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Operating Accessories are just so cool.  I intend some day to have a nice "scale" layout.  But while attending train shows and watching the layouts (and other attendees reactions) I gotta say the "moving parts" of the layout always grab the attention.  So while walking around a show this year I saw this for sale and the next thing I knew the wallet was out.  Interestingly while carrying it back to the car (just this, no box included) I got "thumbs-up", a couple of "cools" and smiles from other attendees.

I have mostly Scale Steam Locomotives, so was going to have a coaling tower on the layout, but this just "called me."  Apparently my "Inner Child" is much stronger than my "Adult Willpower" to stick to scale recreation.  Would having a Scale Trains running through a Plasticville Village make me a bad person?  (Sorry I digressed.)

Anyhow what is your favorite Operating Accessory? Post a picture or better yet a video of it "in action" if you want.  Love to see what you have.

BTW my definition includes; EZ-Streets / Super Streets, Amusement Park Rides, and scratch built moving parts of layouts, Etc.



Coal Elev SideCoal Elev Front

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Last edited by MainLine Steam
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Well, if "animated" includes simulated motion and related sounds, I guess it's a tie between a couple of candidates -- first, the camping installation on my main layout (listen for the motion-activated animal sounds):

Second, the upgraded Menards burnt engine shed (enhanced flickering 'embers' and simulated 'smoke', still a work in progress):

The latter is resident on the work-in-progress "animation showcase" I'm putting together on my secondary layout:

Waiting in the wings (pending repairs) are a Lionel tree swing and a Lionel hot balloon ride . . .

Last edited by Steve Tyler

Sorry, no pics  From my original stuff I have the 145 Gateman and the 494 rotary beacon.  These were pretty cool for a simple kid back in the early 60s,  When I resurrected it in the mid-80s I got a 9220 operating milk car, 2324 operating switch tower, and a 12703 ice station.  They were a lot of fun.  In my latest saga, I first got the 362 barrel loader, 364 lumber loader, the 456 coal ramp, and 19828 cattle yard.  From those I really only like the barrel and lumber loaders.

But all of the above pale in comparison to my latest stuff, the 22965 and 22975 TMCC Culvert Loader and Unloader.  Those accessories are really fun since they can be controlled by my CAB1-L remote controller.  Having a legacy engine slowly pull into the load/unload docks and then activating them is cool.

I just hope that Lionel (anyone) will come up with a TMCC/Legacy controlled milk car and ice station.

Last edited by texgeekboy

I guess my favorite operating accessory is the automatic milk car and platform.  I have three on my layout.  Earlier this week I bought a #3656 cattle car and corral.  It's my current favorite.  Here is the cattle car being tested for the first time.

Bill

Thank You for posting.  Took me back to my youth.  Check this out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFGyhSifqzA

@Steve Tyler posted:

Well, if "animated" includes simulated motion and related sounds, I guess it's a tie between a couple of candidates -- first, the camping installation on my main layout (listen for the motion-activated animal sounds):

Second, the upgraded Menards burnt engine shed (enhanced flickering 'embers' and simulated 'smoke', still a work in progress):

The latter is resident on the work-in-progress "animation showcase" I'm putting together on my secondary layout:

Waiting in the wings (pending repairs) are a Lionel tree swing and a Lionel hot balloon ride . . .

Thanks for posting.  Who says a layout has to be big to included a lot of action, "love it".

Last edited by MainLine Steam

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