Andrew Falconer If you are opting for high-quality over high-volume, then look for the Lionel O Scale Great Northern PS-1 40' Boxcar, A.A.R. 50' Double-Door Boxcar, and the Atlas O G.N. PS-1 50' Box Car. Andrew
If you are opting for high-quality over high-volume, then look for the Lionel O Scale Great Northern PS-1 40' Boxcar, A.A.R. 50' Double-Door Boxcar, and the Atlas O G.N. PS-1 50' Box Car.
Andrew
Thanks, Andrew - I definitely will be trying to lean towards quality over quantity since I am starting fresh - I'll check these out. Stil deciding on the motive power...
YOWZA! You're gonna need trees...lots of trees. It may be too late to scour the shelves for after Christmas markdowns. I'd tell everyone next year to get me a pack of trees instead of that necktie or coffee mug.
That Isaac Walton Inn is very close in appearance to our Bavarian Inn (Shepperdstown,WV). Slide over to ebay and check out these listings under the Dept 56 Dickens Village line: Staghorn Lodge, The Pied Bull Inn, Nicholas Nickelby Cottage, and Timbers Hotel. Out of this group, I think the Staghorn Lodge has the right "feel" for the Isaac Walton.
Watch my videos on-line at https://www.youtube.com/user/AndrewNeilFalconer
Having been born in Tacoma, WA I had originally started collecting Northern Pacific and Great Northern engines and rolling stock. My parents started me off with a Northern Pacific engine from the MPC era. It sat in the box for a few years while I was in the service, then college, and a few years till I had the money to get back into Lionel. My intent was to model the GN Line through the Sierra Nevada range. Had a good portion of it under framing and had started scenicing when the A/C line froze can caused 80% of the layout to be damaged. That resulted in the permanent layout being dismantled and everything put back into storage till I built a Christmas layout. Then I moved to Baltimore and switched over to B&O, C&O, WM, and Chessie. THEN MTH and Lionel started producing more and more NP & GN stuff! Oh well, I'm glad I have what I have now.Still have that first NP engine, and the bay window caboose I found that matches it.
I ended up getting a G.N. freight train by putting together individual cars from various manufacturers.
I got the Great Northern bug back in 1996-1997 when I got the 1960's Glaicer Green ACF Center Flow 4-Bay Covered Hopper by Weaver, the Glacier Green 40' Boxcar by M.T.H., the G.N. ACF Center Flow 2-Bay Covered Hopper by Lionel, and the special run Glacier Green 50' Box Car pair by Weaver Models.
Instead of getting a Great Northern locomotive in 1998, I got a more modern BNSF Heritage Premium GE DASH 9 Locomotive from Lionel. Similar colors to Great Northern.
Yes, we "Joisey" guys seem to be everywhere! To answer your question, a few years ago, my wife and I went out west to spend some time in Glacier NP. We've visited NM, WY, COL & Utah a few time, but that was our first time to Montana, and boy is it splendid! Not bashing NJ, but for those of you who have visited here, you know we have nothing that compares. Anyway - I was not specifically extra interested in trains as a hobby, but did spend a lot of time in West Glacier, Coram, Whitefish, Essex; visiting the Isaac Walton Inn and such, and it stuck with me for awhile. A chance visit to an in-law over the holidays seeing his trains under the tree, sparked my interest, and my wife suggesting that she would like a train set out on the holidays, was all it took [silly woman, little does she know...]
I dove right in. I wanted to study the train lines that would run between Whitefish and Havre. Being a stickler for detail, I started researching a number of sites (gbhrs; greatnorthernempire.net) and picked up the David Hickcox "Great Northern in color" book. And, here I am. I didn't want to get the Empire Builder passenger set, but wanted to get going by building a freight set. As a newbie, that was where it started to get ALL confusing (see original first post). I had seen the "Retro Railroad" layout in sept-dec. 09 CTT, and thought that may be a fun layout to attempt - but the latest issue has some good ones as well. Plus - everyone here on this forum has given me so much info and idea, I'm real excited. That's my story -
We have a few Joizey boyz on the forums. How did you come to like the GN and "Big Sky" country. Is there a certain segment or branchline in Montana that you like? Have you checked out any of the Color Guides published by Morning Sun?
fifedog Ok. Getting to know you a little better. No cat - no problem. Then you should take a look at this set: http://www.lionel.com/products/productfinder/ProductDetail.cfm?ProductNumber=6-31952&expandBranch=0&Keywords=great%20northern&CategoryID=&RailLineID=&CatalogId= And perhaps this for one of those sidings: http://www.lionel.com/products/productfinder/ProductDetail.cfm?ProductNumber=6-26846&expandBranch=0&Keywords=great%20northern&CategoryID=&RailLineID=&CatalogId=
Ok. Getting to know you a little better. No cat - no problem. Then you should take a look at this set:
http://www.lionel.com/products/productfinder/ProductDetail.cfm?ProductNumber=6-31952&expandBranch=0&Keywords=great%20northern&CategoryID=&RailLineID=&CatalogId=
And perhaps this for one of those sidings:
http://www.lionel.com/products/productfinder/ProductDetail.cfm?ProductNumber=6-26846&expandBranch=0&Keywords=great%20northern&CategoryID=&RailLineID=&CatalogId=
http://www.lionel.com/products/productfinder/ProductDetail.cfm?ProductNumber=6-37012&expandBranch=0&Keywords=grEAT%20NORTHERN&CategoryID=&RailLineID=&CatalogId=
(I think I'm gonna be in trouble! The provebial kid in a candy store! Time to start listing my old GI JOE collection on eBay!)
Wow, all kinds of good info coming up.
I tend to agree with Officer Fife on his suggesstion using the basic small "conventional " type layout with the option of expansion at a future date.
Don't know where you are located in N.J. but if you are up for a road trip try to get out to see the "N.J. HiRailers" in I believe Patterson. An exceptional layout and they can also be a great source of info.
As far as the control systems are concerned I use and enjoy both on the club layout, although the DCS system can at time be very recalcitrant. We have added the Legacy system but I have not tried it yet
Remember the Veterans. Past, present and future.
www.sd3r.org
Proud New Member Of The NRA
The Williams SD45 has an old fashioned round, bayonet base light bulb for the headlight. The bulb has to postioned in such a way that it only dimly illuminates the top headlight and does not illuminate the nose headlight. It is not a disaster, but the lighting is so weak that it takes a totally dark room to see them.
It would take a web search to find O Gauge/ O Scale light emitting diode replacement lamps.
FifeDog - Thanks for the idea - I have not gotten my February issue, and can not wait. Right now, the best I can do is work on a 4 x 8 (5 x 9 max) layout due to room constraints, so this should be good. I saw the Lionel 31753 GN Feight set, but I didn't want to go with the EP5 electrics; due to the cat poles (thanks for the info on the MTH items), and, I wanted to use the diesels that run through Montana. The more I uncoverm the more I know it would be nice to HAVE a "rich unclefife", or just the rich uncle!"
GN - Okay. Given this a lot of thought. If I were your rich unclefife, I'd have you start with a 4 x 8, using LIONEL FASTRACK. I absolutely love SMALL LAYOUT #1, in the FEB 2010 CTT (pg 46). Instead of over/under, I would use a 90 degree crossing. What I love best about this track plan, is you start off with two industrial spurs, with an eye on expanding the layout in the future. It includes a passing siding, and we can wire it to park a train while running another around.
I would start you off with LIONEL set #31753 GN EP-5 (Post War Celebration) Freight Set. Several big advertisers are offering this set (one at closeout price, in this same issue)
And because we are running an electric engine, we are gonna run catenary poles by MTH, which probably will make you the only kid on your block to have such a system.
I have a Williams BL-2 and a GP-9. Both are good performers, look good, and have reasonable sounding bells and horns.
I will agree that the lighting could be better. The headlights on mine are incandecant lights on the frames that do not line up very well with the openings and lenses in the body shell, making for the poor lighting. These two Williams locomotives run faster at a lower voltage than my old post war stuff. Running at the lower voltages makes the incandecant bulb dimmer which does not help the lighting situation, either.
I think I have seen adds in CTT from several different sources for LED lighting and conversion kits. I have never investigated further, as improving the lighting on these two locomotives is not very improtant to me at the moment.
Making these types of modifications is just one more way to enjoy the hobby.
Williams engines are good ... reliable work horses .
Thanks, Andrew. When you say "solved" is this a problem inherent with the engine, or, something that happens and needs to be corrected? If one is reasonably capabale with electronics, can one easily make this correction? Where would one (I) find the proper parts?
The Williams SD45 works fine for pulling a lot of freight cars. What has to be solved on the Williams SD45 are the Headlights and Cabin Lights. The headlights needs to be replaced with several light emitting diodes to be seen at power settings less than 18 volts.
Not a diode. It's a capacitor.
Bob Nelson
I have been an O gauge model railroader since the late 1940's. I shelved the hobby after being drafted and building a carreer and a family. I have been active since the early 1980's. My problem living in the panhandle of Florida is there are very few hobby shops and the local hobby is deffinately NOT model railroading. I learn everything about trains strictly from magazines and on-line. All purchases are mail order. I have not been to a train show in 10 years. That I miss.
I use Gargraves track on a large permanent highrail layout. I use Ross Custom switches. I love both. I have 14 lionel O-72 switches mint in the box that I'll never use. I have no experience with the newer track from Lionel, Atlas, etc. To me, sectional track should be used for temporary layouts, not permanent ones. I run all trains conventionally. But I do plan to buy MTH DCS system soon. The reason is I believe, MTH DCS can operate Lionel engines but Lionel system cannot operate MTH equipment. Track is not a problem with either system. However, a solid track system will result in better operation in any mode. In my opinion, sectional track cannot provide that level of solid installation.
I suggest you begin in conventional mode. Buy whatever brand you like. All suppliers have great equipment in the GN design. Play and have fun. Then invest in a control system. But get the trains running first. Learn from that point onward.
GN MOUNTAIN GOAT,
Sorry didn't respond to your question about the battery. Yes ps 2 engines need a battery or a BCR. Which is a diode that requires at less 10 nvolts of track power for one minute to run. Good thing about the BCRs are you don't have to replace them. Here is a link to the BCR
http://www.jandwelectronics.com/
laz57
Matt ... instead of a starter set ..... how about some fastrack .... a transformer ..... and your first engine .... then build a set yourself . Starter sets usually have lower end cars and very smalll minimal power supplies and you pay for items you don't end up wanting . If you shop Ebay you can take your time and get exactly what you want instead . All engines will run in conventional mode until you pick a control system .... since they're one of the more expensive items " control system " for a bigger one .... let that be last on the big buy list . You won't end up with boxes of cars later you don't or won't use . And as Kevin said a TMCC Cab1 control system does alot of bells and whistles for alot less money and can be incorporated/merged into a DCS and Legacy system/bricks later !
Take your time .... there's no hurry .... and you WON'T waste money .
Fifedog ... my cousin was an engineer for over 35 years on the Western Maryland - Chessie system out of Cumberland and my grandfather was a conductor and before that a brakeman way back in the steam era until he retired . Looks like both of us come from a railroad family . My cousin still lives in LaVale and has hours upon hours of stories .
If you haven't checked it out already, watch Jon Brooks' (Kooljock) video of his recent published layout. His system is TMCC, which operates everything on his layout.
http://cs.trains.com/trccs/forums/t/166128.aspx
BTW - I have an uncle who was an engineer on the Wishram Division.
Thank, BF - the more feeback I've been getting, the more challenging and indepth I see this hobby can be. I need to begin with the training wheels first!
Matt
TrainMaster Command Control is much easier to wire and get responses from locos and cars. Just make sure all the command wires are tight when turning on the power.
All of the Proto-Sounds systems require a battery.
The post 2004 Proto-Sounds 2.0 system locomotives have the ability to be recharged by sitting neutral on the tracks and through a power port.
DCS is trickier to use when wiring a lot of tracks because the signal through the tracks has to be sent so that it does not rebound or duplicate through the track.
Welcome aboard. I too am new to the forum. I am currently starting my own year round layout with the help of my Dad, who has been in the hobby since he was thirteen and still going.
As for me thanks to him i am hooked as well. Your dilemma is not an unusual one, as i am in the same sort of. When it comes to track i had a hard time deciding between MTH Scale Track, Atlas O, and Lionel Fastrack. I have since descided to go with Fastrack.
As far as power i am still uncertain. I would like to try the TMCC remote control; but am leaning to more conventional controls as most of the Legacy engines are out of my price range and i find to be a waste having a remote control to do so much for engines that are more for a conventional nature. So having said that i like the MTH Z1000's, which to me have enough power to run a basic layout. I already have one that came with my Southern Pacific Bantam Daylight Passenger set that i have and it works out just fine. The bulk of the power will go directly to the track power as they have a smaller controoler for just accessories that you can get for around 20 bucks or so.
This all my just be a matter of opinion; but go with what you feel is right for you. After all it's your empire that you are going to build which means that your the boss. Have fun i try and keep me posted as to what you have decided!!
Matt,
The more that I think about, right now you are getting yourself all wound up and you want to do a layout with everything without getting your feet wet. First you have to crawl before you can walk. Why not get your feet wet and some experience first by getting a simple ready to run set? You can build a small layout, expand it, experiment and enjoy yourself, before laying out the real big bucks. This way you can judge for yourself and make mistakes and learn from them on a small scale.
Jus a thought, John
The majority of my motive power is post war Lionel and conventional transformer controlled Modern Lionel and K-Line. The post war Lionel built prior to 1960, seem to be built like a rock, but there are exceptions. My personal favorites are the "Baby Hudsons", such as the 685. I have a number of TMCC equiped Lionel, K-Line and AtlasO that have performed flawlessly with the exception of a K-Line A-5 Steam switcher with a coupler problem. I only have 1 DCC MTH and that is the Aero Train, which I only run in conventional mode. As to differring in quality, this past Christmas I purchased a new Lionel 0-6-0 Docksider for about $120. The detailing is nice and it performs great. It makes my #53 Lionel Rio Grande Snow Plow (1959 vintage) look like a cheap piece of junk in looks and performance eventhough it is worth between $120-$300. I can honestly say that I have never purchased an engine that I was totally disappointed with. Then again, I buy what appeals to me and when I buy used, I figure in what may go wrong and I pay or bid accorndingly.
John
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