Coming back to the hobby after 19 year hiatus...

[yallaen]

I originally posted this in another topic, and learned that the forum was primarily for HO, and this forum was suggested for my questions...

While a kid, I had a double decker set-up of model railroad equipment: Top deck was HO, bottom deck was post-war Lionel O gauge. I lost interest and let it go...

Several years ago, I reclaimed all the stuff from my Dad's basement, intent on redoing a layout. Hard times forced me to get rid of some of the stuff, and a leaking roof ruined the rest

Due to my change in professions, I decided to get some model railroad equipment again for decoration and pleasure...although I skydive and that impacts on my costs for the model railroad lol..

I got some Lionel track off Ebay (is that a sin here?). I've been trying to bring myself up to speed on the latest information. I'll focus my O gauge questions here, and HO stuff in another topic.

1. Has anyone heard of a transformer called DGT Powermaster 7000? Pros/cons?

2. I'm partial to the older Lionel rolling stock, engines, etc. However, I saw something in the local hobbystore that looked like a remote control device. I know HO and N gauge have DCC..but does Lionel have something similar? I'm really looking for a cheap transformer to work one or two trains running around basement walls...about 15X20 room..just a couple tracks, maybe a small yard..nothing fancy. Needing opinions on size of transformer, etc.

3. What's a good way to remove the rust of some of the 3-rail trackage? Sandpaper I know is one...but anything new on the market?

4. The black plastic of the switch's base...what's a good way to clean it up? Toothbrush? Soapy water (ack! is that bad?), or some type of cleaner available?

I'm 39 years old, and just retired being a cop for 20 years lol..now I'm going into the railroad industry. NO, I didn't tell them that my playing with trains is why I wanted to become a conductor lol...

Looking forward to the comments and suggestions!

[cnw1995]

Welcome, and congratulations on your retirement. Don't know where you 'served' but I appreciate it. This is indeed the place for your questions. Whilst I have not heard of the DGT transformer, there are many out there that would work for your layout plans - I've seen a nice one by Williams for about $150. Lionel and MTH do indeed have 'remote control' devices - unfortunately somewhat incompatible. Lionel's is called Trainmaster Command Control - you'll see the acronym TMCC. It works with specially-equipped engines. MTH goes by the acronym DCS. I think for Digital Command Sys.

[yallaen]

Thanks for the first reply! I've since found out that the description was incorrect I believe..DGT is DC output...I believe I'm needing A/C output, correct? So that DGT would not work for my intent...

Any suggestions on the other questions I originally posted would be great! LOL..I just bid on a ZW transformer like I had when I was growing up..I couldnt bring myself to get a new one lol

[mpzpw3]

Welcome! I might be able to help with a few of your questions. Yes, you need an ac transformer. I use "scotch-brite" to clean old track. It is a fiberous pad found in most hardware stores, Wal-mart, target, etc. I use the maroon colored scotch-brite for heavier rust, and the green colored scotch-brite for polishing and light cleaning. If the track has a lot of rust on it, you may consider looking for different track, as it is fairly cheap and readily available.
For cleaning switch bases, I use a product called Tech 2000 (found at automotive stores, Wal-mart, etc). It is designed for cleaning and protecting auto. interiors (think armour-all). I use a soft cloth to apply it with. Gives the base a nice like-new shine.
I'll let others with more experience help with the remote control aspects of the hobby.

[pbjwilson]

Welcome to the forum. A classic ZW would give you everything you need to run trains and accessories. I've been buying most of my trains on e-bay. Great deals most of the time. For cleaning up track I use a little WD-40 and a green scothbrite pad. On your switch bases I'd try a product called Goo Gone. It disolves all kinds of nasty stuff without harming the plastic/bakelite.

Also check out the advertisers in Classic Toy Trains for new stuff. Williams is a manufacturer that has a whole line of Lionel remakes. Atlas makes super detailed locos. MTH and Lionel have trains packed with electronics for remote control operations.

Have fun and good-luck.

[Roger Bielen]

Welcome to the forum yallen.[#welcome] Other than some older items todays equipment is all run with AC transformers. As Doug mentioned there are two "remote" control systems on the market with TMCC being dominant, more manufacturers licencing it from Lionel. Before getting too deep into the hobby I suggest you pick up a few copies of Classic Toy Trains and/or O-Gauge Railroading to get a feel for what the hobby has to offer with todays electronics.

As to eBay, we've almost all have made purchases, most without problems, though its a buyer beware system. Know what you want and what its worth and stick with the high rated sellers.

As you have questions jump in, there's usually someone with an answer even if it takes a day or two.

You don't want to use an abrasive on track, it'll remove what tin plating is left. With the cost of basic 3 rail track it is sometimes easier to replace old rusted track. I don't have any sure fire rust removal methods but I'm sure someone will have a suggestion.

Stick with the toy trains, you can always fix a mistake, I don't know of too many skydivers that do.

[FJ and G]

welcome to the forum! 19 years is a lifetime! U give me an ideal for a post.

[mitchelr]

After fighting with old track for a couple of years, I broke down and bought new Lionel tubular track and it was the best investment I think I have made. No more fighting with loose pins, etc. I was suprised at how affordable it was.

Welcome back to the hobby. You'll find all the help you'll need right in this forum. Lots of really nice folks who know their trains and some really talented modelers too.

Mitch

[csxt30]

Let me say [#welcome] to the forum also ! Did you say you are working for a RR now as a conductor ? That's great, I met a couple retired Police officers that just got hired a while back on CSX. Another new guy had just retired from the Air Force. I can't add anything to what the above guys already mentioned, but if you get time, stop by The Coffee Pot, & don't forget Sunday Photo Fun !!
Thanks,

[dwiemer]

Welcome,
I too like the older Lionel stuff. I have made a fair number of purchases off Ebay. I would caution you to look at the feedback. If the person has less than 100%, I check out what was said. Another thing is that you should get a pricing guide, like the Greenberg's guide to Lionel trains. It will help you to have an idea of what the top is to bid on any given item. Don't forget to include the shipping on an item when figuring the total you are willing to pay. Some charge a lot for it. One guy charges $12 for every small item and boxcar. If you are bidding $20 on a $23 car, and shipping is $12...you get my point.
Again, welcome and good luck.
Dennis

[yallaen]

Thanks for all the info! I should have thought of the Scotchbrite pads..they work great when scrubbing down nasty engine bays! I'll try the Tech stuff and the Goo Gone as well..I bought some switches that need some cleaning and TLC.

I think I'll subscribe to the magazine once I get moved to our new house.

Considering the cost of used ZW transformers vs. the new MTH Z-4000..I'd go with the old reliable I think. Plenty of oompf and nice nostalgia.

And btw, skydiving is not all that bad..you don't have to worry about the falling/flying..it's that sudden stop that gets you lol ;)