The KC Lines "West Bottoms" In S Scale

John A:

 

Just happened to think... I can post some textual info! 

Here's what's purchased or already on hand two weeks into the decision:

 

* RTR Frisco VO1000. Will be sending it off for DCC/Tsunami sound installation soon.

 

* RTR Frisco SW7 w/DCC and QSI sound. (Paid $99 new in box.)

 

* RTR GCW DS4-4-1000 w/DCC and Tsunami sound.

 

* Two MDC 36' steel under frame "Swift" meat reefers to go to the cold storage/distribution warehouse.

 

* Code 83 switches from Peco and Atlas for evaluation.

 

Probably going to purchase enough Atlas code 83 flex track to almost do the layout within the next few days. However, I'm debating taking a look at Peco's code 83 flex track first.

 

In addition to the above I will be able to reuse the following still on hand from the previous HO years:

 

* RTR CB&Q SW7 w/DCC and QSI sound.

 

* Undec NW2 w/DCC and QSI Sound. (Will paint it "someday"... just not now.)

 

* 8 KC&G engines.

 

* 20-something pieces of rolling stock leftover from my previous HO days.

 

* Several Stewart/Kato F units and several Life Like P2K engines. However, these are all undecorated... so will be way down the list of priorities.

 

The short term plan is to continue purchasing the things I'll need as I develop my track plan, continue the process of selling off stuff, (S and other), strip the current bench work of S scale track, and redo the backdrop Masonite/corners.  Once the layout is ready to receive track again, I hope to have enough stuff on hand to start in earnest.

 

My long term goal is to be up and functional in two years.  Not "finished", but functional, and therefore can enjoy some personal operation as well as having a friend over to operate with me. It's been WAY too long since I've had a FUNCTIONING layout. Instead I kept spending valuable time trying to squeeze trains too big (Sn3, O, and S) into this small space I have to work with, and not being satisfied with the result being seen on the layout. 

 

I'll bet all of the above is more than you wanted to know!

Andre, I'd sure look hard at Peco.
Code 83.  Good stuff!

Andre,

Good luck with the change.  I too don't have 30 yrs of accumulation but AM and SHS made the core units I need or want, minus the GP40.  I found if I down sized my layout scheme that what was available worked and could fill my needs.  Since you might wonder what I chose, WP is my answer.  One GP9 or GP35 will work for my road switcher/roustabout train.  The SW9 fills my yard switching needs.  Anyway I will miss your presence here in S land.  Like Rusty said the light will be on and the door unlocked.  Do get a blog or web page up on your railroad so we can keep up with your progress.  ****, why do I feel like I'm writing a condolence letter here.  Anyway the HO you have shown was top notch and so will your future layout be top notch.

 

Greg

 

Thanks to you also for such kind words. It is appreciated. I had hoped some on the Yahoo S scale list felt the same about that "friend" part, I guess I overestimated them.  Oh well.

 

 

Andre I don't think they meant to be as harsh as it came off.  They take themselves a little too serious on the yahoo forum sometimes. But, I think you have a lot of train buddies on that forum.

 

Bottom line, as long as you are playing with trains (whatever size), we all gain from your enjoyment and experiences and that's what it's all about. I've been back in O scale for over a year now and really enjoying it for many of the same reasons you mentioned. 

 

I didn't expect much out of Lionel or MTH and they are delivering what I expected. 

 

I frequent the S and O forums as I learn from all of them and don't feel I have to model in S to share the camaraderie I find here. Great bunch of guys. 

 

Butch

Andre:

 

For what it is worth, I'd skip the Atlas track and go with the Peco code 83.  Bought all my Peco track thru Tony's Train Exchange about a year ago, when there was no Atlas to be had.  Looks better than Atlas, is just as easy to work with.  Price was about the same.   

 

Peco makes a darn good switch too.  I didn't buy any of those though, I'm sticking with the Walthers / Shinohara.  I've had very good luck with them over the years.

Regards,

Jerry

 

Update:

 

On hand or in delivery:

 

RTR Frisco VO1000 #214

RTR Frisco VO1000 #224

RTR Frisco SW7 #301 DCC/QSI Pargon2 sound.

RTR Frisco SW7 #303 DCC/QSI Pargon2 sound.

 

RTR CGW S-12 #40 in original paint scheme DCC/Lok-Sound

 

RTR CB&Q SW7 DCC/QSI Quantum sound

RTR Undec SW7 DCC/QSI Quantum sound

 

RTR ATSF Zebra S-4 DCC/Soundtraxx sound

 

Two 25 piece Peco code 83 Flex Track bundles.

 

2 pair Peco #5 Electrofrog switches (to get some dimensions from for track plan revisions.)

 

Plus, some assorted rolling stock and structures.

 

Yup... all it takes to have a model layout is a continual outflow of CASH!

 

ALSO...

 

All S scale track is now pulled up from the layout and is now waiting for the time that I can get started redoing the back drop Masonite/corners, new sky and clouds.

 

The KC Lines will live again...