New to tinplate buildings arriving 3.31

Nice vintage tinplate is out there to be had, as well as restored pieces.  I know the feeling of not having the time to devote to restoring pieces myself.  I also look for nice original, restored and new tinplate as well.   Welcome to the world of Tinplate.  Check out the brands Darstaed, ACE Trains of London and Bassett Lowke.  All of them make/made(Bassett Lowke was phased out by Hornby recently) some absolutely stunning tinplate and diecast metal UK style trains in the colorful schemes that actually exhisted in the UK during the bulk of the steam years.    Mike the Aspie

Welcome to the Shiny Side!!

The MTH Tinplate Traditions line and the Lionel Classics line both produced some wonderful standard gauge tinplate reproductions. 

Hi,

Welcome aboard!

I was O Gauge only, until I was exposed to Standard Gauge by the Standard Gauge Module Association at the TCA Convention in Pittsburgh in July 2017. They had a huge layout and seeing these big trains on a big layout made a big impression, plus finding out the reproductions had Protosounds, smoke, and cruise control blew my mind.

After I got home I thought about it every day until I pulled the trigger, I bought a Blue Comet set and joined SGMA. Since then I have bought more STG trains, put up display shelves, and set up a small temporary layout.

What part of the country are you in?

Here are two videos of that TCA SGMA Convention layout that’s blew my mind:

Jushavnfun posted:

I like what everyone does in restoring the original tinplate, I just don't have the ability and time to devote to that aspect of the hobby, that's why I'm going with new equipment.  

Welcome and we are kindred spirits.  A couple years ago when I discovered tinplate, I ran into some (IMO) less than scrupulous prewar sellers.  Luckily, I knew I was over my skis and backed away.  Instead, I went the MTH/reproduction route.  Almost anything I purchased brand new, I bought from Al at Sidetrack.  I know you're in good hands there.  I still admire the vintage stuff from afar (maybe someday).  I love the history.

I will also add my favorable endorsement of Sidetrack Hobbies!

PUZZLED: What is a 1041 4-4-0 standard gauge engine mentioned above?

Jushavnfun posted:

I've always run O GGauge LIONEL  & MTH for the last 30 years.  I've always been fascinated by MTH Lionel  licensed tinplate, so I finally made a purchase from Sidetrack hobbies,  Al is a good man easy to deal with.

Ordered O Gauge 263 E and 4 cars and caboose.  This I can run on my fastrack 036 layout.

Now I'm thinking  about adding  a Standard gauge  loop for the larger engine and cars . A 1041 4 4 0 and 3 passenger cars.

I like what everyone does in restoring the original tinplate, I just don't have the ability and time to devote to that aspect of the hobby, that's why I'm going with new equipment. 

 

 

Uh,Oh!  You are in major league trouble.  Once you get pulled in you will never get out.  I know only all to well.  Tinplate, both O and Standard Gauge,  are a delight.  You are going to have a lot of fun.  Good luck.

1041???

Welcome!!  I'm fairly new to this world too.  Great group on this site! 

1041 is a #6 4 4 0 from the 2015 catalog.  Its Pennsylvania.   Al had a 1040  Strasburg that I bought instead.l

I have mostly repro tinplate - when I got hooked, I couldn't justify the price for rusty originals vs. shiny new stuff.  These days, prices for common older stuff are coming down, and they can be cleaned up as runners or used as restoration projects - if you screw it up, strip it and try again!

Please keep in mind the number #6 were very tight. What I mean is you need to lubricate everything that moves including the front pivot points on the front trucks. It really helps smooth them out. Yes, I love Side Track Hobbies as well. You have no idea how difficult it is to find a business reason to pass by the store. It's not close to much of anything.
Scott Smith

scott.smith posted:

Please keep in mind the number #6 were very tight. What I mean is you need to lubricate everything that moves including the front pivot points on the front trucks. It really helps smooth them out. Yes, I love Side Track Hobbies as well. You have no idea how difficult it is to find a business reason to pass by the store. It's not close to much of anything.
Scott Smith

I agree.  I was in Richmond for work and went way out of my way on the return trip to find the place.  And then I was in the right shopping plaza and still couldn't find it!  ( It's an upstairs shop).  Really nice folks though.  Most tinplate you will find almost anywhere outside a big show.

Havenfun,

Welcome to tinplate. I am a lot like you. I ran postwar, and some scale for years and still enjoy it. However, a close friend only ran tinplate. After going to his layout several times I bought a lionel 8E Macy's set. After run that set I decided to venture out to the Tinplate Traditions and then LCT. Since that time I have purchased more tinplate than anything else. My first purchase was also from Sidetrack Hobbies. I bought the Christmas 384E set from Al. He added extra Std Gauge Track to the set box.

He is a class act, and someone I have had many purchases over the years. I see many acquisitions in your future.

Enjoy!

Joe Gozzo

scott.smith posted:

Please keep in mind the number #6 were very tight. What I mean is you need to lubricate everything that moves including the front pivot points on the front trucks. It really helps smooth them out. Yes, I love Side Track Hobbies as well. You have no idea how difficult it is to find a business reason to pass by the store. It's not close to much of anything.
Scott Smith

Scott my procedure for 30 years is on new trains is to throughly lubricate all cars and engine prior to usage then run forwards and backward slowly  building up to a comfortable speed.

When I decide to run an anything that's been sitting for a while engines and cars get a lube before running.

Started to receive MTH tinplate building accessories., #437 switch tower & #438 signal tower. I love the knife blade switches to control other accessories.  Though they were preowned I believe they were used,  still in original wrappings.  I am only going to collect reproduction  pieces. 

I just ordered the same two to add to my new STD gauge / O gauge empire I am building.  Along with the Hellgate, ACE glass canopy, roundhouse / turntable section, Powerhouse......now I just have to finish building.  Addiction is the correct word with Tinplate.