I think MPC was considered the Dark Ages at first, when compared to Postwar LL. However, Lionel did make a great effort to ramp-up quality and variety during this period. As this early stuff hits its 50th birthday, it is realized that they made some nice trains in the 70's and into 80's. Biggest problem that I have had with early MPC is that if "Never Run" the motors and gears need the hardened grease cleaned and re-lubricated, then they run fine.
