Affordable Operating Accessories

[Jumijo]

I got a Walthers monthly catalog in the mail yesterday. Not much there for O gauge, but lots to see if you like HO and N. One thing that jumped out at me was the very low cost of operating accessories for these smaller scales. If any one else has this catalog, flip to page 33 for two great examples. A life Like operating logging mill (w/ dump car) is only $28.98. This is a very nice looking structure! Not toy like at all. It actually takes up a good deal of HO real estate too.

Right below that is an HO operating coal tipple (w/ hopper car) for only $15.98! Again, it's a nice looking big structure by the same company.

I doubt if these are motorized. I'm guessing the action is all gravity induced, but at that price, I'd buy some if they offered them in O gauge. And I doubt if adding a motorized mechanism to the kits would add too much to the price - say another $20?

Two different operating crossing gates on page 25, the more expensive being $15.98! They are really nice too. Each has a fully scenic-ed base.

When I look at the prices being charged for O gauge operating accessories, I can't help but feel like they are too little for way too much. These HO accessories look much more realistic for a mere fraction of the price.

I wish Life Like would scale these accessories up to O gauge.

Jim

[cnw1995]

Good points, Jim. Maybe it's a question of market volume - how many they can sell in HO vs. O. Most of the accessories I had when I was in N scale were more static and cheap (in appearance and my perception of quality)

[Jumijo]

I know what you mean, Doug. Volume absolutely dictates what gets made and sold, but I'd wager that taking a chance with these accessories would be well worth it for Life Like. The logging mill and coal tipple I mentioned are both very realistic looking structures. Unpainted they look really nice, but with some paint, some weathering, some added details, these structures would be spectacular. Much nicer than the toyish, brightly colored sheet metal or colored plastic accessories put out by the big 2 and a half in O gauge. Adding a motor and mechanism would be relatively easy for many of us if one was not supplied.

If nothing else, seeing these items has given me a lot of ideas. I could scratchbuild my own versions.

I forgot to mention, it's the June issue of the Walthers monthly catalog.

Jim

[Anonymous]

Yes the O operating accessories are expensive. But they are one of the reasons I left HO five years ago. When I got involved in HO 9 years ago the first model railroading book I bought was centered around sectional track and was chock full of Tyco operating accessories. That book and my belief HO was better tthan toy O for a 4 x 8 layout convinced me HO was the way to go. It wasn't until after I had the track mounted for my first pike that I picked up my first Walther's catalog. Looking through it I realized Tyco was no more and unless I wanted only the two Lifelike accessories you mentioned or a fair / theme park related pike I was stuck. I tried to be a rivet counter but it was not in me. Ended up selling a ton of HO track and rolling stock kits to a friend.

Thor's track plan website convinced me toy O would work in 4 x 8 and the rest is history. I've got a fun 4 x 8 pike with 10 operating accessories and planned room for 2 more. I tend to avoid buying rolling stock. Instead I tend to just use the cars that come with some of the acessories to make up my trains.

I wi***hey were cheaper as well and the only advice I can give is to search the web for bargins. Every time I go to the Fed. Reserve CPI web site and puch in the retail price of a Lionel item from the early 1950's and ask it to give me the value in 2006 dollars the price shows to be about the same as charged today or the item should actually cost more in terms of 2006 dollars. Doesn't help the bank account but does take some of the sting away.

Have a good day,

[dwiemer]

I have found better and less expensive items for the layout just by going to such places as Big Lots, or even Dillard's after Christmas. We purchased a beautiful "Mr. Christmas" carousel at BL for $49.00, retail about $150. Much better looking than Lionel's. At Dillard's, I bought the carousel swings for $20., normally sells for $129., but again, better detail than Lionel. I still have to save my coins for specific train items, (coal loader, etc), but it is like Buying Lemax buildings for about $20 less than KLine was selling for and they are exactly the same.
Dennis

[Warburton]

Check the closeouts offered by big dealers. There are often some great deals on a few nice operating accessories that either didn't sell well enough or were overstocked. I have gotten many nice Lionel accessories at up to 80% off retail over the years this way. I hardly ever buy accessories when they first come out but wait and pick them up at bargain prices later on.

[artyoung]

Hit the shows and meets and look for the ones that show a good bit of wear. Next, be patient and add those parts that are broken/missing. Yes, it'll take time (years sometimes) but you can acquire a pretty fair collection for not a lot of $$. Plus, it's fun to point out something like a Postwar #345 Culvert Unloader that was cobbled together for less than $150, or junk engines that look and run like new (and you learn to do your own repairs). Be Bold ! Be Cheap !!