Hey guys just need some tips for starting my model railroad the ALTLAND PHOENIX WESTERN RAILROAD that i named after my friend bridget altland
it is a freight railroad with really long fast trains
what should be my first set to build off of
what track should i use
should i use the bnsf ice cold express
how should i build my yard so i can have extra long fast trains without derailments
what other things should i use for smooth operation
hopefully i can get my first set for christmas
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Hi, paigetrain Welcome to the Forum
Beginning in 1970, Lionel trains manufactured by MPC (Model Products Corporation, a division of General Mills, the breakfast cereal company) have "Fast Angle" wheels and needlepoint axle bearings. They roll much more easily than Lionel Postwar cars (1945-1969), so they are a good choice for long trains. All of them couple together, and their variety approaches infinity.
I like Lionel FasTrack so I recommend that. Use "072" or wider curves for smooth, fast operation. Switches are non-derailing.
Two books will be a great help: The Lionel FasTrack Book and Lionel FasTrack Model Railroads. They deal with wiring, layouts, and building scenery. They offer all sorts of helpful tips.
For easy operation of long trains, a yard could branch off either side of a main line by using "ladder" tracks. Connect both ends of sidings to the main line. Then one train can be stored on each siding and run onto the main line when another train enters a siding.
A main line can also go through the center of a yard. "Ladder" tracks and sidings can be placed on each side.
Lots of possibilities.
I'm certain you will receive many useful replies.
Buying a set is one option. But so many locomotives, cars and accessories are available that I recommend looking around. Perhaps your friend, Bridget Atland, will come across a train for your railroad.
Come to think of it, you could make an Office Car Special (OCS) for officials of the APWR. Get some passenger cars. Send then to CJB Custom Painting & Designs. Settle on an "official" paint scheme. Christine J. Braden will do a beautiful job. I'll post photos of Walter Matuch's RMT (formerly K-Line) AMTRAK streamliners that she painted to match my 2348 Minneapolis & St. Louis GP9. Ms. Braden also paints locomotives, freight cars, and cabooses.
Name one car BRIDGET ALTLAND.
Paigetrains,
Welcome to the forum! The BNSF set is a nice set. Look up Ericstrains on youtube for a review, he has hours of wonderful video and advice, also he is on here. Aside from the set mentioned what kind of trains do you enjoy running/want to get? I take it that you like modern day trains at least somewhat. There are several starter/entry level sets from both Lionel and MTH that have modern engines and cars. As Readingfan mentioned you'll get lots of great advice on here. You really can't come to a better place then here!
Bill
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