Buy anything cool lately?

Finally found one to buy.

A great MTH train. Thanks to Trainz!

@vrf201 posted:

Finally found one to buy.

A great MTH train. Thanks to Trainz!

Trainz is a great place.

I like the looks of these types of locomotives.  A little pricy for me but I appreciate seeing them.  Your model is good looking .   Glad you were able to find this one to buy.

Thanks for sharing sir.

Thanks Dallas!

@Don McErlean posted:

Well yesterday was my 80th birthday and I was absolutely thrilled with the gift that my Grandson gave me.  It is a MTH "Doodlebug" and I had nothing in my collection or inventory that was anything like it.  It is really neat.  It has sounds, bell, whistle, lights, etc.  It is really cool.

I am really thrilled with this little gal.  She is really neat, makes lots of noise and looks great!!

Don

Don Happy Belated Birthday! Wow what a great Grandson and that is one cool looking Doodlebug! Sounds great and if I ever get my layout going I think that is going to have to go on the list of must haves! LOL

YES - I did!

The brown truck just left these at my steps.  Have never seen this 3Rd Rail Observation car in person and she's a beauty. Really like the enlarged 6 windows that are not on the 'preferred' 20th Century Ltd set.  Also received 2 K-Line 85'  Baggage and RPO cars to start building a consist for each of the Dreyfus despite the color mismatches.  Will be patterning these trains on runs toward the later life of these magnificent locomotives when they ran mixed consists.

@Guttersnipe posted:

yeah actually I do see it,  Alot of work, but could be fun,  the question is what ate you going for, Restoration or kit bashing?

Not sure what Kit bashing is but I’m going to try and clean up and used as much as possible in the original configuration. I will however paint in my own choice outside the original colors of the period. I will polish the brass and copper, and re-plate the wheels, couplers and any Crome. I am more of a rest-o-mod when it comes to really bad rusted cars. I wouldn’t do this to a pristine original. I only deal in junk that way I don’t upset the purest crowd. Some gentleman of the tinplate world find what I do blasphemy. I’m not trying to deceive anyone that’s why I paint in colors that couldn’t be confused as original. Also I do not sell my toys. They are for my family and me only.

thanks for asking

@Michael Roth posted:

Not sure what Kit bashing is...

Michael,
"Kit-bashing" is taking parts from two or more different models and putting them together to create something different.

I keep saying I am done buying engines ... and then ...  whaddayaknow.   Here is a newly acquired Atlas Trainman RSD7/15 "alligator" in Southern Pacific colors. Considering this is the Trainman line I was pleasantly surprised at the level of detail in the shell. Since it is conventional control only, for the time being, I will take out the motors and use it as a dummy behind the SD45 (new from Muffin's) in an intermodal consist. If i can ever run a 30 car consist, it will get a PS3 upgrade for a lashed power train.

Several forumites asked if I was going to get another SD, when this popped up at auction, I figured I had a much lower cost solution.   

@Big Jim posted:

Michael,
"Kit-bashing" is taking parts from two or more different models and putting them together to create something different.

Don't let others tell you what you have to do, sure ask advice, but do your own thing.   If we were rivet counters, we would not be doing three rail.  So the game is do your own thing and hopefully publish the final result.  and best of all enjoy.

@ScoutingDad posted:

I keep saying I am done buying engines ... and then ...  whaddayaknow.   Here is a newly acquired Atlas Trainman RSD7/15 "alligator" in Southern Pacific colors. Considering this is the Trainman line I was pleasantly surprised at the level of detail in the shell. Since it is conventional control only, for the time being, I will take out the motors and use it as a dummy behind the SD45 (new from Muffin's) in an intermodal consist. If i can ever run a 30 car consist, it will get a PS3 upgrade for a lashed power train.

Several forumites asked if I was going to get another SD, when this popped up at auction, I figured I had a much lower cost solution.   

They will look very nice back-to-back, but where do you have room for a Thirty car consist.

My latest purchase. New Haven GE U25B #2507 by MTH Premier. Haven't even run it yet.

MELGAR

@Guttersnipe posted:

They will look very nice back-to-back, but where do you have room for a Thirty car consist.

Notice I said "if I ever had room for a 30 car consist".  However its technically possible for me to run a 30 car consist on my 12x12 layout as my total track length on the outer loop is somewhat over 40 feet. It would be close to nose to tail, but doable. Most likely I'll run these back to back with 15 to 20 intermodals dragging behind. My  preference is not to have more than 50% of the track used by a single consist. About 30% of the dual main line track is covered by a tunnel so a train can disappear for awhile.

@Michael Roth posted:

Not sure what Kit bashing is but I’m going to try and clean up and used as much as possible in the original configuration. I will however paint in my own choice outside the original colors of the period. I will polish the brass and copper, and re-plate the wheels, couplers and any Crome. I am more of a rest-o-mod when it comes to really bad rusted cars. I wouldn’t do this to a pristine original. I only deal in junk that way I don’t upset the purest crowd. Some gentleman of the tinplate world find what I do blasphemy. I’m not trying to deceive anyone that’s why I paint in colors that couldn’t be confused as original. Also I do not sell my toys. They are for my family and me only.

thanks for asking

Please post pictures of your work! In progress and complete.

@ScoutingDad posted:

Notice I said "if I ever had room for a 30 car consist".  However its technically possible for me to run a 30 car consist on my 12x12 layout as my total track length on the outer loop is somewhat over 40 feet. It would be close to nose to tail, but doable. Most likely I'll run these back to back with 15 to 20 intermodals dragging behind. My  preference is not to have more than 50% of the track used by a single consist. About 30% of the dual main line track is covered by a tunnel so a train can disappear for awhile.

Fifteen to twenty intermodals or even fifteen to twenty regular cars is more than enough, to make a train look good. I seldom run more than eight, but contrary to modern times, I always have a Caboose of some sort,  Unless it's double deck passenger.   But then I like to sit back and see the whole train most of the time.   However as I always try to put it. the train is yours, it's (how would one say float your boat in train talk) how you want to run it.  far be it should anyone demand you do a certain thing.   My bag is watching others enjoy also. hope to see the consist someday.  To para phrase an Old Cowboy Happy Rails to you

@pennsyfan posted:

Please post pictures of your work! In progress and complete.

I give a big Amen to that

@MELGAR posted:

My latest purchase. New Haven GE U25B #2507 by MTH Premier. Haven't even run it yet.

MELGAR

One of my favorite diesels Mel. I have several road names made by Weaver. I always liked the ladder that's on the opposite side towards the rear, is an unusual eye-catching detail.

@Guttersnipe posted:

Fifteen to twenty intermodals or even fifteen to twenty regular cars is more than enough, to make a train look good. I seldom run more than eight, but contrary to modern times, I always have a Caboose of some sort,  Unless it's double deck passenger.   But then I like to sit back and see the whole train most of the time.   However as I always try to put it. the train is yours, it's (how would one say float your boat in train talk) how you want to run it.  far be it should anyone demand you do a certain thing.   My bag is watching others enjoy also. hope to see the consist someday.  To para phrase an Old Cowboy Happy Rails to you

My sentiments exactly.  I also like to run passenger trains, but found 5 cars seemed too short. Engine and then gone.  Eight to ten seems right to my perception. This MTH Illinois Central City of Miami might be a tad too long.

I received my RMT New Hope & Ivyland ore cars and have four RMT US Navy boxcars on order and two New Hope & Ivyland reefers on order.

So fresh they are still sitting on the counter at Trainland!

These new RMT box cars are the hottest value in O gauge right now. The guys said they can't sell N gauge cars for that price.

I'll post more pix when they are on the layout.

Bob

@ScoutingDad posted:

My sentiments exactly.  I also like to run passenger trains, but found 5 cars seemed too short. Engine and then gone.  Eight to ten seems right to my perception. This MTH Illinois Central City of Miami might be a tad too long.

That doo look good, thank you,  looks like you doo hav some running room also

@RSJB18 posted:

So fresh they are still sitting on the counter at Trainland!

These new RMT box cars are the hottest value in O gauge right now. The guys said they can't sell N gauge cars for that price.

I'll post more pix when they are on the layout.

Bob

The only reason to buy "N" scale cars is to use the trucks and couplers for super Narrow Guage, like the guy In Jerone Arizona does

Found a Lionel VL GS-2 Lark version last week.  Really like the paint scheme and the cylinder steam effect is really cool. Now I need to hunt for the matching passenger cars but that's what I enjoy the most in this hobby.

Arriving at my door on Halloween, here is a custom-made SW8 of the Steamtown Foundation’s ex Wabash unit, no.500.

@Tim O'Malley posted:

Arriving at my door on Halloween, here is a custom-made SW8 of the Steamtown Foundation’s ex Wabash unit, no.500.

That really looks great Tim !

@RSJB18 posted:

So fresh they are still sitting on the counter at Trainland!

These new RMT box cars are the hottest value in O gauge right now. The guys said they can't sell N gauge cars for that price.

I'll post more pix when they are on the layout.

Bob

Bob 4 of them are supposed to be landing on my front porch between 2:00 and 6:00 this afternoon, including one of those Cannon Balls.  Looks like I'll have to dismantle the intermodal terminal set up for some beer trains.

@coach joe posted:

Bob 4 of them are supposed to be landing on my front porch between 2:00 and 6:00 this afternoon, including one of those Cannon Balls.  Looks like I'll have to dismantle the intermodal terminal set up for some beer trains.

I was thinking the same thing Joe. I have two new Matt's refers and some Yuengling passenger coaches. May be time for a beer run!

Bob

@coach joe posted:

Bob 4 of them are supposed to be landing on my front porch between 2:00 and 6:00 this afternoon, including one of those Cannon Balls.  Looks like I'll have to dismantle the intermodal terminal set up for some beer trains.

Same here. I’m waiting on some LIRR cannon balls and the Rheingold when it arrives. Can’t wait to get these.

@RSJB18 posted:

I was thinking the same thing Joe. I have two new Matt's refers and some Yuengling passenger coaches. May be time for a beer run!

Bob

I imagion a bunch of us will drink to that

@taycotrains posted:

That really looks great Tim !

Many peoplewould have you dull down the paint or weather them, Myself, please keep them as pretty as they are now.

Yeah, I know, coals to Newcastle, but the price was right (15.00 plus shipping, etc.)...

Mitch

@M. Mitchell Marmel posted:

       

Yeah, I know, coals to Newcastle, but the price was right (15.00 plus shipping, etc.)...

Mitch

Never enough Gee-raffs for you or Peter, Putnam Division and we like it.

I'm not sure where to post this as I didn't buy it.
I had some idle time on my hands (about an hour) last night and made this from a Lionel catalog. I saw someone on FB making these Christmas trees from magazines and catalog flyers and decided to give it a try. The heavy cardstock of the pages worked out well even though it got to be a challenge to handle after about half way through. BTW, the cover had to be removed as it was too thick.

Picked up a Williams Santa Fe Blue Goose via a  combination of train shows and eBay. She struggles a bit pulling all of the cars but shes fine once she gets up to speed. The passenger cars are aluminum.

dont mind my dirty train board. Its a work in progress

I like to welcome you to the Rube Goldburg society of layout builders, and my goodness the goose looks good

@Big Jim posted:

I'm not sure where to post this as I didn't buy it.
I had some idle time on my hands (about an hour) last night and made this from a Lionel catalog. I saw someone on FB making these Christmas trees from magazines and catalog flyers and decided to give it a try. The heavy cardstock of the pages worked out well even though it got to be a challenge to handle after about half way through. BTW, the cover had to be removed as it was too thick.

@Big Jim posted:

I'm not sure where to post this as I didn't buy it.
I had some idle time on my hands (about an hour) last night and made this from a Lionel catalog. I saw someone on FB making these Christmas trees from magazines and catalog flyers and decided to give it a try. The heavy cardstock of the pages worked out well even though it got to be a challenge to handle after about half way through. BTW, the cover had to be removed as it was too thick.

In this discipline, creativity is the heart of the matter.   as Ed Sullivan use to say Good shew

Just opened up one of my RMT reefers from Pats Trains and took it for a spin on the layout.  Outstanding value for the money. Almost indistinguishable from my MTH reefers that cost more than twice as much.  Yes, the MTH cars have roof doors that open but for the price, I'm really looking forward to the others I have on preorder. The quality of the Detailing and graphics are as good as my higher end Lionel and Mth.  It also tracks well through all of my switches and crossover tracks.   Great job RMT!

@Strap Hanger posted:

Just opened up one of my RMT reefers from Pats Trains and took it for a spin on the layout.  Outstanding value for the money. Almost indistinguishable from my MTH reefers that cost more than twice as much.  Yes, the MTH cars have roof doors that open but for the price, I'm really looking forward to the others I have on preorder. The quality of the Detailing and graphics are as good as my higher end Lionel and Mth.  It also tracks well through all of my switches and crossover tracks.   Great job RMT!

Looking Good, now please pass me a Pacifico

I picked my NAVY CORSAIR GP9 #427 from METCA yesterday. Finally got around to unpacking it. It’s sweet. You’ll see it running on FEF.

Why did you take so long to unpack it. That first photo, However, is prize worthy

My cool items that I purchased arrived yesterday and I took a couple photos last night.

After consultations with @bluelinec4, @gunrunnerjohn and @Strap Hanger on older PS2 models, I went ahead and scored some MTH subway sets off the high fees online auction site as I rebuild by O Gauge inventory.

R36 World’s Fair 4-car set, this one was the later 2012 release version with PS3 so I lucked out. I have the 1960s Transit Authority decals on order to place them on the cars.

Then ah yes, the Purple Box! encasing the BMT Standards set. Interesting that until my visit to the New York Transit Museum last month with my wife, I never had any interest in pre-WWII subway rolling stock, whether it be the prototype or model replicas. After walking through the BMT Standards in person, I had to get one, so made it my mission.

For both these trains and all future subway set purchases, I have some MTH DD4000005 couplers that I got from @bluelinec4 a few years back to shorten the unrealistic distance between the cars.

Now, I will be adding to the problem of storing trains and not using them 😊. Outside of the Halloween and Christmas presentations, I don’t have an O Gauge layout anymore, so these will be packed away for future use before they become more scarce and expensive. One thing is for certain though, that my yet-to-be-built layout will be all about subways and elevated transit. Glad to see the MTH re-issues of the R40 Slants and now the upcoming R1/9. Hopefully a R142 offering is in the works. In the meantime, I may run the trains at the club layout, but then again I don't run my trains (HO or O) that often, maybe 3-4 times a year at my respective clubs.