Help with Lionel D-27 "Disappearing Train" layout operating instructions....... Our train group is constructing a copy of the Lionel D-27 "Disappearing Train" Dealer Display that will be used to encourage further interest in model trains for the entire family.
As such, we would like to be faithful to the intent and appearance of the layout as closely as possible. The Classic Toy Trains magazine ran an article in the November 2001 issue where they outlined how to build the D-27. While it's easy to recreate the physical layout, there are some wiring issues that were left unclear and we were hoping the operating instructions would provide clarification.
The only copy of the dealer instructions we have been able to find is one that is extremely difficult to read.
If you have (or know where we can obtain) a copy, and are willing to either make a photocopy or scan it to create a digital copy, it would be greatly appreciated.
It is also possible that there is another/different set of instructions besides the one pictured.
Thank you for any assitance you can give us. http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/6898/d27instructionssmallrv7.jpg
I found a picture
http://www.lionellines.com/files/displays/D-27.jpg
And a book.
http://www.amazon.com/Classic-Lionel-Display-Layouts-Trains/dp/0897785096
Thanks for the info and links you provided.
We are aware of those, but are in need of acquiring a copy of the D-27 operating instructions that appears in the initial post.
Hopefully, someone who knows someone, who knows someone, who knows someone... can help us obtain a legible copy.
Thank you for your help.
Where did you find those original operating instructions? I have an original D-63 that I'm going to restore and I'd love to find some original paperwork on it.
The illegible copy that we have is from a member who copied it from an auction web site.
.
Here's the latest update on the construction of the Lionel D-27 "disappearing" layout:
Did you try posting your inquiry on OGR Forum? Someone there might be able to help.
Another photo of the progress, so far................
AGTTA .....
The wiring has begun.
AGTTA Lionel D-27 Layout
Looking good! I hope to be restoring an original D-63 sometime this year.
Don't take a lack of responses as a lack of interest in your project. I assure you there are people following along.
fredswainLooking good! I hope to be restoring an original D-63 sometime this year. Don't take a lack of responses as a lack of interest in your project. I assure you there are people following along.
Fred,
Thoroughly enjoyed your earlier thread and photos regarding your D-63 layout. Wow!!! What a "find" !!!
We're really looking forward to reading (and seeing photos) of your upcoming restoration!
Here's another photo of the D-27 wiring:
AGTTA Lionel D-27 layout
The wire bus strip for the accessories is just about finished:
More of the bus wiring......
Is that layout just strictly an oval or does the track take a sharp turn downhill to make the train truly "disappear"? The reason I ask is because your website ling mentions that it really took advantage of magnetraction. How does this work? Where does the train hide?
fredswain Is that layout just strictly an oval or does the track take a sharp turn downhill to make the train truly "disappear"? The reason I ask is because your website listing mentions that it really took advantage of magnetraction. How does this work? Where does the train hide?
Is that layout just strictly an oval or does the track take a sharp turn downhill to make the train truly "disappear"? The reason I ask is because your website listing mentions that it really took advantage of magnetraction.
How does this work?
Where does the train hide?
If you'll look at the 3rd, 4th, and 5th photos in this thread, as well as the one just above your post, you can see the cavity/section where the "disappearing train" will enter the tunnel, spiral down in a helix, and then under itself, and up and out the other side of the tunnel.
Here's a diagram from a previous CTT article:
For some reason my work computer won't allow me to see those pictures. It's very weird what I can and can't see here and makes no sense to me. I can see the ones you just posted though which is even more strange. Cool. Thanks. That's going to be pretty neat.
I, too am confused why you can see some photos and not others.
However, I do know that many workplaces have software that ban users from visiting specific web sites (eBay) and viewing certain Internet images.
However, all of the D-27 Disappearing Train layout construction photos can be viewed here....
The Lionel transformer that will be used on the D-27 layout...
The D-27 "disappearing train" layout used a Lionel 2035 locomotive.
How's the project coming along?
Pennsylvania Station fredswain Is that layout just strictly an oval or does the track take a sharp turn downhill to make the train truly "disappear"? The reason I ask is because your website listing mentions that it really took advantage of magnetraction. How does this work? Where does the train hide? Fred, If you'll look at the 3rd, 4th, and 5th photos in this thread, as well as the one just above your post, you can see the cavity/section where the "disappearing train" will enter the tunnel, spiral down in a helix, and then under itself, and up and out the other side of the tunnel. Here's a diagram from a previous CTT article: AGTTA Lionel D-27 layout
That is so cool! You just gave me an answer to something I've been thinking about.
fredswain How's the project coming along?
The construction is coming along just fine! Here are a few more photos of the project.Creating the helix.
Designing the helix platform.AGTTA Lionel D-27 layout
Progress on the Lionel D-27 "Disappearing Train Layout" continues:
Laying out and testing the corkbed. Laying, gluing and pinning the corkbed.
Does that steep of a incline pose some real problems? That has to be some 7%. It obviously works, but what are you restricted to running?
Wes
Wes Whitmore Does that steep of a incline pose some real problems? That has to be some 7%. It obviously works, but what are you restricted to running? Wes
Wes,
Yes, you're correct, it's between a 7% - 8% climb. Nevertheless, from a standing stop, the 2035 locomotive, tender and 8 gondolas can make that steep climb, thanks to Lionel's magne-traction.
With another modifcation or two, we should be able to add additional cars to duplicate Lionel's claim of a 14 car train.... though that claim may have been a bit exaggerated.
No modern trains have been tested, as yet. But one definitely needs to use a locomotive with magne-traction to make that steep climb.
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