[Strox]

Hi guys! Super noobie here so forgive me!

I inherited a model train from my grandfather and was looking to get some info on it as far as the year it was made or any other random info.

Here are some pictures. I assembled the Tyco controller with the other pieces of track and got the locomotive to travel through the tracks smooooth as butter!

I love it! I want to make a train scene board for Christmas this year. But I think I am missing a piece that connects the cars together and the back of the locomotive is missing an attachment.

Thanks ModelTrainForum

Merry Christmas!

 

[Strox]

pictures

 

[Magic]

Show some pics of the bottom of the cars and the rear of the loco.

Magic

 

[DavefromMD]

In it's day, Tyco was the top of the line for HO trains. Locomotives were strong, good pullers, and durable; cars were heavy and stayed on the track. I would guess it is from the 1960s or 1970s although I can't tell what the track is made of. If it is brass, it is definitely 60s-70s. If it is nickle-silver, it is later.

Tyco is now looked at as a toy as opposed to being trains for "model railroading".

That being said, that is a pretty nice looking set of Amtrak coaches. The dirt on the locomotive makes it look weathered, something some folks take a lot of time to do.
Since it runs, you have something nice to start with.

 

[Dennis461]

Athearn

Looks like the Athearn, I will have a replacement coupler in my junk drawer since I changed my F units to Kadee.

I may also have the rare metal coupler pocket cover.

https://www.ebay.com/i/293028190923...0l97R7tUoSx4xtdvQqie-nBhKu3avmsxoCSO0QAvD_BwE

 

[Eilif]

I agree that it would be good to see the bottom of the loco. I have a couple kinds of Athearn coupler covers and would be happy to send one.

I'm pretty sure I've got the same loco and what you need is a plastic clip-on coupler box (I've got one) but It'd be good to know for sure.

 

[Eilif]

The coaches are Athearn streamliners also. At least until recently they were still sold under the "Roundhouse" label.

It's got some wear but that's a quality set you have. Not particularly valuable but well made and easy to maintain. Are there some loose or missing windows?

Someone had obviously brushed silver paint over the colored parts of the loco.
You could leave it that way, try and clean it off, mask and spray it to clean it up or just buy a replacement shell.

Whatever you decide, I recommend cleaning and lubing the loco's internal mechanism. With a bit of care those will run forever.

 

[MichaelE]

In it's day, Tyco was the top of the line for HO trains. Locomotives were strong, good pullers, and durable; cars were heavy and stayed on the track. I would guess it is from the 1960s or 1970s although I can't tell what the track is made of. If it is brass, it is definitely 60s-70s. If it is nickle-silver, it is later.

Tyco is now looked at as a toy as opposed to being trains for "model railroading".

That being said, that is a pretty nice looking set of Amtrak coaches. The dirt on the locomotive makes it look weathered, something some folks take a lot of time to do.
Since it runs, you have something nice to start with.

When was Tyco's day as top of the line? I know it wasn't the early 1970's.

 

[Eilif]

When was Tyco's day as top of the line? I know it wasn't the early 1970's.

I don't think Tyco was ever tops, but it's parent brand Mantua was very well regarded. I think Tyco was originally a name for the Mantua ready to run line. By that time they were no longer state of the art but they weren't the "toy" brand we consider them to be today.

Regardless, the only Tyco item I see is the transformer and possibly the track.

 

[Strox]

Here are some pictures of under the locomotive.

 

[Strox]

To whomever has the parts I need I will gladly pay for them. I use paypal for online purchases.

If anyone can help me out you can shoot me a email @ [email protected]

 

[Jscullans]

athearn blue box locomotive and probably hook horn couplers. that locomotive will run forever if you keep it clean and lubricated. I still have my first blue box engine from 15 years ago and it still runs like its brand new. good way to start in the hobby. good luck on starting up a new hobby!!!::thumbsup: