Introduce yourself here! [Archive] - Model Train Forum

tworail

04-15-2006, 10:30 AM

Hi everyone,

Welcome to Model Train Forum, a brand new Internet discussion site for one of the world's greatest hobbies. My name is John (screenname: tworail) and I am the admin for this site. I hope it becomes a great online destination for model railroading, and keep an eye on the site as more features are introduced to make this site even better.

As far as modelling goes, I am currently into modelling German railways in N scale. I have a couple things on the go but will post pictures when I can. I also have NA HO scale equipment that I want to do something with, in the form of a small switching layout most likely as space is limited.

Please respond to this thread and introduce yourself!

John

jwoodyu

12-11-2006, 12:03 PM

Hello my name is John Underwood and the bad news is I am a newbie. The good news is my endless stream of questions should help get the "forum" ball rolling.

I have two sons that are both into trains. We wanted to start by building a nice little HO 4x8 layout for the younger boy using Thomas stuff. I have a layout in mind I found on line that should do fine and let us run a couple of Thomas trains at one time.

Once our feet are wet we can move on to an N scale for the older boy and a more challenging layout. Let me say thanks in advance for all the information I am sure to get.

Busdriver291

12-24-2006, 04:56 PM

Hi: My name is George. As I state in my profile, I am very keen on model railroading. I have a space 9' x 22' to establish my layout. At the present I am still in the planning stage (keep changing my mind as to the configuation I want). I do want to develope a layout with CTC, block detection, etc. I decided on a Digitrax Empire builder which I have just resently purchased. There are many questions I still need to have answered and I am hoping this forum may be able to help me in answering some. My e address is k8v3k6@cogeco.ca. Drop a line if you get a chance. Bye for now and merry Xmas.
George Kutcher

tworail

12-24-2006, 05:23 PM

Hi George,

First off: Merry Christmas! Second, welcome to the board. We're a small commuunity right now but I think that will be good for someone like yourself who has many questions - we can have some great discussions!

Let us know when you want to get started!

regards,
John

NickB

01-31-2007, 08:57 AM

Hi I'm Nick, just started back into trains when realizing I have a enough room to setup a track in my latest house. I plan on doing a 4x8 HO setup or an L-shape. I ordered up a digitrax zephyr and plan to start work on it heavily after class is over with for the semester. Right now I'll just be tinkering and working on ideas until then. I plan to do 1950's modeling with some of the big steam and diesels.

Railworker6500

02-04-2007, 05:32 PM

Hi
im rodney.
i have an Ho scale train in the garage and am just finishing it

paceway

02-08-2007, 12:22 AM

Hi all,

I've been modeling railroads for many years and I am still learning.. Currently building B & L Railroad & Mining Company in my gerden. 1/20.3 scale #1 gauge. I have about 50' of hand laid track working and the plan calls for 280' by the time it is complete. Being retired I'm no longer in a hurry to build, I just enjoy the building process. :)

If you've never built a railroad in the great outdoors, you ain't tried nothin' yet... Not only all the desing & building problems, but now I have to think about the land that sometimes moves, afternoon showers that can bring 4" of rain, domestic anaimals & wild ones, bugs from hell, oh and don't forget the grandchildren (two & three years old). The greatest challange I have ever taken on. I love it, just like the real thing, it's me against the elements. :D

I have built HO, & O scale over the years, I Can't see the little stuff anymore. :cool: If I can be of help to anyone... drop me a note anytime.

Gil Finn

02-08-2007, 11:06 PM

Gil Finn here.

I model several gauges and plan a second attemp at a pond and G gauge back yard layout this spring.

I collect as much as I use. I plan an O and Ho combined set up in my garage also thei summer. I need to do a lot of work to be ready for that.

W Va is my home and I am 55.

Nice to meet you all.

http://www.2coolfishing.com/gallery/Aunt_Joyce's_Gallery/bubbasquat.jpg

adecoaches26point4

03-05-2007, 11:27 AM

Hi, have been modelling for far to long,but still enjoy it as a good way to wind down at the end of the day.
I model HO Deutsches Bundesbahn Epoch III/IV and have a layout some 9' X 18' in a purpose built workshop. Still lots to do and lots of time to do it in.
Great hobby.

David

Jon Winder

03-06-2007, 07:23 PM

Hi, I have just joined this group. I am mostly interested in small switching operations and constructing buildings in 1/2 inch scale. I am currantly building a small 6 ft X 18 ft outside railway. It is an imaginary group of businesses in a small East coast town here in America. I will post some construction photos.

Jon

paceway

03-06-2007, 07:56 PM

Hi Jon,

Nice to see someone else here that's into digging in the dirt.

http://largescaletrainsupply.com/photos/bandl_rr_logo_w-train-in-station_300X174.gif

ulf999

03-25-2007, 03:39 AM

My name is Ulf. I'm into Marklin H0 (American models primarily).
I started this hobby in the fall of 2004 with my then 4 yr old son. I first built a 100cm by 160cm layout mostly for him, but I got hooked :) and now I'm into modules (built one so far). Eventually I'll have a large modular layout featuring the transition era with late steam early diesels. Pics to come...

Jon Winder

03-25-2007, 09:08 PM

Hi Ulf:
Thanks for the reply> I would like to see any pictures of your moduels. I am now working with large scale models. (1/2 inch scale). The modules I have made for this are currently being used in a club show. I will send some pictures later. Here are a couple of photos of an "O" scale module I made a few years ago. It is about 4 ft square. (122cm X 122cm) The straight tracks are standard guage. The track that winds through the middle is narrow guage. I kit bashed the loco and gon from HO parts.

HOdad

05-20-2007, 08:46 AM

Hi,
I grew up with HO trains, always loved them, the real reason I am here is I have a quesion. When I was around 10 years old my father had an HO collection that would make any kids eyes glow or for that matter any adult. I am now 44 so this was around the mid 1970s . Around 1980 I grew up and dad lost interest and the complete set ended up in his attic. Dads house was 30 foot by 50 foot and the set took up the entire cellar. It had everything running water , bridges, unlimited supply of everything. Dad passed in 2000 and I inherited everything , and it sits in my cellar all in plastic cases that came from walmart. I was planning on keeping them until I retire and set them back up. But I thought about it , I know I will never do anything with them I have to many other projects. My question is how would I sell something like this ?? I sell on e-bay but this set would be way too much work to put on e-bay and I dont want to give them away either. The cases are stacked 5 foot high and take an area of 10 foot by 10 foot. I dont know what to do with them.
Rick

tucker

06-01-2007, 06:54 PM

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

hey everyone glad to be aboard.

Acquired over 150 sections of tyco slot car track. I have a 5 yerar old son who's name is Tucker. It all started when I found a box of Tyco slot car tracks ( over 150 tracks icluding straigts curves and everything else). Had several cars and 4 controllers. Well anyway to make this as short as possilble I built a table to accomdate the best layout for my new Tyco slot cars. Everything when pretty good had my track set up my son and I love it. My wife really couldn't understand. Well you may be asking what slot cars have to do with this forum. Well it gets even better. I was out and about with my son when we came accross a tag sale. My son notice a box with HO scale trains. I told him they were broken. I ask how much he wanted for the box and he replied $5.00. I grab the box and happilly went through it. Had 2 engines, about 10 cars, and various tracks. I going to create a nice layout with the tyco slot cars and the Ho scale track. My wife really doesn't understand whats going on I'll probalbly be living outside pretty soon. Does anyone have any advice. I laid out my slot car track so it will work with various designs. My table is 81' long and 41' wide. Will keep you updated

Lorne

06-07-2007, 04:25 PM

Hey there everyone. My name's Lorne. I'm really new to the model train hobby. I haven't gone ahead and built a layout yet but I'm in the process of collecting what I'll eventually need to get started.

My kids (2, 3, and 6) are all showing signs of loving trains. We live close to a train yard, so that might have something to do with it. I'm looking forward to getting a train layout started one of these days and getting my kids involved as well.

My scale preferance is HO as it seems to be the most readily available scale.

I live in Grande Prairie AB so if there is anyone here living in this area I would love to meet ya and talk trains.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to trading ideas and (hopefully) learning a thing or two.

tworail

06-14-2007, 11:09 PM

Welcome to the forum Lorne, glad to have you aboard.

Things are really picking up here!

I'm sorry I haven't had more time to dedicate towards the forum, if there is anything you guys would like to see or need help with drop me a message.

Thanks
John

Twindaddy

06-26-2007, 10:26 AM

Hi all, I'm John and I am getting back into HO scale (and some O scale) after many many years absence. I'm looking for knowledge and I think I may have found the right place! I'm currently setting up a double 4x8 layout with a crossover from one table to the other (kind of a horseshoe shape). I am thinking of running two separate track systems sort of intertwined, one for each boy (I have twin 5 year olds, hince the screen name). I have alot of work to do, and alot of researching as well so I'll be asking alot of questions!! I look forward to being a member, and thanks in advance!!

John

Rayzz

08-13-2007, 10:33 PM

Hey just ordered train set today. I am going to do HO train in large coffee table in my game room in basement. Going to do boating marina, beach trestles, ocean, land and roads . This is all new to me.
THANKS RAYZZ TRAINS LIKE MY MONEY:)

floyd

10-19-2007, 03:16 PM

Hello from Southeastern Colorado. I have two grandsons one of which is totally engrossed in Trains. He is soon to be eight but has had a deep interest in trains since around the age of three. The other grandson is gradually getting more interested in the hobby and he is nine. I am setting the layout in a 12 x16 foot room and will need all of the help I can get and will need to have questions answered I am sure. Looking forward to every post especially the HO related ones. The wiring of the various controls, etc is what is concerning me most.

Viking03a

10-21-2007, 07:37 PM

Hi, Golly new to this forum, but not to HO modeling, Have a layout ,
The "Blue Ridge Mountain Railway, ( BRMR ) that I build up over a number
of years, but now getting ready to rearrange, and redo all control systems,
with both manual control, and an automated control system using a PLC for
automation. ( I do this for industry, so why not be able to hit a start button,
and have a system that will run by itself ). I am looking for input and ideas
from others on setting up the blocks, signaling, and detection of a train in a
block.

I have gotten away for the direct modeling to some extent, as I have been
doing development work with train simulator, But now wanting to develop a
cab control system on the PC, through use of "Man Machine interface
graphics" and have it control the model layout, through the PLC. I know,
far out, but I like playing with automation controls.

I am also more of a technical modeler, in that I do a lot of work on track
and switch’s. along with rolling stock suspension systems, so that any
piece of stock can and will operate on any section of the system, forward,
or backward, without problems. I worry about esthetics after the system is
functioning totally.

thailandboy2

11-05-2007, 02:53 PM

new here as of today..just starting into the train hobby..mainly looking at micro trains, exspecially the t scales for now...tom

Viking03a

11-05-2007, 08:27 PM

Hi Tom, Welcome to the world of model train reality. You are entering a world where creativity is only limited by your imagination and pocket book.

I am currently doing testing and program writing on automating a switch
yard ( will have both manual control overrides, of automated controls, and
train operations ).

push the start button, and let it run.

I have never worked in T scale, only in HO and "O" gauge, but if I can help you, let me know.

Welcome to the Group.

Viking

viking03a@bellsouth.net

Pete_379X

11-29-2007, 08:52 PM

Hey everyone I'm Jeremie. I play around with HO stuff. I can't make up my mind on a track plan so I don't have a layout yet. I do weather and detail alot though. Mostly paint and modify my own versions of lease diesels. I'll throw some pictures up in a bit.

tworail

12-02-2007, 04:45 PM

Welcome everyone!

Glad to see things are picking up around here. I am hoping to be on the forum alot more, but it's great to see people posting.

Thanks for stopping by, and make sure you come back!

shaygetz

12-02-2007, 08:15 PM

I thought I had done this already...I've been in the hobby for over thirty years. I prefer the lower end kits and equipment, though I wouldn't mind an MTH Erie Triplex running around my tree. I do both HO and N, collecting HO vehicles from Walmart and dabbling in European models.

Some of my scale work...a 70s era AHM/Rivarossi 4-8-8-4 "Big Boy" I rescued...

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p96/1shaygetz/bigboyo.jpg

...part of my European segment...a Marklin E94 "Alligator"...

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p96/1shaygetz/gator.jpg

...even some ...eee, gad!...Tyco...one of their interesting GG1 issues...

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p96/1shaygetz/GGwho2a.jpg

Looking forward to stopping by more often. Blessings, BC

tworail

12-03-2007, 03:04 PM

Nice photos shaygetz. Being a euro fan I especially like the E94 :)

Wanted to share these with you guys - we got quite a bit of snow up here so I elected to take out some of my favorite models of the Swiss Rhatische Bahn railway - enjoy!

http://carbonrecord.com/albums/Rhatische-Bahn/DSC_0047.sized.jpg
http://carbonrecord.com/albums/Rhatische-Bahn/DSC_0053.sized.jpg
http://carbonrecord.com/albums/Rhatische-Bahn/DSC_0040.sized.jpg

tworail

12-03-2007, 03:58 PM

shaygetz

12-03-2007, 11:13 PM

Thanks, TR...nice snow shots...I'm still working in tee shirts and shorts...:D My latest European acquisition also happens to be G scale, LGB specifically. Got it about a month ago at a yard sale for next to nothing and it runs like a watch.
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p96/1shaygetz/lgb.jpg

tworail

12-04-2007, 12:12 PM

Shay, nice pickup! A Black Stainz is really nice, and not as common as the green one, and those passenger wagons don't look like the typical ones you get in the starter sets.

LGB is really really nice stuff. It's so much fun and BIG and the quality is next to none. I find people of all ages love them, and running them outside is icing on the cake.

LGB actually encourages you to run them in all conditions, they are so well built I have no concerns running them outside.

Looking forward to more LGB purchases! :D

shaygetz

12-04-2007, 08:34 PM

Shay, nice pickup! A Black Stainz is really nice, and not as common as the green one, and those passenger wagons don't look like the typical ones you get in the starter sets.

LGB is really really nice stuff. It's so much fun and BIG and the quality is next to none. I find people of all ages love them, and running them outside is icing on the cake.

Thanks, it was one of those, "You want how much for that?!" moments that I couldn't pass up. I loved the black over the green and, no, I haven't seen those coaches either. They're wired up for lighting, I only wish I could get inside to place a few passengers. I just love the heft and size.

tworail

12-05-2007, 12:55 AM

You should be able to pry off the tops of the coaches without difficulty, that's how mine seem to work (most anyways) my 24" RhB coaches are a little more tricky.

Also, I have archive of all the LGB technical diagrams, maybe I should put them up on the site. They're handy for when you want to do maintenance, or just get a idea of how things go together :p

Stan kolak

12-07-2007, 08:05 PM

Hi old members. Moved to Fla. 5 years ago. Built an overhead around the den room for a 10' X 20" oval, 2 seperate rails in HO.

Built a 4X8 table out in the porch with 3 levels of HO, al3 layer have tunnels, bottom has a pr. of switches. City scenery on bottom layer.

Moved 4X8 into den room and extended width to 5' and length to 10'

Extended mid level onto new extension. Added 2 more rails on outside of 4X8.Freight yard and engine stops added.

Can now run 5 trains on tgable plus 2 above on shelf.

Coffee table, 18" by 48" has an "N" oval with scenery and town.

No Dcc setups yet. Plan to improve all f above thru the years.

tworail

12-07-2007, 09:36 PM

Welcome Stan, and thanks for your all your contributions so far!

Stan kolak

12-08-2007, 07:15 PM

Didn't see my 1st posted. belong to a 35 member, all size, train club here in space coast Florida. It is amazing how all the members have put together layouts completlly diffenent from others. I can help on basic AC/DC theory, soldering techniques, WORKING track layout, and lighted scenery. I can show newies how to have a good toime without spending a lot of money.

Boston&Maine

12-18-2007, 08:02 PM

Hey, I am from southern New Hampshire... I have loved model trains all my life, although I currently do not have any space to get a layout set up, so I really do not have too many trains, LOL :(

Anyways, if you are wondering about my name I actually live right next to the old B&M rail-road bed (the tracks have been torn up in this area)... I love when I find left over stuff on them... Over the years I have accumulated two rail joints with bolts, two metal plates which go between the rail and tie, and of course lots of spikes :D

Stan kolak

12-18-2007, 08:21 PM

"They call me timetable Mable, the girtl who is is love with a train, with a train from Boston to Maine." Commercial from the 1950's. I lived next to a B&M tracks in Malden Mass, 6 miles north of North Station, in Boston. I left when I got married, and no doubt B&M is gone. The tracks have been taken over by a computer line, MBTA of greater Boston. Memories of the old Steamers chugging thru Malden and leaving soot all over the place. We used to stand on the overhead street bridge whick hgad a wooden plank sidewalk. As the steamer chugged thru, the smoke came thru the boartds. We pretended we were in heaven walking thru the clouds. Fun

JustinRB84

12-18-2007, 09:01 PM

New guy here. From Broken Arrow Oklahoma. I just recieved a Life-Like 36" kit for Christmas. Not my first kit but the first one that made me really think I could enjoy the process of building my own town. I'm going to start with this and expand to make sure its really something I like befor going all out. Thanks for any future help and i look forward to gaining to useful info.

shaygetz

12-18-2007, 10:43 PM

Welcome, Justin.

ffgerm

12-23-2007, 08:21 PM

Hi, Mark here and I'm a n00b...:o

I had trains when I was a kid, but haven't messed with them. I've recently gotten bit by the bug and am really interested in HO scale.

I look forward to getting to know all of you on these forums.

tworail

12-23-2007, 10:06 PM

Hi Mark, welcome to the site.

John

eagle37

12-29-2007, 12:44 PM

Happy New Year, everyone! My name is Edward. I retired a couple of years ago, having been a Unitarian minister for over 45 years. I had a fairly sizeable HO layout many years ago, then went into woodworking. I have just decided that, for health and safety reasons, I need to give up the wood shop, selling off the machinery (bittersweet)--and I'm eagerly going back to working on the (model) railroad, HO: staring from scratch. My three daughters clinched the
decision by giving me a starter set for Christmas.

I lived in Atlanta (near I-85 and Shallowford) and would like to hear from any fellow Atlantans about where you buy rolling stock, track, supplies, etc.

Any particular magazine I should get--or does the 'net serve pretty well (there was no such thing when I first walked the tracks)?

I'm glad to find this forum. Just what I need. I just hope it doesn't get *too* technical for a newcomer.

Edward

eagle37

12-29-2007, 12:52 PM

New friends

In my introduction post I wrote that I "lived" in Atlanta. Correction: I *live*
in Atlanta, have for nigh on twenty year now.

Edward

tworail

12-29-2007, 01:06 PM

Hi Edward,

Welcome to the site. Sounds like a great plan you have. Wish I could do the same!! :p

The net has turned out to be a good resource for the model railroaders, but it does not compete with a good cup of coffee or tea and a quality print magazine.

Needless to say, I have tons of Model Railroader issues from 1989 on if anyone is interested. I have read them cover to cover many times now.

ndurman

12-29-2007, 03:27 PM

Hello,

I had some HO trains when I was ages 14-18 then I strayed away after high school. This year for Christmas the wonderful girlfriend bought me a Post War Lionel 2026 Steam Locomotive and it has refired my childhood dreams of having trains at the age of 28. I have alot to learn still and will start building my layout hear shortly.

Nathan

eagle37

12-29-2007, 07:15 PM

Hi Edward,

Needless to say, I have tons of Model Railroader issues from 1989 on if anyone is interested. I have read them cover to cover many times now.

I'd certainly be interested in a couple dozen of the later issues. What would you like to do? Sell? Mail for shipping cost?

Edward

shaygetz

12-29-2007, 07:36 PM

Welcome to the forum, Edward and Nathan.

Jerry1949

12-30-2007, 08:53 AM

Hello everyone. My name is Jerry and I am relatively new to this hobby (several years now). I have a railroad modeling project in the very early stages right now and will keep this forum apprised of my progress as I wonder through the various stages.

I model in HO and my current project is centered around a Southern Pacific. 1950's freight scheme. It's three city blocks of citrus distribution warehousing. There is (will be), one mainline and 4 (maybe 5), sidings. It will be a switching nightmare to be sure. I hope there are plenty of experts in here to bail me out when I get into trouble.

Thanks for being here!!

shaygetz

12-30-2007, 03:33 PM

Welcome, Jerry.

esprocks

01-11-2008, 12:14 PM

Hello All,
New to model train community, just checking in and saying hi. started researching model trains and I did not realize there were some many things, diferent scales, brands, etc. Huge world of possibilities.
I have a model train website, http://www.cottonwoodjunction.com
Feel free to stop by and offer suggestions to a newbie.

Thanks,

Lakemasseriarailroad

01-11-2008, 02:23 PM

Hi my name is Nick and I have an addiction :) no Im not suppose to be on the AA forums but yea Im a pizza guy who has model trains (the tips pay for a lot lol) Im 19 and I model my own Railroad line Lake Masseria Railroad any questions you can message me anytime

Boston&Maine

01-11-2008, 09:43 PM

Welcome Nick, I did not think that anyone else near my age would be found around here, LOL :cool:

shaygetz

01-12-2008, 01:32 AM

Welcome, Nick.

alfalfa

01-12-2008, 02:21 AM

Hay all,
alfalfa here. Just got into N scale as a beginer. I think maybe I should have started out a little larger but what the heck. I love a challenge. :)

alf

tworail

01-23-2008, 03:21 PM

Welcome alfalfa.

B&M: I think those under 30 are the majority here, and hell, I'm getting close myself!!

Good to see the younger people getting in on the action though. I am still convinced model railroading of any kind is dead in the 12-24 age category.

manosdr

02-20-2008, 01:23 AM

Hi all, my name is Manos, I am from Greece and I have a maquette and a big collection with locomotives and wagons in N scale.:)

alfalfa

02-21-2008, 11:19 AM

Hi all, my name is Manos, I am from Greece and I have a maquette and a big collection with locomotives and wagons in N scale.:)

Welcome to the board! :thumbsup: Stick around and enjoy. :)
We would love to see pics of your n scale layout and collection if you have any. If you need help posting pics, PM me and I will gladly help you out.

tworail

02-26-2008, 12:55 AM

For those who have not seen, Manos has posted his incredible layout here:

http://www.modeltrainforum.com/showthread.php?t=248

I must credit him for the inspiration to get back to my Marklin models.

I've been busy all weekend finishing off a couple building kits. Pics coming soon!

tworail

02-26-2008, 12:56 AM

manosdr

02-26-2008, 05:37 AM

Boston&Maine

02-26-2008, 08:09 AM

I am very happy that my maquette inspire you.:) (sorry for my English)

Hey, do not worry, your English is great! :thumbsup:

Trust me, I have seen people on forums where English is thier first language and it looks like they never took any grammar/English lessons past the first grade, LOL :D

manosdr

02-26-2008, 08:42 AM

Thanks, you give me courage...:)

blinndside

02-26-2008, 10:53 AM

hello to all. my name is justin from north texas. i'm 25 and a geology major. i've been interested in model trains since i was little but always procrastinated when it came time to get a train. well there will be no more of that for today is a day of reckoning, today i get my set (probably a DCC bachmann starter set, not my first choice but it will do for now while i try to learn how to lay track and what the train can and can't do, what i really want is three train sets from the 1800's - early 1900's but back to the main topic...) and i'm also going to build my 4x6 platform. so you guys will probably see me on here a lot with many questions. i'm going to thank all of you in advance. thanks. lol. i know this is going to take a while to get my set the way i want it but i'm ready for that. it's not the destination its the journey right.

tworail

02-26-2008, 11:45 AM

Welcome to the forum Justin.

Your plans sound good keep us in the loop and of course ask any questions you may have.

alfalfa

02-27-2008, 12:10 AM

Welcome Justin.

Can't wait to see your work.

alfalfa

ntrainlover

02-27-2008, 09:05 AM

Hi my name is Will
I have been model railroading for all 13 years of my life. If you have a problem or would like to request help, PM me of just make a post and I will reply. My main scale is HO.

tworail

02-27-2008, 12:33 PM

Welcome aboard Will.

I am going to thank you again for the recent contributions to the forum, the reviews are great!!!

Here are the links:

http://www.modeltrainforum.com/showthread.php?p=1047#post1047

TEXAZC6

03-01-2008, 09:14 AM

Hey y'all. Phil here. Pardon my rudeness last week for not dropping to say hi before asking questions. I'm getting back into this after a long hiatus since my son has really expressed an interest (4 yo) and we are about to build up a 5x9 HO layout.

Problem is, only thing I have ever done has been pre-packaged stuff like the old LifeLike Rocky Mountain Express set up. So, hand-crafting this on my own will be a bit of a challenge but that is all the fun right.

I hope you look forward to answering all my basic questions as much as I like to ask them.

I'll take plenty of pictures along the way for advice (and mockery) as my railroad empire grows!

Billy

03-04-2008, 09:37 PM

Hello: I'amBill
I have been building models as long as i can remember mostly 1/72 /76 scale military i have just really found a new intrest in ho scale trans i have allready started and have had a large diorama for my many intrest's now i am adding a railroad . I do need some help with some questions and i know you folkes can help i look forward to meeting you folkes and i hope i can help someone else here in the future. i will post one question as soon as i find the right forum. so feel free to respond. thank you and happy to meet you
Bill

tworail

03-04-2008, 09:43 PM

Welcome to the site Bill, glad you stopped by.

See you in the forums!!

regards,
John

smokey

03-05-2008, 11:53 PM

Hi, y'all. I'm Eric. I was modeling HO about 10~12 years ago and put it all up. It just got too big, needed the room (and money; I actually tried to sell it on eBay once but didn't make reserve (someone woulda got a steal!!)), baby on the way, etc. I wanted to switch to N-scale at that time, too, but am now glad I still have it all.

So anyway, the bug's got me again!! My son is 6 and would just eat it up (whatta little gearhead :D makes a daddy proud :D ). My wife's not too keen on the idea but I promised her to keep it smaller this time ;)

My dad got me started when I was around 7~8, I reckon. He had 4-4X8s in our basement in St.Louis. No scenery, lame plastic bridges, but man, I would spend hours down there. Mostly crashing them into my HotWheels and seeing how long of a train I could make.

Well, just wanted to see what was out here, and ya gotta be registered to check out the good stuff, so here I am.

And I'm bugging to learn everything DCC has become. It was still relatively new when I dropped out last... crazy technology!!!

Well, happy (t)rails!!!!
Smokey

tworail

03-05-2008, 11:56 PM

Hi Eric,

Welcome to the site. Look forward to hearing about your adventures in today's model railroad world.

You'll find we are a pretty laid back here and eager to help out with any questions you might have.

Cheers
John

alfalfa

03-05-2008, 11:59 PM

Welcome aboard smokey.
We hope you enjoy and stick around.
Good luck with your new project. Wish I was your son. :D

smokey

03-06-2008, 12:23 AM

Thanks, guys.

I'm still reading -up, and right now, it's more of a dream than something that's gonna happen next weekend or something. She wants me to finish my bike first... and I really can't argue with that!!!

But I sure miss my little trains, too!! I can keep it small, it'll be quick and cheap and I can get the boy trainin' sooner (and my son, too :p !!!).

A support group- yeah, that's what I need. Y'all start a petition for me to give the wife :laugh: !!!

Happy (t)rails!!

tworail

03-06-2008, 09:07 AM

Check out this site in the meantime, if you are short on space but want to get something (anything) going:

Micro Layouts (http://carendt.us/?=mtf)

Casey-Jones

03-07-2008, 05:53 PM

Boston&Maine

03-07-2008, 10:32 PM

alfalfa

03-09-2008, 07:48 AM

Hello everyone. Though I'm sure unless your a newbie like me most users only get here once. When there new.
Call me Casey I am planning to start a Model Train project for my grand children and hope to become a regular here.
Well Hello, Off to post.
Casey

Welcome to the party. I hope you stick around. I can't stand it when people sign up and post like one time and split. I am just a grunt here but I want to see this become the best forum out there!!! :D

tworail

03-09-2008, 10:53 PM

Welcome Casey, nice to have you here, and thanks for the contributions so far in the forum.

Yes, one-post-wonders are the bane of all forums, but luckily I have some tricks up my sleeve to reel them back in !!!

:thumbsup: :laugh:

ntrainlover

03-10-2008, 07:43 AM

Welcome for grand children I suggest to start out with o scale Lionel. Then if they want just change the scale to something nicer.

Boston&Maine

03-10-2008, 08:01 AM

Yes, one-post-wonders are the bane of all forums, but luckily I have some tricks up my sleeve to reel them back in !!!

:thumbsup: :laugh:

Like having the server send them automatic e-mails evertime they get a response to their thread? :smilie_daumenpos:

I would not mind them as much if they would at least come back and acknowedge that their question was answered or provide any other necessary information for their question to be answered...

Needles

03-17-2008, 10:09 PM

Hey everyone,My name is Phil and I'm on with my son Ashton who is five.I was never into model trains as a kid.But now that my son is really into them, I'm starting to gain interest in them.It all started last year when my son saw the Polar Express.After the movie all he wanted was that train.So at Christmas my parents got him the G gauge Polar Express train set.After that was on the Loinel website everyday,looking at more trains.Then from there he saw the "electric" trains,with the lights and the smoke and that transformer.So long story short I got him the O gauge Polar Express train set.Thats it for now.I told him.But he's crazy about trains.He's runnings the train most of the day.Then after running the trains he loves to go on the Lionel site and on E-bay looking at more trains an accessories.So now I'm found this site hoping to learn the most I can about model railroading.I really don't know anything about model trains so I hope you guys will steer me in the right direction.

floyd

03-18-2008, 12:21 AM

Needles...Welcome aboard. Great to hear you are listening to your son and supporting his interest in trains.:) I went through that with my grandson so got to work setting up an HO layout. The hobby is a great way for the two of you to grow together. If you have questions don't hesitate to ask.....that is how we all learned and would be glad to help.

IOGO

03-18-2008, 09:50 AM

Good Day to everyone on this Forum. My name is Glenn and I'm here with my son Ian, who is 11. Ian has loved trains since he was 3 and playing with the wooden Thomas stuff. Ian has been into model railroading since he was 5 and found my old HO & O stuff at his grandmother's house. I built a 4'x8' HO layout for him using DCC from Digitrax and the Zephyer in 2003. In 2005, the layout got an additional 2'x4' yard. We are now looking to replace this layout with an 11'x8' and are in the "design" stage. We will be using the Digitrax Empire Builder as the base power for the new layout. HO is our primary scale but we also belong to a Model Railroading Club and they run both HO & N scales, dedicate layouts for Model Train shows in our area. I'm sure we will have a number of questions for this forum and hope that we can supply answers to anyone that needs assistance.:)
Eastbound and Down....

sptrains.com

03-18-2008, 02:02 PM

Happy to have found this forum!

I'm an avid train nut, who just took the plunge and opened my own train store. Hopefully I'll still have time to model, but I've been enjoying setting up a small 4x8 layout in the store and running DCC trains with sound. I'm new to DCC and it still seems a little daunting, but sound just ads a whole new level.

Boston&Maine

03-18-2008, 03:45 PM

sptrains.com

03-18-2008, 03:57 PM

Quote:
Originally Posted by sptrains.com View Post
Happy to have found this forum!

I'm an avid train nut, who just took the plunge and opened my own train store. Hopefully I'll still have time to model, but I've been enjoying setting up a small 4x8 layout in the store and running DCC trains with sound. I'm new to DCC and it still seems a little daunting, but sound just ads a whole new level.
That sounds awsome! I hope that your business booms

Welcome to the forum everyone!

Thanks! Now if I can just get my ditch lights to work!

Boston&Maine

03-18-2008, 04:30 PM

Thanks! Now if I can just get my ditch lights to work!

LOL :)

I forgot to ask, what scale are you building your store layout in?

tworail

03-19-2008, 09:31 AM

LOL :)

I forgot to ask, what scale are you building your store layout in?

Details please :)

Welcome to the forum SPTrains, glad you could stop by.

Quite a large site you have there!

sptrains.com

03-19-2008, 06:03 PM

I model in HO and I'm planning a Garden railroad this summer. The easiest way to see my layout is to go to http://josh-the-trainguy.blogspot.com/

Let me know what you think.

Josh

Boston&Maine

03-19-2008, 06:06 PM

Wow Josh, that is a work of art! :eek:

The way you shaped the land is amazing... Using balls of newspaper is a very neat idea to make mountains :thumbsup:

tworail

03-19-2008, 06:21 PM

Josh,

What do you have in mind for the garden railway? I am thinking the same if I can commandeer some land :)

All my stuff is inside right now, either on display on in boxes :(

sptrains.com

03-19-2008, 07:13 PM

I put in a 200' long stream that goes into a 20,000 gallon koi pond last summer. I have a very wooded lot so I'm thinking about doing something whimsical, where basically I make a gnome railroad. Maybe a couple trestles put in, but figure that the train will cover 400' x 60' or so. The problem is that I'm going to want to start big, but I should probably start out small.

Doing the 4x8 layout using the woodland scenics system was really cool because I learned their system, and now can easily apply that to a larger layout. Moving outdoors and the grading, landscaping etc. that comes with it will be challenging.

I'm getting ready to start carrying live steam at the store, so I think I'll probably start with that. :)

ntrainlover

03-22-2008, 09:56 AM

Sounds awsome man. I need to get some g scale. Its one of the three scales I dont Have.:thumbsup:

setexcowboy

03-22-2008, 06:36 PM

Boston&Maine

03-22-2008, 06:57 PM

I yall',

I am pleased to be here, I am getting back into the hobby after about a 15 yr layoff. Look forward to learning things that I do not know of yet and maybe helping other with what I do know, mainly weathering.:D

Greg

Wecome to MTF Greg! :)

Wow, it looks like we have another weathering expert here! I took a look at your pictures, those are nice looking, especially the Southern Pacific one... Good job :thumbsup:

onelow_mazda

03-23-2008, 10:18 PM

Hi, I'm Carl. I've got an old Lionel Cannonball express from when I was a kid. I don't get it out much at all though. My father-in-law built a layout this past winter in his garage that spans across the entire 2 car garage! However it is hanging from the ceiling. Part of it is on a platform on top of some cabinets. The long span that goes across the garage is suspended by an old-fashioned looking wood tresel bridge that he built. The rest of it goes around the wall. Anyways...as I have questions about this stuff, new threads will appear. Thanks in advance for your input!

tworail

03-23-2008, 10:28 PM

Hi Carl,

Welcome to the site!! Thanks for posting in the thread, we all look forward to hearing more. There are a number of great guys on here who are into all things Lionel and definitely will be able to give you a hand - Boston&Maine is one of them.. there are others whose names escape me right now :o

I'm guessing from your name (onelow_mazda) you might be a Mazda guy? I just brought my Miata out of storage for the spring :)

ntrainlover

03-24-2008, 08:58 AM

setexcowboy

03-24-2008, 09:31 AM

I just started weathering about 1 yr ago. I am still trying to develop a system for me to have a step by step plan. I have been using Windsor & Newton oils, weathering powders, pastel chalks, various paints ( oil and acryllic). I am always looking for other methods and materials, so any feedback would be very helpful.:D

ntrainlover

03-24-2008, 09:38 AM

Thats good for starting just 1 year ago. Lord mine is crappy compared to that.

sptrains.com

03-24-2008, 09:39 AM

That is some amazing weathering. It just needs some graphiti! I don't know why, but I just love train car graphiti.

ntrainlover

03-24-2008, 09:41 AM

I have 1 graffiti piece that is almost done being digitalized. I could sent that to you to be used when finished.

smokey

04-03-2008, 12:05 AM

Hey, at least I was a two-hit wonder!! Nah, more time here=less time at the r/r :p :laugh: !!

I just put the finishing touches on the layout itself, as in, laying the roadbed and track, and mocked-up the elevated section. Looks good, now I'm wondering on how I'm gonna wire it, stay cab-control or take the plunge into DCC (my 6yo son will be me primary co-pilot ;) ), how many blocks, etc. Going analog looks good now as I have most everything I need from the last layout.

Whatchy'all think? Take the plunge?! I want to but funds won't allow for that immediately, so I am trying to plan ahead where upgrading will be easier in the future.

Right now... he wants to see some trains run. And me too!!!

Quick question- the Atlas snap-relay: who's using 'em, are they handy, are there other ways? I'm going to need to make a whole new control panel, so if y'all want to throw me some ideas, I sure would appreciate it :thumbsup:

Oh, and my layout is basically Atlas' #32 Apex and Hypotenuse, though my table is a bit bigger at 5'X10'6". I fit a 4 track yard at the lower left, opened all my turns (except one siding) to 22*radius, added a couple passings, used some #4 & #6 turnouts; basically opened it up a bit, smoothed it out (I hope!!) I'll get pics up one day.

Anyway, thanks for any help.
smokey

sptrains.com

04-03-2008, 08:43 AM

chris025

04-03-2008, 01:16 PM

Hi guys,my name is chris and i am just now getting into this hobby.I recently recieved a Lionel train that was passed down to me that was my grandfathers when he was a kid back in the 20's,my 4 year old son was so amazed by it so i decided to go out and buy us an O scale Lionel with the passenger expantion pack.We live in an apt. for now,so room is tight to have a set up so we just set it up on the wood floor and break it back down when we are done running it.I also have some N scale i bought off an old freind that was selling them cheap so i could'nt pass it up.I have pics of everything if anyone is interested in seeing.Thanks and hope to talk to you all soon.

Lownen

04-03-2008, 01:26 PM

...I have pics of everything if anyone is interested in seeing.Thanks and hope to talk to you all soon.

I'm always interested in seeing pictures of people's trains. :D

Boston&Maine

04-03-2008, 03:43 PM

I'm always interested in seeing pictures of people's trains. :D

Same here especially prewar Lionel trains... So welcome to MTF Chris and get some pictures up :smilie_daumenpos:

chris025

04-03-2008, 04:01 PM

pics are up in the pic forum guys.

Rideauwrangler

04-04-2008, 07:38 AM

shaygetz

04-04-2008, 10:02 AM

Hi All;

I've registered for a specific purpose; my friend who for many years built a model railroad with his father during his child hood in the late 40's/early 50's has decided to liquidate his collection that has been in storage for 50 years and has asked to to do the work for him. I know nothing about model rail roads and I'm here to learn from the experts, so expect to see a few threads started by me over the next couple of days. Thanks!

Hope we can be of some help. If you look at my blog and website, you'll see that I've been in the hobby for 35 years and may be able to help you identify some of the items. I hope you do well on helping your friend.

Lownen

04-04-2008, 11:02 AM

Hi All;

I've registered for a specific purpose; my friend who for many years built a model railroad with his father during his child hood in the late 40's/early 50's has decided to liquidate his collection that has been in storage for 50 years and has asked to to do the work for him. I know nothing about model rail roads and I'm here to learn from the experts, so expect to see a few threads started by me over the next couple of days. Thanks!

You and your friend need to keep some of these and start your own layout. :)

Or maybe sell them and use the money to get into a smaller scale that doesn't take up as much room. Hang with us for a while and we'll get you hooked. I promise. :D

Rideauwrangler

04-04-2008, 02:26 PM

Another question; where is the right place on this forum to start threads on all the accessories that go with a model railroad except the trains themselves? Buildings, people, vehicles, tracks, ect?

Boston&Maine

04-04-2008, 02:33 PM

Another question; where is the right place on this forum to start threads on all the accessories that go with a model railroad except the trains themselves? Buildings, people, vehicles, tracks, ect?

Since we are still a small forum, we do not really care about this... I would say either General Discussions, Railway Structures (?), or their respective scales...

sptrains.com

04-04-2008, 02:38 PM

If it's something that is applicable across all scales then general would be best, and if it's scale specific, then probably under that scale. Happy to have you here!

smokey

04-04-2008, 10:30 PM

I think you'll find that your locomotives and cars will run much better on the 22" radius. One other thing you can do is if you don't have enough room to make the full turn in 22" or higher, start it at have one section of 22" then your 18" and end with another 22" before the next straight. These eases into the turns allow faster/smoother running.

I did. I tried to avoid any 18s, but where I did have to use them, I broke it up with 22s. It did force me to re-do one of my outer-curves, but I had the room so it was no big deal- just time!!

The worst part is- my broadest, coolest curve will be 75% under the mountain!!! Doh!!

Currently working on pt.1 of the grade... what a good rule of thumb for grades? 1" in 1', 1" in 2'? What do y'all use on smaller layouts?

Thanks.

Hey- what about the DCvsDCC? Any good data-bases that explain it all? It seems like they're constantly evolving. And what about NMRA standards? Where can I go for good info about that?

Thanks again!!
Smokey :cool:

metroman

04-06-2008, 08:14 AM

Hi,
Just joined the forum, name is Martin, 55 years old and always have had an interest in Railways. I currently have a German outline layout in my loft. I am thinking of building a narrow gauge layout, but undecided as to go with HOe of HOm, but I will go onto the relavant topic.
Regards
Martin

Lownen

04-06-2008, 10:40 AM

Welcome Martin. You'll find a reply to your post in Narrow Gauges, if you haven't already.

train4myboys

04-06-2008, 11:57 PM

Howdy! My name is Timothy, I've got a pair of two year old twins that are absolutely infatuated with trains. They run around the house with every Thomas toy we can get them, yelling Choo! Choo!

I haven't had trains since I was a kid, but I think these two are enough incentive to get back into it! I've got a couple questions, but figure they'll get more traffic in the right forum, so I'll start in the general forum.

Looks like a great site, and I look forward to hearing all about model trains from all y'all!

alfalfa

04-07-2008, 04:13 AM

Welcome Timothy,
Glad you could join us and have twins that like trains. :thumbsup:

TEXAZC6

04-07-2008, 11:50 PM

I did. I tried to avoid any 18s, but where I did have to use them, I broke it up with 22s. It did force me to re-do one of my outer-curves, but I had the room so it was no big deal- just time!!

The worst part is- my broadest, coolest curve will be 75% under the mountain!!! Doh!!

Currently working on pt.1 of the grade... what a good rule of thumb for grades? 1" in 1', 1" in 2'? What do y'all use on smaller layouts?

Thanks.

Hey- what about the DCvsDCC? Any good data-bases that explain it all? It seems like they're constantly evolving. And what about NMRA standards? Where can I go for good info about that?

Thanks again!!
Smokey :cool:

Someone else may chime in but the guy at the train stor gave me a formula of 2 feet to go up 1 inch which is equivilent to a 4% grade. Hope this helps.

hiswife

04-14-2008, 04:41 PM

Hello, I'm Dee and I know absolutely nothing about trains, except that my daughter likes to ride them. :) My husband is falling in love with the real life big trains, so I want to get him something for his birthday that he can start off with. So I signed up. :) Hope you guys can help me out. I'll probably get him to sign up too. After his birthday, of course. :)

Boston&Maine

04-14-2008, 05:14 PM

Welcome to the forum Dee, it is always a good day whenever someone new gets into our hobby... I definitely agree that it will be best to tell him about this forum after he gets his gift, LOL :D

funwithtrains

04-21-2008, 06:48 PM

Hello all,

Rob from Pennsylvania checking in. I'm into HO, Z, G & O scales.

Regards,
Rob

Boston&Maine

04-21-2008, 07:05 PM

Hello all,

Rob from Pennsylvania checking in. I'm into HO, Z, G & O scales.

Regards,
Rob

Rob, welcome to the Model Train Forum! I checked out your websites and they all look great, nice work :thumbsup:

funwithtrains

04-22-2008, 11:28 PM

Rob, welcome to the Model Train Forum! I checked out your websites and they all look great, nice work :thumbsup:

Thanks for the welcome and the compliment!

Rob

deraileddoc

04-23-2008, 01:38 PM

It's been many years since HO kept me busy and I'm back. I've always wanted to model a coast to coast transportation of fruits and vegetables from farm to market, with changing locos, roads, and crews. Transition steam to diesel and long lonely passages across mountains, grasslands and rivers. Long slopes to climb and descend and for grins, a pusher locomotive to get the heavy freights over the top. Hopefully I can put it all inside an old country store my grandfather once ran many years ago. I think multi-level, no wider than 2 feet (except for yard work) and I'd like to use a nicad power system if that is available now. I'm not too enthralled with running miles of wires to power up. Not to mention the cost. Anyone have some ideas about this?
Because my father was collecting some nice locomotives before he passed away I have a start with power. But I may want to sell these and start over with the nicad or similar rechargeable units if those are available.
For the yards, the usual service areas for the steam and diesel units and icing operations for the reefers. Maybe a slow moving coal freight to complicate the schedule. I'm not too keen on cluttered towns, multiple bridges coming and going, etc. I like the wide open spaces, the loneliness and quiet found in the long cross country hauls. Then the roar of the train, running hard, hot and fast, no time to spare.

sptrains.com

04-23-2008, 02:14 PM

That sounds like quite an ambitious plan. 99% of HO Trains continue to be driven from the rails, NiCadd hasn't really made inroads into the hobby except in G gauge for garden railroads. Since you're starting fresh, you should make the jump to DCC, it should simplify your wiring, and will allow you to do a lot more with lash ups, helper engines etc. Sounds like you'll be running point to point, but you might want to consider putting two auto-reversing loops on the ends to allow for some continuous operation as well, for relaxing days watching the trains go by. If you have any questions, shoot me an email or give me a call and I'll help you out.

Also, welcome to the forum!

Lownen

04-23-2008, 02:46 PM

Welcome deraileddoc;

Your project sounds like a lot of fun. I'm with Josh "sptrains" on the subject of DCC. If you're not familiar with it, here's a primer:

http://modeltrains.about.com/od/electronicsdcc/tp/DCC_Overview.htm

Ni-Cads would give you uninterrupted power, but unless you wanted to run around changing them you'd still have to run wires to keep them charged. With DCC you would have to run 2 wires under your layout to supply power to your rails at intervals around your track, and possibly one additional small network cable depending on the brand of DCC you select and the accessories you want to use. You'll find though, that DCC makes for MUCH better control of both trains and turnouts than was previously available.

deraileddoc

04-23-2008, 08:33 PM

Wow, that was fast. Thanks for the response and advice. I have a DCC power and control system now and I've test run one steam switcher. I'm working on some structures and benches, and planning. I've got two Trix Big Boy Union Pacific locos, same numbers, an accident in ordering. I may want to sell one and get one of the Proto versions which will give me two different year versions. On the east coast I have one Berkshire, Virginian road. I've got a lot of reading to do about the routes and where connections with different roads would have happened. These locos were purchased for display by my dad but I'm hoping to make them work. I'm planning on some F diesels once it all comes together. I do have plans for some helix transfers to different levels and several long, long curves to bring into view different vistas and changes of location. I've had an idea of a billboard facing the tracks when a passenger train is leaving the station for the passengers to see: "Get there faster, take the plane". Or something like that, and as they round the corner a flame engulfed plane crashed into the trees and rocks near the tracks. Got to have some humor on the way.:D

Lownen

04-24-2008, 12:01 AM

Sounds great doc!

Chessie6459

05-06-2008, 09:47 PM

Hello Everyone. My name is Matthew Miller and I usually go by LiveSteamer but have been changing it to Chessie6459. I am 23 years old and live in Portage Pennsylvania. I am modeling the Chessie System Railroad in HO Scale and will be doing the Pennsylvania Railroad in N Scale. My collection of locomotives is small but have alot of freight cars and a few passenger cars. Well going to go and browse the forums.:D

alfalfa

05-07-2008, 05:31 AM

sptrains.com

05-07-2008, 06:24 AM

Welcome, it's nice to have a fellow Chessie, PRR modeler here. My grandfather was a conductor for Chessie up until he died. I still love their logo.

Chessie6459

05-07-2008, 10:40 AM

My father worked on the Chessie System up until he was layed off in the early 80's. He worked the Johnstown Branch as a conductor for a few years. He was an avid Chessie, PRR Fan. That's how I got involved with trains was through my dad.

POSSUM

05-09-2008, 10:00 AM

Hi yall. My name is Curt. I had an extensive collection of HO trains and accessories in early to mid 1970's. I had paper mache' scenery, remote control logging mill, culvert plant, lots of buildings, freight bldgs etc and more. When we moved from Memphis to south Mississippi in '79 I was 15 yrs old and had all that stuff packed up. I gave (lent) it to my nephew who seemed to have an interest in trains. Years later I knew he wasn't into it then so I asked to get it back. Yall might want to sit down before I go on, but, he said, and I shudder to think about it, "Mama threw it away." I did not look at a train or track for years. I even closed my eyes when I drove over a grade crossing. (Well I did look both ways actually to keep from getting smashed) My wife suggested I look on Ebay to see if I could start over. I came upon a lot of HO trains and accessories with a buy it now price of $75.00. I could not believe it. I thought someone made a mistake or did not know what they had. Anyway, I got it. A lot of stuff was wrapped in early to mid 1970's newspaper. So I'm sure the stuff was stowed away in an attic or something. There were 30 engines in all. 8 steam locos, one being the Jupiter, and the whole set of Stephenson's Rocket with coaches. Several diesel yard goats and various diesels from '40's and '50's era up to present. There were figures, track, and two whole train sets, a heap of scrap parts, and lots of cabooses, box cars etc. Awesome man! I am now full blown into a 4 x 8 layout and plan on extending in the future. That's my story and I'm stickin' to it.

Lownen

05-09-2008, 01:09 PM

Welcome Curt!

Sounds like you scored bigtime on eBay. HO gets dumped in lots on eBay frequently. People buy it for kids, put it away, and sell it 30 years later because they never had room for it in the first place. You don't see that happen in other scales often, particularly in the smaller scales. Those lots can be hit and miss. But many times one piece is worth what you pay for the whole set. Sounds like you may have gotten one of those.

Best!

railroadstooge

05-09-2008, 07:08 PM

Hey Guys!

My name's William. While I'm not doing any model train stuff at the moment, it's something I want to get back in to. At the age of four some family members bought me a nice train set that I used to play with all the time; it actually included the same Chessie B & O engine that you have pictured on your website Chessie6459 and it's a pretty boss engine to have I must say. Unfortunately I haven't set it up in many years. Anyways, I found this site and wanted to join in the forums to get caught up on the happenings in the model rail road world.

Boston&Maine

05-09-2008, 08:05 PM

My name's William. While I'm not doing any model train stuff at the moment, it's something I want to get back in to. At the age of four some family members bought me a nice train set that I used to play with all the time; it actually included the same Chessie B & O engine that you have pictured on your website Chessie6459 and it's a pretty boss engine to have I must say. Unfortunately I haven't set it up in many years.

Welcome to MTF William! I think that you need to get your train set out of storage, blow the dust off it, and have some fun!!! :smilie_daumenpos:

Army Train

05-13-2008, 12:47 PM

Hi all

The only reason I have joined is to post a classified. I was recently in Italy and my widow friend had a husband with an excellent inventory of hand made trains. His reference books are posted on the classified page this date (May 13th).
Her husband had a HO collection that was entirely hand made. Coaches,box cars,caboose, engines and all other rolling stock was painstaking handcrafted by this "artist" who during the day was a water management engineer (he supervised city water infrastructure all over Italy).
Those hand made trains are not presently for sale. However his reference books are. If you can speak Italian (or have a dear friend or relative that does ;))....this could be a good contact for a patient individual with the realization that in purchasing these books, you are carrying the train enthusiast torch forward from a individual that truly loved his hobby.
In closing, I truly admire the hobby you fellas pursue.....I am knee deep in WW2 militaria, but if I wasnt.....

thanks
Dale

Chessie6459

05-13-2008, 05:52 PM

Welcome To All The New Members.

T-Man

05-16-2008, 12:13 PM

Hello! I'm the T-man (Trains, track, trestles,trucks,trailers and tractors). I found you through google and thought this is the place to be!! My real name is Bob and I live in the Seacoast of New Hampshire. I grew up with a Lionel set in the basement my oldest brother's. The set was always his. My childhood era was slot cars. My calling came later, when I was dating my wife.We would go on the antique trail and I would find Lionel items. I bought and looked for more. This was back in the 80's. For the past 3 years I revived the interest and have room to run trains and enjoy them with the kids.
My best finds were just a box of used dirty old trains,I cleaned, I fixed and now run, and a lot of times fix again. Life is Good!

Boston&Maine

05-16-2008, 01:32 PM

Hello! I'm the T-man (Trains, track, trestles,trucks,trailers and tractors).

Welcome to the MTF my fellow New Hampshirite! I like how your username sums up all of your interests, LOL... It sounds like you have some good information to share too... By the way, do you have any pictures of your Lionel trains? I am into O scale too! You can upload any pictures straight to the forum by using our gallery (http://www.modeltrainforum.com/gallery/) feature :D

T-Man

05-16-2008, 11:13 PM

Thanks for the Warm Welcome! The wife came up with idea, it worked so I used it. I'm a Newbie to forums but I'll give the gallery a try. I wanted the Downeaster as an avatar but cant quite get the size to work :confused:
Anyway, I liked your post on the 259E restoration.

Boston&Maine

05-17-2008, 08:07 AM

I wanted the Downeaster as an avatar but cant quite get the size to work :confused:

Anyway, I liked your post on the 259E restoration.

Hmm... The image for your avatar needs to be equal to or smaller than 80 pixels by 80 pixels... It almost looks like the image you used has a lot of white in it? Maybe you can use Microsoft paint to trim it off?

And thank you ;)

T-Man

05-17-2008, 11:44 PM

My avatar is up!I took the logo from the Amtrak site. It was a gif file. Going to photo reduce .com (http://www.photoreduce.com), I first saved it as a jpeg,followed directions :o and the Avatar is up and running! :laugh:Now I can work on some photo's.

tworail

05-22-2008, 07:21 PM

The invasion of the New Hampshirites!!!! OH NOES!!

Just kidding guys, T-Man, glad to have you aboard!

ScanneR

06-04-2008, 06:21 AM

Hi, my name is Luis and used to play a lot with HO trains (Lima). Not fancy tracks, me and my brother just layed out the tracks, nailed them to a board and let's rock :) We made some changes in the trains like putting light inside them, and so on.
Now my nephew want me to put those trains to work so I will start building a layout but this time I want to make is correctly, with buildings, tunels, bridges and so on, so I am sure I will start reading a lot this forum and bombing you all with questions :)

Boston&Maine

06-04-2008, 07:22 AM

Welcome to the MTF Luis! I am always glad to hear that people who were once into trains are getting back into them... There are plenty of members who model HO scale here who should be able to help you out :)

rahjiggah

06-04-2008, 03:21 PM

Hello all...just looking to get in to this.

been wanting to since I was a kid...now that im older Im ready to do it. just wondering if theres any advice as to what scale to go with...any brands, and maybe suggestions of starter kits or do you just buy everything in separate pieces. sorry for the n00b questions.

Boston&Maine

06-04-2008, 03:34 PM

Hello Rahjiggah, glad to see you getting into the hobby :thumbsup:

As far as scale goes, there are many determining factors as to what is best for you, one being your interests and the other big one being space... Take me for example, I model in O scale... Sure it may take up a lot of space, but I like the size of the trains, even HO scale is too small for my liking... A lot of people around here like HO scale, so maybe you would too... You should take a look at all the different scale forums to get any questions you may have answered :)

rahjiggah

06-04-2008, 03:39 PM

thanx for the reply!

cool im going to read up more and check some stores just to see the sizes...I was originally going to get Z-scale but it seems realllllllly small and I can foresee problems with that already...was thinking something a size or two up from that if that makes any sense...

gonna check the hobby shop out this weekend...and see whats out there.

chrisb

06-07-2008, 10:55 PM

Hello everyone,

Well I'm looking to set up a G scape train that will run throu my garden and over my pond. I don't have any real experience with train other than the little sets ready to go straight out of the box. I figure with time that will change and hopefully my little girl will grow and enjoy them with me.

chris

Only_in_a_YJ

06-08-2008, 01:26 PM

Hello all, my name is Derek

I'm looking to do a layout in HO scale of the Virginian and/or N&W. I'm a complete newb at this, so I need all the help I can get.

shaygetz

06-08-2008, 02:18 PM

Welcome to the forum guys...:thumbsup:

N&W? OOOO yeah...

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p96/1shaygetz/y6b2a.jpg

tdlredwood

06-15-2008, 04:00 AM

Hi! I am Ted from the Philippines. I used to own a model train set when i was a little kid about 20 years ago. I think it was an HO set. However, my mother over-stored it as I could not find it anymore. Recently, i came across a used Roco N-scale starter set. Now, i wanna expand the set and build a complete layout. I would like to buy more tracks, cars and locomotives. My question is, are all N-scale tracks compatible with the other brands? Will any N-scale locomotive work on any brand of track?

Boston&Maine

06-15-2008, 07:18 AM

Welcome aboard the MTF Ted! I always like to see people getting back into the hobby... If you have not already looked, I answered your questions where you posted in the N scale section ;)

ntrainlover

06-20-2008, 09:39 PM

Welcome luis great ot have you aboard also great to see we are expanding in large numbers.:D:thumbsup:

smithsj1

06-22-2008, 06:03 PM

Hi guys,

OK I guess I am a newbie as I now have my first set for ahem..25 years.

I guess thats what a son mad on trains does for you. I'll admit I have started my own model railway site and my son was well happy when I told him that was my topic for a website course that I am doing.

I am now getting addicted even though we are living in basicsville and setting out on a Hornby mat!.. I have bought all the track needed for that and I have put it onto a board which I must admit is pretty cool.

I'm having problems with the engine that came with the ste 0-6-0 wheras a 0-4-0 that I bought off ebay zips around and a diesel I bought this weekend which is 0-6-0 seems to work OK. I guess working on the plastic sheet on the living room carpet didn't help and maybe I will need to take the engine to bits and clean it out of any carpet residue. Now that's a bit scarey for a newbie. :laugh:

Anyhow hi to everyone here! :thumbsup:

ntrainlover

06-22-2008, 06:26 PM

Welcome and feel free to ask as many questions as needed.:D:thumbsup:

Boston&Maine

06-22-2008, 08:11 PM

Welcome to the MTF Stuart, that is a nice site you made there... Hmm, an engine that refuses to run... What scale are you working with? Maybe make a thread about the bunk locomotive in that scale's section and we will help you fix it from there :)

smithsj1

06-23-2008, 12:33 AM

Thanks for the welcome guys.

I'll will do a post in on the troublesome loco a little later ! :ohwell:

bnexpress76

06-27-2008, 10:37 AM

Hi my name is Doug I am some what of a newbie. I have had a o gauge train for a few years but lately got room to put it up more permantly as the kids have left home.I would like to know about switches as my lionel switchs spark heavily when some cars go over them.I am thinking of going to TMCC and have looked into Ross switches.Any advice would be helpful.

T-Man

06-27-2008, 12:13 PM

Hi Doug!
Glad to have you sign up. We value our O scalers and have plenty of room.Lionel people are VERY welcome. Post your problem in the O scale section and define what switch you have 1122 or 022 or whatever. Those switches need insulating pins. I can reference the info from a manual.
Wow, how did Boston and Maine miss this. He must be looking for a job, or maybe he's cutting the grass.

I posted some pictures of some beat up runners so don't be ashamed and post some pictures. We'd like to see what you got.

Meanwhile I'll read up on switches.
Bob

Boston&Maine

06-27-2008, 04:23 PM

Yes, welcome to the Model Train Forum bnexpress76, O scale is awsome :)

Wow, how did Boston and Maine miss this. He must be looking for a job

Sort of... My department head sent me information on a couple jobs, hopefully I will get one... Then yesterday I went sea fishing and today I went to see "Get Smart"...

ntrainlover

06-27-2008, 04:37 PM

Hey doug nice to meet you!
Feel free to ask us questions.

Wecome!

irishviking

06-28-2008, 04:13 PM

Ok, well, first off let me say hello to everyone. HELLO! Now, I am on here because I inherrited some old model trains from my grandfather and I have no idea what they are. All the boxes and paperwork is long gone. So I'm hoping that someone can tell me what they are, and if they are valuable. All I know is that they are from the 50's and 60's. No idea what scale or even who made them. Is there somewhere I can look on them that will tell me? Or is there somewhere that I can go to find this information? Please let me know! I appreciate all and any help that is given. Thank you!

Boston&Maine

06-28-2008, 04:28 PM

Hello IrishViking, welcome to the forum... If the train cars are from the 1950's or 60's, then chances are they are either O scale or HO scale... This page (http://modeltrains.about.com/od/modelrailroadtrains/tp/Scales-and-Gauges.htm) gives out a bunch of information about scales... To determine the scale of the train cars you have, measure the gauge of the wheels and match it to one listed on the page I just linked to... Simply take a ruler and find the distance between the wheel flanges on an axle (gauge)... Just to let you know, the measurement on the website will probably be slightly larger than the number you get...

Once you figure out a scale make a thread about your cars in the appropriate forum... If they are O scale I should be able to help identify them for you, I like doing investigative work, LOL... If they are a different scale though, I am sure someone around here will be able to help you :)

irishviking

06-29-2008, 12:37 AM

Thank you Boston&Maine for the link! It helped me out a lot!! Did the measuring and I guess they are HO scale. Is there much demand for old trains in this scale?

ozroscoe

07-09-2008, 10:33 PM

Hi guys and gals,

I'm Ross from DownUnder. I'm building an HO layout in my garage, unfortunately sharing it with a Voyager. The base module is 5x12 and a new module of 4 x 12 has been recently added to form the layout into an L. I intend to build temporary modules to form a large rectangle 12 x 16 with operators in the middle. The theme is NW USA featuring BN(SF) and UP locos with a mix of passenger and freight.

I love modelling structures, trees, landscapes and I'm very happy with my initial effort for my backdrop. I have help from my father-in-law and a neighbour who work on the layout each Wednesday night. Progress is slow but fun!

Cheers,

Roscoe

T-Man

07-09-2008, 11:38 PM

Welcome to the Forum.
It's always a treat to greet new members. Your layout sounds great. I hope to see some pictures of your progress.

I have to tell my only Australian story.
While vacationing in London I briefly met an Australian girl, who said she was in London for a wake. I felt bad for that she had to make this trip under unhappy circumstances. It wasn't untill I mentioned it to my wife that I found out she meant a week.:D
What can I say it's a great accent.

I'm sure some of the members can help with information on your theme. I'm learning more aout the Real Scale every day.

Happy Posting
Bob

Boston&Maine

07-10-2008, 06:09 AM

The theme is NW USA featuring BN(SF) and UP locos with a mix of passenger and freight.

Cheers,

Roscoe

Welcome here Roscoe! I really like your choice of road names, I am going to be modeling BNSF and UP if I do not decide to freelance :)

Boston&Maine

07-20-2008, 07:24 PM

It seems like all of our recent new members are skipping this thread and going straight to posting on the main forum... So for all of you people, this is my welcome to you :D

ozroscoe

07-21-2008, 06:01 PM

Welcome to the Forum.
It's always a treat to greet new members. Your layout sounds great. I hope to some pictures of your progress.

I have to tell my only Australian story.
While vacationing in London I briefly met an Australian girl, who said she was in London for a wake. I felt bad for that she had to make this trip under unhappy circumstances. It wasn't untill I mentioned it to my wife that I found out she meant a week.:D
What can I say it's a great accent.

Thanks Bob, I tried to apply attachments but they did not work. I will try again.

As for accents go...it was a killer for me to order in a Pensy Subway: I'd say "wheat please" and the reply would be "OK, white it is"...what the! One time at Disneyworld a guy tried to guess my wifes accent and she gave him the clue "waaaaaaay down south" and he said "Texas?". :laugh:

Anyhoo, we had a great time in Allentown in 1996 but I wish I knew about Steamtown back then! :eek:

ozroscoe

07-21-2008, 06:44 PM

OK now I've worked out the attachments, here are a few more:

T-Man

07-22-2008, 12:26 AM

Wow, you obviously put some work into it.
Thanks for the view.
I enjoyed your story. I'll have to tell the wife.
Looking forward to more of your posts!

cidjackaries

07-23-2008, 01:12 AM

Hi, I am Christopher

I run HO scale, mainly Amtrak with my space on my layout in a constant fight with my wife's trains. (I am into it more than she is).

T-Man

07-23-2008, 07:06 AM

Welcome Chris, there is a growing number of HO members.Your wife can join too.
My wife is a stamper (not on me) just rubber.The cellar real estate is tight.LOL
Look around, we have a few HO layouts being built, complete with pictures.
Any comments,questions, or discussions just post.

Bob

tw001_tw

07-23-2008, 10:24 PM

Hi everyone. I joined to get advice for my (and my sons) first electric train set. We (primarily me, he's only 4) are going to build an L shaped HO set - part of it will be a cargo/dock type scene, and the rest of it country side. Or at least that's the plan for now.

Thanks for the forum.
-tw

(aka, tom)

ntrainlover

07-23-2008, 11:01 PM

Welcome!
We are glad to have you aboard.:D

fsm1000

07-24-2008, 01:16 AM

I am new here [I think LOL]. I have been out of things for a bit due to my back problems etc. I might have been here before I don't remember.

Anyhow the point is I am here now and want to contribute to this and the other places I go to and maybe someone will find something I have done helpful.

Thanks for having me :)

Boston&Maine

07-24-2008, 07:01 AM

We are very glad to have you here at the MTF Stephen, it is nice to have people around here who want to contribute and help others out :smilie_daumenpos:

fsm1000

07-24-2008, 10:27 AM

We are very glad to have you here at the MTF Stephen, it is nice to have people around here who want to contribute and help others out :smilie_daumenpos:

No problem. I see it as my way of giving back is all.

Considering that the internet was not even invented when I started modelling decades ago, I find this a fantastic tool for helping others who are new to our hobby. Or maybe just confused about a part that another may be expert in.

Thanks for having me. :)

ntrainlover

07-24-2008, 10:56 AM

Welcome, glad to have you with us!:D

Dean T

07-29-2008, 07:37 AM

Just getting back into a hobby I loved in my childhood and teen years. As a young adult, I kind of lost interest, mainly because of funding. Now I'm back at 45 years old and have the resources to pursue my second childhood.

dallison

08-10-2008, 11:19 AM

Hi everyone,

I just joined your forum to learn from you. I hope you do not mind lots of questions...my sons are just coming of the age to help me relive my childhood with my father! I had an HO gauge set up before, and wish to recreate the layout my father and I made before.
I have an extra room that is 12 x 14 and I want to center the track system in this room.
Anyone with recommendations for planning before I start buying the wrong products would be appreciated.

Thank you,

dallison
www.ModelTrainsScale.com

“There are some things in this world that you can never unsee!”
Isabella Allison, age 5

dallison

08-10-2008, 01:52 PM

I am so glad to have found you! I have dreamed of having a group of folks dedicated to model trains. I had no idea that there was so much interest until I began searching online. I am actually a dentist, but I would love to re-establish a connection with model train enthusiasts.

Well, I think I struck gold! I had a "great" track set up when I was young, but I now want to have an in-home hobby that will involve my kids. This is perfect and it takes me back to my childhood.

I am a detailed-oriented person, which will lend itself to beautiful layouts, but will more than likely take me into a world from which I may not be able to return. :)

Anyway, thanks in advance for all the info I am sure I will be getting from this forum.

shaygetz

08-10-2008, 02:35 PM

Welcome guys...coffee's on.:thumbsup:

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p96/1shaygetz/val.jpg

MacDaddy55

08-18-2008, 10:35 PM

Hello Everyone,
My names Matt and I have had the Railway bug since my older brother got that Lionel Train set, Christmas of 1964. I would have to wait until my son Ian's 7th Christmas, some 31 years later, and that $1,000,000 question from my Mother-in-law,"What does Ian want for Christmas?" That question was put to my wife and like a snowball rolling down a mountain side our collction has grown and GROWN!! Even my daughter got into the act...those pink Bachman figures...little kids just love them!! We started small with a 4x8 sheet of plywood on horses and after several discussions on what the layout should look like came up with small town americana at its best. That was 14 years ago(Ians 20 and Clare is 17).....how time passes. Well, last year a friend of my wife said you can get good money for used/decent HO electric trains on Ebay. So like a good husband I gauged what had been picked up over 14 years at swap meets, auctions, and garage sails(get there early on 1st day) and said.."Honey...This is our family hobby and when I'm gone the kids can take over and do what they want with it! We aren't selling! Guess what....it worked! I've been a Chef for 35 years and nothing gives me more joy than to go to the garage and pull out Ole Big Berkie and run freight through the town of Bedford, PA(our mythical road & township. Ian is in his third year of college and still runs his AT&SF 2-8-0 consolidated. Once you get the bug ..it stays with you!!! Anyway, sorry to ramble but this is a great site and I hope to talk with you all down the line soon! Thanks again, Matt

tworail

08-18-2008, 10:42 PM

Welcome to all the new recruits! Thanks for taking the time to post in this thread, it's great to hear where people are coming from.

shaygetz

08-18-2008, 11:39 PM

Welcome to the forum, Matt.

smokey

08-19-2008, 01:01 AM

You ain't kiddin', Matt!! It's a bug!!!!! It's been 20 years when I got back into it, then took about a 9~10 year break again and got it bad now!!!! I want to get my 6(oh, soon to be 7, excuse me!!) into them so he can give it to his kids one day.

World's Greatest Hobby, indeed :D

And welcome to all the rest of the new members. Great site :thumbsup:

dallison

08-19-2008, 06:18 AM

Matt and all the others,

Thanks for your participation in this forum. People like you keep the excitement level high for me.

After hours of research, I am going to go with an HO scale layout. I believe the size will be perfect for my designated area. My children are just 9, 7 and 6, but the boys (9 and 7), love models, collections, etc. so I know they will love to spend time with me putting together a great layout and operating the system.

I will keep in touch, as I hope you will.

Thanks again for the input.

ezrunner

08-21-2008, 11:40 AM

Good Day

I have been exposed to trains most of my life as my Dad has had some form of hobby store or another since I can remember. I play with O gauge more than anything.

Currently Dad owns a Train store in Virginia Beach Virginia Engine House Trains. I am helping out as he is ill this week. I am very active on Blackberry Forum sites and thought why not check into a train forum as the BB sites have been very helpful.

Typically HO is the dominant sellers in most areas of the country however in Virginia O seems to rule.

we have decided to bring in more HO none the less. We have plenty of used stuff currently with new merchandise on its way.

Actually an HO engine is what brought me here. Posted about it in the HO section.

www.enginehousetrains.com is his website truthfully it is nothing more than an intro page which i hope to change in the near future.

I look forward to participating quite a bit here

shaygetz

08-21-2008, 06:05 PM

Welcome, EZ:thumbsup:

KurtP

08-22-2008, 04:41 PM

Hi my name is Kurt. Well a few years ago got hurt at work and had to retire. Well when I was able to move around again myself and my 5 year old grandson started building a model train. The last year we have let it slide and we are about to get back into it. This time we are going to upgrade to DCC. So should be fun once I figure it all out. Anyways Hi to all.

shaygetz

08-22-2008, 06:17 PM

elcome to the forum, Kurt.http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p96/1shaygetz/blogger/rahrah.gif

4020deere

08-24-2008, 09:43 AM

After several - and I mean several years, I'm jumping back into model trains. I had a couple oval and round setups as a kid - nothing spectacular, but I remember wanting to do more. Now that I am an advanced adult, I am starting over and finding that there is so much more than I've ever imagined. It's almost overwhelming - but in a good way! I am in the planning stages right now and trying to get familar with the terms and track options and all that good stuff. I'm planning on a DCC layout with modern era trains and surroundings. But that doesn't mean I won't go to steam some day down the line. That's the beauty of this hobby; it's a journey - not a destination.

There is so much I don't know right now, but here's 5 things I know for the time being:
1. I'm going to use Atlas code 83 Flex Track (this stuff is amazing to me)
2. I'm going to setup a DCC layout so I can run multiple trains.
3. I'm going to decide on a line and then buy the engine WITH sound. I wasn't sold on sound until I saw a couple of Atlas' engines over the weekend.
4. I'm going to take my time.
5. I'm going to have fun even if it kills me! LOL

Boston&Maine

08-24-2008, 09:49 AM

Welcome to the MTF 4020Deere, and everyone else for that matter! Yes, engines with sound have come a long way and sound really good now... Good luck with your layout :thumbsup:

shaygetz

08-24-2008, 09:34 PM

Welcome, Michael

smallcaboose

09-22-2008, 08:29 AM

Brand new... newbie !

Hi, I'm Mart, just joining... trying to get back on this train thing. My dad once got me this HO from bachmann 30 years ago... planning to do the same with my kid now !

I re-opened the box yesterday... tried the Locomotive and I'll have some questions so... here I am !

Boston&Maine

09-22-2008, 04:53 PM

Welcome to the MTF! :D

sleepy0905

09-25-2008, 02:39 AM

Hi I am Aaron from Lincoln UK I am just starting out with model trains after we got my son a OO trainset for christmas so i have now built a 6 x 4 basebard which folds to the wall as we are limited for space we are now going to start on the landscaping.

Boston&Maine

09-25-2008, 06:54 AM

so i have now built a 6 x 4 basebard which folds to the wall as we are limited for space we are now going to start on the landscaping.

Welcome Aaron! That is a very good idea, you should post up some pictures of it :)

sleepy0905

09-25-2008, 08:22 AM

The hardest thing was that all our internal walls are only 2" thick and have no wood in them so i had the bolt it to the wall with a length of steel cable tray on the other side behind our bedroom furniture so i could spread the load :eek:will post some pictures of how far i have got later I have spent the day building the tunnel and its formers then i shall cover it all with chicken wire before we start the paper mache.:)

sleepy0905

09-25-2008, 12:56 PM

Here as promised is a few of the pictures of work done so far.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b227/sleepy0905/DSCF0032.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b227/sleepy0905/DSCF0030.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b227/sleepy0905/DSCF0018.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b227/sleepy0905/DSCF0012.jpg

B.C.RAIL

09-26-2008, 03:45 AM

Hi everyone! :)

I've had my HO scale model trains for many years..like 10 or so..they are from a bachmann set which came with one loco and 3 cars. then got another bachmann set with the same contents. All of which have horn couplers.. Then sometime in between i got a few other cars. The track that I had then is now long gone due to rust and warping :( I stopped the hobby because of school, but kept them packed away until recently! So..I decided to unpack them and lay them on my window ledge. So I collected some money and went to buy some stuff.. I bought two locos (one being a dummy :laugh: ) and 10 grain cars and three straight track. The locos have horn couplers and a few of the grain cars, the rest of them have knuckle couplers. Oh I still have two of my transformers from the old sets. :cool: I have no idea if my old locos work or the two old but new locos i got. I then bought some 18"R and 22"R turn track with connecting pieces, which happen to be a great condition :) I have alot of maintence to do!!!! Many parts have to be replaced and some painting. BTW my locos are CP rail and one is CN rail. Anyway, I've been watching many videos on youtube and been reading many articles and I have learned alot and some stuff I would have never guessed! As time goes I get more excited to re-enter this hobby (knowning it is not a cheap hobby) I'm glad I joined this forum! I posted pics of my collection, so have a look.

shaygetz

09-26-2008, 05:05 PM

Nice going, sleepy:thumbsup:

Welcome, BC:)

smallcaboose

09-26-2008, 06:52 PM

Hi BC. Welcome to the forum.

I'm in the same situation you know. In fact, I was reading and completely relate. Except that I had kids before I had reopened the box !! So I got delayed a bit !

How old is your first Bachman ? Mine is 30 years old... the Loco was out of order so I "Dummied" it. It was a EMD FT A-Unit (yes, with 3 wagons... a Hopper, a Boxcar and a Caboose) with the Pacman Cp Rail. What's yours.

B.C.RAIL

09-26-2008, 10:46 PM

Both bachman sets are within 10 years old, not sure how far apart though..:confused: The CN unit needs to be re-wired and a light added. The CP unit needs cleaning. I hope they will work without having to replace the motors or gears.

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll288/ColinREV/trains/080.jpg
The CP unit has one head light. The CN unit has two head lights and steam vents on the rear of the roof. I don`t know what the specific name for them is, but I know they are EMD F series.

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll288/ColinREV/trains/081.jpg

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll288/ColinREV/trains/082.jpg

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll288/ColinREV/trains/CN1.jpg

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll288/ColinREV/trains/CP1.jpg

Sorry for the blurry images, those were taken with my cell phone
You can look at my other photos

shaygetz

09-27-2008, 01:18 AM

They both are nice looking units. Just so you know, your CN unit is a passenger loco, your CP unit a freight hauler. You can tel by looking at the last roof hatch. Those extra bumps on the CN unit that aren't on the CP unit represent steam generator vents to a small boiler that supplies heat to passenger cars.

B.C.RAIL

09-27-2008, 01:34 AM

:eek:Oh, wow. That is interesting! I guess I have read something wrong:p

I have edited that piece of info in the last post....

smallcaboose

09-27-2008, 12:35 PM

Yup... quite the same !! They didn't change much from my days. EMD FT... they are kind of lovely... especialy when you know their stories. I wasn't aware of it 4 month ago but now that I do, I have some respect for these old Loco. That's the main reason I let mine become a Dummy... it will still be on the tracks.

And thanks Shay... seems like mine is a Freight... and I really think mine is a A-unit... with 4 side holes and a single headlight. For the rest, it the same.

Mart.

tworail

10-02-2008, 09:28 PM

All hail Shaygetz! He knows quite a bit! :)

Welcome to the forum for all the new people! :thumbsup:

CNWF7

10-04-2008, 10:43 AM

Just a line to say "Hi"
My name is John and I'm new here. I've been a modeler pertty much all my life. I do HO scale(though I did try N at one time) and anything that's basicly passenger. Also wish to build an layout at some point in the future.:cool:

John

B.C.RAIL

10-04-2008, 10:46 AM

Welcome aboard MTF!;)

tworail

10-05-2008, 12:19 AM

Welcome John! (from another John :) )

I responded to your post about layout design. Let me know what you think.

Prototypical

10-08-2008, 09:25 AM

Hi,
Im Guy Guarino of Prototypical Model Trains of Ipswich, MA
We are a supplier of Marklin, Broadway Limited and other HO Scale Model Trains & Supplies. If you get a chance, our website is at www.PrototypicalModelTrains.com (http://www.PrototypicalModelTrains.com)

tworail

10-08-2008, 09:35 AM

Welcome to the site Guy.

Glad to hear about another Marklin shop! I will keep you guys in mind if I need anything.

regards,
John

Boston&Maine

10-08-2008, 02:21 PM

Yes, welcome to the MTF Guy, my fellow New Englander :)

B.C.RAIL

10-08-2008, 02:22 PM

Welcome aboard MTF Guy.

DJTrains

10-08-2008, 05:21 PM

Howdy, my name is Dale and now that I'm over 60 I figure it's time to start playing with toy trains :D

Actually I had a set when I was a child (8-14) but sold it when I thought I was too old to play with trains. I sure wish I had kept that old Lionel 027 setup!

I just won the ebay bid on a Lionel 2056 LOCO and 2046 TENDER which I figure is a pretty good place to start.

I'll have way too many question in the near future.

Thanks for reading this.

tworail

10-08-2008, 05:23 PM

Hi Dale,

Welcome to the forum. Don't worry you will find many O scale enthusiasts on the site who are willing to answer any and ALL questions :D

regards,
John

Boston&Maine

10-08-2008, 06:24 PM

I just won the ebay bid on a Lionel 2056 LOCO and 2046 TENDER which I figure is a pretty good place to start.

Ahh, a Hudson locomotive... A very good place to start! Glad to see you are into O scale too :)

Here is a basic info page on the 2056: http://www.postwarlionel.com/cgi-bin/postwar?ITEM=2056

DJTrains

10-08-2008, 07:35 PM

Ahh, a Hudson locomotive... A very good place to start! Glad to see you are into O scale too :)

Here is a basic info page on the 2056: http://www.postwarlionel.com/cgi-bin/postwar?ITEM=2056

Thanks much for the thumbs up on the Hudson!

That link you sent is the one I used to pick this model.

The 0 scale was what I grew up with and as a kid I learned to luv those 3 rails.

My folks were poor so all I had was a 1950's diecast Scout, but my buddy had a super setup. I spent many hours over at his place.

Dale

Boston&Maine

10-08-2008, 08:15 PM

My folks were poor so all I had was a 1950's diecast Scout, but my buddy had a super setup. I spent many hours over at his place.

A Lionel scout was my first train too... It was really beat up, and it definitely looked like it was 40 years old... Both of the trucks were gone on it, hahaha... Man, did that thing spark when it went flying down the rails :D

B.C.RAIL

10-08-2008, 08:36 PM

Welcome aboard MTF, Dale :D

DJTrains

10-08-2008, 09:10 PM

A Lionel scout was my first train too... It was really beat up, and it definitely looked like it was 40 years old... Both of the trucks were gone on it, hahaha... Man, did that thing spark when it went flying down the rails :D

Ya, that's cool! I miss the sparks and that Lionel smell. It's funny how somethings never leave ya.

I found that 2-tape video set on Lionel's first 100 years. I've watches it through about 3 times already. Lots of great memories.

Where do you get your smoke pellets? I figure the 1952 Hudson most likely uses the old style pellets. I see old ones on ebay but can't seem to win the bids on them. The last batch the seller pulled the auction just before it closed.

DJTrains

10-08-2008, 09:13 PM

Welcome aboard MTF, Dale :D

Thanks much :)

B.C.RAIL

10-08-2008, 09:46 PM

Your quite welcome:) I hope you enjoy this forum and learn as much as possible to make your hobby fun and easy to understand. And to get to know your fellow MTF users:D

I am new and I am liking this forum alot...I come here very often to find new posts and threads ;)

Peggy

10-13-2008, 03:32 PM

Hi!

It's been almost 20 years since I last played with my trains. My trainboard was really cool...and then we moved to a new house and my dad had to chop my board apart with a chainsaw and then threw the pieces out the 2nd story window from my train room. seriously. so much work...out the window...

I just got them out of my parents' attic and can't wait to play with them. The thing is, I don't have a lot of space, or time, and will only be in our current house for about a year. so, i'm looking for ideas on making a base that will easily be moved...by professional movers...when my husband gets sent to his next position. incidentally, he's working for BNSF railroad now, so I guess I'll have a "helper" or technical assistant, not to mention all the HELP that my 1 y/o and 2 y/o toddlers will be.

shaygetz

10-13-2008, 05:17 PM

Welcome to the forum and welcome back to the hobby:thumbsup:

You might want to look into a modular or sectional layout, one that can be broken down for moving or even set up at train shows. Right now you'll be busy just cleaning and lubing everything, I'd suggest a loop of Kato, Bachmann or Life-Like EZ Track. They lock together nicely, giving you a loop that won't pull apart while testing while at the same time able to break it down for storage in a drawer.

My kids get to play carefully with mine, it's fascinating to see what's left behind...

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p96/1shaygetz/kidstufff.jpg

B.C.RAIL

10-13-2008, 08:28 PM

Welcome to MTF Peggy :)

thunderbearr

10-13-2008, 10:56 PM

Hi. My name is Rob, and I'm a Model railroader... :D

Boston&Maine

10-14-2008, 06:39 AM

Hi. My name is Rob, and I'm a Model railroader... :D

Welcome to the forum Rob; glad to have you here! :D

B.C.RAIL

10-14-2008, 11:27 AM

Welcome to MTF Rob :)

smallcaboose

10-16-2008, 10:51 AM

Yeah, Hi Rob. Welcome to MTF.

Mart

Cornyman

10-16-2008, 10:52 AM

My son Thefunnyman and myself are interested in photographing and filming our LGB garden railway as realistically as possible. The most unusual thing about us is that our layout is not permanent, but has to be built up every time we work with it.
You can view our attempts at http://www.thefunnyman.nl

Boston&Maine

10-16-2008, 01:13 PM

Welcome to the forum CorneyMan! You website and layout are both excellent! :smilie_daumenpos:

tworail

10-16-2008, 01:19 PM

YAY FOR MORE LGB'ers!!

Sorry, couldn't contain myself. They are lacking on this site. I am a LGB FANATIC :D

Welcome to the site.

tworail

10-16-2008, 01:20 PM

Also love your website!

B.C.RAIL

10-16-2008, 04:05 PM

Welcome to MTF Cornyman :)

vandaisy

10-16-2008, 04:30 PM

Hi everyone. I'm Van and I'm sort of a newbie. I received my first HO train set when I was 10yrs old. I wasn't interested in it at first, mainly my dad got it for me but he played with it more than I did. As I grew older I grew out of it and the train set in the closet until I got rid of it on ebay. Now that I'm interested in them again, I wish I would have kept it. In a way I rather have the n scale than the HO scale. Anyway, I hope to get lots of infos from you experienced guys/gals on this forum. Talk you you all soon.

B.C.RAIL

10-16-2008, 04:32 PM

Welcome to the forum Van! :)

KurtP

10-17-2008, 08:16 AM

Hi. The more I read as a newbie about building my and my grandson a layout. The more I have figured out this is going to take mw a day or two. We have figured out so far we going with a multi-deck and it will be of the Southern and Union Pacific lines from Yuma to San Fran. So there goes my garage. LOL

tworail

10-17-2008, 11:28 AM

B.C.RAIL

10-17-2008, 05:07 PM

Welcome to MTF Kurt :)

dennytodd

11-03-2008, 11:21 PM

Hi. When I decided to build my 3-rail layout in the living room I started at the south end of the room and worked north towards the kitchen. The live in girlfriend at that time advised me that I should stop at the fire place. Shortly after that she moved out and I continued the table to a present length of 28 feet. Then I laid the lower level track and operated the trains on the flat table. About 4 years ago the lovely Lynn moved in. Two years ago Lynn’s brother, Shay Leighton an artist, started the mural. Then one year ago I gave Shay 6 or 7 DREAM PLAN BUILD DVD’s to view and Shay was hooked. Shay, his 23 year old son Chad and Lynn with no previous model train experience are doing all the creative work on the lay out. I could not build a mountain if my life depended on it. Spending about half of my life as a TV engineer I can do wiring. I am 68 years old and for the last 30 years I have owned my own business erecting and maintaining radio and TV towers.
Thank you for your interest.
Denny Todd
Las Vegas Nv.