I see LGB has F-7s and MTH made some F-7s. Also USA Trains has F-3s. Are the LGBs that much better quality than the other guys? They seem pricey. Also, is the USA Trains F3s close enough in appearance to use as an F-7?
I'm kind of new at the G Scale stuff and model in Fn3 (1:20.3) early steam, but it is my understanding from reading other forums that the USA and MTH locos are solid units, but diffrent scales. If you go to this Wiki page it has the different Scales\Gauges of each large scale manufacturer.
LGB is pricey but also quite good. I guess it's up to your budget. I have a little of it and am happy with it. OTOH I also have a USA U25 that is very nicely done and runs well everywhere on my layout so far. I should add that I convert everything to battery power with Airwire units. No experience with MTH in this size. Rick H.