Buy anything cool lately?

@leapinlarry posted:

Nice Larry.

Now to finish it off , a few Woodstock styled figures would be great.

@Randy Harrison  Randy thanks for the reply, I thought it was pretty clear. I would love to have several GG1s, but realistically unless I wanted shelf queens, one will be enough. The Pennsylvania Road is a tough one for me not to have at least a couple of pieces. My biggest challenge is not being able to see these in person. Anytime I buy something its a roll of the dice as to whether it is something which will meet my expectations. At least I know now to stay away from anything not scale proportions - personal preference - semi-scale and post war - just does not float my boat.  At the same time I can really enjoy those kind of layouts posted on the forum.  Nice that we can pursue the things we like but still enjoy the alternatives.

I'll have to consider what you said about the exterior detailing - not really a lot there considering how the metal is bent. The thing that gets me on the Weavers is the catenary - the pans look out of place. Could say that about a lot of electrics.  Thanks ... Jeff

@WesternPacific2217 posted:

Jay, probably PhotoShop, Canon Photo Printer, Canon Photo paper. I'm playing with it now. Chrome is hard to match and print, but I'm getting close. I may just put the photo paper right over the existing sign plate rather than replace it.

Is the nameplate embossed?  If not, the letters on LIONEL nameplates are easily removed with ISO alcohol or acetone.  Perhaps the same with K-Line.

If the nameplate is not embossed, a simple decal with script would work well.

Also, you can buy the CZ font here.

Just came back home from a community garage sale with this homemade live steam train for the price of a lottery scratch off. Now I'm awaiting for the delivery man with my MTH final run Big Boy in the next couple days.

Thank you Scott, it will be interesting to see how it turns out. It is something that I want to do to a few of mine.

Today is my lucky day on eBay.  Trainz offered these damaged UP aluminum cars and the saved search function offered by eBay caused the listing to pop up on my email earlier today because of the 6-19121 offset vista dome car. They're perfect donor cars for my GN Empire Builder project -- cheap price with irrelevant paint damage and cheap, replaceable plastic parts readily available.

The gem of the pair is the offset vista dome.  Undamaged, it's a minimum $100+ car with tax and shipping added.  So, paying just under $100 for the pair shipped is a deal considering they'll be repainted; a replacement dome that Christine Braden painted is at hand; and, the other plastic parts are readily available, cheap.  I'd been hunting for this vista dome car for almost a year, but only nice ones, with nice prices, were listed.

This vista dome will join two others, both with paint damage, purchased on eBay.  The three will make a prototypically accurate set of three small dome cars for the GN EB.

Anyone see the complete K-Line Santa Fe Black Bonnet Midnight Chief set being offered on a favorite auction site.  Way more pieces than I expected.  Asking is $10,000 plus $350 shipping.  Since I recently saw just a BBMC passenger diesel set priced around $5,000 this might not be a bad asking price?

I can't wrap my head around plunking down a wad of cash for this, Of course when spending $2000 +/- for a new steamer - in comparison humm. No I am not going to buy this.

Wondering your opinions on something like this.

@Pingman posted:

Today is my lucky day on eBay.  Trainz offered these damaged UP aluminum cars and the saved search function offered by eBay caused the listing to pop up on my email earlier today because of the 6-19121 offset vista dome car. They're perfect donor cars for my GN Empire Builder project -- cheap price with irrelevant paint damage and cheap, replaceable plastic parts readily available.

The gem of the pair is the offset vista dome.  Undamaged, it's a minimum $100+ car with tax and shipping added.  So, paying just under $100 for the pair shipped is a deal considering they'll be repainted; a replacement dome that Christine Braden painted is at hand; and, the other plastic parts are readily available, cheap.  I'd been hunting for this vista dome car for almost a year, but only nice ones, with nice prices, were listed.

This vista dome will join two others, both with paint damage, purchased on eBay.  The three will make a prototypically accurate set of three small dome cars for the GN EB.

Isn't the internet a wonderful thing sometimes. Great score Carl.

Bob

@RSJB18 posted:

Isn't the internet a wonderful thing sometimes. Great score Carl.

Bob

Bob, nice ones list at $85 used to $179 new and everything in between.

And they are nothing special with silhouette window strips and a common extrusion.

I was desperate two weeks ago and offered $65 plus actual shipping.

Patience can be an asset.

@Pingman posted:

Today is my lucky day on eBay.  Trainz offered these damaged UP aluminum cars and the saved search function offered by eBay caused the listing to pop up on my email earlier today because of the 6-19121 offset vista dome car. They're perfect donor cars for my GN Empire Builder project -- cheap price with irrelevant paint damage and cheap, replaceable plastic parts readily available.

The gem of the pair is the offset vista dome.  Undamaged, it's a minimum $100+ car with tax and shipping added.  So, paying just under $100 for the pair shipped is a deal considering they'll be repainted; a replacement dome that Christine Braden painted is at hand; and, the other plastic parts are readily available, cheap.  I'd been hunting for this vista dome car for almost a year, but only nice ones, with nice prices, were listed.

This vista dome will join two others, both with paint damage, purchased on eBay.  The three will make a prototypically accurate set of three small dome cars for the GN EB.

Carl, very nice acquisition! Even with the repairs needed, still an awesome price for both, and great addition to your set. What the heck happened to the dome? That's the weirdest fracture I think I've seen! Good thing you have a replacement sourced already.

Other than that they both look pretty good overall and since you'll be repainting them, paint damage is no big deal. Can't wait to see the finished product.

@WesternPacific2217 posted:

Carl, very nice acquisition! Even with the repairs needed, still an awesome price for both, and great addition to your set. What the heck happened to the dome? That's the weirdest fracture I think I've seen! Good thing you have a replacement sourced already.

Other than that they both look pretty good overall and since you'll be repainting them, paint damage is no big deal. Can't wait to see the finished product.

I'll post a photo when they arrive and report if they are what I hope they are, especially the dome car.

I prefer to use the TCA smooth-sided cars as donors, but there is no offset dome unfortunately in that series -- only a centered dome and full length dome (which is in the GN EB consist.)

Can't imagine how the dome was broken -- they're pretty sturdy, Scott

BTW, TRAINZ is selling repro domes, p/n 2532-16, so that's a welcome option.

Well, l had gotten something neat, but now l can't get parts.

Two more Atlas 50' Gunderson High Cubes arrived this week - AOK and NKCR.

Just got this last week. Legacy SD 45.

Some very nice things are shown in the above posts.

I don't often contribute to this thread because I'm happy with the trains I already have and do my best to refrain from buying any more of them.. However, my resolve not to buy occasionally weakens.

That's what happened yesterday when I visited 1 of the 2 LHSs  in my area. I found this MTH PS3 Philadelphia Bethlehem and New England diesel switcher irresistible:

Its 2 motors and heft make it a fine puller for its size.

So last Saturday I posted a video of the TMCC Northern Pacific ABA I purchased from the Estate of our train club's long-time treasurer.

This week I purchased from the Estate's 1,500 piece collection this MPC era Milwaukee Road F-3 that he'd upgraded to TMCC.

The plan for this unit is to swap out everything except the frame and motor trucks and mount them under the NP A shell I'm currently painting The other A and B shells I'm painting will go on frames already  purchased and painted.  The B unit will have twin motors.

Good times.

Finally broke away from work & got over to Caboose Stop Hobbies in Cedar Falls, IA.   Picked up 5 new cars:  4 are Atlas & the 1 (Illinois Terminal) is an MTH product.   Wasn't planning on buying 5 cars but I just thought they were stunning & the JCL baggage car rounds out my JCL passenger set nicely !    Rich in SD

@trestleking posted:

Finally broke away from work & got over to Caboose Stop Hobbies in Cedar Falls, IA.   Picked up 5 new cars:  4 are Atlas & the 1 (Illinois Terminal) is an MTH product.   Wasn't planning on buying 5 cars but I just thought they were stunning & the JCL baggage car rounds out my JCL passenger set nicely !    Rich in SD

Nice selection Rich. Great store and great people. A bit of a drive but worth it.

@RSJB18 posted:

Picked up a pair of K-line LIRR streamline coaches from a forum member.  I have the Greenport Scoot set with coaches 2842, and 2843. These will be a nice addition.

Out of the boxes and on the rails. Nice 5-car consist now.

Bought and received another K-Line 15" aluminum car to add to my California Zephyr consist, this one is a diner. It took awhile to find this diner, and as you can see in the photo it does not have CZ name on it, but rather Empire State Express! So, like the other non domed coach I bought the other day, I'll have to change the nameplates to CZ and rename the coach. I found the CZ font online, I should receive it soon. That will be the last thing I do, after I change to LED lighting, paint the interior, install paneling, and carpet.

This coach is used, but the body is in great shape and it has all it's interior parts. But it show's some miles!! The roller pickups were toast, broken springs on both. Good thing I only paid $50.00 for the coach. Fortunately I had some Lionel pickup roller assemblies in my toolbox!

Front roller pickup I already removed it. It has a broken spring:

Rear roller pickup, defective spring also. Wheels are looking a little used too!

New Lionel roller pickup front:

New Lionel roller rear:

As you can see in the first photo, the lights are working and they work perfectly while the train is in operation! Yay. time to take it all apart and begin on the interior.

Picked up some Legacy Alaska SD70Macs from Nicholas Smith. They were an exclusive to them. This is the superbass unit, powered is numbered 4001. These will look great with the Lionel Denali Star 21" passenger cars!

A JEP 0 gauge set was delivered today. Pictured here with the clockwork I got a few weeks ago. The gazebo came in yesterday. It’s in its place but will be illuminated and peopled shortly. The Rough RR train was brought back from Disney by my daughter. I’m thinking it fits in as a park ride. That needs some passengers.

Lionel 27101 Morton Salt covered hopper from the 2004 Volume 2 catalog.  I purchased this from another forum member.

Neal Jeter

@WesternPacific2217 posted:

Bought and received another K-Line 15" aluminum car to add to my California Zephyr consist, this one is a diner. It took awhile to find this diner, and as you can see in the photo it does not have CZ name on it, but rather Empire State Express! So, like the other non domed coach I bought the other day, I'll have to change the nameplates to CZ and rename the coach. I found the CZ font online, I should receive it soon. That will be the last thing I do, after I change to LED lighting, paint the interior, install paneling, and carpet.

This coach is used, but the body is in great shape and it has all it's interior parts. But it show's some miles!! The roller pickups were toast, broken springs on both. Good thing I only paid $50.00 for the coach. Fortunately I had some Lionel pickup roller assemblies in my toolbox!

Front roller pickup I already removed it. It has a broken spring:

Rear roller pickup, defective spring also. Wheels are looking a little used too!

New Lionel roller pickup front:

New Lionel roller rear:

As you can see in the first photo, the lights are working and they work perfectly while the train is in operation! Yay. time to take it all apart and begin on the interior.

I believe what you’re showing is/was an ongoing problem with K-Line roller pickups, insofar as the springs were not insulated, and the track current passed through the spring(s), fatiguing them prematurely.

One of my Father’s Day gifts.

I got this Weaver Delaware & Hudson Sharknose A-B set. I had previously purchased an MTH D&H passenger set and was pulling that with a D&H RS-3 as a placeholder until I could get something like this. This sharknose is beautiful but was very start-and-stop until I ran it around a lot and also cleaned the wheels. Now it runs smoothly except that it slows or stalls over my Fastrack manual switches when going slow. I've seen that before but maybe not this bad. I turned off the direction lockout switch so at least it doesn't go into neutral-reverse. I tested all the wheels and both rollers by putting leads on them one by one and all the wheels on both trucks turn. The pickup rollers seem to be sprung well so I assume they're making contact. I tested my 3 Fastrack switches and found they all have large gaps where there's no power on the rails.  I did a little soldering on the bottom of one switch as a test to get power to the rails at the V past the frog where the tracks diverge. There was no shorting when the train passes and now it moves past that switch a little better. I still don't know why this engine has trouble with the switches because I would think with two pickup rollers and the two wheels on each truck that don't have traction tires making good contact with the rails it would be able to bridge any powerless gap, but it doesn't always. Still like it and the price was good. Will just run it a little faster past switches for now.

@John's Trains  you might want to check the roller pickups to make sure both are pushing power to the motors. My 3RD Rail M10000 was stalling through switches if it was going slow enough. Found out there was a broken feed wire which is an easy fix. Be careful on putting track power to switches where it was not originally. The short is more likely to happen when in the turnout position. Guess how I know

Well for Father's day my Trainz order arrived earlier than expected. Now the family is off the hook for gifts. Two cars have original boxes and two have none. I try not to buy cars without boxes but the price was right. Three are K-Line the other is a Lionel.  Thought I would try the panorama feature on my camera. Rock Island, Union Pacific, Grand Trunk (Lionel) & Western and Milwaukee Road. This is the view our my back deck. Wondering again why I want to move???  Of yes bigger train room! And Grandkids.

Had visitors about 6 am this morning. A successful hatch and a mess of goose goo left as a thank you. My dog loves to eat the stuff so we try to pick it up fast.

The two "damaged" UP passenger cars purchased on eBay from TRAINZ  arrived today and needed only 5 minutes with a screwdriver to adjust their frames and car ends to "repair" what looked like serous damage,

They were probably dropped: landed on their couplers which caused the frames to shift; and, move the plastic car ends.

Feeling very fortunate to pickup the offset dome car and the coach for <$100 delivered. The dome car will be a perfect donor as the third short dome in my EMPIRE BUILDER trainset.

@ScoutingDad posted:

@John's Trains  you might want to check the roller pickups to make sure both are pushing power to the motors. My 3RD Rail M10000 was stalling through switches if it was going slow enough. Found out there was a broken feed wire which is an easy fix. Be careful on putting track power to switches where it was not originally. The short is more likely to happen when in the turnout position. Guess how I know

Thank you for the suggestion. I think you're right about the pickup roller. I had the engine upside down yesterday and tested power to all wheels and rollers and the wheels spun, but intermittently sometimes it wouldn't run. Today after handling the engine I put it back on the track and suddenly it ran slow and perfect through the switches with not a shudder. I picked it up, turned it over, put it back on the track and the problem was back. So I observed up close and slow what happened at both mainline switches. It always stops exactly where the rear pickup roller first hits the dead spot in the middle of the switch. I then observed where the front pickup roller was where the train stopped. I tested it and the track where the front roller was had power from the center rail to the outside rail. So I think that front roller must have a on-and-off feed wire. Will have to take the thing apart. First time for everything.

Made an eSnipe bid a few days ago and forgot about the item believing someone would outbid me.  Instead, I bought it this evening:

It will go well with the Thomas Lion Chief engine recently purchased to make our club's permanent and travelling layouts more kid friendly.

@John's Trains posted:

Thank you for the suggestion. I think you're right about the pickup roller. I had the engine upside down yesterday and tested power to all wheels and rollers and the wheels spun, but intermittently sometimes it wouldn't run. Today after handling the engine I put it back on the track and suddenly it ran slow and perfect through the switches with not a shudder. I picked it up, turned it over, put it back on the track and the problem was back. So I observed up close and slow what happened at both mainline switches. It always stops exactly where the rear pickup roller first hits the dead spot in the middle of the switch. I then observed where the front pickup roller was where the train stopped. I tested it and the track where the front roller was had power from the center rail to the outside rail. So I think that front roller must have a on-and-off feed wire. Will have to take the thing apart. First time for everything.

You might want to see if you can run a jumper between the two pickups as an added bit of insurance. I used to run AMT/Auburn/KMT/Kusan F units with their matching passenger cars - between the less-than-ideal contact the F units' pickups made with the third rail and flickering passenger car lights (AMT/Auburn/KMT/Kusan Achilles heel seems to be their pick-up designs). I eventually added jumpers between both the F unit pick-ups and the passenger car pick-ups and that helped the engines run through turnouts without tripping the reverse unit (no replacement drums or contacts for those are available, so they need to be treated carefully - a constant current supply made life easier on them), and the passenger car lights operated flicker free.

Just picked up this Atlas O Premier BNSF Buffer Car airslide hopper. Atlas is doing a heck of a job with the MTH tooling. This car has a great weight to it and the paint is outstanding. This will look great with my Lionel 30k tank cars. Trainworld still has a few in stock!

@biscuitag97 Got mine yesterday and love it! I really like how they added that paint at the top which I assume is to represent the material that provides extra traction for better footing. Nice picture and great car! Almost wish I had bought 2!

Depending on your definition of "Cool"!

@Big Jim :  I vote for as broad a defn of "What's Cool" as possible.  I think Snoopy and surf board is cool, will make a great ornamental for your desk or table and is likely great fun.  Will be neat if you ever have any youngsters visit your layout, I bet they will like it too!

Best Wishes

Don

OK so Big Jim has Snoopy , pennsyfan has a Disney train from his daughter, and Pingman has Sir Topham Hatt the Gateman.  So in keeping with this trend, on a very hot (have to stay inside) Friday afternoon, I give you:

Mickey Mouse and the Abominable Snow Man sharing a locomotive, a gift from Disney World...from my Grandkids!  Note it is a STEAM locomotive with a vertical boiler (shades of the "Tom Thumb")...so it is officially trains...yes?

Best wishes and hope you had a laugh or two on this one...strictly for fun!!

Don

@Don McErlean posted:

OK so Big Jim has Snoopy , pennsyfan has a Disney train from his daughter, and Pingman has Sir Topham Hatt the Gateman.  So in keeping with this trend, on a very hot (have to stay inside) Friday afternoon, I give you:

Mickey Mouse and the Abominable Snow Man sharing a locomotive, a gift from Disney World...from my Grandkids!  Note it is a STEAM locomotive with a vertical boiler (shades of the "Tom Thumb")...so it is officially trains...yes?

Best wishes and hope you had a laugh or two on this one...strictly for fun!!

Don

LoL - Don, I like it! Reminds me of taking my son on the Expedition Everest ride in Disney World Animal Kingdom Park! ;-) Probably where your Grand kid's got your gift. Treasure it.

Thanks Scott - I believe you are right, it was the Expedition Everest Ride- they did tell me but I couldn't remember as I typed the post. Thanks for your comment.

Best wishes

Don

I dunno, looks like Yeti size bottle of rum to me! 😉