How far has the hobby come in 86 years?

Just in the past 20 years we've had the computer control systems that are amazing in what they can do. Not for me, I'm afraid, but they are impressive. In addition, there are more manufacturers than there were even 60 years ago in the peak postwar years.

Your picture reminded me of this one that I took at our modular club a while ago.

For everything that has changed, those two engines ought to be able to run on the same layout. I personally feel the most significant change between those two are the automatic couplers on the GG1. I think a lot of the layouts built today would not be practical with trains with the latch type; and that's saying nothing of the looks. 

Just my opinion of course,

J White

And in another 86 years, which one will still be around?  My money's on your brother's.

I agree

Those 252's are just awesome little engines. I have one and it will just run all day. It only gave me one problem, when a wire shorted out (my guests loved all the smoke). I rewired the wires (super easy), and away it went. Try that with a modern engine.

Time warps are common on the CNY Railroad.

Jim

I think I'll be wiring this 252 in the near future.  At first glance the wiring looked fine (even replaced i thought), but it is full of insulation cracks.  I've done a 1946 2020 before, so this one should be easy.

I have my dads old 1945 lionel blue streak (aqua blue) commodore vanderbilt.  he abused this train by taking the front car and attaching an airplane gas engine to it and ran it around the track outside in the yard.  too bad no pics.  Then he painted the train a dark blue.  I thought of restoring the engine and getting all the parts and a missing tender. 

Chris