Wanting to add another operating accessory to my layout and have decided on getting a Lionel cattle stockyard that loads and unloads the cows into the cattle car that comes with it. My choices are an older 3656 that is obviously used or a new 6-19828 model, both which are readily available on e-bay. My question is the older model harder to set up and maintain or is the newer one that much less of a headache on my 027 track? Appreciate your input.
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I can't speak to the postwar 3656 but I have the newer 6-19828 model which I have operated with 027 tubular track. The setup is easy and the car performs very well. The kids love it!
You'll want to set it up such that you can adjust the voltage to the car and stockyard independently of track power. Once the voltage is tweaked, I have found the flow of cattle through the car and stockyard is generally reliable and consistent. Good luck!
I have mine on a separate power source. They require very fine tuning with the power.
We have both - The exact same versions that Turtle 2 shows in his photo.
Both work well. However, I'd say that the newer model's flip down ramps are more reliable and align better with the car's doors.
The old version that we have was very clean when purchased, and operates much better than I was expecting (considering the horror stories you hear about it). The flip down doors do require a bit of tweaking and I added a wall, with clear acetate, to the car's interior cattle path to keep them from falling over.