Buy anything cool lately?

@Pingman posted:

Bob, that's known as model train creep -- modest expenditure (~$200-$300) becomes much, much bigger (~$2,000+).  (It's similar to how the Pentagon buys new aircraft, ships, etc. or big public works projects cost 10X more than originally budgeted.)

My buddy did something similiar:  got a super deal on a 4 car set of LIONEL Northern Pacific dome cars N/OB at Spring 2021 York never having owned any NP items previously; and, has since spent thousands acquiring two sets of ABA TMCC equipped F-3 diesels and a mix of 18 or so custom painted, LIONEL, and K-line passenger cars--all because he got a good deal on those first 4 dome cars.

WOW . I love this Carl , Mitch  and Bob.     This really gets the juices flowing for shopping. 

(  I've gotta find some way to supplement my fixed income )

On December 3rd I went to the Taylor Hose & Engine Company’s Trains, Die Cast Toys and Railroad Memorabilia Christmas Show in Taylor, Pennsylvania. It was packed!! Great little show as always. Unfortunately, this is my last train show on my calendar for this year. I picked up a Lionel Uncle Sam’s boxcar, MTH Norfolk Southern tanker, and a Lionel sign I couldn’t refuse the price on.

I picked up a new locomotive a few weeks ago too!!!! LoL $2 at Party City.

A little over a week ago I also got a Christmas cookie tin with a train on it. Pretty cool! My mom found it at Walmart I believe. Great find mom! Thanks!

@RSJB18 posted:

And the beat goes on.....

Another Reading car added to the fleet courtesy of a forum member.

You guys are a bad influence.......

Bob

Hey Paul the voices speak on Lawn Guyland also!

@coach joe posted:

Hey Paul the voices speak on Lawn Guyland also!

I've been trying to ignore the voices in my head for a long time Joe.

I'm fighting a loosing battle....

Bob

This was my Christmas present from my wife.  I had been watching this and another cylindrical hopper for some time waiting for a price drop, and Nassau Hobby put it up for a very nice price on Black Friday.  This is my first cylindrical hopper, and like all the other Lionel cars I've bought recently, I'm very happy with the level of detailing.

I tend to buy cars I don't already have since I think the grandkids are more interested in seeing unique ones whizzing by than a string of, say, ore cars (even though that is more prototypical), but I could be wrong.

LOL This latest conversation is so funny, I was packing up a car I have sold to a forum member, and I told her it was to put into the train room fund in case I need more track for my layout redo. She said I thought it might go into savings for something maybe for the house, I just smiled and walked away! LOL

Great buys everyone!

I posted these on the "Christmas Trains " thread but thought there might be some interest here.  These lithographed houses were found (they appear brand new) in a local antique mart.  They are clearly 0 gauge size and uniquely lithographed with a different scene on each of the 4 sides.  There is no product advertising outside of the scene on them at all.  Their cost was $4 each so of course I had to get all the different ones they had.  These will become part of the Christmas village when I put it together next year. The roofs are in fact 3 dimensional and thus either peaked or mansard as shown on the lithographed scene.

Best wishes and Happy Holidays

Don

Hello everyone,

  Even though I don't yet have a layout, purchasing things for it is still great fun. I have a large collection of 1:43 scale cars, so my layout will be more about scenery than tracks. That being said, since I grew up in the '70s, we all loved the movie "Smokey and the Bandit". Yeah, I still do! Anyway, since I'm planning on doing a large roadside diner, I'll need some semi trucks. I already have a black Trans Am so this was a no-brainer.

Found it on eBay by a man who customizes these trucks one at a time. It even has a Coors beer load! His eBay name is driverbob57. It's very well done and should be one of the highlights of the little world I'm creating. Hope you like it and Merry Christmas to everyone.

Tom

@WesternPacific2217 posted:

I needed to add something with fizaz to my Polar Express, so I just received these today from Train World Black Friday sale. I'm liking it! Happy Holidays!

Good thing I got the PE LionChief Plus 2.0 as it's pulling 10 cars now with electrical pickup rollers, that's a lot of drag and it has no problem. My original PE that came with the set would not be able to pull this consist.

Like you, I picked up the lighted tree car at Trainland.  This car is a perfect match for the Polar Express.  Also like you, I added the Lionel flat car with bell.

@RSJB18 posted:

And the beat goes on.....

Another Reading car added to the fleet courtesy of a forum member.

You guys are a bad influence.......

Bob

Bob your equipment is going to look like you moved to Pennsylvania.

Wow, long ago I had ordered the Lionel Erie Hobo sounds car from my dealer in Nashville, it finally arrived and I’ll post a picture with sounds as soon as I get it. I will have a good friend help me, videos are fun to do, but it helps to have help. Merry Christmas Everyone

@Tranquil Hollow RR posted:

Bob your equipment is going to look like you moved to Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania for now. Probably switch to Western Maryland next. I like to switch up what I'm running every few months.

@Just Havin' Fun posted:

Hello everyone,

  Even though I don't yet have a layout, purchasing things for it is still great fun. I have a large collection of 1:43 scale cars, so my layout will be more about scenery than tracks. That being said, since I grew up in the '70s, we all loved the movie "Smokey and the Bandit". Yeah, I still do! Anyway, since I'm planning on doing a large roadside diner, I'll need some semi trucks. I already have a black Trans Am so this was a no-brainer.

Found it on eBay by a man who customizes these trucks one at a time. It even has a Coors beer load! His eBay name is driverbob57. It's very well done and should be one of the highlights of the little world I'm creating. Hope you like it and Merry Christmas to everyone.

Tom

Nice! I have been looking for this, and figurines. I've got the SP and Trans Am cars.

Had no idea Weaver produced this neat 15" UP sleeper car until I stumbled across it on ebay recently.  Its unique upper small windows represent the prototype UP sleepers documented by @T.Albers in this amazing build thread:

https://ogrforum.com/...oenix-aluminum-shell

And it's new to me extrusion adds additional interest.  It will be a very nice addition to the donor cars being assembled for a UP City of ... paint project.  Now, if I could just find a 15" aluminum, blunt end observation car.

(click on image to enlarge)

Merry Christmas to all!  And be safe --- it's getting very cold.

I bought a postwar 634 SF switcher on EBay 2 days ago. 

@Pingman posted:

Had no idea Weaver produced this neat 15" UP sleeper car until I stumbled across it on ebay recently.  Its unique upper small windows represent the prototype UP sleepers documented by @T.Albers in this amazing build thread:

https://ogrforum.com/...oenix-aluminum-shell

And its new to me extrusion adds additional interest.  It will be a very nice addition to the donor cars being assembled for a UP City of ... paint project.  Now, if I could just find a 15" aluminum, blunt end observation car.

Merry Christmas to all!  And be safe --- it's getting very cold.

Nice find Carl, what a cool UP passenger car! thanks for posting it!

I finally found a 10th anniversary Polar Express Streamliner set! Brand new !

I've got two new add-on cars also.

It took years to find, but it was worth the wait !  🙂

@WesternPacific2217 posted:

Nice find Carl, what a cool UP passenger car! thanks for posting it!

Scott, same extrusion was used to create a Pennsylvania sleeper with anodized (shiny) finish:  ebay item:144866620385

After this purchase, found an MTH version that is very similar: item 165839453896

MTH version is smooth-sided.

Will now look for more of these Weaver Gold aluminum cars with similar ribbed roofs and sides.

Took me awhile to respond to this thread.

First regarding creep. I thought all I would ever want was an O gauge 4x8 traditional Lionel layout with all the operating stuff. None of that fancy electronics stuff. 2 or 3 engines for my grandkids to play with and some rolling stock and then poof. Nearly 40 engines later and about 100 rolling stock, Ross track and switches - I am truly stunned by what I have done/spent in the past 4 years. Most of it used except I had to have the new MTH BigBoy, my single highest dollar purchase to date. Sold the BB RailKing version I had to have until I got it and put it on my layout and was disappointed at its lack of presence. I have scrimped and saved all my life, and do not feel bad about spending a few bucks. But I am still a tightwad at heart.

@rsjb18 when I saw your post regarding the Reading hopper, I thought I have one of those, I wonder if it is a K-Line die cast? After searching the shelves I realized I did not have one, but probably was looking at one to add to the collection. I have several K-line die cast 2 bay and 4 bay hoppers. Great looking cars and a shame the company become a fallen flag. Here is my Milwaukee Road 4 bay hopper. I think the detail is really good. The cover pops off easily.

I have to go now ---  the voices want to have a conversation : )

BTW - some of you are a bad influence, (but not in a bad way), a former member ScaleRail got me hooked on the Milwaukee Road - that has been expensive! 

@Pingman posted:

Had no idea Weaver produced this neat 15" UP sleeper car until I stumbled across it on ebay recently.  Its unique upper small windows represent the prototype UP sleepers documented by @T.Albers in this amazing build thread:

https://ogrforum.com/...oenix-aluminum-shell

And its new to me extrusion adds additional interest.  It will be a very nice addition to the donor cars being assembled for a UP City of ... paint project.  Now, if I could just find a 15" aluminum, blunt end observation car.

(click on image to enlarge)

Merry Christmas to all!  And be safe --- it's getting very cold.

Hi Carl- Liked this project car - different from the usual found on Ebay. Thanks for posting it and sharing the information. I especially like the fluted ribbing on the car. I live in UP territory- Salt Lake City.  Your comment mentioning a "UP City of...paint project" resonated with me . I thought it would be fun to pass along my recent UP City of San Francisco/City of Los Angeles project I just completed awhile back. The City of Los Angeles was first- the City of San Francisco will be second. Need to complete another donor Postwar 2343-2353 chassis. The goal was to restore a trashed Lionel 2343 ABA  "the beast" with good bones but awful cosmetics.  I had saved an old set of Walthers O scale decals for years with both the City of San Francisco and City of Los Angeles combined in the packet. The decals are almost extinct now & very difficult to find in good shape not cracked from age.

So let the fun begin..many hours of tedious work - but worth it. The ABA's were stripped, painted, clear-coated to protect the paint and decals, & complete chassis and driveline overhaul. I had a early set of Williams cars which got computer scanned and color matched (grey and yellow) and pumped into spray cans at my local Superior Auto Paint store. The red midline was hand painted with a brush. Loved seeing it "alive " again and going down the layout.  So - some pictures to enjoy for everybody .

@GrandpaChooChoo- great restoration of a post war classic. Very nice!

Bob

@GrandpaChooChoo great job on the F-3s.

You should start a threaad on your great work and the UP train.  Would love to see more photos.

GrandpaChooChoo, WOW!

ScoutingDad writes:

“rsjb18 when I saw your post regarding the Reading hopper, I thought I have one of those, I wonder if it is a K-Line die cast? After searching the shelves I realized I did not have one, but probably was looking at one to add to the collection. I have several K-line die cast 2 bay and 4 bay hoppers. Great looking cars and a shame the company become a fallen flag.”

I’m sure Bob missed this, so I will presumptuously answer for him. This is a Railking 4 bay hopper from the 30-7017 Reading Freight Set. Plastic shell, metal sprung trucks and couplers, good weight for stable tracking, can handle O27 curves. As sold had a plastic coal load included.

The Texas Special set.  Got the set from a dealer who said the engine did not work, so it was priced super low.  Took a chance and the engine works fine.  Picked up the 3 car add on off EBay.  Always wanted this set with the 21 inch cars.

@Mark V. Spadaro posted:

ScoutingDad writes:

“rsjb18 when I saw your post regarding the Reading hopper, I thought I have one of those, I wonder if it is a K-Line die cast? After searching the shelves I realized I did not have one, but probably was looking at one to add to the collection. I have several K-line die cast 2 bay and 4 bay hoppers. Great looking cars and a shame the company become a fallen flag.”

I’m sure Bob missed this, so I will presumptuously answer for him. This is a Railking 4 bay hopper from the 30-7017 Reading Freight Set. Plastic shell, metal sprung trucks and couplers, good weight for stable tracking, can handle O27 curves. As sold had a plastic coal load included.

Thanks Mark.

@ScoutingDad- As Mark said it's a very nice car. Handles 027 curves without a problem too.

Bob

I purchased eight AMT passenger cars a couple of weeks ago on a Facebook Auction, they showed up earlier this week and I finally unpacked them today. I've wanted some of these for a number of years and got a great deal on these, plus the Santa Fe cars came in original boxes.

Here’s an early holiday surprise - Charles Ro shipped Lionel’s new 2022 run of the LEGACY Amtrak F40PH just in time for Christmas today!

Great detail, excellent graphics, and I love the sounds. The horn is awesome, but the CrewTalk is a very pleasant surprise! I love it!

Here’s one of my Christmas presents from the kids. It’s called traintrackr. It’s a NYC Transit map that lights up showing train positions. I still haven’t found out what the violet, blue and white lights are. It gets updates from transit.

@pennsyfan posted:

Here’s one of my Christmas presents from the kids. It’s called traintrackr. It’s a NYC Transit map that lights up showing train positions. I still haven’t found out what the violet, blue and white lights are. It gets updates from transit.

That runs the cool meter up to 100!

https://www.traintrackr.io/

@Mikado 4501 posted:

Here’s an early holiday surprise - Charles Ro shipped Lionel’s new 2022 run of the LEGACY Amtrak F40PH just in time for Christmas today!

Great detail, excellent graphics, and I love the sounds. The horn is awesome, but the CrewTalk is a very pleasant surprise! I love it!

Looks and sounds great! That horn sounds like the best KL5A in O scale! You really have my hopes up high waiting on those NPCU's!
She's gonna be waiting a long time for #9 as they discontinued the North Coast Hiawatha before I was born LOL. I like that detail though. It means its 1970-something and this locomotive is practically brand new

I didn’t buy it, but this sign was my Christmas gift

@RSJB18 posted:

That runs the cool meter up to 100!

https://www.traintrackr.io/

Thanks for the map Bob. So the color of lights match the lines and are not a status indicator. The status is indicated by movement on the line.  

@Brooklyn Corey posted:

I didn’t buy it, but this sign was my Christmas gift

COOL COREY. 

Where did this come from ? 

@mike g. posted:

LOL This latest conversation is so funny, I was packing up a car I have sold to a forum member, and I told her it was to put into the train room fund in case I need more track for my layout redo.                                                                                                                                                          ((  She said I thought it might go into savings for something maybe for the house, I just smiled and walked away! LOL ))

You bad Mike.   

( if she has left the room....................you go Mike )

Well, I just snagged the last of my BNSF locomotives -- a GE AC4400W with scale wheels and fixed pilots. I now have four GE's, two EMD's and a Genset. That should take care of things now that I was unceremoniously kicked off the Isle of Denial.

@mike g. posted:

LOL This latest conversation is so funny, I was packing up a car I have sold to a forum member, and I told her it was to put into the train room fund in case I need more track for my layout redo. She said I thought it might go into savings for something maybe for the house, I just smiled and walked away! LOL

Great buys everyone!

You are SO in the doghouse. Been there/done that.

A local antique mall find.
Being a huge fan of the midnight chief K-line/ Lionel trains I couldn’t resist these models.

Happy New Year,

Weston

@AGHRMatt posted:

You are SO in the doghouse. Been there/done that.

As the recipient of said car....I can sympathize and say.....you go Mike! 🤣🤣🤣🤣

@Dallas Joseph posted:

COOL COREY. 

Where did this come from ? 

My girlfriend said the etsy shop is called LiztonSignshop

@Weston posted:

A local antique mall find.
Being a huge fan of the midnight chief K-line/ Lionel trains I couldn’t resist these models.

Happy New Year,

Weston

I love the Black Bonnet paint scheme!  I have the K Line ABA set and have some freight cars on order.  If MTH's cars used LED's I'd order those too but not til they update.

Thanks Matt and Bob, she can't be to upset, as the money is already gone! LOL

@mike g. posted:

Thanks Matt and Bob, she can't be to upset, as the money is already gone! LOL

I know. Just jerking your chain. The wives understand what we do and don't complain as long as the bills are paid and going out to dinner once in a while isn't compromised. However, that layout extension into the master bedroom is a high-risk move.

@AGHRMatt posted:

Well, I just snagged the last of my BNSF locomotives -- a GE AC4400W with scale wheels and fixed pilots. I now have four GE's, two EMD's and a Genset. That should take care of things now that I was unceremoniously kicked off the Isle of Denial.

Haha, I was eyeing that one on the bay, but had to pass as now is not the right time to be spending more money for me. We will have to meet up sometime and run ours together as I have another one of these in a different road number.

I got this for Xmas

@bigboy25 posted:

Haha, I was eyeing that one on the bay, but had to pass as now is not the right time to be spending more money for me. We will have to meet up sometime and run ours together as I have another one of these in a different road number.

I have three of the BNSF Heritage ES44AC's. Basically, I wanted one in the 6000 series and one in the 5000 series, but the 6000's were sold out. So I bought two numbers in the 5000 series. Then one of the 6000's came up from a cancelled order and I pounced on it. I've been going back and forth about selling one of the 5000's as it's new in box.

Got these mpc Santa Fe gp9. The power unit was from the bay, and the dummy from a forum member! A little tlc to the power unit and they're running awesome. Gonna add lights to the dummy.  These hold a special place in my heart. My dad, who didn't make a lot, but darn did he work his tail off 7 days a week for us. Still managed to go to church twice a week as well. I remember when I was about 6 he came home from the hobby store with the power unit. He was so proud of that engine. We ran it every Christmas and had it on our 5x9 layout. I know she's not a top of the line Lionel engine, but it brings back a lot of good memories of him and I together. This hobby has really helped me cope with the loss of him back in November of 2020.

@Donnie Kennedy, those are really nice Sante Fe GP 9’s, and the comments about your father, working so hard for his money and his love of this diesel is heartwarming. I’m proud to hear your going to make it a prized possession and remember your fathers love of model trains. And more importantly, his being a faithful church member is awesome. God is good.  I know losing your father must be difficult, but this kind of memory will be very consoling. My father past away when I was 12, in 1956…. He gave me my start with Lionel trains, I remember him every time we run trains in my basement. Good luck restoring this really nice MPC diesel. Happy Railroading Everyone.

@IRON HORSE posted:

That M&M's billboard looks like it was sprayed on using some sort of photo process.  Very nice job and very cool car -- love the hats they're wearing -- most worthy of posting here.  I met a lady from Minnesota a few years ago at a train show and she did the same sort of photo process thing, but I lost her card.  Would you mind sharing the contact of the seller?

Mike

Hello Mike, sorry for the delayed response. Holidays have been hectic. Anyways, thanks for the compliments and interest in the custom M&Ms car. The eBay sellers name is mayascoffeeshop.

@Donnie Kennedy posted:

Got these mpc Santa Fe gp9. The power unit was from the bay, and the dummy from a forum member! A little tlc to the power unit and they're running awesome. Gonna add lights to the dummy.  These hold a special place in my heart. My dad, who didn't make a lot, but darn did he work his tail off 7 days a week for us. Still managed to go to church twice a week as well. I remember when I was about 6 he came home from the hobby store with the power unit. He was so proud of that engine. We ran it every Christmas and had it on our 5x9 layout. I know she's not a top of the line Lionel engine, but it brings back a lot of good memories of him and I together. This hobby has really helped me cope with the loss of him back in November of 2020.

Great locos Donnie. The tie to your Father makes them extra special. MPC gets frowned upon by many but they are reliable trains and will run for years to come.

I have the same loco btw.....

Bob

@Donnie Kennedy posted:

...............but it brings back a lot of good memories of him and I together. This hobby has really helped me cope with the loss of him back in November of 2020.

...............it's good to grieve , but not forever .

It's great to have those " good memories "  Don , even if we stumble across the thought of loss.

Mom and Dad and my wife of 40 years gone now ,but not when I have talks with them when I think I'm alone.   

Glad you have these engines Donnie.

Early Happy New Year to All!!! - Some additions to the Coil Car fleet. 

@DETROIT posted:

Early Happy New Year to All!!! - Some additions to the Coil Car fleet.

Good looking color combination on these cars Mr. Michigan.

Picked up this seemingly rare bird a few days before Christmas. Has been sitting on the display shelf of the local hobby shop since 2001.

@David K. Simpson posted:

Picked up this seemingly rare bird a few days before Christmas. Has been sitting on the display shelf of the local hobby shop since 2001.

David, that’s a great find and that could easily lead to a great scene. Transporting trees to the lumber yard and to other industries.

Jay

@Tranquil Hollow RR posted:

David, that’s a great find and that could easily lead to a great scene. Transporting trees to the lumber yard and to other industries.

Jay

Thanks, that’s the plan! Have a few sets of log cars ordered.

Dave, that's a beautiful engine - hard to believe it was a shelf queen for two decades.  Enjoy.

After a surprise purchase on Christmas 🎄 morning from eBay, these K-line Northern Pacific F7s arrived today.

Cosmetically they look great, and they'll be test run after inspection at the club on Saturday.

Purchased another Weaver 15" sleeper; uses the same interesting extrusion as the UP version mentioned earlier in this thread.  Will probably use it on the Texas Special train that's slowly progressing.

(click on any image to see full size.)

Happy New Year to all.

Picked up a 1992 NIB never run Delaware and Hudson 2-6-2 Loco and Tender. Also a 57 Chevy, 55 T-Bird and a Dinky Toys Rolls Royce Phantom that I'm going to call "Salty" due to it's One Eye.

Buy?  No.  Build?  Well... 

Mitch

Great buys, and great builds fellows. The hobo box car finally made it to my layout and I think Lionel did a fine job. Happy Railroading Everyone

Gorgeous car Larry. That one has been calling out to me lately.

Picked up an old PS1 AS-616. Planning to replace the electronics and repaint for Magma Arizona.

@RixTrack posted:

I got this for Xmas

This is a great gift from Santa Rix.

Where did the elves make this ?   

@Dallas Joseph posted:

This is a great gift from Santa Rix.

Where did the elves make this ?   

Proses in Europe it looks like.   A new supplyier added to my bookmarks.

Have I bought anything cool lately?  Yes, but in this instance not for myself.

Several days ago, in this thread, my train club friend was mentioned as an example of model train creep; i.e., spend a modest amount on a "great deal" then spend thousands adding on to this modest purchase.  In my friend's case, he got a great deal on four LIONEL NP full length aluminum vista domes, N/OB at Spring York 2021--$125.00.  He had no other NP trains since he began collecting trains 40+ years ago.

Since that modest purchase, he's spent a couple thousand dollars on additional K-Line, Lionel and custom painted pax cars and F unit diesels.

This is important background info since my contribution to this model train creep most recently occurred yesterday.  A new K-Line four pak of their popular NP NCL 15" aluminum cars showed up on ebay, N/OB so I "shared" the listing with him.  He'd previously purchased the two-car add-on set after @PaperTRW responded to my WTB on this forum and my friend bought them from a hobby shop in Michigan with me serving as his purchase agent.

He emailed me last night and asked me to order them for him (since he's averse to online buying)--and they are now on their way to him.

This may be a bit unusual in sequencing since he bought the two-car add-on set almost a year ago and wasn't looking for the initial four-car set. 

Truth be told, I just bought the K-Line F-7 AA set that goes with these pax cars and I already own the LIONEL TMCC F-3 ABA set for the NP NCL, and I'm in the midst of painting a set of ABA NP NCL F units using new components purchased from LIONEL during their most recent parts sale, Microscale decals, etc.

So I have my own version of model train creep.

Can't forget these guys -- a bag of 100 painted, seated figures to populate my NP NCL 10 car pax train as it nears completion.

The opportunities for humorous posing seem evident; I just hope they're of a suitable size; they're advertised as 1:50.  I'd have preferred something closer to S scale, 1/64 for my 15" aluminum cars.

One thing about LIONEL interiors, they went overboard on population control; no wonder intercity passenger trains failed.

I preordered the Base3 last Jan but as you all know there is no clear delivery date, so I grabbed a Cab1 system cheap off of Trainz.com.  This is my first command system and I'm so impressed.  I know this only unlocks a small piece of the controls for legacy engines but it is so much better than Bluetooth or the universal remotes I have been using to date!

  @Pingman posted:

Can't forget these guys -- a bag of 100 painted, seated figures to populate my NP NCL 10 car pax train as it nears completion.

The opportunities for humorous posing seem evident; I just hope they're of a suitable size; they're advertised as 1:50.  I'd have preferred something closer to S scale, 1/64 for my 15" aluminum cars.

One thing about LIONEL interiors, they went overboard on population control; no wonder intercity passenger trains failed.

I think I commuted with some of those folks back in the day

@Pingman posted:

This is important background info since my contribution to this model train creep most recently occurred yesterday.  A new K-Line four pak of their popular NP NCL 15" aluminum cars showed up on ebay, N/OB so I "shared" the listing with him.  He'd previously purchased the two-car add-on set after @PaperTRW responded to my WTB on this forum and my friend bought them from a hobby shop in Michigan with me serving as his purchase agent.

Well, Carl… I think that officially makes you a “Bad Influence”. Welcome to the club

@Tranquil Hollow RR posted:

Bob your equipment is going to look like you moved to Pennsylvania.

Oh no… we do have some standards

@Apples55 posted:

Well, Carl… I think that officially makes you a “Bad Influence”. Welcome to the club

So true; so true.

The rest of the story is that when I sent him the link to the four-car set, his initial reaction was he "already has too much NP NCL stuff."

My reply was to point out that with this purchase he'd have the complete six car set.  He replied as mentioned above and the set was purchased on his behalf.

If I was truly evil, I'd offer him the K-Line F-7s I just bought; now that would be interesting.

By all means of measurement, you are truly a bad influence, Paul.  And I'm so pleased that you are.

Finally got a passenger car for my new cliner. The seller even threw in a little something extra.

I picked up the MTH Railking Christmas 4 bay hopper car 30-7565 from Bussinger Trains in Ambler two days ago.

@Apples55 posted:

Oh no… we do have some standards

I resemble that remark.......

And I WAS one of those commuters on the LIRR back in the day.....Just missing the beer and a Marlboro....

Bob

OMG - their eyes. Familial Pituitary issues/exopthamos?  Zombie fishermen?

@DrSteveDC posted:

OMG - their eyes. Familial Pituitary issues/exopthamos?  Zombie fishermen?

It's the Zombie Apocalypses!

WS makes great stuff but they do need to work on their eye painting.

Bob

@RSJB18 posted:

I resemble that remark.......

And I WAS one of those commuters on the LIRR back in the day.....Just missing the beer and a Marlboro....

Bob

Talking about smoke and beer on the LIRR - remember Tommy's Tavern On The Tracks (the bar car on the Pt Jeff branch)?

It was part of the consist on the 5:44 PM out of Hunters Point, it was PACKED! Non -stop from Jamaica to Greenlawn, a 40-45 minute stretch.

When the doors finally opened at Greenlawn one would have thought that the car was on fire with all of the smoke coming out!

Did I see you on that car Bob?

My Northern Central Bobber caboose came in. I really like it.

@Lionelski posted:

Talking about smoke and beer on the LIRR - remember Tommy's Tavern On The Tracks (the bar car on the Pt Jeff branch)?

It was part of the consist on the 5:44 PM out of Hunters Point, it was PACKED! Non -stop from Jamaica to Greenlawn, a 40-45 minute stretch.

When the doors finally opened at Greenlawn one would have thought that the car was on fire with all of the smoke coming out!

Did I see you on that car Bob?

It's entirely possible John. I was living in Huntington with my parents at the time after High School and before getting married. I wasn't a daily regular, but the company I worked for did a lot of trade shows in the City and I would often take the train back and fourth. Mostly to Penn Station though.

My mother used to make me change clothes in the garage. Amazing when you think back to the amount of second hand smoke we all inhaled.

Bob

Back in the day, one of my aunts was married to a bartender on the LIRR. She had to meet him every payday to get his check from him while he was still sober. As a kid, I remember my mother driving her sister, and a carload of us squirming kids, before seatbelts, gunning it to get ahead of an LIRR train and beat it into the next station, where my aunt would run up the stairs, get on the train, and get off with his check, before the train doors closed. Great fun for us, but pretty pathetic if you think about it.

@Donnie Kennedy posted:

Got these mpc Santa Fe gp9. The power unit was from the bay, and the dummy from a forum member! A little tlc to the power unit and they're running awesome. Gonna add lights to the dummy.  These hold a special place in my heart. My dad, who didn't make a lot, but darn did he work his tail off 7 days a week for us. Still managed to go to church twice a week as well. I remember when I was about 6 he came home from the hobby store with the power unit. He was so proud of that engine. We ran it every Christmas and had it on our 5x9 layout. I know she's not a top of the line Lionel engine, but it brings back a lot of good memories of him and I together. This hobby has really helped me cope with the loss of him back in November of 2020.

HEY AGAIN DONNIE.

You have inspired me with your reply on this thread to have some fun on a project that I had given up on .

A rather inexpensive Lionel ( I think it was a 48045 ) that I had bought for Christmas back in the late 70s for my daughter and my then wife .

It was in bad shape in my boneyard with a missing drive wheel , missing intermediate drive gear , missing truck side plate , no maintenance,  etc. , etc.    It too had memories attached and your love of your memories convinced me to revive the ole Santa Fe.   She once again provides the ozone atmosphere I remembered.

The Santa Fe can now reside with the Santa Fe switcher 6220 that my Dad surprised us with in the 50s.

A BIG THANK YOU DONNIE .

@Pingman posted:

Can't forget these guys -- a bag of 100 painted, seated figures to populate my NP NCL 10 car pax train as it nears completion.

The opportunities for humorous posing seem evident; I just hope they're of a suitable size; they're advertised as 1:50.  I'd have preferred something closer to S scale, 1/64 for my 15" aluminum cars.

One thing about LIONEL interiors, they went overboard on population control; no wonder intercity passenger trains failed.

Try this again...

I bought 2 bags of unpainted. I need to come up with a cute blonde. Many of them will be sacrificed to my lack of skills.

@Dallas Joseph posted:

HEY AGAIN DONNIE.

You have inspired me with your reply on this thread to have some fun on a project that I had given up on .

A rather inexpensive Lionel ( I think it was a 48045 ) that I had bought for Christmas back in the late 70s for my daughter and my then wife .

It was in bad shape in my boneyard with a missing drive wheel , missing intermediate drive gear , missing truck side plate , no maintenance,  etc. , etc.    It too had memories attached and your love of your memories convinced me to revive the ole Santa Fe.   She once again provides the ozone atmosphere I remembered.

The Santa Fe can now reside with the Santa Fe switcher 6220 that my Dad surprised us with in the 50s.

A BIG THANK YOU DONNIE .

Wow. That's awesome. This is what I love about this hobby! All the great old and new memories that are made. This is a great group of quality people. Love it! Have a great new year. And thank you, and all the others for their kind words!! I'll be posting pics of the cars i got for the geeps, but once the light sockets come in for the dummy and I have time to wire them up!

I just picked this up from METCA yesterday. I have two stories not sure which is more plausible. The Farmingdale (NJ) and Southern extended their trackage rights further South. Or the engine was purchased at auction from The Panama Canal Railway.

@Pingman posted:

After a surprise purchase on Christmas 🎄 morning from eBay, these K-line Northern Pacific F7s arrived today.

Cosmetically they look great, and they'll be test run after inspection at the club on Saturday.

Ran them briefly at the club and they performed flawlessly.  The hardest part was coupling the two units together; must be a learning curve to deal with the diaphragms and tether.   Very pleased with this purchase; it exceeds my expectations.

Watch for the LIONE NP F-3s, 6-18147 (AB) and hard to find dummy A, 6-14561, in the For Sale or Trade forum shortly.

Posted a WTB for a dummy B unit since I'd rather repaint one than use K-Line's K2550-6514 that matches the AAs.

I bought my first new Lionel set in decades (since the very early 80's)

And my first MTH ever

Recently picked up a Plasticville Hospital (With all the furniture intact! In the original box!). Not sure where I like it best, if anywhere, on the layout. The white is kinda glaring and I'm not sure my small country town merits a full on hospital. I am contemplating gifting it to my Uncle, who is a doctor & a county coroner, actually. He's been a long time model railroader & railfan.

I also got a Plasticville "House Under Construction". This one is definitely staying, and might be joined by some completed houses... I have to remember to take a picture of it on the layout, because it looks great. It's incomplete, unlike the hospital, so I don't feel so bad about doing whatever with it.

I found these at Savers, my local thrift store\vice. Passed on a covered bridge and split level house of the same vintage: early 1960s if I'm not mistaken. I knew I didn't have space for the covered bridge and the split level seemed like it would look off scale to me. One of these days, I'll learn to buy everything I see and like instead of waiting and regretting it! Regardless, it was a real find!

@pennsyfan posted:

I just picked this up from METCA yesterday. I have two stories not sure which is more plausible. The Farmingdale (NJ) and Southern extended their trackage rights further South. Or the engine was purchased at auction from The Panama Canal Railway.

Bob - I’d offer a 3rd scenario, more dramatic - a runaway, all the way from Central America!!!😳😳😳

R34 Subway set. Video is on my YouTube

@Mark V. Spadaro posted:

Bob - I’d offer a 3rd scenario, more dramatic - a runaway, all the way from Central America!!!😳😳😳

Ok Mark, in that case finders keepers  

😂😂😂

I couldn’t pass this up on the bay. I wasn’t aware it existed. It originally came with tractors and trailers. My son is a NJT Engineer and this is a fitting addition. The 4300 was on the ready track so it looks good with the cars. I’m planning some loads such as rail, maybe a load of ties.

Happy New Year Everyone!

Right before Christmas I made a trip to Grzyboski’s and picked up a really nice ceramic Railroad Station and 3 short sections of tubular track. I already need to glue the one lamppost due to my clumsiness. On a side note, I’ve never seen Grzyboski’s so packed with customers of all ages! It was great! Plus they have some wonderful decorations on display. I only took one photo of the one inflatable train.

Next up is train I purchased at a local hardware store during their one day after Christmas 50% off sale! LoL

Merry (belated) Christmas Everyone!

Not something I bought but my wife was at the American Legion helping put away holiday decorations and cleaning up the storage room. This was laying in the bottom of a box and they were going to toss it so she brought it home.

I went to a few Tractor Supply stores while out over the holidays traveling. I was able to find a few different trucks but no red Mack crane truck or any bucket trucks unfortunately. I’m still very pleased with my finds all at 40% off!

@pennsyfan posted:

I just picked this up from METCA yesterday. I have two stories not sure which is more plausible. The Farmingdale (NJ) and Southern extended their trackage rights further South. Or the engine was purchased at auction from The Panama Canal Railway.

Looks at least as good as, or maybe even better than, the catalog image used for advertising, which you can see here:

https://metca.org/store.html

Stu

@NOT LionelLLC posted:

Looks at least as good as, or maybe even better than, the catalog image used for advertising, which you can see here:

Stu

They [https://metca.org/store.html] sure sell some nice trains.

@Richizzle07 posted:

I went to a few Tractor Supply stores while out over the holidays traveling. I was able to find a few different trucks but no red Mack crane truck or any bucket trucks unfortunately. I’m still very pleased with my finds all at 40% off!

Really nice for the modern layout, love the garbage truck.

Recently purchased a Lionel 2228110 Hallow's Eve LED caboose and after a bit of kit bashing she is now in German U-Boat (DAS BOOT) flotilla service.

Bought my new train roomIt is 12x32.  Needs electric, insulation, and sheetrock and it will be ready to go.  

That would be wonderful!  Enjoy your new train shed!!

The last engines of 2022. Picked these up with the help of @EricTrainMan. MTH GP 40s been looking for the dummy for some time now. This will go with my Lionel SD45 and be my road power once the layout is done.

My little people arrived today.  They're advertised as 1/50 scale, but they are huge compared to the ones Lionel used for the 15" aluminum cars. So they go back.

Used up my train budget for a while but found a 50th anniversary 6-31705 set with 5 passenger cars plus the add-on dinner.  Last catalog for this was 2002. 50th anniversary of the 1950 773 passenger set that is.

Original 1950s set was a 773, 2426 tender with Madison, Manhatten and Irvington Passenger cars.   The Saeger observation and Baggage car to match the set didn't arrive until the modern era.

The anniversary set came with TMCC, the 5 passenger cars listed above and the addon dinner car with TMCC controlled sounds.  O54 track min, not O31 as listed on the lionel site.   A few sample pictures plus some comparing the original vs the new.  Original cars were 14" with window silhouettes. Anniversary set are 18" with detailed interiors.

Had to reseat 2 passengers, fix a couple of loose light connections and all working now.  Just waiting on the correct traction tires to arrive.

Made a donation to the @mike g. layout rebuild fund.....he sent me this York commemorative car in exchange.

Thanks Mike.

@RSJB18 posted:

Made a donation to the @mike g. layout rebuild fund.....he sent me this York commemorative car in exchange.

Thanks Mike.

Hey Bob, Thanks for the donation! I can't wait to see it on your layout!

@VHubbard posted:

Used up my train budget for a while but found a 50th anniversary 6-31705 set with 5 passenger cars plus the add-on dinner.

Had to reseat 2 passengers, fix a couple of loose connections, but all working now.  Just waiting on the correct traction tires to arrive.

Sweet set… enjoy!!!

@RSJB18 posted:

Made a donation to the @mike g. layout rebuild fund.....he sent me this York commemorative car in exchange.

Thanks Mike.

Your preoccupation with all things Reading/Pennsylvania, is beginning to concern me, Bob Really nice car - really like the Savings Bond tie in (I still have a bunch of them floating around somewhere at home!!!).

@Apples55 posted:

Your preoccupation with all things Reading/Pennsylvania, is beginning to concern me, Bob Really nice car - really like the Savings Bond tie in (I still have a bunch of them floating around somewhere at home!!!).

This coming from the New York ex-pat..

Can't wait to do the same....😉😉😉

Thanks

Wow, I never knew such a gem existed.  Beautiful 50th Anniversary Special from Lionel. 

I bought this PRR caboose and sent it to Christine to redo ad PRSL. I am really happy with the result

Most of my consists start with the purchase of an engine I like and followed up by adding a variety of matching cars over time, including a caboose. Often the caboose is hard to come by or awfully expensive. At York in the Fall, I found a Montana Rail Link Atlas extended vision caboose that I had on a "want to buy" list. Last Saturday, just for the heck of it, I did a search on Rutland rolling stock and a MTH Premier Rutland (#50) extended vision caboose popped up for $35. I bought it and got it today. Needs a bath, but I just don't see that many Rutland caboose for sale so I'm happy to get this one.  Ironically, someone else has the same version in #57 up for auction right now.  When it rains it pours?  I saw somewhere warm water and dish soap is good for cleaning the shell using a soft toothbrush. Disassembled of course.

The LC2 Genesis Set is arriving tomorrow! Hope those long passenger cars can make it around my tight curves….

@Mooner posted:

Most of my consists start with the purchase of an engine I like and followed up by adding a variety of matching cars over time, including a caboose. Often the caboose is hard to come by or awfully expensive. At York in the Fall, I found a Montana Rail Link Atlas extended vision caboose that I had on a "want to buy" list. Last Saturday, just for the heck of it, I did a search on Rutland rolling stock and a MTH Premier Rutland (#50) extended vision caboose popped up for $35. I bought it and got it today. Needs a bath, but I just don't see that many Rutland caboose for sale so I'm happy to get this one.  Ironically, someone else has the same version in #57 up for auction right now.  When it rains it pours?  I saw somewhere warm water and dish soap is good for cleaning the shell using a soft toothbrush. Disassembled of course.

My same problem with Reading equipment has been well documented over the past couple of pages.

A Rutland caboose is on my list. Your's is very nice. Soap and water is a good plan for cleaning the shell.

Bob

This has been a year when I've had to increase the discretionary budget several times.  Sometimes I just can't pass up on a good deal for something I never thought I wouldn'tm own.  I found both on the bay with a Make Offer.  I made a reasonable offer for both the red and the blue Lionel Commodore Vanderbilt.  To my surprise, the seller accepted.  I now have all three Lionel Commodore Vanderbilts, the Gray, the Red, and the Blue.

A N & W A is somewhere between Lionel, Mr Muffin, and Harry Heike. Invoice paid; maybe we will see it next week.

Ordered a bunch of retaining walls, tunnel portals, and other stuff from Scenic Express and the last made it into the train room yesterday.

That’s about it.

@GregK posted:

The LC2 Genesis Set is arriving tomorrow! Hope those long passenger cars can make it around my tight curves….

Snuck it in the house after UPS dropped it off...have to open it after the wife goes to sleep later.

We were at Menards in Watertown, SD buying seeds & planting soil today & I thought a new dump truck would be a nice compliment to our purchases !       It’s too clean & shiny, but it’s a good starting point for some weathering, etc.

@Bill Webb posted:

A N & W A is somewhere between Lionel, Mr Muffin, and Harry Heike. Invoice paid; maybe we will see it next week.

Ordered a bunch of retaining walls, tunnel portals, and other stuff from Scenic Express and the last made it into the train room yesterday.

That’s about it.

I hear you; my PRSL is somewhere between the latter two.

@FrankRazz posted:

  Sometimes I just can't pass up on a good deal ......

.............seems like this could be  our mission statement for a lot of us on the OGR forum Frank .

Came home from the club with more than I brought to the club… you know… good deal, can’t pass it up… pre-bachmann Williams Alco FA A-A set like new for cheap! Only issue was burnt out headlights, but I actually had a couple bulbs in my parts bin!

Last month my C-Liners arrived, followed by the Vision Line Class A & Hog cars.  Not great video, but it works. 

C-Liners & Hog Cars

Class A & Hog Cars

@Steaming Jon posted:

Came home from the club with more than I brought to the club… you know...........................…                                  ..".good deal, can’t pass it up " .....( Another testimony to the MISSION STATEMENT     )

Just when I thought I had all three Commodore Vandibilt engines made by Lionel, Gray, Blue, and Red, I found another different one on the bay.  This is the Gray Commodore labeled "WEATHER" on the set box.  Again, I made a reasonable offer and this Weathered Vanderbilt will soon join its other namesakes in the roundhouse.

I won't mention one other CV you need. Ok I will. Niel Young did one in rainbow colors for his I believe His Vapor Records.

@Dave Nichols posted:

I won't mention one other CV you need. Ok I will. Niel Young did one in rainbow colors for his I believe His Vapor Records.

Dave, The Neil Young Commodore was a one-of-a-kind custom-painted engine for Neil Young.  When Neil Young auctioned off his collection, the rainbow Commodore sold for $10,000 back in 2017.  I can always paint my gray Commodore in Rainbow colors. doubt if I would get $10,000...

Another Trainmaster seemed like a good idea, but I wanted a dummy unit.  These are hard to find but this powered unit showed up online in the iconic JCL orange & blue scheme - for a “too good to pass up” price, so FedEx just dropped it off this morning.  Looks like it’s never been run.  Don’t know much about the mfr/importer but I like the engine !

Rich in SD

I just took delivery of Mr. Muffins custom rum ex MTH now Lionel PRR ALCo RS27.

You probably cant see it but Lionel did up the details a bit by having the Grab rails separately applied rather than MTH moded in Grab rails an adding marker lights. It would have been really nice if there was a see thru radiator grill with simulated cooling fan.

Rich, that is a Samhongsa (I know that’s not the correct spelling) but that is a terrific engine that will last a lifetime.

Picked up the Donald Trump 2024 50'double door box car at Just Trains yesterday.Very sharp looking as well.

@prrhorseshoecurve posted:

I just took delivery of Mr. Muffins custom rum ex MTH now Lionel PRR ALCo RS27.

You probably cant see it but Lionel did up the details a bit by having the Grab rails separately applied rather than MTH moded in Grab rails an adding marker lights. It would have been really nice if there was a see thru radiator grill with simulated cooling fan.

I’ve had the rs-27 on my wish list since they were announced. Is the space between the frame and body as noticeable as it was with the sd70 mac?

Gene

@trestleking posted:

Another Trainmaster seemed like a good idea, but I wanted a dummy unit.  These are hard to find but this powered unit showed up online in the iconic JCL orange & blue scheme - for a “too good to pass up” price, so FedEx just dropped it off this morning.  Looks like it’s never been run.  Don’t know much about the mfr/importer but I like the engine !

Rich in SD

Rich,

The Trainmaster is a Custom Trains engine produced by Frank and Jack Rash in the 1980s-1990s in Wilkes-Barre, PA. They also produced freight cars and other rolling stock under the Frank's Roundhouse label. As Rod said, they used Samhongsa running gear; the shells were blank shells that they painted. The inside of the shells could be marked "Williams Reproductions LTD" (usually, but not always, scratched out) or "Custom Trains." The end of the box should have a label identifing it as stock number SA-1003 (although some of the boxes I have do not have labels; they've probably fallen off) and the road numbers would be 2342, 2343, or 2344.

An excellent site for information and pictures of the Frank's Roundhouse line is the Robert's Trains web site:

https://www.robertstrains.com/Frank.htm

Click on the Trainmaster pictures for two pages of info on them. Again, as Rod said, they are great engines. I had Gunrunner John upgrade one of mine (SA-1017 PRR 8700) to TMCC. It's a great runner.

Regards,

Bob

This isn’t a Legacy product, and I don’t really own any “premium” stuff to compare with, but I think this set is really spectacular for what it is. Really impressed.

@GregK posted:

This isn’t a Legacy product, and I don’t really own any “premium” stuff to compare with, but I think this set is really spectacular for what it is. Really impressed.

Greg,

That really IS cool!  I’ve wanted an O gauge Amtrak set for years but don’t have the space, so I recently bought a Kato N gauge set (from a Forum sponsor).  

I’m impressed that the Lionel set you got has a cab car.  What a great addition to the usual coaches.  Enjoy running it.  The Genesis consists look awfully sleek in any scale.

Tomlinson Run Railroad

@GregK posted:

This isn’t a Legacy product, and I don’t really own any “premium” stuff to compare with, but I think this set is really spectacular for what it is. Really impressed.

A great example why this toy train hobby is so much fun. An individual does not have to purchase high end products to be impressed. There is enjoyment at all price points.

At 18” the passenger cars are enormous for O36 curves but they run. Now I might need the coach two pack to fill out the consist… and maybe another Genesis in one of those nice anniversary paint schemes. 😂

Arrived the other day, the MTH repro of the American Flyer Wide Gauge Switch Tower. Will be used on The VintageHubby’s new WIDE GAUGE/STANDARD GAUGE Basement Layout.

Arrived the other day. Two of three ordered Wings Of Texaco diecast aeroplanes. To be flying from the ceiling for The VintageHubby’s new WIDE GAUGE/STANDARD GAUGE Basement Layout.