Need some group therapy

[Anonymous]

I put together my Lionel trains from the early '50's throught the early '60's for my grand daughter to play with. I put new O-72 curves and straight track to make a nice oval for Christmas. It is set-up on the floor in the living room. The operative word here is 'is'. It is still up and running. We both really enjoy the layout. Here is where I need the 'group therapy'.

I want to buy everything I see in the catalogs and on Ebay. When all is said and done, I do not have the technically advanced equipment for the noises and whistles, etc. Logic and my checkbook have intervened. What I would like is a simple signal that shows green and red, and 'something' that gives off a steam whistle noise and a diesel noise. I have heard that there are such things disguised as buildings. Group...I need some advice and direction, or I'll liquidate my pension. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

The signal can be a old Lionel or new MTH block signal. They both have the large red/green bulbs that are easy to see, as opposed to the newer "scale"-looking ones (about $30.). Sounds-wise, a MPC (hope that's correct) unit with a hand controller and 2 speakers will give you MANY nice sounds for about $60. The Lionel Whistle Sheds are about $50., but each gives only give one whistle sound, steam or diesel, depending on what one you buy. Joe

[dbaker48]

Mustraline.....

[#welcome][

I'm new here myself, only a month. Very similiar story, only my 16 year as not grandchild. Our trains too are still on the floor, and unpacking more everyweek. I purchased the Alaska diesel sound car, and the REA steam sound car from one of the mailorder firms. Just received them. They are really good! I looked at a couple of sound sytems that are available that actually had a larger library of sounds for the price of one of the cars, but...... I was quickly brought back to reality when my sound said Dad I would really rather see the sound travel with the train than be in one location. (Doppler effect). Of course he was right! And, we really like.

Now, off to a train meet today! 1st one in 15 years

Enjoy.!!!!!

Also, I have found this Forum, fantastic!!! A really GOOD bunch of guys, (young and older), Good Advice and information, and they seem to have a real good sense of humor as well...

[jimhaleyscomet]

I would also recomend the sound cars by Lionel....especially the REA steam sound car. Diesel sound is nice but just not quite as interesting. I think I saw the REA car online for $65 (Islandtrains.com $75 or wholesaletains.com?) Whistle, bell, and steam sounds with syncronized chuff. And if you hit the whistle before the car is moving you get some crew talk.

As for the checkbook, be careful about buying from ebay. Much of the stuff is above online discount prices. Get a CTT magazine at your local hobby shop and peruse the adds for the things you want . You can often do much better than ebay and the stuff is new.

Jim H

[Buckeye Riveter]

Mustraline, [#welcome] to CTT forum

There used to be a company that made sound devices that could be placed in box cars, cabooses, etc. but I have not seen their ad in CTT for sometime.

I do have on my layout, sound boxes made by QSI. You hear station sounds, cows, ducks, chickens, frogs, etc from the boxes. One of the boxes is in the barn and the animals make all sorts of noise. My wife just laughs at the sounds it makes because it is so rowdy!

Jim's advice about Ebay is right on the money. I use Ebay, but I research the price before bidding so as not to pay too much and many times a new unit can be found for less! From my experience, G Scale sometimes is priced way too high when compared to new from one of the stores.

[pbjwilson]

Mustraline - Welcome

If you want to go very inexpensive, this Ringling Bros. billboard by American Flyer contains a whistle inside. It's also illuminated. You can hook it up to a button or insulated track section. Good sounding and cheap. I got this one on e-bay for 25.00. Great circus picture on it too. And all metal.



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