Buy anything cool lately?

Parts order from Lionel.

Board is for a future 44 tonner upgrade
EC's will go in the BEEP I'm working on now
speakers are for stock.

Got the Lionel 50% off parts sale too!

Bob

Yes, I did!

Encountered a good deal on a Legacy Dreyfuss last week and took the plunge, although it was 'well out of the budget'. Told myself that I will trim a few items from the roster to cover this one. This is the 1st "new" locomotive I've purchased in years. It has very little track time and obviously no warranty but the seller (a very nice lady here on OGR) had given her a test run. It started moving last Friday from Long Island but got held up over in the eastern Greensboro NC area for a day or two due to the damage to I-40 from the storm. I had a few anxious moments as the shipping updates kept changing with an "unknown delivery".  She finally showed up yesterday but I still had no power and no lights so I refrained opening the box until the power came back on late last night. She's a beauty!

Have not previously owned a steamer with the PT tender and I like the Boxpox drivers as they are visually different from the Scullins on my MTH Hudson. Ahh.. variety!  Lol.

Composed a shot reminiscent of Lionel's beautiful art deco poster for their Smithsonian Hudson years ago. Whaddaya think?

She looks pretty good with MTH's 72' RPO. Funny how much the light affects and plays into what this locomotive looks like.

Absolutely gorgeous C Sam.  It's good to hear you've got your power back .  I hope that was the worst of it for you.

Thanks Joe, appreciate the kind comments sir! The most difficult was throwing away EVERYTHING in the fridge/freezer yesterday after a week of no power - 3 bags shrimp, 4 bags of fish filets, 2 packs of deer meat and some Louisiana crawfish tails that I've been 'saving', lasagna, vegetables, and a plethora of other foods like 2 packs of bacon, a large piece of salmon, eggs etc. Had just made a grocery run before I left to help some friends prepare for the storm down the mountain where I became stranded for 4 days! Aaarrgh...

@c.sam posted:

Yes, I did!

Encountered a good deal on a Legacy Dreyfuss last week and took the plunge, although it was 'well out of the budget'. Told myself that I will trim a few items from the roster to cover this one. This is the 1st "new" locomotive I've purchased in years. It has very little track time and obviously no warranty but the seller (a very nice lady here on OGR) had given her a test run. It started moving last Friday from Long Island but got held up over in the eastern Greensboro NC area for a day or two due to the damage to I-40 from the storm. I had a few anxious moments as the shipping updates kept changing with an "unknown delivery".  She finally showed up yesterday but I still had no power and no lights so I refrained opening the box until the power came back on late last night. She's a beauty!

Have not previously owned a steamer with the PT tender and I like the Boxpox drivers as they are visually different from the Scullins on my MTH Hudson. Ahh.. variety!  Lol.

Composed a shot reminiscent of Lionel's beautiful art deco poster for their Smithsonian Hudson years ago. Whaddaya think?

She looks pretty good with MTH's 72' RPO. Funny how much the light affects and plays into what this locomotive looks like.

She's a beauty Sam. Glad you (and the engine), made it through the storm safely.

Bob

@pennsyfan posted:

I just picked this up from METCA, I already have volumes 1 & 2.

Bob,

  I got my copy today and it is just spectacular. Most likely, the only typo, a minor one, with this wealth of highly detailed, Lionel info was Bruce in the Acknowledgements misidentified me as "Jim" which is fine...just glad to be a tiny part of this book's success.

Every prewar Lionel fan should try to pick this great book up for your library, you'll love it.

Tom (also will answer to Jim!)

@PRR8976 posted:

Bob,

  I got my copy today and it is just spectacular. Most likely, the only typo, a minor one, with this wealth of highly detailed, Lionel info was Bruce in the Acknowledgements misidentified me as "Jim" which is fine...just glad to be a tiny part of this book's success.

Every prewar Lionel fan should try to pick this great book up for your library, you'll love it.

Tom (also will answer to Jim!)

METCA has a supply of them. Anyone interested can send me an Email.

"Buy" and "make".  A scale flat car made using a tank car frame.  Lots of grinding down the tank supports, but it's something that someone could have made in the 1940s with available parts.

@cbq9911a posted:

"Buy" and "make".  A scale flat car made using a tank car frame.  Lots of grinding down the tank supports, but it's something that someone could have made in the 1940s with available parts.

That 's the Hobbie, to build what you want from what you can get

Picked up another MTH Map Cylindrical Hopper from Grzyboski’s. Unlike most of these hoppers, this one shows the route of the NYC Empire State Express from New York City to Buffalo.

Went to the other end of the K-line spectrum from my last post with an almost complete “Route of the Rockets” MP-15 powered starter set from Facebook Marketplace…

I want the engine and caboose, and I plan on passing the cars along to my nephew…

Bought some prewar steamers at a show at very attractive prices!!
225E with 2 wheel metal tender

226E with 3 wheel metal tender

2 beautiful engines/tenders that are 85 years old. Both run like a clock- perfect.

@Steaming Jon posted:

Went to the other end of the K-line spectrum from my last post with an almost complete “Route of the Rockets” MP-15 powered starter set from Facebook Marketplace…

I want the engine and caboose, and I plan on passing the cars along to my nephew…

Is that the Chattanooga Choo choo

I stumbled onto this tin barn at Hobby Lobby last week. Makes for a nice looking Christmas structure plus you get a puzzle inside to boot. It was 50% off, so, I couldn't pass it by. Measures about 4.25" X 8".

Two boxcars.  The GGYV&N, formally the Great Gulch, Yahoo Valley and Northern, was Al Kalmbach's layout from the 1930s.

@Big Jim posted:

I stumbled onto this tin barn at Hobby Lobby last week. Makes for a nice looking Christmas structure plus you get a puzzle inside to boot. It was 50% off, so, I couldn't pass it by. Measures about 4.25" X 8".

That is a great piece, however I was ready to give you a ration, by picturing it behind the box.  glad you carried Through, To bad you can't get the old "Log Cabin" Syrup can go with it.  Yeah, I know I'm showing my age, but I can't remember if it would be in a close enough scale

@Guttersnipe posted:

Is that the Chattanooga Choo choo

It’s the route of the rockets…

I don't know if this fits the specific definition of this thread, but I just put this together after having it safely stored for a little over 20 years. I thought the plasticville stuff was snap together and a little glue. This was far from that experience. Anyway, I think it will look good on the new layout.

Paul

@Railrunnin posted:

I don't know if this fits the specific definition of this thread, but I just put this together after having it safely stored for a little over 20 years. I thought the plasticville stuff was snap together and a little glue. This was far from that experience. Anyway, I think it will look good on the new layout.

Paul

I've got one of those Plasticville Pedestrian Overpass kits and two from another manufacturer stored away also.  Just waiting for a layout design to gel in my head to see where or how they may be used.

@Big Jim posted:

I stumbled onto this tin barn at Hobby Lobby last week. Makes for a nice looking Christmas structure plus you get a puzzle inside to boot. It was 50% off, so, I couldn't pass it by. Measures about 4.25" X 8".

Wow, Christmas stuff already 50% off!  Retailers really rush the Holidays.  I've seen puzzle tins like that before in all sorts of stores around the Holidays and usually post them on the forum when I see them since several members employ such tins on their layouts for structures.

@Apples55 posted:

Picked up another MTH Map Cylindrical Hopper from Grzyboski’s. Unlike most of these hoppers, this one shows the route of the NYC Empire State Express from New York City to Buffalo.

Just beautiful!  I should have started buying those map hoppers years ago but never pulled the trigger .  Now there are some specific ones I would like to have but prices have just gotten too high for me.  This one may pull me in.

Got my Triplex from Mr. Muffen's, it's about 95%.  It has one class light out, so I'll have to deal with that.  However, all the other stuff works fine.

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

Got my Triplex from Mr. Muffen's, it's about 95%.  It has one class light out, so I'll have to deal with that.  However, all the other stuff works fine.

John - she's a beauty. Just stunning. I have the MTH RK version from many years ago and it is my favorite steamer. Enjoy.

Paul

@Railrunnin posted:

John - she's a beauty. Just stunning. I have the MTH RK version from many years ago and it is my favorite steamer. Enjoy.

Paul

I always liked the Triplex, but I just never pulled the trigger.  This one pushed me over the edge!

Just got my Halloween Triplex. I am beyond happy. This is one beautiful looking engine. It combines charm, special sounds and great detail.

These two Canadian Pacific Kansas City Premier Cylindrical Hoppers arrived today from the good folks at LOTS (why LOTS is using MTH Premier cars is beyond me ). Each car has two system maps - Canada/US and US/Mexico. They appear to be a bit larger than the Rail King versions I have. Great graphics and I’m very happy that they kept the CP beaver in the joint logo.

@coach joe posted:

Just beautiful!  I should have started buying those map hoppers years ago but never pulled the trigger .  Now there are some specific ones I would like to have but prices have just gotten too high for me.  This one may pull me in.

Joe;

My local bad influence of choice still shows a couple of the ones I acquired recently as “in stock”…

Yes bought 221 in close to mint condition. Beautiful little girl.  Black with whistling tender

The Bad Influence has a bad influence?  Whoda thunk?

@Apples55 posted:

Joe;

My local bad influence of choice still shows a couple of the ones I acquired recently as “in stock”…

Paul- Just think of the road trips you could take with all those maps.........

Hard to fold 'em up and put 'em in the glove box though.......

@coach joe Everyone has a mentor/ bad influence..... Although, I see nothing bad about buying more trains.

Bob

@Railrunnin posted:

I don't know if this fits the specific definition of this thread, but I just put this together after having it safely stored for a little over 20 years. I thought the plasticville stuff was snap together and a little glue. This was far from that experience. Anyway, I think it will look good on the new layout.

Paul

Looks good Paul, that is probably the one exception in P’ville’s line.

@RSJB18 posted:

Hard to fold 'em up and put 'em in the glove box though.......

Bob

Engineers don’t need roadmaps. 😎

@coach joe posted:

The Bad Influence has a bad influence?  Whoda thunk?

@RSJB18 posted:

Paul- Just think of the road trips you could take with all those maps.........

Hard to fold 'em up and put 'em in the glove box though.......

@coach joe Everyone has a mentor/ bad influence..... Although, I see nothing bad about buying more trains.

Bob

Gentlemen;

I don’t think you fully grasp the whole “bad influence” thing. There are two levels of bad influencers… first there is the corporate type (as in the numerous sponsors of this fine forum) and then there are the more numerous individual influencers (as in the members of this fine forum such as myself)

And, Bob, you’re giving away your age with that folding a map and putting it in the glove box comment. I was just lamenting to my ex-mother-in-law the other day that you can’t fine travel maps anymore. I find that the GPS  doesn’t show you a large enough area to get a good feel for where you are

@pennsyfan posted:

Engineers don’t need roadmaps. 😎

@Apples55 posted:

Gentlemen;

I don’t think you fully grasp the whole “bad influence” thing. There are two levels of bad influencers… first there is the corporate type (as in the numerous sponsors of this fine forum) and then there are the more numerous individual influencers (as in the members of this fine forum such as myself)

And, Bob, you’re giving away your age with that folding a map and putting it in the glove box comment. I was just lamenting to my ex-mother-in-law the other day that you can’t fine travel maps anymore. I find that the GPS  doesn’t show you a large enough area to get a good feel for where you are

I heartily concur and keep meaning to obtain and carry a road atlas with me from now on.

I tried to add a comment to my posting about hitting the mother lode as l am embarrassed that the caboose was not brass as described, but the kit model, assembled but damaged.  (I certainly had not heard of an O brass model of a caboose, but ...) not aware of O brass historical list.   Trying for a return...

I just received this Lionel Operating Train Society exclusive CPKC map hopper car set that shows the whole Canadian Pacific system map on both cars combined.  These are MTH Premier cars.  What a beautiful set!  I'm a member of L.O.T.S. so I would be doing the club a disservice if I didn't say join the club and get your set!  They have awesome conventions that are so friendly and welcome everyone with open arms, including lone wolf operator/collectors like me.

I just got 2 of Lionel's new ES44s in the Norfolk Southern livery. Here they are paired up with an older version of the ES44 sporting the Central of Georgia heritage scheme. I have to say Lionel did a nice job with these.

Finally got my Lionel Legacy A5 from Mr. Muffins’s. Well worth the long wait. It ran perfect out of the box. This engine is incredibly detailed! Lionel did a great job on the retooling.

Gene

Got my first Legacy engine, the Lionel A5 0-4-0. I already had a ton of Pennsy engines so went with the US Army one and it's quickly become a favorite of mine, especially with it's alternate whistle option that is literally just an air raid siren. Looks great with the random assortment of US army cars I have, but now I gotta buy more tanks!

@IRON HORSE posted:

I just received this Lionel Operating Train Society exclusive CPKC map hopper car set that shows the whole Canadian Pacific system map on both cars combined.  These are MTH Premier cars.  What a beautiful set!  I'm a member of L.O.T.S. so I would be doing the club a disservice if I didn't say join the club and get your set!  They have awesome conventions that are so friendly and welcome everyone with open arms, including lone wolf operator/collectors like me.

Received mine today. Look awesome.

Will be checking them out on Wed.

A couple of new additions to the roster..

First up, ANOTHER MTH MAP Cylindrical Hopper (this one thanks to @Beth Marshall-The Public Delivery Track. And this is doubly delightful since the P&LE was part of the NYC System!!!

And, since “it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas” (we’ve got freeze warnings for tonight!!!)… bought a set of these really cool cars a couple of years ago, couldn’t resist getting another set when they recently announced them. Love them LED’s!!! Looks like I’ll have a neat Christmas train this year.

Paul,  very nice haul where did you get the Christmas box cars?

Jay

Thanks, Jay. I got the cars (30-70131) from Grzyboski’s - the fact that they are about 35 minutes away saves on shipping, but is a major temptation

Funny, was just going to search for this thread and there it was - right on top!

At Train Club last evening I got to talking with one of the newer members and American Flyer came up. "I have a ton of it" he said so I pulled out my phone to show him some of my recent acquisitions that a friend gave me when he left town recently to go back to Niagara Falls to live with his brother. He left everything behind as his health was failing and he said "It's time to put this away."  Too bad too as he was a real asset to the hobby in general and loved to pick up and rebuild old trains and toys. He enjoyed working with children and try to ignite a love of trains to them. We miss you Torby!

I'm now going through 15-20 boxes of Gilbert Flyer 'stuff' including pieces 'n parts of a dozen+ locomotives (332 Challenger & 325AC Hudson) cars, and accessories. He also liked and handles a lot of MARX that I am completely ignorant of. Was telling new member Jim about all this and he offered to trade me some green heavyweights  for a like new Flyer Water Tower in the box. He invited me over today to see his 'stuff'.  The fella truly has STUFF!  Lol.  He has an overabundance of Flyer, HO, Lionel, MTH, some K-Line and a lot of 2 rail O scale. Most in boxes and tubs. He'll be over soon to select a few things to add to the water tower for a fair trade.

Sent me home with these very nice 900 series Heavyweights with the boxes for the 3 larger cars. No box for the baggage.

Now I have a very nice restored 326 Hudson, 2  No.312 PRR  K5's and a pair of red New Haven passenger cars. A whole box of mostly common cars and a few I was not familiar with. I started with Flyer from Santa Christmas 1949. PRR  No.310 K5 freight set.

WOW Sam that is quite the haul! I am sorry to hear that it is because of your friend moving! It must be an honor to have him trust and respect you so much for such a wonderful gift!

Here is my great find at York yesterday. It was in dollar box. Other than missing one truck it’s perfect. @trumpettrain Sorry I beat you to a WM item Pat. But I lie my big find was this MARX set.
https://ogrforum.com/topic/733...4#186129109999855324

From York. The RMT PS-1 Boxcar. This is my first RMT product. I'm impressed! For $35 this is a real deal.

You should keep the doors locked on that boxcar!

Nice looking car.

Tom

PRR I1 Hippo scratch built outside third rail. No it isn’t proto48 lol!!

@Dennis Holler posted:

PRR I1 Hippo scratch built outside third rail. No it isn’t proto48 lol!!

I believe with the right back ground you could not tell that from the real thing, very nice

Bought at York a Lionel 1666 at a good cost. Already I've taken it apart to clean it up ,lube and replace brittle e unit wires. She's an old lady but still has her unique beauty. Also an early 736. That too now apart and will be reborn soon.

Grabbed this rare Limited Edition PS-2 New Jersey Zinc Covered Hopper. The car was made in 2008 by Lionel exclusively for The Sterling Hill Mining Museum In Ogdensburg, NJ In 2008. Apparently only 300 cars were produced, and extremely hard to find.

I bought this from Brady's Train.  I was looking for a PRR boxcar I didn't have, and this one fit the bill.  It's a Lionel 84895 X31 with a rounded roof.  It has very nice detailing, but the problem is the color.  It is very, very red-ish compared to the red-brown for PRR that I'm used to.  A recent PRR purchase is here, and the color difference is obvious.  I still like this one though because of the 'S' on the sides.  I found out that indicates it's a 'store' car to carry PRR equipment from place to place.  The other thing that was interesting is the little letters, 'L' and 'R', on the sides of the door.  You can see the 'L' in this picture (to the left of the opening, a little above the bottom door frame).  The 'R' is on the other side.  I hadn't seen that before.

York purchases; pictures to follow:

• American Flyer 435 O scale 4-6-2.
• Southern streamliner passenger cars (7) by Weaver.
• Lionel Chessie 2-8-4.
• Williams Great Northern Train Master shell.
• MPC clone of the 665 Hudson.
• Williams freight cars, with junker Lionel cars to provide trucks.
• Harry Potter 4-6-0 and train.  Cars are going to be relettered for Sodor Railways.
• Fleischmann HO freight cars to go with my Penn Line Northern Pacific F7 A-B-A.

Thanks to the York effect, I was able to get a new to me item.  A 1948 Baby Ruth X6454 boxcar.  Just one more X6454 to go....

What is the York effect?  Something I noticed over the last few years.  When York is running, bidders at auction sites are reduced.   It helps the remaining budget buyers to win a few things.  Some auction sites even avoid auctions during York week. 

Still waiting for the 3512 fire car body with no broken bits I obtained during the York effect.  Crossing fingers no bits get broken in shipping.  Then I can have a complete, nothing missing or broken PW 3512. 

@VHubbard posted:

Thanks to the York effect, I was able to get a new to me item.  A 1948 Baby Ruth X6454 boxcar.  Just one more X6454 to go....

What is the York effect?  Something I noticed over the last few years.  When York is running, bidders at auction sites are reduced.   It helps the remaining budget buyers to win a few things.  Some auction sites even avoid auctions during York week.

Still waiting for the 3512 fire car body with no broken bits I obtained during the York effect.  Crossing fingers no bits get broken in shipping.  Then I can have a complete, nothing missing or broken PW 3512.

Are you collecting all variations, e.g., colors?

@VHubbard posted:

Still waiting for the 3512 fire car body with no broken bits I obtained during the York effect. ....

I got the 3512 fire car.  It was missing many parts but no plastic broken

Between 2 cars I got one, unbroken, complete car!  Along with a future 3D printing catalog submission for the 3512-58 lantern.

Here is the video

3512 repair notes

Just picked this up. Have more pictures in the picture sub forum

York purchases.  The Flyer 435 4-6-2 has been repainted.

Fall fish dinner at St. Joseph in Force Pa. with Charlie and then went up to his VFM.   Hmmm.......

......RK ps3 WM Pacific followed me home.

Have agreat weekend everyone ....God Speed.

@Dallas Joseph posted:

Fall fish dinner at St. Joseph in Force Pa. with Charlie and then went up to his the VFM.   Hmmm.......

......RK ps3 WM Pacific followed me home.

Have agreat weekend everyone ....God Speed.

Don’t you just hate when that happens. It’s happened to me numerous times and I don’t know how to prevent it in the future. However, since it’s there you should allow it to stay.

Jay

@Tranquil Hollow RR posted:

Don’t you just hate when that happens. It’s happened to me numerous times and I don’t know how to prevent it in the future. However, since it’s there you should allow it to stay.

Jay

I'm thinking it will stay Jay.     The WM has been making friends with my B&O Heavy Pacific.

I didn’t attend York last weekend, but I feel like I did…

So, on Saturday morning, I checked out @MrMuffin'sTrains auction and what did I behold but the Lionel Pennsy Trail Blazer 18” passenger car 2-pack from 2005. I picked up a NOS 4-pack set a couple of years ago, so these were a great addition. And maybe because everyone was at York, I was the only bidder!!!

And while I was researching the 2 coach set, I noticed that there was also a SoundStation Diner for the set. So, against my better judgment, I did a bit more research and what did I find but a NOS Diner from the eBay sight of forum sponsor @Scott@Trainz. So now I have a complete Trail Blazer… just have to decide which engine to run them behind. Due to the heft of all the 18” aluminum cars, something tells me I’ll need the GG1.

For this last item, I must thank/blame @Putnam Division… just before York, Peter posted a picture of an unusual car - I asked about it’s provenance and he said that it was an old K-line milk car. And, as if that wasn’t enough info, he had to tell me they also made an OJ version. So on the hunt I went and found one of the OJ cars at Grzyboski’s. I waited till after York to pick it up. It is definitely unusual - almost like two tanks on a flatcar. Thanks Peter!!!

And just think about the money you saved on gas and tolls. And, that definitely needs a GG-1 in the lead.

Jay

@Apples55 posted:

I didn’t attend York last weekend, but I feel like I did…

So, on Saturday morning, I checked out @MrMuffin'sTrains auction and what did I behold but the Lionel Pennsy Trail Blazer 18” passenger car 2-pack from 2005. I picked up a NOS 4-pack set a couple of years ago, so these were a great addition. And maybe because everyone was at York, I was the only bidder!!!

And while I was researching the 2 coach set, I noticed that there was also a SoundStation Diner for the set. So, against my better judgment, I did a bit more research and what did I find but a NOS Diner from the eBay sight of forum sponsor @Scott@Trainz. So now I have a complete Trail Blazer… just have to decide which engine to run them behind. Due to the heft of all the 18” aluminum cars, something tells me I’ll need the GG1.

For this last item, I must thank/blame @Putnam Division… just before York, Peter posted a picture of an unusual car - I asked about it’s provenance and he said that it was an old K-line milk car. And, as if that wasn’t enough info, he had to tell me they also made an OJ version. So on the hunt I went and found one of the OJ cars at Grzyboski’s. I waited till after York to pick it up. It is definitely unusual - almost like two tanks on a flatcar. Thanks Peter!!!

Very nice, when do we see the video, and I'll take a little Vodka with the OJ

@Tranquil Hollow RR posted:

Don’t you just hate when that happens. It’s happened to me numerous times and I don’t know how to prevent it in the future. However, since it’s there you should allow it to stay.

Jay

Thanks for the week end, however Paint that critter Green and put an Elisco Feed water heater on her, and I'll take her off your hands

I received a pair of L&NE ore cars from Pat's Trains and RMT this week. More to come later this week.....a pre-order has arrived at Trainworld......

I'll customize the loads with some black gravel if I can ever get some diesel upgrades off the bench.

Bob

I finally purchased a Milwaukee Road caboose(MTH Premier) to pair with my SD45.

Gene

Went down to Sommerfelds Trains in Butler, WI (Milwaukee suburb) for their 40th anniversary sale. 20% off all rolling stock off already discounted from MSRP plus plenty of other deals.

picked up this awesome Atlas articulated auto carrier for just $110.

if you are ever in the area, I highly recommend them; their store is absolutely packed with O gauge and Jack and the team are so great.

@Genemed posted:

I finally purchased a Milwaukee Road caboose(MTH Premier) to pair with my SD45.

Gene

That is very nice might have to have a visitor on my California Pacific

Ok gang, this is my latest online bid buy. My wife has assumed I have totally lost my mind however, what I see is a base of what can be. I like abandoned toys like this so I can restomod with out condemnation from the purest crowd.

what you see before you is future hours of enjoyment and gratification in restoring to a clean and enjoyable toy for play once more.

I will be posting future restomoding updated on the tinplate forum.

you all have great week.

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

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

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

Don

@Don McErlean posted:

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

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

Don

Very cool Don.

Happy Birthday once again.

Bob

congratulations and can I borrow your Grandson

@Don McErlean posted:

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

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

Don

Very nice Don, quite different and perfect for your collection.

Gene

@Don McErlean Don, if your Grandson gives out gifts like that, my wife and I are available for adoption. We could be the young 64-year old "youths" he never had!

Tom

@RSJB18, @Guttersnipe, @PRR8976 - Thanks fellows for the birthday wishes and No my Grandson is not for lease!!

Thanks again for your comments

Don

This RMT ore car arrived a couple weeks ago and I finally opened it up. It's a custom run for New York Electric Trains.

@Don McErlean posted:

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

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

Don

Hoppy Birthday Don and your grandson sure knows his granddad.

Finally found one to buy.

A great MTH train. Thanks to Trainz!

@vrf201 posted:

Finally found one to buy.

A great MTH train. Thanks to Trainz!

Trainz is a great place.

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

Thanks for sharing sir.

Thanks Dallas!

@Don McErlean posted:

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

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

Don

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

YES - I did!

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

@Guttersnipe posted:

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

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

thanks for asking

@Michael Roth posted:

Not sure what Kit bashing is...

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

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

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

@Big Jim posted:

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

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

@ScoutingDad posted:

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

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

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

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

MELGAR

@Guttersnipe posted:

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

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

@Michael Roth posted:

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

thanks for asking

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

@ScoutingDad posted:

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

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

@pennsyfan posted:

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

I give a big Amen to that

@MELGAR posted:

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

MELGAR

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

@Guttersnipe posted:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bob

@ScoutingDad posted:

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

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

@RSJB18 posted:

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

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

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

Bob

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

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

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

@Tim O'Malley posted:

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

That really looks great Tim !

@RSJB18 posted:

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

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

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

Bob

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

@coach joe posted:

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

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

Bob

@coach joe posted:

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

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

@RSJB18 posted:

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

Bob

I imagion a bunch of us will drink to that

@taycotrains posted:

That really looks great Tim !

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

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

Mitch

@M. Mitchell Marmel posted:

       

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

Mitch

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

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

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

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

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

@Big Jim posted:

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

@Big Jim posted:

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

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

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

@Strap Hanger posted:

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

Looking Good, now please pass me a Pacifico

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here's my latest purchase.  4 RMT 36' wood side reefers from Pat's Trains custom run.  The cars are beautiful and the hand applied details are incredible for the price.  I do have two issues, while hand rolling the cars on my front straight of track one of the uncoupling tabs on the New Yorker Beer reefer hangs too low and catches on a low joint in my track, and one of the axles on the Iroquois Tomahawk does spin freely.  I'll try some oil on that one.  I've seen other posts about the tabs hanging low and sparking, I'll try mine under power later to see if I have issues with an of the other tabs.

Some photos to compare the new RMT reefers to other manufacturers.  The line-up from right to left in the photo below, Weaver, RMT, Lionel LOTS 2012 Custom, RMT and MTH Rail King.  These are all wood side reefers, no steel or mechanical reefers pictured.  The Lionel and Weaver are larger but with steel ends and roofs I believe they are more modern than the RMT.  The RK reefer has a wooden roof, therefore I believe it to be a contemporary of the RMT and more similar in size. A comparison of the hand applied details show the RK with the least, just a brake wheel, and the underframe brake system over a steel chassis, all else is molded in; Weaver has applied ladders, roof walk, brake wheel and opening doors, the underframe brake system is molded into the wood patterned floor, Lionel and RMT have separately applied roof walks, stirrups, ladders, grab rails, brake wheels and underframe brake systems over wood patterned floors.  Walter's new trucks even have an air hose lacking in the other three models used in the comparison.  Price comparison,  RMT $34.25, all in with tax and shipping, Lionel $69.65 on the secondary market, Weaver $45 new from Weaver, the RK model I have two of, the first purchased new from an LHS, the second from the secondary market to be fair I will average the price at $44.25.  Walter has packed at lot of high end options into his not high end priced trains and Pat killed it on his special order paint schemes.

I just realized the RMTs have cut levers to lift the coupler pins and under magnification I believe the doors are functional, you'd have to throw the latching lever and then the doors would open like the prototype.  @RMT - Ready Made Trains good job Walter.

Well, it's not as cool as some of y'alls previous stuff.  My 1 year old grandkid was here for a visit last month, and he showed interest to my trains going around my small track, which is better than his previous visit when he cried.  I wondered about what I could put out that would keep his interest.  I happened to be browsing low cost NIB Lionel stuff on eBay, and saw the 18480 Hobo Hand Car.  I got it for around $40 including tax and shipping.  After putting it on the track is was a bit jerky, but I added some grease to the gears as best as I could and it ran smoother, but I think it should be better.  Does anyone know how to open these hand cars?  There are no visible screws that I could see.  The plastic piece connecting the motor to the handrails is something I don't want to break.

@texgeekboy posted:

Well, it's not as cool as some of y'alls previous stuff.  My 1 year old grandkid was here for a visit last month, and he showed interest to my trains going around my small track, which is better than his previous visit when he cried.  I wondered about what I could put out that would keep his interest.  I happened to be browsing low cost NIB Lionel stuff on eBay, and saw the 18480 Hobo Hand Car.  I got it for around $40 including tax and shipping.  After putting it on the track is was a bit jerky, but I added some grease to the gears as best as I could and it ran smoother, but I think it should be better.  Does anyone know how to open these hand cars?  There are no visible screws that I could see.  The plastic piece connecting the motor to the handrails is something I don't want to break.

One of the reasons I went into O gauge, is because of my great grandson aka  Bambam did to my HO gauge stuff

@coach joe posted:

Here's my latest purchase.  4 RMT 36' wood side reefers from Pat's Trains custom run.  The cars are beautiful and the hand applied details are incredible for the price.  I do have two issues, while hand rolling the cars on my front straight of track one of the uncoupling tabs on the New Yorker Beer reefer hangs too low and catches on a low joint in my track, and one of the axles on the Iroquois Tomahawk does spin freely.  I'll try some oil on that one.  I've seen other posts about the tabs hanging low and sparking, I'll try mine under power later to see if I have issues with an of the other tabs.

Some photos to compare the new RMT reefers to other manufacturers.  The line-up from right to left in the photo below, Weaver, RMT, Lionel LOTS 2012 Custom, RMT and MTH Rail King.  These are all wood side reefers, no steel or mechanical reefers pictured.  The Lionel and Weaver are larger but with steel ends and roofs I believe they are more modern than the RMT.  The RK reefer has a wooden roof, therefore I believe it to be a contemporary of the RMT and more similar in size. A comparison of the hand applied details show the RK with the least, just a brake wheel, and the underframe brake system over a steel chassis, all else is molded in; Weaver has applied ladders, roof walk, brake wheel and opening doors, the underframe brake system is molded into the wood patterned floor, Lionel and RMT have separately applied roof walks, stirrups, ladders, grab rails, brake wheels and underframe brake systems over wood patterned floors.  Walter's new trucks even have an air hose lacking in the other three models used in the comparison.  Price comparison,  RMT $34.25, all in with tax and shipping, Lionel $69.65 on the secondary market, Weaver $45 new from Weaver, the RK model I have two of, the first purchased new from an LHS, the second from the secondary market to be fair I will average the price at $44.25.  Walter has packed at lot of high end options into his not high end priced trains and Pat killed it on his special order paint schemes.

I just realized the RMTs have cut levers to lift the coupler pins and under magnification I believe the doors are functional, you'd have to throw the latching lever and then the doors would open like the prototype.  @RMT - Ready Made Trains good job Walter.

If you can find the  photo's of the originals I would believe that all the manufactures are pretty close to correct. Ice hatchs in particular as I understand it, were different in each batch manufactured

Kevin, those old ratan seats were the best... along with the noisiest subway cars ever.....  Nice pics'..

@Quarter Gauger 48 posted:

Kevin, those old ratan seats were the best... along with the noisiest subway cars ever.....  Nice pics'..

Are they something like the old Pacific Electric

@Guttersnipe posted:

Are they something like the old Pacific Electric

Not quite sure the age of the Pacific electric.  The Ratan seats go back to the mid 30s to 60s...They were replaced with plastic in the newer cars, late 60s... These are approximate dates...

@Amfleet25124 posted:

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

Great haul, Kevin. Thanks for a short ride down the rails of memory!!! The first cars I remember were those ones with the rattan seats. But I must respectfully and strongly disagree with @Quarter Gauger 48… if you were able to get a seat (in those days, us little rugrats always had to stand, giving seats to adults ), without fail, a little broken piece of rattan would be pointing straight up and get you where it hurts - literally

And I remember riding the Worlds Fair cars going to the ‘64-‘65 Fair as well as Shea Stadium. Smooth plastic seats, brightly lit, no more bare bulbs or exposed fan blades!!! This is one of those times I wished I ran DCS.

Picked up two custom runs from Grzyboski’s the other day…

First up, a colorful Erie Lackawanna GP9. Runs smoothly and has great graphics and sound. One thing I noticed was that Lionel must have listened to all the recent complaints about damage in shipping. This engine was packed so solidly that I thought I would do some damage in trying to remove it from my the foam box.

And next, a Reading and Northern caboose - Gryzboski’s have been doing quite a nice run of R&N items. I really like them because they run in my corner of NE Pennsylvania.

Very nice acquisitions @Amfleet25124 .  However, you’ve given me whiplash watching you get in, out, and back in again with your Ogauge subway layout plans! Can’t wait to see you finally build that dream layout.

@coach joe , great post on your new RMT reefers.  I couldn’t agree more. These are outstanding values.

And you even have a real subway shot!

@Quarter Gauger 48 posted:

Kevin, those old ratan seats were the best... along with the noisiest subway cars ever.....  Nice pics'..

Thanks, Ted

@Apples55 posted:

Great haul, Kevin. Thanks for a short ride down the rails of memory!!! The first cars I remember were those ones with the rattan seats. But I must respectfully and strongly disagree with @Quarter Gauger 48… if you were able to get a seat (in those days, us little rugrats always had to stand, giving seats to adults ), without fail, a little broken piece of rattan would be pointing straight up and get you where it hurts - literally

And I remember riding the Worlds Fair cars going to the ‘64-‘65 Fair as well as Shea Stadium. Smooth plastic seats, brightly lit, no more bare bulbs or exposed fan blades!!! This is one of those times I wished I ran DCS.

Paul, no memories of the rattan seats for me, but the trip to the museum provided a lot of memories for me. My late grandmother took her subway obsessed young teen grandson to the museum a couple of times in the late 70s, and then I was older and in high school then college in the early 80s, I would take her there. Then we moved to Fla-ri-dah.  I had not been to the transit museum in about 40 years.

@Strap Hanger posted:

Very nice acquisitions @Amfleet25124 .  However, you’ve given me whiplash watching you get in, out, and back in again with your Ogauge subway layout plans! Can’t wait to see you finally build that dream layout.

@coach joe , great post on your new RMT reefers.  I couldn’t agree more. These are outstanding values.

Yes Strap, you really do need to hang on to the strap tightly on this ride with me.    I'll keep coming to you with questions of advice.