian Pacific f3 set is also iconic since it was only produced one year. The last time I saw an ABA set for sale at a train show, the asking price was $5995.00 just for the engines! I have the 1973 A unit and 1974 B unit reproductions. The powered A unit only has one motor whereas the 1957 A units had two motors. So, I bought a 1953 Santa Fe f3 A unit with two motors with a damaged shell and put the 1973 Candian Pacific A unit shell on that Santa Fe chassis to have a two motor A unit in CP road name. The early 1950 f3s were beast engines with magna traction. I have 1950s vintage f3 ABA sets in Santa Fe and New York Central road names too.
I just realized I subscribed to you, forgot I did, then I went to go subscribe again. Shows just how good your vids are :) can’t wait to you see this video hope it makes your day!
Chris you have nice trains, My great grandfather worked for Midland Railroad company in Co, in the late 1800 were the Frying pan river is , Basalt CO. I have a HO set and I took it down to rebuild the set like the town and railroad of yesterday It well take some time to do it . I have been collecting trains for the last 50 years and I like your set up as all ways great shows. (like the Santa Fe trains #1}.
Fantastic video, Chris! Your top 3 locomotives are great choices, although I would have probably made the Hudson #1, lol. I would have also given an honorable mention to railroading's classic workhorse the EMD GP7. And I would hastily add, my first Lionel train under the Christmas tree! 🙂 Bill B.
All good choices Chris, and no wrong ones. In fact there's really no wrong choices, it's really a case of what one can find AND afford. That being said let me add my own choices for "must-haves," they're solid, rugged, reliable, easy to repair and all classic Post-War Lionel, PLUS having the advantage of lowering demand on the less than pristine ones and with a concomitant price drop. So, my choices are: The Lionel 736 Berkshire The Lionel 2055 and 2065 Hudsons AND the Lionel Post-War Pennsy Turbine All easily found and easily affordable as prices are trending down AND if you're handy and have done some modeling and the engines have external wear it's no sin if you repaint and decal them for whatever 'road you like. If done it myself and am VERY pleased with the results. Hey, come up with your own "Fantasy Paint Scheme!" Why not? Just some thoughts. And thanks for posting, it's ALWAYS a good day with an RBP video!
Awesome video Chris! Loved the list and completely agree with the F3, Hudson, and GG1. I was surprised that the Postwar Turbine wasn’t there though! Just got one recently and absolutely love it next to the Santa Fe F unit.
Hard to narrow it down to just 3 Chris but I think you nailed it. For honorable mentions I'd add the RS-3 and GP7's, and 9's. Probably 2 of the most important early diesels. Good work!
Wow, that was fun!!! Thank you! I have some of each type. --- GG1: 2 O-scale Weaver; 1 HO MTH. --- Hudson: 1 Lionel O from 1952 when I was 6; several HO (1 Rivarossi Dreyfus, 1 Rivarossi unstreamlined, 1 MTH Dreyfus, 2 old Gilbert/American Flyer); 4 N ConCor. --- F-3 (also FT, F7, FP7, F9): 1 Lionel SF F-3 AA set (my very first train ever, 1951, age 5); HO & N (boatloads). --- Northern: 4 HO (1 Precision Craft [I think] T-1 in AFT livery, 3 Lionel in AFT livery). --- Berkshire: 2 old cast brass Varney kits, unstarted. --- Modern Diesels: HO & N (boxcar load).
I have been collecting now for about 1 year. As a newbie, I want to share my ideas. I agree that every collection needs an F3 &/or an F7 diesel. My Santa Fe F7 with the red warbonnet is my favorite. It just makes me happy. I also have an F3 with the red warbonnet. I think every collection also needs some type of steam engine painted in classic black. Finally, I feel every collection needs at least 1 Christmas engine, steam, or diesel. Bonus if you have a Halloween engine, too.
Nice video as always Chris. I agree with your top 3 and have good examples of all of them. My GG1 has faded bands as well but I still love running it around my ovals.
Hooray! I have a red Pennsy GG1, several Hudsons, from MPC years, warhorse series, postwar celebration to postwar conventional classics, and the NYC F3 set.
Hi Chris! It is so good to see you and one of your videos. I have missed you buddy and that beautiful layout. I think the list that you came up with is excellent and being a diesel guy I'm all for the Santa Fe F3 and agree with you about its importance to the railroad collectors and community. I think your choice about the Katy and the Union Pacific SD 70s are also right up there. I also like the Santa Fe SD 70s. I'm not anti steam but I just enjoy seeing the diesels because that is what is what runs here in SoCal. You do such a great job with your videos. Have fun at the York train show. Show some video of you getting together with some of your friends and what was available at the show. Thanks again Chris. Great to see you! 😎👍
I’m an Ho scale guy, but I have all 3 listed, as well as the honorable mentions. They are definitely iconic when it comes to railroading in general. If I had to add a honorable mention, it would be the American 4-4-0. Keep up the good work 🤘🏼
YESSSS!!! I totally agree with you RBP, although I cannot afford much O scale models, I have a gg1, nyc Hudson, and f3 in HO scale and an F-unit either an f3 or f7 in S scale! Great video as always RBP! :)
My dad used to have that F3 Santa fe set. I remember watching him run it when I was a kid. I'll have to ask him if he still has it packed away somewhere. I loved that train, and that train got me into this hobby. Thanks for sharing your opinion and these great trains!
Glad to see you back , always interesting video ! I had the chance to get a second hand AA F3 NEW YORK CNTRAL of the 50's . Unfortunately I striped then and pained them in CN color like 50 years ago . Still have them !!!!
Chris I totally agree with your top 3 & the honorable mentions of the Southern Pacific Daylight which I have a my N scale excursion train which includes the 10 car Morning Daylight cars. I have seen many GG1 ELECTRICS in action on the Pennsylvania later Penn Central railroad passing through Newark,DE many times.
Hi Chris I couldn’t agree more after the polar express those where the 1st 3 engines I bought the GG1 makes a great lead engine on army train I got my right knee replaced today and came home and you came up on TH-cam 1st great to see you back 😃👍🚂
I started my DCC journey with a ft Santa Fe set. I'm also proud of my Berkshire which I customized to the movie accurate version of the polar express. Great locos to own.
@@RBPTrains my number 3 would be the Lionel turbine a 2020 or 681. The TCA made a boiler front for 1972 and a tender cover for the 1968 Cleveland National Convention! I think it was one of Lionel’s best selling steam locomotives!
At first I thought that you were going to name your 3 top steam locomotives 🤣. However the three top locomotives you mentioned here make total sense. As a O gauge toy train collector I agree that these are the top 3 you would want in your O gauge collection. I have a MPC F3 and a MPC GG1. I don't have a Hudson yet. Maybe one day. There's too much Conrail on my list to buy yet.
I agree with you on your top 3 picks. I have an f3/7 from the 1950's. It has the port on the bottom of the loco for the D cell batteries to operate the "diesel horn". No TMCC. It is custom painted in Northern Pacific colors. These locomotives are one of my favorites.
Nice selections. The F3’s can’t be beat. They have been my favorite Lionel locomotives since I was a little kid, when I inherited my brother’s 1950 Santa Fe ABA set, with the AMT passenger cars. I posted a 20TH Century Limited run on my channel, with the post-war and MPC F3’s. I may disagree slightly, with the Hudson’s. They were iconic, but the 726 and later Berk’s were a staple of post-war Lionel steam era, as were the Pennsy Turbines. Great choices, either way. An excellent video, as always.
Lots of love to the vintage Berks for sure! Tough call between them and the Hudson. Given the importance of the 700e, I had to weight Hudson as the winner. I do need to find a 726 for my collection though! Thanks for watching!
Fantastic, Fantastic, Fantastic. Did I say fantastic? YESSIREE! Agreed. A fantastic selection of the top three and highlighting their variations. The so-called "honorable mentions" are perfect. And yes, they're more than honorable, because they are valued. What is the source of the wonderful Amtrack Passengers that are accompanying the Amtrack GG-1, and are they Modern, MPC or of another kind, and turning radius? 🙂
I'm a diesel guy myself until the wife went to the local train shop with me and saw the gray streamline New York Central Hudson. For her, it was love at first sight. Ended up getting the matching passenger cars for it.
Thank You Chris, all of my trains are up to the 70's and I have all three, they are all packed away and the plan it the get a layout started soon, again Thanks
Much like the GG1, I'm surprised you didn't mention an FM Chris. Seems to be a staple in many collections but I agree with your choices as a whole. They have ALL left an indelible mark on the hobby.
Totally agree with your top 3, and I'm lucky enough to have a GG1, Hudson and F7 in my collection. And just this morning I purchased a scale GG1 from Trainz and I used the RBP discount... thank you for that!
Chris, the way that I look at it is, is that nobody is right, nobody is wrong. Everybody has their own personal opinions on each of their locomotives. 😀 With me having so many locomotives, I personally cannot pick out a "top 3" or my top favorites...lol I love all my trains on an equal level. Anything that I pick out to buy, it's just awesome to me! 😁👍🏻🚂 I've been into trains (specifically O gauge and HO.) since age 6 (I'm now 48) and I have to thank my dad for that! 😀👍🏻🚂 He actually bough me my first Lionel train set when I was 6. It's a Hudson set that came with 3 freight cars and a caboose which I still have and it still runs believe it or not! The only thing wrong with it, is that I just need to get a new headlight bulb put in and that's all. -Jared- Akron, Ohio.-
Love them all. Beautiful locos. I model HO scale and thought the switcher 2-8-0 would have been a great honorable mention. It would fit on any layout large or small.
Guess what me and my companion discovered today?! We are new train hobbyists and saw that the Lionel Train Store, one of only 2 in the country, is right here in Charlotte, NC. We’re going tomorrow. And the store is….huge!
RBP has returned
RBP is alive.
He never left 👍
No question -- the F3 (BOTH A& B units) has to be there. It is absolutely the iconic 1950s locomotive, and every road name seemed to run it.
@@birdman1852 I already know he is I didn’t say he wasn’t. I just said he returned
I agree on most. I have s scale, CNW F3, SANTA FE A-B-A F7's , Flyer CNW Hudson, but in your list should be the Alco PA.
As a youngster I remember watching the PRR / CONRAIL GG1 locomotives roar past the Radnor train station on the main line near my high school. They were massive and downright frightening. Just awesome to see moving at high speeds. You could also hear them coming through the overhead catenary wires, which would make a metallic sound like a bullet ricochet. And they had a distinct smell to them as well.
Just think, it won’t be long before our kids say ‘look at how great these things run and they’re 100 years old!’ I have a NYC F3 that’s 72 years old and runs just like it did 72 years ago with just a bit of maintenance. And it doesn’t need railsounds!
I have a old F3 nyc, got it off eBay, hadn't run in decades, but a good bit of degreasing, etc, it runs amazing. The paint is all original and still there after all the time. I scored a b unit a while back, the set is definitely a favorite...
Spot on with the ranking. When I started collecting postwar, one of the first things I bought was the Sante Fe f3 ABA. Have it in HO too. An absolute icon in the model train world and certainly deserves the top spot.
LOVE THEM " ALL " CHRIS!!!! " GOD BLESS YA "!!😊🚂🚂🤟🤘👍👍👍👍😮😵💫 ~~ !!!!
Thanks and hope you are well!
I have all three, and they have always been my favorites also !!
The Hudson and the Santa Fe F3 are the two I think of when my mind is directed to think of a steam loco or a diesel. I was born in the 1940's, so these were the first locomotives that come to mind. At Christmas time I used to drag mother to toy train displays in the big department stores to see the layouts. These two models were always featured. The experience of seeing those two locomotives stays with me even after all these years. Thanks for journey to some good memories!
Can't argue with any of these choices. Maybe for an honorable mention I'd also consider an FM Trainmaster. Love their brutish look and power!
One thing to note about the Berkshire is that while other locomotives came and went during the postwar era, the Berk remained in production from 1946 until the end in 1968.
100% Agree with your number 1. The F3 Santa Fe a total classic.
This was fun. Growing up in the mid 1950s through 1960s my Dad built a large mountain style layout in our basement. I grew up looking at Lionel catalogs. Each Christmas more was added. We had the Santa Fe you show and another I only remember as a Lionel steam locomotive.trainset. The Santa Fe colors are the best and I remember a second favorite we did not have was the red Texas Special.
Have always liked the F-1s' Diesels. I've also heard that some people refer to them as the "Baby Face". I appreciate your interest and knowledge on the toy train hobby. It's so much fun and great to collect many pieces!
Just a honorable mention...........one of the post war FM Trainmasters.....
Growing up in an ACL family in the late 50s - early 60s, I was surrounded by HO operational layouts and the Christmas tree train was a "toy" Lionel O gauge 3-rail figure 8 with a 0-6-2 steamer/tender with 3 cars and a caboose. The main thing I remember was that the thing smelled like an oil fire while running. Out in the shed, on the other hand, was a full 28' x 16' hand-laid rail HO layout that my dad and oldest brother built. Most everything was scratch built except for the engines, so I never got bitten by the collector bug. It was always - this engine is for this purpose, these cars handle those industries.
Interesting seeing things from a collector's view as to the top examples of collectible motive power. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and collection.
My list would be very different from an operator's perspective from the late transition era (and have 5):
SW1/7/9 Switcher
F3/7 Road consist
E3/8/9 Passenger consist
4-6-2 Switcher
K-Series 4-6-0
And some sort of U-boat
Those would work a 1940s-1960s line with aplomb.
Sounds like a fond memory of that layout. Thanks for sharing!
I have all three of your TOP THREE and I agree. I even have two or more of each group. Love these trains for their nostalgic memories they bring out. Your Honorable Mentions are good too! Thanks Chris for this fun video! Jerry
I think you hit it right on the head. I definitely agree with you on the top 3. Cool video ma man.
Good to see you back Chris. Excellent top three choices. Thank You 👍
Thank you!
Great stuff Chris! IMHO, a must for every collector is their first one. Don't let that one go!
Yes your choices were spot on! All good!
Proud to say I own all of these in N scale. Kato offers starter train packs with Santa Fe F7s in multiple colors so it’s very easy to get those. I own a Bachmann DCC Sound GG1 in Pennsylvania tuscan red and just recently I managed to get a Bachmann J3A Hudson that’s also DCC Sound fitted. Hadn’t had much luck with that one up to this point, all the ones I’d ever seen for sale in the hobby shops had very noticeable broken pieces.
Trains are fun and so is this video! Although I have multiple versions of all of those mentioned and several articulated units in UP and KCS liveries, I usually run short "fun" trains on my layout. For example, at the moment I'm running a Lionel Toy Story train set, an MTH subway set, and an MTH EMD switcher pulling a couple of Lionel work cars, a boxcar and caboose. They're sized about right for my 072 spaghetti bowl layout. Oh, and then there's the Lionel #65 hand car. Mostly, it's kid friendly stuff. Would love to see you make a "most fun train" video.
I'm trying to learn the hobby as my 5 year old has become extremely interested in trains. Looking to build us a cool layout soon. Thank you for the awesome content!
You will never go wrong with this hobby i have a very large 2 story garage when i retired and Covid hit we were stuck home i started with i sheet of plywood and of course it grew i have 2 grandsons who always want to go to PaPa s that is me i do not care for the new trains with computer and blue tooth Lionel from post war to 1968 you can repair them yourself like the old cars of the 60s oh and i have a 1968 Plymouth 426 Hemi Roadrunner sitting in my garage and i can tune it and work on it just like the old Lionel Trains be close with your son and his needs of the hobby i have one son who is lost with the evil things that around
Very well shared! Thank you for sharing your trains 🚞
Agree 2/3, just love that post war Santa Fe era
It's very obvious you really took your time and put lots of thought/research into your list! I had guessed your top 3 as the video opened, before you announced. I own multiples of all three of your top 3 list and I totally agree with your choice and the order which you put them. I must say though, I think an articulated steam locomotive ( such as the Big Boy or Allegheny ) should have been among your " honorable mentions"... just because of their uniqueness. Great video!! I just subscribed to your channel!!
I was surprised but pleased by your selection of a GG1 as one of your "Top Three" must have locomotives for every collector. Not everyone has had the opportunity of being literally blown away by the real engines which thundered past (and through) my Villanova University student years. They ran past many times a day running on the old Pennsylvania Main Line. The Lionel Hudson was certainly an excellent choice as well since it was the first prototypically styled Lionel Locomotive. The good old F7 (or F3) design was also a brilliant choice as pretty much everyone of a certain age in the USA, and almost everyone living across the USA at the time was able to see the real deal everywhere in the country. Congratulations on another great video.
Thank you, Chris! Well done!
Reading T1! Great vid Chris!!
LOL, I barely mention that loco and don't even show it. Yet, you still picked up on it Tony!
I’m so excited to see you back hope your voice is fully back
Hey RBP I love your videos
Did you hear That NYC 3001 mohawk is going to be restored to operation :D
that is soo cool. All of the Hudson's spirits now live their legacy in 3001. It will now be the biggest gothic NYC steam engine back under steam
Great channel and videos Mr Chris!! Really enjoy your channel!! Thanks for sharing with us!!
Thanks for watching!
Spot on Chris glad to see you back
Thank you!
RBP as always your list is spot on. I love that you did a video that tries to include everybody in every scale and every price range. For those looking around for a nice F unit take a look at Menards engines. They are reasonably priced, look and run beautifully, and are definitely something the kids can play with.
NYC Hudsons are my favorite locomotive, and I can remember seeing them in action in the early 50s. I would have originally stated that it should have been number one on your list, but in retrospect I have to agree the F3 nosed out my beloved Hudsons for the first spot. It was close though.
Great video.
Great fun video as always. Love the Santa Fe. Remember the New Haven growing up in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Great choices. Enjoy all your videos.
I agree with your top choices 100% The Lionel branded Hudson was my first locomotive. All three are great engines.
The 1957 Canadian Pacific f3 set is also iconic since it was only produced one year. The last time I saw an ABA set for sale at a train show, the asking price was $5995.00 just for the engines!
I have the 1973 A unit and 1974 B unit reproductions. The powered A unit only has one motor whereas the 1957 A units had two motors. So, I bought a 1953 Santa Fe f3 A unit with two motors with a damaged shell and put the 1973 Candian Pacific A unit shell on that Santa Fe chassis to have a two motor A unit in CP road name.
The early 1950 f3s were beast engines with magna traction. I have 1950s vintage f3 ABA sets in Santa Fe and New York Central road names too.
Such a fun video Chris. Good choices. See you at York.
I humbly agree with your #1 choice! Great video Chris. 👍
Crazy in a good way Love your channel man keep them coming thanks for what you do
I just realized I subscribed to you, forgot I did, then I went to go subscribe again. Shows just how good your vids are :) can’t wait to you see this video hope it makes your day!
Awesome list, Chris! Thanks for Sharing!
“I now know what I must do,” as I stare at my wallet.
LOL
Pretty much me when I get paid and I do HO. I have a problem
Chris, I agree completely with your top three and the order was perfect. I do think the S-2 might have deserved an honorable mention.
Chris you have nice trains, My great grandfather worked for Midland Railroad company in Co, in the late 1800 were the Frying pan river is , Basalt CO. I have a HO set and I took it down to rebuild the set like the town and railroad of yesterday It well take some time to do it . I have been collecting trains for the last 50 years and I like your set up as all ways great shows. (like the Santa Fe trains #1}.
Sounds like a fun and challenging project!
Great video!!
Thanks for putting this together.
Fantastic video, Chris! Your top 3 locomotives are great choices, although I would have probably made the Hudson #1, lol. I would have also given an honorable mention to railroading's classic workhorse the EMD GP7. And I would hastily add, my first Lionel train under the Christmas tree! 🙂 Bill B.
All good choices Chris, and no wrong ones. In fact there's really no wrong choices, it's really a case of what one can find AND afford.
That being said let me add my own choices for "must-haves," they're solid, rugged, reliable, easy to repair and all classic Post-War Lionel, PLUS having the advantage of lowering demand on the less than pristine ones and with a concomitant price drop.
So, my choices are:
The Lionel 736 Berkshire
The Lionel 2055 and 2065 Hudsons
AND the Lionel Post-War Pennsy Turbine
All easily found and easily affordable as prices are trending down AND if you're handy and have done some modeling and the engines have external wear it's no sin if you repaint and decal them for whatever 'road you like. If done it myself and am VERY pleased with the results.
Hey, come up with your own "Fantasy Paint Scheme!" Why not?
Just some thoughts. And thanks for posting, it's ALWAYS a good day with an RBP video!
Ah yes, the classic Turbine!
@@RBPTrains A LOT more successful for Lionel than it was for the PRR!
Awesome video Chris! Loved the list and completely agree with the F3, Hudson, and GG1. I was surprised that the Postwar Turbine wasn’t there though! Just got one recently and absolutely love it next to the Santa Fe F unit.
100% nailed it. I liked this video, as usual you did well.
Hard to narrow it down to just 3 Chris but I think you nailed it. For honorable mentions I'd add the RS-3 and GP7's, and 9's. Probably 2 of the most important early diesels.
Good work!
Great video Chris!!!
Great Video. The F3 and F7 have always been my favorites.
8:25 thank you Chris for putting in the Berkshires on the list
You make me so happy 😁
Berks had to make the list!
@@RBPTrains right, I love Berks including the PM1225 and NPR 765
Good to see you back
Welcome back Chris!
Wow, that was fun!!! Thank you! I have some of each type.
--- GG1: 2 O-scale Weaver; 1 HO MTH.
--- Hudson: 1 Lionel O from 1952 when I was 6; several HO (1 Rivarossi Dreyfus, 1 Rivarossi unstreamlined, 1 MTH Dreyfus, 2 old Gilbert/American Flyer); 4 N ConCor.
--- F-3 (also FT, F7, FP7, F9): 1 Lionel SF F-3 AA set (my very first train ever, 1951, age 5); HO & N (boatloads).
--- Northern: 4 HO (1 Precision Craft [I think] T-1 in AFT livery, 3 Lionel in AFT livery).
--- Berkshire: 2 old cast brass Varney kits, unstarted.
--- Modern Diesels: HO & N (boxcar load).
The dark days are over, CHRIS IS BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK. Love the video man, you're awesome.
Thank you for the support! Time to run trains!
Very good content and commentary Chris.
Thanks James!
I have been collecting now for about 1 year. As a newbie, I want to share my ideas. I agree that every collection needs an F3 &/or an F7 diesel. My Santa Fe F7 with the red warbonnet is my favorite. It just makes me happy. I also have an F3 with the red warbonnet. I think every collection also needs some type of steam engine painted in classic black. Finally, I feel every collection needs at least 1 Christmas engine, steam, or diesel. Bonus if you have a Halloween engine, too.
👍🏻✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️ it's great to see you back very comical guy
Yes! You nailed it! And you’re right, these are the engines you can run on most layouts which means seasonal layouts which means O31-O36.
Nice video as always Chris. I agree with your top 3 and have good examples of all of them. My GG1 has faded bands as well but I still love running it around my ovals.
Hooray! I have a red Pennsy GG1, several Hudsons, from MPC years, warhorse series, postwar celebration to postwar conventional classics, and the NYC F3 set.
Thank you, love all of it...
Thank you for watching!
I agree with your list. To me the Santa Fe F3 is nearly ubiquitous in US model railroading.
It is my all time favorite.
Excellent choices, I do agree. I will add them to my, bye list.
I have to agree with those choices. Not sure about that polar excess . Loved the video chris . Keep them coming. 😊
Thank you!
Nicely done Chris.
Glad you’re back ace ventura👍
Alrighty then!
@@RBPTrains made my day that you got that reference
Excellent video, Chris! Bravo! 👏 👏👏
Hi Chris! It is so good to see you and one of your videos. I have missed you buddy and that beautiful layout. I think the list that you came up with is excellent and being a diesel guy I'm all for the Santa Fe F3 and agree with you about its importance to the railroad collectors and community. I think your choice about the Katy and the Union Pacific SD 70s are also right up there. I also like the Santa Fe SD 70s. I'm not anti steam but I just enjoy seeing the diesels because that is what is what runs here in SoCal. You do such a great job with your videos. Have fun at the York train show. Show some video of you getting together with some of your friends and what was available at the show. Thanks again Chris. Great to see you! 😎👍
Thanks for watching Robert!
I’m an Ho scale guy, but I have all 3 listed, as well as the honorable mentions. They are definitely iconic when it comes to railroading in general. If I had to add a honorable mention, it would be the American 4-4-0. Keep up the good work 🤘🏼
YESSSS!!! I totally agree with you RBP, although I cannot afford much O scale models, I have a gg1, nyc Hudson, and f3 in HO scale and an F-unit either an f3 or f7 in S scale! Great video as always RBP! :)
The electric GG1 was so monolithic that the early models didn't look so much like injection-molded styrene as they did cast bakelite.
😉
This video is for all scales so you are good! Plus it sounds like you have all three covered :)
My dad used to have that F3 Santa fe set. I remember watching him run it when I was a kid. I'll have to ask him if he still has it packed away somewhere. I loved that train, and that train got me into this hobby. Thanks for sharing your opinion and these great trains!
Sounds like you have some great memories with your Dad!
Glad to see you back , always interesting video !
I had the chance to get a second hand AA F3 NEW YORK CNTRAL of the 50's .
Unfortunately I striped then and pained them in CN color like 50 years ago . Still have them !!!!
Chris I totally agree with your top 3 & the honorable mentions of the Southern Pacific Daylight which I have a my N scale excursion train which includes the 10 car Morning Daylight cars. I have seen many GG1 ELECTRICS in action on the Pennsylvania later Penn Central railroad passing through Newark,DE many times.
Hi Chris I couldn’t agree more after the polar express those where the 1st 3 engines I bought the GG1 makes a great lead engine on army train I got my right knee replaced today and came home and you came up on TH-cam 1st great to see you back 😃👍🚂
Take care of that knee and hope all heals soon!
I started my DCC journey with a ft Santa Fe set. I'm also proud of my Berkshire which I customized to the movie accurate version of the polar express. Great locos to own.
That’s a great top 3! I love one and two but I have a different number 3. Great video!
What's your number 3???
@@RBPTrains my number 3 would be the Lionel turbine a 2020 or 681. The TCA made a boiler front for 1972 and a tender cover for the 1968 Cleveland National Convention! I think it was one of Lionel’s best selling steam locomotives!
At first I thought that you were going to name your 3 top steam locomotives 🤣. However the three top locomotives you mentioned here make total sense. As a O gauge toy train collector I agree that these are the top 3 you would want in your O gauge collection. I have a MPC F3 and a MPC GG1. I don't have a Hudson yet. Maybe one day. There's too much Conrail on my list to buy yet.
Dakman’s Top 3:
3. Conrail
2. Conrail
1. Conrail
😂
Dakman’s Top 3:
3. Conrail
2. Conrail
1. Conrail
😂
Great choices.just amazing locomotives.
Solid list Chris. 😎
Love your videos!!
I agree with you on your top 3 picks. I have an f3/7 from the 1950's. It has the port on the bottom of the loco for the D cell batteries to operate the "diesel horn". No TMCC. It is custom painted in Northern Pacific colors. These locomotives are one of my favorites.
Nice selections. The F3’s can’t be beat. They have been my favorite Lionel locomotives since I was a little kid, when I inherited my brother’s 1950 Santa Fe ABA set, with the AMT passenger cars. I posted a 20TH Century Limited run on my channel, with the post-war and MPC F3’s. I may disagree slightly, with the Hudson’s. They were iconic, but the 726 and later Berk’s were a staple of post-war Lionel steam era, as were the Pennsy Turbines. Great choices, either way. An excellent video, as always.
Lots of love to the vintage Berks for sure! Tough call between them and the Hudson. Given the importance of the 700e, I had to weight Hudson as the winner. I do need to find a 726 for my collection though! Thanks for watching!
Agree with all. Honorable mention might include the FM Trainmaster
When I built my first N Scale layout I immediately bought a Daylight express. I loved that train as a child.
Well done my friend.....I have 6 engines.....your top 3 are mine as well! Those 3 simply say "Toy Trains"....mine happen to be Lionel.
Good job.
Glad to see the GG1 on the list!
That's a good list for sure!!!
Fantastic, Fantastic, Fantastic. Did I say fantastic? YESSIREE! Agreed. A fantastic selection of the top three and highlighting their variations. The so-called "honorable mentions" are perfect. And yes, they're more than honorable, because they are valued. What is the source of the wonderful Amtrack Passengers that are accompanying the Amtrack GG-1, and are they Modern, MPC or of another kind, and turning radius? 🙂
I'm a diesel guy myself until the wife went to the local train shop with me and saw the gray streamline New York Central Hudson. For her, it was love at first sight. Ended up getting the matching passenger cars for it.
She has great taste. You are a lucky man!
Thank You Chris, all of my trains are up to the 70's and I have all three, they are all packed away and the plan it the get a layout started soon, again Thanks
Enjoy the layout build!
Much like the GG1, I'm surprised you didn't mention an FM Chris. Seems to be a staple in many collections but I agree with your choices as a whole. They have ALL left an indelible mark on the hobby.
I definitely agree the F3 and the Hudson’s are fantastic. They have a a lot of history in the model railroad scene
Great list!!! I Believe
Totally agree with your top 3, and I'm lucky enough to have a GG1, Hudson and F7 in my collection. And just this morning I purchased a scale GG1 from Trainz and I used the RBP discount... thank you for that!
Fantastic! Thank you and enjoy that engine
Chris, the way that I look at it is, is that nobody is right, nobody is wrong. Everybody has their own personal opinions on each of their locomotives. 😀 With me having so many locomotives, I personally cannot pick out a "top 3" or my top favorites...lol I love all my trains on an equal level. Anything that I pick out to buy, it's just awesome to me! 😁👍🏻🚂 I've been into trains (specifically O gauge and HO.) since age 6 (I'm now 48) and I have to thank my dad for that! 😀👍🏻🚂 He actually bough me my first Lionel train set when I was 6. It's a Hudson set that came with 3 freight cars and a caboose which I still have and it still runs believe it or not! The only thing wrong with it, is that I just need to get a new headlight bulb put in and that's all. -Jared- Akron, Ohio.-
Agree that all the trains are cool. Good news is your Dad snagged you that Hudson first thing so you are already on the board, lol
Love them all. Beautiful locos. I model HO scale and thought the switcher 2-8-0 would have been a great honorable mention. It would fit on any layout large or small.