Locomotive Breath

[Swiss-Colorado-Lines]

Swiss-Colorado-Lines

Old Charlie stole the handle

and the train it won't stop

oh no way to slow down

-- Jethro Tull

bought my first Marx wind up....https://locomotivebreath.Shutterfly.com/

 

I have several options for adding another Flyer loop. Because I build as I go, there has been no masterplan, which makes it more difficult because I am running out of space. It will most likely be another elevated loop over the current layout. This will become a huge construction job, forcing me to temporarily remove some tracks for access. I am thinking an 8'x8' elevated loop, which means I need even more track. I'll reflect on this much more before starting any work, but that's what I'm thinking......

I've been measuring, and a new track to run American Flyer 30 inches above the Lionel loop seems to be the idea that is starting to stick. It would be an 8' by 8' square. This would leave the existing layout just as it is, and not cast too many shadows on my layout. I think it would also have a " wow factor" to it.

[Swiss-Colorado-Lines]

Time to rotate engines, so as to not wear out my favorites. Been running the 312ac more than any, as it is my favorite, and best runner. I'll let it rest for awhile. The 290 and 282 are freshly serviced, and more than capable for the job at hand.....

the 290 is a speed demon, the 282 is a great smoker. It's their time to shine......

[Swiss-Colorado-Lines]

Still contemplating.....

 I want to add another Flyer S gauge loop. This will be 3 Flyer loops, and 3 0 gauge loops in the train room. But, I'm thinking.....

I've got a boat load of H0 AtlasSnap Track, and a very nice collection of Tyco train cars and a few engines. The question is, can I Also fit a Tyco loop? I'm sure there must be a way. 
I need to think on this some more........

[Swiss-Colorado-Lines]

I have 2 Tyco Sant Fe GP20's, a shark nose, a Santa Fe Warbonnet and train, a Varney die cast sw7 switcher, and some Athearn rubber band drive( Hi-F). This loop would be for these, and separate from the main HO tracks which run brass and the better stuff. So, early and vintage low end stuff, but fascinating in it's own way. Just for historical sense....

[pennytrains]

Decisions decisions.  Makes the hobby more fun doesn't it!  

[Swiss-Colorado-Lines]

I have more trains and tracks, just trying to let them shine. Get them out of their boxes. I had a great time with Tyco trains in my early years. The Gp20 was the backbone of my operation on layout #2. It was a surprisingly smooth runner.My train room is like a model train museum!

Paul

[Swiss-Colorado-Lines]

Incidentally, the 326 is a large motor version. Plenty of " get up and go" !

Paul

[Swiss-Colorado-Lines]

Swiss-Colorado-Lines

Old Charlie stole the handle

and the train it won't stop

oh no way to slow down

-- Jethro Tull

bought my first Marx wind up....https://locomotivebreath.Shutterfly.com/

 

It's a taste of 1947...... running the 312!

[Swiss-Colorado-Lines]

So, this 312 is definitely a '47. My other 312 I'm guessing is a ' 48, near as I can tell. It is identical to the 312 ac of ' 49 to '51, but doesn't say " ac". No date stamp inside, however. I could easily see me collecting these K-5's. A few other things I'd like to get;

the GP7, the 0-8-0 switcher, and a chrome plated PA.

little by little......

[pennytrains]

They're beauties alright!  I could also go for a stable full of Reading style atlantics!  And red and green New Haven passenger sets....and....

[Swiss-Colorado-Lines]

Wow! Me also! I would like to get one of the early Atlantics that is all die cast metal. There are many variations on theK-5, and one of the streamlined steamers as well.

After all these years, I have a new appreciation for their trains. Not too damaging to the pocketbook, either.....

Paul