Big Boy (used) - conventional drive

@DougSunny posted:

... first post so be easy on me (just kidding) I am looking to buy a used big boy for use on a 72 in conventional powered drive -ZW 65. Any suggestions as to specific Lionel of MTH model numbers to look at. also is there a better forum than EBay to buy?

Doug,

Thanks for your first post.

There are no Lionel or MTH Big Boys, except for the original MTH ProtoSound 1 model (20-3021-1, or MT-3021LP under the old numbering system), that are purely conventional.  All of them, other than this exception, use command control (TMCC, Legacy or DCS).  However, all of these command control variants can be operated conventionally, just by using your existing ZW and not having a command controller present or powered up when you do so.

Note though that some folks avoid PS1's like the plague because they can quite finicky to operate, even though they are conventional-only, but they are indeed conventional-only.

Some of us love them and tolerate the quirkiness.

Mike

Gotta back him up a wee bit Mike, ….first, …do you have any other O gauge model trains ? If so, do you prefer scale or traditional size?….that makes a HUGE difference in what we recommend, ……control, as Mike pointed out can be big deal to utilize the gazzillion features on some models,……but, we need a wee bit more information before we can recommend something for sure…..

Pat

Williams made a Brass O scale model . They do come up for sale ocassionally on ebay . They have analog/ conventional control and run on 072 track  nicely. They have no factory installed sound system but one can be added easily in the large tender. They dont have quite the detail of a MTH or Lionel model but are still a great looking model.

Thank you both for replaying. Pat a bit more information. My wife and I recently moved from the Midwest to Southern Cal. I built a simple layout on a 8 ft x 16 ft table located just behind my house to run trains.  I replaced the old style three rail track due to rusting out with Atlas. Table is covered with tarp to protect high winds and rain.

I have a number of O-Gauge Locos, some of which have been kept in glass cases. .. Lionel NYC Mohawk, Hudson, Zepher (Old  - a favorite), NYC three diesel engine set, steam switchers, military loco and work gang unit. Also have a MTH Mohawk steamer

Regarding rolling stock - railcars have Lionel accumulated over the last 70 years - few O-27, mostly standard "O" with some larger  heavyweights and Williams passenger cars. Over the last 20 years I have a bought a few nice MTH full size "O" cars While I may prefer the larger "O" railcars to the much smaller "O-27".

Doug