Buy anything cool lately?

@paul 2 thank you very much for the comparison shots! Those were very Helpful in determining how the trailer may look on the car- it’s the kind of thing you usually have to see in person to judge but those were great. I think those Weaver trailers were 35’ and I know the new Lionel trailers are 40’, so that length discrepancy is to be expected. The height difference- If I recall correctly and I may be wrong so if I am correct me- is due to the time period/prototype. Early trailers, while shorter, were a bit higher. As trailers/containers have evolved, the length has increased but height is rather consistent. As the containers for intermodal transport often feature on the back of trailers, those are governed by ISO standards so each 20’, 40’, 45’ And 53’ container have their dimensions set. That doesn’t apply to the Lionel 40’ trailers...yet, but hopefully someday will. They are really nice piece Paul- the Lionel and the Weavers- great acquisitions. Thhank you again for your help!

I bought a Max Steel Constructed Trestle Bridge made by Louis Marx & Co. Went to buy so Fastrack listed on Craigslist and asked the guy if he had any bridges. He's garage is packed floor to ceiling with o gauge stuff, it took about a half hour to find this one, put it's in excellent condition.

@Jeffery Boat posted:

I bought a Max Steel Constructed Trestle Bridge made by Louis Marx & Co. Went to buy so Fastrack listed on Craigslist and asked the guy if he had any bridges. He's garage is packed floor to ceiling with o gauge stuff, it took about a half hour to find this one, put it's in excellent condition.

OOOOOOOOOHHhhhhhhhh I want one..........

Heart emoji Here: Great Find!!

@Miggy posted:

OOOOOOOOOHHhhhhhhhh I want one..........

Heart emoji Here: Great Find!!

Miggy, you have that wonderful wooden bridge!

@mike g. posted:

Miggy, you have that wonderful wooden bridge!

Awww Shucks. What a nice thing to say...... struggling as this is ver 2, release 6 haha. Cant get the L00K right. Soooo many World Class Modellers with Awesome Layouts. Ya'll are inspirational, and the finished product..... in my HEAD..... sets the bar kinda high. Learning, I am....

Your getting it! Just a couple more tweaks here and there and you will have it!

A little while back I purchased two Plasticville pedestrian bridges from a member here. I kit bashed one, so the little people can access the upper level on my layout.  I have a little more detailing to do.

I just preordered the ATSF Vision Line Reefer 3-Pack. I can't wait until the set arrives.

Picked up some CNW covered hoppers -- three Weaver PS2's and a pair of MTH PS2CD High Sides. Set them up with scale wheels and Kadees and tested them on the club layout this past weekend. Gotta love the close coupling you get from Kadees.

I've had the scale-wheel GP38-2 and 2-railed MTH covered gondolas for some time. Everything tracked well on the AGHR layout.

Looks Nice!

Just got these GGD N&W passenger cars:

The passenger cars are nice, Trainbros, but those military flats are outstanding.

@Strap Hanger posted:

The passenger cars are nice, Trainbros, but those military flats are outstanding.

Thank you for the kind words!

These were on my radar from the Lionel 2019 Vol. 2 catalog.  Then I forgot about them... almost.

Last week, I remembered and scoured the web looking for them.  Luckily, I found one dealer that had them.  I just received them today and they're great.  I love the paint job and the contrasting yellow of all the add-on details.

Thanks to Train Shack in Burbank, CA.  They should consider being a forum sponsor, no?

@Trussman posted:

A little while back I purchased two Plasticville pedestrian bridges from a member here. I kit bashed one, so the little people can access the upper level on my layout.  I have a little more detailing to do.

@Trussman I love the scenery on your layout. Great use of the plasticville pedestrian bridge- they also look great.

The transition between your roads and grass is great. Love your vehicles and the tunnel with truck. I have 3 questions for you:

1.) How is the plasticville pedestrian bridge in terms of clearance? I had to stop using my old Marx bridge because it was too short.

2.) in the middle picture- did you make the picnic bench and guardrails for the road? If not, would you mind sharing the name of manufacturer?

again- looks great!

MikeH, Wow, that’s a beautiful set of F units, the color scheme is so colorful, and it reminds me a little of Southern Pacific units in the Black Widow color scheme. I like the Cotton Belt diesels, MKT diesels, Frisco diesels, of course Texas Special color schemes. Also you have a nice layout. Happy Railroading Everyone

I just received an older Century Club One set the “773”, complete outfit, paperwork, display case, little run time like new. Pictures will follow. This gives me the entire Collection of Century Club One.... 5 Postwar favorites with TMCC. Pictures will follow. Happy Railroading Everyone

Merry Christmas Everyone, today, I’m hooking up the newly released Fake News, newsstand.. it’s going to replace the older #128 Newsstand, from a long time ago, and you can compare the differences. Happy Railroading Everyone

Over the past month on a span of 3 separate trips to the local Menards, I picked up a total of somewhere between 12-16 freight cars. Also a trip to CW Trains in Mentor, OH, just 15 min from me, I picked up a used Lionel Southern Crescent (6-31713). No box, just some slight surface rust on the passenger car handrails- I think they can be touched up.

Everything has been sitting in my car since I bought them to not only hide it from family, but to take them to my storage unit and to show my manager at work (short story is I may be getting him into the hobby).

I somehow forgot I had these items that weren't mentioned on my last post:

Postwar Lionel 2400, 2401, and 2402 from Facebook marketplace for an amazing price and close to me so I wouldn't have to pay shipping.

One of my grandmother's coworkers at hobby lobby gave her a big bag filled with Hallmark Lionel ornaments. A bunch of them look brand new, never out of the packaging. I have plans for when I move into my own place.

Back in early November, I participated in the Cass Scenic Railroad fall photo charter. While there i picked up a replica number plate for Shay 2. While not O gauge, I couldn't resist on picking one up. Now time to get the rest of the fleet.

Leapinlarry,

Thanks for sharing the photos of the Fake News stand.  That is on my radar.  I also appreciate your thoughts on replacing your old new stand because I considered picking one up instead of the new Fake News and making it a Fake News stand  -- but there clearly is a huge difference and the new one is nicely done.  Is the guy that moves to scale or is he oversized like some of the postwar Lionel accessories?   Merry Christmas!

Hi Iron Horse, the new Fake News newsstand is nice, however the figures are about the same size just different colors. I’ll try to operate it soon to see if it’s quiet or louder. I like the colors a lot. Thank you.

@StevefromPA posted:

@Trussman I love the scenery on your layout. Great use of the plasticville pedestrian bridge- they also look great.

The transition between your roads and grass is great. Love your vehicles and the tunnel with truck. I have 3 questions for you:

1.) How is the plasticville pedestrian bridge in terms of clearance? I had to stop using my old Marx bridge because it was too short.

2.) in the middle picture- did you make the picnic bench and guardrails for the road? If not, would you mind sharing the name of manufacturer?

again- looks great!

Thanks Steve for the compliment.

At the moment I don't know the clearance of the pedestrian bridge, I'll get to you about it.

I made the picnic table out of bass wood.

I don't remember where I got the guardrail, but I know it came from an old HO slotcar race set.

I have to do some detailing to hide the seam that's approx. 1-2" below the top level. It's so I can remove sections of the top of the layout incase of a derailment. I have a 3' lg mountain where the track enters the mountain then drops down, loops under the layout and exits the other end of the mountain.  A 9' train completely disappears in a 3' mountain.

I actually did buy some great things.  I discovered K-Line, conventional steamers.   I bought three and all were BRAND NEW.  Here are pictures of two of them.  The third one is a semi-scale Chicago-Alton  that is stuck somewhere in the blackhole of the USPS.  The two shown run beautifully with only a bell and whistle for sound.  They are very quiet runners.  I appreciate the lack of noise when they run around the track   Both are rated to operate on O-31 but I am currently running them on O-42.  

The C&O is listed as 1/58 scale and comes in at 27.5", a bit smaller than BigBoys.  The NYC 5344 is scale and measures 24.5".  I have one other scale loco.  It's a Lionel AC6000 Santa Fe and I think it's somewhere about 17" long.  (that is a guess as I sit here, typing).  My largest curve is O-54 and it is my shelf layout around the top of the train room.

Bob Severin, great to see you back on the forum, Question, is your Kline Hudson a TMCC Version? It’s a great looking model. Great finds. Congratulations and Merry Christmas to you.

Hi Larry, and thanks.  No, it isn't TMCC, strictly conventional. that is what I run.  I went through a period of MTH DCS, but gave up on it.  Then I went to Lionel LionChief Plus, and sold all that equipment off.  I'm back to conventional only.   I think the Chicago-Alton may be TMCC, but I'll run it conventional.  In fact, I've taken to turning the sounds off on all my locomotives.   When the grandkids come over, It get too noisy and my nerves aren't holding up to it anymore.  Less sound is fine with me, less noise.  

I picked up a couple of speedboats to replace some of the boats that came with the Lionel Boat Loader Car. The new boats have some great detailing and kind of look like a Riva (a custom built Italian speedboat).

This disappeared into the USPS black hole for 3 weeks but arrived Christmas Eve. Needs a board (I have a PS32 board for it) both MUX boards (have those as well) and a motor ( I have a roller bearing 9434 Pittman for it). Otherwise mint. I've wanted one since I've seen 227 in Minnesota a few years ago. I'll get it going soon enough.

Very cool, it looks gigantic!  How long is it?

Beauty Eh!

Loving on the DMIR.... She is a Beast! (Big Boy Sister?) Grandpa worked in the roundhouse at Proctor and loved the Engines. he held a HUGE wrench, standing in front of one...... must have been a "Whistle Fine Tune wrench".... Thanks for the share! don't see many.... Did'nt we meet in St Paul at the DEPOT when the BigBoy stopped?

Actually, the DM&IR Yellowstones had higher tractive effort than the Big Boys. Interesting fact (this is from the latest MTH HO catalog), the DM&IR locos had such massive fireboxes that Alco promoted these monsters by hosting a meeting for 12 people inside the firebox of the first of the DM&IR Yellowstones! These things were massive.

I hope they got out before it was fired up.

Iron Horse, take a look at these pictures of both newsstands side by side. Both men are similar in size, colors and decorations are different. The answer is, they are oversize, not scale figures, but it’s a cool accessory. I like the toy look with my semi-scale type layout, it’s all for fun.

Didn't make it for Christmas but this arrived today. I found a sister to the one I had on the "B". A good price but unfortunately no box. Now I have two State of Maine box cars with potatoes on the side and two different car numbers. Pic.  Paul 2

@paul 2 posted:

Didn't make it for Christmas but this arrived today. I found a sister to the one I had on the "B". A good price but unfortunately no box. Now I have two State of Maine box cars with potatoes on the side and two different car numbers. Pic.  Paul 2

Nice Paul. I have two BAR SoM cars but they both say Products across the bottom. So now the hunt continues.

Bob

@RSJB18 posted:

Nice Paul. I have two BAR SoM cars but they both say Products across the bottom. So now the hunt continues.

Bob

Mine says Products also.  It is a K-Line BAR.

Scored a nice buy today....746 N&W "J" and tender, "J" , 6805 Atomic Energy Disposal Car & 6557 Smoking caboose.....$550

@gandydancer1950 posted:

Scored a nice buy today....746 N&W "J" and tender, "J" , 6805 Atomic Energy Disposal Car & 6557 Smoking caboose.....$550

Really nice. You did great 👍

A guy made a short run of these so of course I had to buy one!

Wow, I had forgotten how neatly Lionel packaged the Century Club 773 Hudson, so it took a half hour just to get this beauty out of the carton. The gentleman from this For Sale forum did a superb packing job, exactly like the factory new. So, I’m a happy camper. Also, hooking up the new Fake News stand it operated very smoothly and quietly, amazing. Also, the 773 Century Club Hudson Tested perfect. All is well here in Tennessee. Happy Railroading Everyone.  Happy New Year to.

I scored this off eBay:

It's a Weaver dummy.

Going to turn it into this, I have all the detail parts also on the way:

NO, I'm not going into 3-rail, just going to have it for display.

New MTH LIRR RS-1

@p51 posted:

A guy made a short run of these so of course I had to buy one!

Only one?

@coach joe posted:

Only one?

In recent years, several ET&WNC shirts have come out. I have bought them all.

@leapinlarry nice pick up with the century club 773! One heck of a steam loco. My father and I were watching a PRR documentary-type program last night(but also included junctions in the Midwest with locos from the C&O, B&O, PRR , ATSF, Nickel Plate Road and more. Best part was seeing the consist- a PRR would be pulling C&O, NW, Reading, And a plethora of RS From a ton of different roads. it really got me in the mood to run some steam(and I’m very, very partial to diesel- no offense) but your enginelooks like it jumped right out the tv!

also- I like that you didn’t ditch your original newsstand and have the fake news next to the Lionel News

@p51 nice pick up with the weaver Alco RS-(3?)! In that beautiful southern crescent. But it seems you have some even better plans in store for it!

@A.J.  Love Alco and that MTH Long Island RS-3 that ya scored! Great paint scheme-what are you gonna haul with that? Ive been eyeing and RS-3(in LV scheme or early Amtrak) or an RS-11. All these RS Alcos are stoking my desire to get myself one!

Picked this up at one of my nearby hobby shops the other day for half going rate. The piggybacks were only $5 each which I thought was a pretty good deal. Turns out a friend of mine put it on consignment, it didn’t have the tag so we had to call him and he gave me a nice discount

Went picking through some of the stuff my dad gave to me and added 3 new diecast vehicles to the layout: Dinky Mercedes S600,

I have a lot in the mail, as I’m sure the rest of you do too, but these 20’  intermodal containers (4 7/8”, actually...) are supposed to come today. I had to dig to find the manufacturer and I think they’re by H&B engineering(per photos in a long ago for thread)

Now to decide if I’m gonna head south towards the Philly area hobby shops or north into some unchartered territory in the Poconos

The LC 2.0 SP Black Widow F3A-A from Lionel- I ordered it from Charles Ro months ago, figured I may never see them due to world affairs of more importance, but the units have been shipped!

So much for where I’m going to spend any ‘stimulus’ money....

Lighted Fastrack and a scale sensor car.  Now, all I need is a sensor track!

@StevefromPA posted:

@leapinlarry nice pick up with the century club 773! One heck of a steam loco. My father and I were watching a PRR documentary-type program last night(but also included junctions in the Midwest with locos from the C&O, B&O, PRR , ATSF, Nickel Plate Road and more. Best part was seeing the consist- a PRR would be pulling C&O, NW, Reading, And a plethora of RS From a ton of different roads. it really got me in the mood to run some steam(and I’m very, very partial to diesel- no offense) but your enginelooks like it jumped right out the tv!

also- I like that you didn’t ditch your original newsstand and have the fake news next to the Lionel News

@p51 nice pick up with the weaver Alco RS-(3?)! In that beautiful southern crescent. But it seems you have some even better plans in store for it!

@A.J.  Love Alco and that MTH Long Island RS-3 that ya scored! Great paint scheme-what are you gonna haul with that? Ive been eyeing and RS-3(in LV scheme or early Amtrak) or an RS-11. All these RS Alcos are stoking my desire to get myself one!

Steve- If you're looking for a nice Alco- I just recently acquired these two beauties. Both are Lionel RS-11, command equipped. Not sure what other liveries they were made in.

@A.J.- that LIRR RS-1 is a beauty. Sure am gonna miss MTH.

Bob

@StevefromPA posted:

@p51 nice pick up with the weaver Alco RS-(3?)! In that beautiful southern crescent. But it seems you have some even better plans in store for it!

Thanks. Been looking for one for a while.

I saw both of those RS3s in a scrap line at Elizabethton, Tennessee as a teenager. I don't remember ever seeing them in operation.

I built one in HO in the late 80s hut sold it when I got out of the hobby in the early 90s.

Picked up a few pre-orders and impulse items today from Legacy Station!

MTH Premier N&W J

Amoco 8000 gallon tank car. Couldn't pass it up as a good friend (and fellow forum member) @franktrain used to work for Amoco

MTH Premier Santa Fe Caboose

Lionel National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation 30th Anniversary Operating Boxcar

@RSJB18 posted:

Steve- If you're looking for a nice Alco- I just recently acquired these two beauties. Both are Lionel RS-11, command equipped. Not sure what other liveries they were made in.

@A.J.- that LIRR RS-1 is a beauty. Sure am gonna miss MTH.

Bob

Man those are sharp! I've always been a fan of RS-11s but I haven't landed on which road name. That Delaware and Hudson is looking mighty appealing though!

@mattrain posted:

Man those are sharp! I've always been a fan of RS-11s but I haven't landed on which road name. That Delaware and Hudson is looking mighty appealing though!

Just in case you need a nudge over the cliff....

@RSJB18 posted:

Just in case you need a nudge over the cliff....

Great close-ups, RSJB-18!  I love the Alcos and those are two of my favorite liveries.  You may be pushing more than one person "over the edge"!  :-)

Tomlinson Run Railroad

@TomlinsonRunRR posted:

Great close-ups, RSJB-18!  I love the Alcos and those are two of my favorite liveries.  You may be pushing more than one person "over the edge"!  :-)

Tomlinson Run Railroad

Fortunately, I’m so far over that edge that Bob’s pics barely registered (there was a slight twinge of envy)

mattrain I don't see any photographs.  Would you check on that?

Just ordered bi color LED's for my control panel.

I don’t have photos yet as it hasn’t arrived, however I have a ScaleTrains CSX 3194 ES44AC coming sometime later this month! I’ll also have a YN3b GEVO coming in March to compliment it.

Today the Mail Lady (soon to retire) delivered this Lionel 9708 United States Mail boxcar.

Over the yrs she knew many of the packages she delivered to my house were o-ga trains. Next yr she plans on retiring so I thought it would be a nice retirement gift.

For a paint project, I put in an eSnipe low ball bid on a 15" K-Line RPO car with no expectation of getting the car.   Lo and behold, after forgetting about the bid, eBay notifies me I've "won" the car.  I'm glad to have it, but it will sit for a while before I get to it.  Photo to follow when it arrives.

Well, I didn’t need another engine, but I am sort of a MEC junkie!  I couldn’t resist!
MTH scale two rail MEC F 3!
Now it’s a learning curve for me as it’s an electronic DCC loco.

Note: if DCC isn’t for me, I will put it up for sale. We will see.

Haven't posted in forever so here is my newest addition! Picked up this Lionel Legacy NYC&HR S2      (6-84507) from TrainWorld for Christmas. The detail on it is outstanding, as is the swinging bell feature 

Newest addition to the locomotive roster. All cleaned, lubed and adjusted for peak performance. Special shout out to ADCX ROB for helping to solve a performance problem for me that turned out to be a cracked wheel bushing.

About to purchase:

MTH 30-5197 - Donald Trump Bump-n-Go Trolley

MTH 30-5198 - Joe Biden Bump-n-Go Trolley

(because I don't have any trolleys - yet!)

MTH BNSF 25th Anniversary ES44AC Diesel Loco (they have six cab numbers

(have been looking for a BNSF loco to complete my collection [can I say that?] )

Currently looking to see which of my online dealers I've bought from previously has the best price. Big range of prices on these items.

Paul, for a steam and first generation diesel fan, I think that new BNSF 25th Anniversary engine looks great!  

It can’t have been 25 years already!!

Thanks @Mark Boyce for the heads up regarding the images, I made the mistake of using a private Google Photo URL rather than my web server :-) Here are the photos:

N&W 4-8-4 J

Amoco 8000 Gallon Tanker:

Santa Fe Caboose:

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation Boxcar:

They look great, Matt!

Here are some of my latest children Lol😎

Lionel Govt of Canada 3 Bay cylindrical Hopper

MTH Premier ICG N8 Caboose

MTH Premier Illinois Central Gulf 1776 The American Eagle

@mattrain posted:

Amoco 8000 Gallon Tanker:

Matt,

Some nice rolling stock. I have never seen that Amoco tank car before is it a MTH?

@franktrain posted:

Matt,

Some nice rolling stock. I have never seen that Amoco tank car before is it a MTH?

https://mthtrains.com/20-96752

Just pulled the trigger with ordering one of these aluminum castings of the builder plate of an Army steam locomotive, cast off the real one in the collection at the Age Of Steam roundhouse:

https://age-of-steam-roundhous...-builder-s-plate/302

When I get it, I'll drill bolt holes and then paint it in a graphite color as I have confirmed the originals were NOT cast in bronze in WW2 but were cast from iron instead. Darn.

I've been after this one for a while.

  #844 "in service" 1948-1952, two-tone gray, and sellers FWH.

Key Model Imports Custom Series #49.

It'll get a good clean up, a few tweaks and minor fixes . A shakedown on the test track. Then I'll decide if I want to repaint the wheels to a better looking black or do any upgrades.

Delivered to the office. Couldn't wait to do a quick inspection. Wind wings in the box.  Better pictures to come.....

Picked up this Lionel model of B&O Mikado #4500 that’s been hanging out at Trainworld since it was released back in 2017.  Have had my eye on it for at least a year and a half now and it somehow never sold so I finally pulled the trigger...really great job by Lionel, even when comparing it to the real #4500 down at the B&O museum...

Also this REA truck by Classic Metal Works that was somehow only $10 from TW...

And finally stumbled on this old K-Line by Lionel 3-piece lighted vending machine set while strolling around my LHS!

Just ordered this from Mr. Muffins yesterday. Worked for Eastman Kodak for 16 years..

Happy stimulus to me..

Jeff

Like that Kodak RS1. Was there such a thing?

cool beans!

Not sure if there was a Kodak RS1. I have heard that Kodak park had a decent fleet.  I've got the unlicensed  Kline switcher set and a few Kodak  KMT boxcars. The Engine will go good with my many Kodak Weaver tank cars.

Jeff

@Drewski1992 posted:

Here are some of my latest children Lol😎

Lionel Govt of Canada 3 Bay cylindrical Hopper

MTH Premier ICG N8 Caboose

MTH Premier Illinois Central Gulf 1776 The American Eagle

Oh, I forgot to include this one guys. This is a MTH rail king Illinois central husky stack. This was a Christmas gift from my folks this year😁

Some great Engines and cars guys! One day when I get ahead of the game and have some extra cash I need to find me a nice Steam Engine for a train I am trying to build that the wife and I road for one of our first dates!

@RSJB18 posted:

Steve- If you're looking for a nice Alco- I just recently acquired these two beauties. Both are Lionel RS-11, command equipped. Not sure what other liveries they were made in.

@A.J.- that LIRR RS-1 is a beauty. Sure am gonna miss MTH.

Bob

Appreciate that Bob! I like both RR’s, the liveries are portrayed exceptionally well. Also, the other pics of the RS-11 you posted really do a good job of showing an in-between from an RS-3 to a C628- I doubt that was ALCOs intent but that’s how I interpret it.  I do primarily run Northeast RRs- my TMCC or ps2/ps3 motive power consists of Amtrak, CSX, LV and PRR. I’d have to think it over but I really like that New Haven

Photos will be posted once it arrives, but snagged another K-Line 15" aluminum Golden State pax car this evening:  the "Golden Divan" is a blunt end observation car.  Sole bidder on this one, maybe because it's missing the drumhead.  For my purposes, this is fine since it will become the donor obs car on a streamline, lightweight UP pax train and receive a drumhead from Tomar.  This was another minimal bid I was prepared to lose because this paint project is 6 months or more in the future and these cars show up constantly.

A more impactful purchase today that will be put to immediate use:  two Sterlite 40 gallon, lockable, rolling totes for $20 each from Walmart.  They'll hold my trains under the permanent layout at the train club I recently joined, and transport them when we resume operating the traveling layout.  An important feature, my passenger cars can be stowed upright in the baseball card boxes I use making it much easier to retrieve them for use:

@HartmanW1997 posted:

Haven't posted in forever so here is my newest addition! Picked up this Lionel Legacy NYC&HR S2      (6-84507) from TrainWorld for Christmas. The detail on it is outstanding, as is the swinging bell feature

Love this buy @HartmanW1997 ! The prospect of buying an early 20th century type engine manufactured in modern day with Command features has always been in the back of my mind( that would obviously include Tinplate traditions, too). I’d love to run a Prewar Tinplate  consist(with a transition car, of course) behind something like your S-2. Ever since I saw the Lionel S-1 version at a train show and passed on it, well, I periodically check for deals but both versions go for quite a bit on eBay. If I recall correctly, the version you bought is far superior and worked out many of the kinks of its predecessor. Great pick-up man, enjoy it!

The K-Line 15" aluminum RPO purchased last week arrived today via FedEx.  I'm no expert, but it appears to be a nice representation of the prototype:  different door sizes, moveable mail hook, interior work space, etc.  It will be an excellent donor for my paint project.

Well this just arrived today, normally I stay away from ebay but I always wanted one of these

3rd Rail Pennsy N-1   

Runs good out of the box conventional

my first 3rd Rail purchase

The Menards bug bit me again... with the 15% off stuff your paper bag sale going on, I filled it up with 8 more freight cars. Glad I went now instead of later- the spring stuff is being set up

My latest haul from METCA LIONEL Milk cars

Picked up a beat up marx battery powered tin engine and a 8 wheeled marx tender Saturday since one of the venders at a flea market I go to were having a 90% off sale. Not sure what I'll do with the engine, it may become a custom, may be restored, the tender, however, will be assigned either to my 333 (until I restore the metal tender I've had awaiting restoration as well as the streamliner coaches for it) or to one of the 1666's or possibly even one of the 400's/490's with reverse.

I got all the detail parts I need to make a stock Weaver dummy RS3 into this:

I purchased these cars on EBay over the last six weeks. Each car was shipped via USPS and took around two weeks to arrive. Holiday crush!

ncdave: nice cars. I bought a passenger car on you know where Dec.9 and finally had to contact seller this week. It's stuck somewhere in the USPS system.

KC MO seems to be the bottle neck. In November it took a week for my package to go from KC MO to KC KS. This time I was expecting a package on 12/18. It arrived 1/2. It showed The status of arrival in KC didn’t change for over a week.

I may need some help here. I picked up a 3rd Rail /Sunset UP M10000 4 car passenger engine set. (3rail - O) No pictures as yet. When I got it home the set had never been taken out of their wrapping. This is my first brass anything and certainly first 3rd Rail purchase.

Do I need to do anything special with brass cars, any different lubrication, any transformer concerns?  I run an MTH 4000 with DCS, no Lionel controls, no DCC. -  OR traditional transformer control.

Thanks - will post when I know I won't short anything out when it goes on the tracks.  I also assume its scale wheels will run OK over Ross track and switches.  Jeff

I suppose I could have put this in the impulse purchase category - I could not pass up what I considered a "can't pass" price.   http://www.3rdrail.com/images/upm10ksm.pdf

Update - Scott from 3rd Rail responded to my email - A huge thank you! for responding so quickly. He told me to replace a 9 volt battery which luckily had not leaked after 15 years in storage. I'll get it on the rails tomorrow for a test run.

MTH Premier Rock & Rail GP-40.  Just taken out of the box for the first time tonight.

@pennsyfan awesome milk cars! Love the Pennsy one most, as I’m sure you do as well.

@ncdave very nice assortment of freight you got, impressive detail on those by Lionel. While I don’t run western RRs(if I would- I’d run the SP)  I really like that PFE with the UP & SP heralds! The  Pennsy PS-2 looks very similar to Weaver’s PS-2. Is that covered Gondola a 52’?

Just got my Providence & Worcester SD70 Today .. the consist is still my grandsons JD set

GRRRR!!!!  That's me being angry with myself for buying the wrong item on eBay.  Shame on K-Line for using the SAME product number for two different passenger cars that differ only in length:  15" v. 18".

I was not in a rush to buy the blunt end observation car, 4632-0479.  Heck, it'd be months before it would get any attention as the donor for a UP passenger train paint project.  But a bargain is what it looked like; and it was even missing the drumhead sign at the rear lowering its appeal to most buyers.

Lo and behold, K-L used the same product number for the larger, KCC, version which is what I received today.  I'm so disappointed with myself for not noticing the "KCC" on the box's end flap label that I haven't bothered to open the package, yet.

Definitely not "cool."

1/07 edit:  Fortunately, the seller accepts returns, so I used the eBay return process (where the buyer buys the USPS Priority Mail shipping label via eBay and PP) and just returned from dropping the package off at my local PO.  The $10 shipping charge will be a reminder of my negligence.

Pingman - I have to smile, I did the same thing a couple of weeks ago when forum members were talking about using an HO substation set. I thought that was a great idea, ordered one and when it arrived it was a transformer not the substation. Of course in my case it was very clear I had ordered the transformer. Comforting to know I am not the only one able to goof up.   

@Pingman posted:

GRRRR!!!!  That's me being angry with myself for buying the wrong item on eBay.  Shame on K-Line for using the SAME product number for two different passenger cars that differ only in length:  15" v. 18".

I was not in a rush to buy the blunt end observation car, 4632-0479.  Heck, it'd be months before it would get any attention as the donor for a UP passenger train paint project.  But a bargain is what it looked like; and it was even missing the drumhead sign at the rear lowering its appeal to most buyers.

Lo and behold, K-L used the same product number for the larger, KCC, version which is what I received today.  I'm so disappointed with myself for not noticing the "KCC" on the box's end flap label that I haven't bothered to open the package, yet.

Definitely not "cool."

@Pingman

Don't feel bad about K-Line catalog/SKU numbers being mixed up.

I wanted to purchase their Burlington Northern Die Cast Depressed Center Flat Car w/Cable Reel. Should have been their K692-1391.

Come to find out that is actually K692-1151 - which is their Rock Island Die Cast Depressed Flat Car With Transformer.

Aye!!!!!!!!!

@Pingman posted:

The K-Line 15" aluminum RPO purchased last week arrived today via FedEx.  I'm no expert, but it appears to be a nice representation of the prototype:  different door sizes, moveable mail hook, interior work space, etc.  It will be an excellent donor for my paint project.

Truly a beauty, Pingman! I have the same one sitting up on a shelf and, like you, I'm on the verge of giving it some new livery - could be R.E.X., WP, GN or even CP on my layout. Trouble is, it's so beautiful just the way it is, I almost want to qualify it in my mind by going back to the 70s, when before takeover of passenger lines was completed by Amtrak, one could see roadnames of Fallen Flags or easteen roads on western trains, etc., so mybe I'll just forgive the color discrepancy and admire it as is...

@ScoutingDad posted:

Pingman - I have to smile, I did the same thing a couple of weeks ago when forum members were talking about using an HO substation set. I thought that was a great idea, ordered one and when it arrived it was a transformer not the substation. Of course in my case it was very clear I had ordered the transformer. Comforting to know I am not the only one able to goof up.   

@Pingman posted:

GRRRR!!!!  That's me being angry with myself for buying the wrong item on eBay.  Shame on K-Line for using the SAME product number for two different passenger cars that differ only in length:  15" v. 18".

I was not in a rush to buy the blunt end observation car, 4632-0479.  Heck, it'd be months before it would get any attention as the donor for a UP passenger train paint project.  But a bargain is what it looked like; and it was even missing the drumhead sign at the rear lowering its appeal to most buyers.

Lo and behold, K-L used the same product number for the larger, KCC, version which is what I received today.  I'm so disappointed with myself for not noticing the "KCC" on the box's end flap label that I haven't bothered to open the package, yet.

Definitely not "cool."

Ugh, I hate when that happens!  I am right there with you Carl and Jeff!  In the last few months, I purchased the wrong Ross switch twice, no less.  I answered a 'Wanted to buy' post on the Forum, and sold them to a Forum member at an excellent price for him.  Now they are stuck in some USPS facility and haven't been delivered, but that's another story for another topic.  Just recently I ordered a bunch of toggle switches to turn off power to all my sidings when I want to park engines there.  I went to layout my little panel and realized I ordered switches of too low an amp rating to risk using them.  Heftier switches have been ordered.

Jeff, I was able to order the correct Walthers HO substation kit, if that is what you are referring to.  However, it seems my goof ups have outnumbered my correct purchases as of late!  Did my brain go to mush when I turned 64????

Just got this 3rd Rail Greenbrier

Mark B - yes that was the substation thread I was referring to. I was not going to return an item I goofed on so I went ahead and built it figuring I could use it somewhere. It scales to about 8 feet tall and adding the 4 foot long insulators it is 11 scale feet tall. I am not an industrial transformer guy, but this scaled to HO would be massive.  I keep learning - just because something is HO or O does not mean an HO model cannot be used in O or that an O scale/gauge model will look right.

BTW - I had to watch the switch ratings I used in my panel to isolate track. The rockers I used were rated at 10 amps and 10,000 cycles.

And - in order to avoid shipping - an eBay seller and I met in a small town half way between us (70 miles each way) to exchange the Sunset M10000 set that I could not pass up. We have both had problems with shipping.  Of course he had a bunch of Atlas Steam Classics with him - I ended up buying 4 freight cars - but not the several 3rd Rail Locos he was selling for an estate - nice engines. I don't think the collector ever opened most of the stuff let alone ran most of it.  Just a note: eBay is now using a QR code to confirm pick up so the seller has a record the item was actually delivered.     Jeff

@StevefromPA posted:

@pennsyfan awesome milk cars! Love the Pennsy one most, as I’m sure you do as well.

@ncdave very nice assortment of freight you got, impressive detail on those by Lionel. While I don’t run western RRs(if I would- I’d run the SP)  I really like that PFE with the UP & SP heralds! The  Pennsy PS-2 looks very similar to Weaver’s PS-2. Is that covered Gondola a 52’?

Steve, Yes that covered gondola is a 52’ one. The PS-2 hopper is similar to Weavers but with a lot more detail.

After reading almost all of the posts in @Jeff T thread on soldering stations, I went ahead and ordered a soldering iron tip thermometer on eBay (after consulting @gunrunnerjohn first to ask if it was worth getting!)  eBay links are verboten here, so search using this phrase if interested:

FG-100 Soldering Iron Tip Thermometer Temperature Tester LCD Display 0-700℃ BE

Lots of sellers and prices to choose from.

@ScoutingDad posted:

Mark B - yes that was the substation thread I was referring to. I was not going to return an item I goofed on so I went ahead and built it figuring I could use it somewhere. It scales to about 8 feet tall and adding the 4 foot long insulators it is 11 scale feet tall. I am not an industrial transformer guy, but this scaled to HO would be massive.  I keep learning - just because something is HO or O does not mean an HO model cannot be used in O or that an O scale/gauge model will look right.

BTW - I had to watch the switch ratings I used in my panel to isolate track. The rockers I used were rated at 10 amps and 10,000 cycles.

And - in order to avoid shipping - an eBay seller and I met in a small town half way between us (70 miles each way) to exchange the Sunset M10000 set that I could not pass up. We have both had problems with shipping.  Of course he had a bunch of Atlas Steam Classics with him - I ended up buying 4 freight cars - but not the several 3rd Rail Locos he was selling for an estate - nice engines. I don't think the collector ever opened most of the stuff let alone ran most of it.  Just a note: eBay is now using a QR code to confirm pick up so the seller has a record the item was actually delivered.     Jeff

Jeff, having worked for a power utility during the first half of my working days, 3-phase transformers can be of many sizes, as you guessed.  A transformer 11 scale feet tall with bushings 4 feet tall would be a nice size for a small substation feeding a little town or rural area.  In HO, roughly 20 feet tall with 7 foot tall bushings is quite common in large transmission stations or power stations.  Yes, I've been on top of 20 foot tall out of service transformers before doing testing.  The above is why I jumped on the Walthers HO substation.  It will look right for a small distribution station in a small town in O scale.

https://ogrforum.com/...5#153181444538896975

OK I’ll fess up. I used a KLine factory as. warehouse to depict my Son in Laws business. First I ordered 1/48 straight back trucks, when they arrived I decorated the sides with his logo; but when I put them at the loading door I didn’t like the way they looked in size or vintage. So then I  decided to go with Pup trailers. I ordered an MTH Flat with two trailers. I also ordered a 1/48 tractor. Still to big, then some one here reminded me that the KLine building wasn’t scale  DOH! I stole a Lionel pup trailer off my shelf and ordered a1/50 tractor. Finally I’m happy.

As promised here is the M10000 running.

@ScoutingDad posted:

As promised here is the M10000 running.

Very Nice. I have a Lionel original that I have been restoring. I really need to finish it and get it running.

Bob

I have a bit of dirt on my rails so the engine slipped a touch going up a 3% grade. I was going to ask about traction tires on scale wheels and then found the not so nice forum comments about why it was a stupid question. Learned another thing on this forum today - actually several.  I had thought about running my MTH Burlington Zephyr along a parallel track, but the second track has at best 054 curves and they both need 072. Next layout.

MTH Pennsy I1 decapod arrived today! My sister and I used to climb all over the 4483 in Hamburg NY when we were kids...

Opened up the tender to replace the battery as a precaution, and found it already had a BCR! Put it on the track and discovered it wouldn’t chuff and had no smoke output when moving. Popped the boiler off and found the tach tape wadded up next to the flywheel... easy fix...

@ScoutingDad posted:

I have a bit of dirt on my rails so the engine slipped a touch going up a 3% grade. I was going to ask about traction tires on scale wheels and then found the not so nice forum comments about why it was a stupid question. Learned another thing on this forum today - actually several.  I had thought about running my MTH Burlington Zephyr along a parallel track, but the second track has at best 054 curves and they both need 072. Next layout.

Jeff, I thought the M10000 ran great!!  That is the most I can remember seeing of your layout.  It is really nice looking!  The Zephyr is another really unusual but neat looking train!   I have a scale Premier GG1 that runs on 072 curves.  I just finished laying track on my layout, and all of it is 054!  Go ahead you can say it.  What was he thinking???? 

Ugh!!!  What is wrong with some of these people.  I know if you answered a question they had, you would be courteous about it.  I came from the HO and N scale world.  I had lots of things I didn't and still don't know about 3-rail O gauge trains.  To tell you the truth, I have no idea if my scale engines had traction tires or not.  I guess it shows I never cleaned my wheels. 

Have been neglecting my 2 rail O scale for a while and working on the 3 rail Lionel. So, I just bought a lot containing 16, 2 rail cars from Stout auctions. I got 13 Weaver cars and 3 older Atlas (Austria) cars for an average price of $11.45/car, including shipping. Nice cars, and most  are assembled, with weights, trucks and couplers. Got 3 gons, 5 ACF Centerflows, 4 RBOX cars, 1 PS2 covered hopper, 1 custom painted and decaled 50' tank car, and 2, Weaver NE cabooses, L&HR, custom weathered. Not a bad haul and a good price. Got lucky at the auction this time.

Ha Mark, the magic of video editing. You can see the end slow down at the end of the first clip. Also the engine appears to only have one pick up so it needs a bit of speed to clear my Ross switches. I have never  bothered to check if I had power down the center because all my engines have two pickups so no stalling. It is a nice looking unit and I really like the cloth diaphragms between cars.

I came from HO as well and 60s Lionel. I think my HOs has a rubber o-rings providing traction back then - mainly Tyco and Model Power. I hated the brass track and the problematic switching on reversing loops.  And yes my first layout was 042 because it handled the "larger" premier passenger cars. And then came the MTH Zephyr and a Premier 4449 and the rails got ripped up to provide an 072 minimum loop. Lost the reversing loop - bummer - but just not enough room.

I just started in on this hobby again about 2 years ago - steep learning curve on all the new equipment and terminology. My big one was figuring out what "HONZG" meant, "lobster claw" was pretty obvious, even though it is a relatively derogatory term. Duh!

Life's too short - have fun with what you do and let others have their fun too.

Jeff, video editing.  I'm lucky to just get the video to display.    I had 2 Tyco HO diesels years ago, late '60s-70s.  They may have had rubber o-rings.  I never cleaned or lubed them and they ran and ran.  I agree the brass track always oxidized. 

@StevefromPA posted:

Love this buy @HartmanW1997 ! The prospect of buying an early 20th century type engine manufactured in modern day with Command features has always been in the back of my mind( that would obviously include Tinplate traditions, too). I’d love to run a Prewar Tinplate  consist(with a transition car, of course) behind something like your S-2. Ever since I saw the Lionel S-1 version at a train show and passed on it, well, I periodically check for deals but both versions go for quite a bit on eBay. If I recall correctly, the version you bought is far superior and worked out many of the kinks of its predecessor. Great pick-up man, enjoy it!

Thank you for the kind words! It's a great model and Lionel really did a nice job with it. It's very different from the other locomotives on my layout (an NYC DD35A, PRR S1, and Postwar B&M GP9)  and that's why it caught my eye. I watched a few videos and compared the TMCC version on youtube with the Legacy and was also impressed with how they improved on an already great design. The fact that it can also run comfortably on tighter curves is a plus! The price can get up there though as you mentioned. TrainWorld had the best deal compared with other stores and eBay so I decided to go with them

Brand new Lionel Beer Cars - Coors #24 and Coors #26. I can't wait to get these on the layout. I pre-ordered these and my local dealer just got them late last week and I picked them up today.

Just before Christmas, I lost another of my three main lines (one had to be disassembled due to some work on the back of the layout). For some reason, my middle line flipped the breaker as soon as power was applied. With the holidays and company for about two weeks, I hadn’t been down to the layout until yesterday. I took everything off the loop... still tripped the breaker, checked the entire loop, couldn’t find anything that would cause the short... swept the track, still tripped the breaker. Finally, I started to look at the track itself and found that the drop I attached was too tight, and when I was working on the area, I must have moved the section of Fastrack where the drop was attached and one of the wires came loose and was touching the other!!! I spliced in a longer length of wire and now, I have my loop back. While I couldn’t run much for almost a month, it hasn’t stopped me from buying more trains (surprise... surprise!!!). So here is my recent haul...

First up, a Lionel 120th Anniversary Caboose - I missed these in the catalog, but a person who will remain nameless posted a pic of one here on the forum, so I had to get one!!!

It goes nicely with the latest National Lionel Train Day boxcar I picked up,from Grzyboski’s in December...

Next up, two flatcars with trailers that I forgot I ordered from the TCA...

These were a true impulse purchase... I usually don’t go in for Christmas themed cars, but since these are basically prototypical and since MTH may be going away, I ordered a set of these from Mr. Muffins - they really look cool with the LED’s!!!

Next, something to go with my growing beer train (mostly) from the NJ HiRailers... and I was amused with the age recommendation on the box

This is a Lionel 57’ mechanical reefer with generator sounds (and smoke which I will never use) - it is very nicely detailed...

Finally, another flatcar with trailers...

MUST... STOP... BUYING... TRAINS... (except the ones I have on pre-order)

@Apples55, props for tracking down the short, and those are super neat cars you recently acquired.

For myself, a plastic tote containing my stash of PW F-3 A and B unit components (chassis, trucks, e-units, etc.) that had been MIA for 20 months since my move from Georgia to Virginia was located this AM.  I'd searched for the tote several times and resigned myself that it was lost for good.  While cleaning out a storage closet  containing a bunch of recycled boxes, the moving box that had contained the tote and other train items was discovered.  Since the other train items from that moving box were present and accounted for, I searched one more time and found the missing tote on the top shelf in another closet.

The stash may end up on eBay.  Because they'd been "lost," equivalent parts were purchased during LIONEL's November 1/2 off sale.  In any case, it brought a smile to my face to discover them.

I love that Lionel 120 years Caboose. We finally got our Orange roof this time. I told myself if it matches the artwork I will get one. I usually don't buy this type of item but will have to make an exception this time.

Just got this aluminum casting of a the delivery plate off the Army 2-8-0 at the Age of Steam Roundhouse in Ohio's gift shop. Oddly, she's now painted in OD green, and I've never found any support for an Army steam engine painted that color.

They said limited run, and I jumped at one of them, having missed out in a real one that went for many hundreds of dollars...

I can't wait drill the bolt holes in the corners, get it painted (I've confirmed they went into service with flat black coatings, as mounted on the firebox) and hang it on the wall of the layout room. It'll look great as all my décor is ET&WNC or WW2 era stuff.

Nice buy Lee, You sure know how to keep things in the era you model!

@mike g. posted:

Nice buy Lee, You sure know how to keep things in the era you model!

My wife calls it obsessive...

This just showed up today, our first reefer! Good thing, they were starting to get hungry!

Paul that anniversary caboose looks fantastic.  As for the TOFCs, that DT&I with Ford pups is a definite winner.  BTW I believe I've seen you post "Must stop buying trains." before,  doesn't seem to be working out to well.

@C_Murley posted:

This just showed up today, our first reefer! Good thing, they were starting to get hungry!

That’s Cheesy lol but I like it

My wife bought this for me today at Hobby Lobby. Yes it comes with Glass now

I got my 3 MTH 031 switches today. Looks like they will be easy to cut down for my expanded yard. I need to check the rail height to tubular to see what I will need to do to match them up.

Bob

@ScoutingDad posted:

As promised here is the M10000 running.

Excellent! Nice layout too!

Growing up, one of my favorite Pentrex episodes was the great American circus and show trains video.  So in memory of that I got myself the circus world museum Bay window caboose from MTH in the Premier line.

Currently I don’t own any circus train pieces, But I thought this would be a good way to pay tribute to something that has a lot of personal meaning for me.

Plus out of all the cabooses  that I own the paint scheme on this thing is absolutely phenomenal and the graphics are killer!

Of course as you guys know or might know I’m a big sucker for anything red white and blue so if it’s red white and blue I’m going to be extremely tempted to put it on the purchase list LOL.  

Anyways guys, just thought I’d share a few photos of it with ya’ll😎

@Apples55 posted:

Just before Christmas, I lost another of my three main lines (one had to be disassembled due to some work on the back of the layout). For some reason, my middle line flipped the breaker as soon as power was applied. With the holidays and company for about two weeks, I hadn’t been down to the layout until yesterday. I took everything off the loop... still tripped the breaker, checked the entire loop, couldn’t find anything that would cause the short... swept the track, still tripped the breaker. Finally, I started to look at the track itself and found that the drop I attached was too tight, and when I was working on the area, I must have moved the section of Fastrack where the drop was attached and one of the wires came loose and was touching the other!!! I spliced in a longer length of wire and now, I have my loop back. While I couldn’t run much for almost a month, it hasn’t stopped me from buying more trains (surprise... surprise!!!). So here is my recent haul...

First up, a Lionel 120th Anniversary Caboose - I missed these in the catalog, but a person who will remain nameless posted a pic of one here on the forum, so I had to get one!!!

It goes nicely with the latest National Lionel Train Day boxcar I picked up,from Grzyboski’s in December...

Next up, two flatcars with trailers that I forgot I ordered from the TCA...

These were a true impulse purchase... I usually don’t go in for Christmas themed cars, but since these are basically prototypical and since MTH may be going away, I ordered a set of these from Mr. Muffins - they really look cool with the LED’s!!!

Next, something to go with my growing beer train (mostly) from the NJ HiRailers... and I was amused with the age recommendation on the box

This is a Lionel 57’ mechanical reefer with generator sounds (and smoke which I will never use) - it is very nicely detailed...

Finally, another flatcar with trailers...

MUST... STOP... BUYING... TRAINS... (except the ones I have on pre-order)

Very nice finds Paul! I totally agree that this is one of those hobbies that once you start buying it becomes a disease. A good disease but a disease nonetheless LOL. I was joking with someone over Christmas about that when they asked if my dad and I were going to continue buying any more trains and if there were going to be any new additions. I told them there’s always something we could get LOL

I found this really nice Lionel CN refrigerator on EBay last week at really good price. I think these steel sided refers are some of the best decorated and nicest detailed cars that Lionel has made.

@lee drennen posted:

My wife bought this for me today at Hobby Lobby. Yes it comes with Glass now

And guess what?
You can order a set of the windows directly from Atlantis! Window Set

I received this great custom run car for the Railroad Museum of Long Island (RMLI). Duck farming was a major industry on Long Island's east end during the 1900's. The car represents the prototypes that transported the feathered friends to market.

@Big Jim posted:

And guess what?
You can order a set of the windows directly from Atlantis! Window Set

Yes I have 2 sets on the way should be here any day

@RSJB18 posted:

I received this great custom run car for the Railroad Museum of Long Island (RMLI). Duck farming was a major industry on Long Island's east end during the 1900's. The car represents the prototypes that transported the feathered friends to market.

Very nice car Bob

This past Christmas, I celebrated my 20th anniversary of collecting model trains buy purchasing two locomotives that I've been wanting for a long time.  I've also purchased a corgi MCI bus for my bus station. 

Not an over the top item by any means.... I found a like new Lionel 153IR at a local antique shop yesterday for only $16.  Works like a charm.  After installing it and seeing its capabilities now for the first time, I wish I started buying them long ago.

@RSJB18 posted:

I received this great custom run car for the Railroad Museum of Long Island (RMLI). Duck farming was a major industry on Long Island's east end during the 1900's. The car represents the prototypes that transported the feathered friends to market.

Very nice car, Bob - nice crisp details and graphics. Does it come with accurate avian aroma (that would really quack me up)???

@lee drennen posted:

Yes I have 2 sets on the way should be here any day

Thanks should go to Atlantis for going the extra mile to have these windows done for this model and for making them available to those of us that have the early version without windows!

Also,
Thank you Lee for posting that your kit came with the windows! If I had not have seen your post, I would not have gone looking for them!

Jim your welcome and when buying these ones with the glass make sure to look for it on the left top side of the box. Yes they will fit your old Revell kits also. It’s best to cut the side windows in sections before installing them. I use Microscale Krystal Klear or you can use Canopy glue