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I finally got one!

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  • Member since
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I finally got one!
Posted by mikeberry on Thursday, September 8, 2011 6:25 PM

I have quite a few engines, but only one F3, a 2243 AB.  I don't have any "electric" engines or any dual motor engines; until today.  I just purchased what looks to be a very nice 2343 F3 AA set!!!!!  I have wanted a strong engine for a long time that would be able to pull the five 2500 series passenger cars I have.  A few of my engines will pull them, but they slip alot.  So I finally got one!!  A dual motor F3!!   I cannot wait for it to get here! 

I am also adding a third level loop which will be running two more trains.  That will be 9 trains at the same time!!  If you cannot expand out, expand up!  I had to share my excitedness with people that actually care!  :)

KRM
  • Member since
    January 2011
  • From: North Bluff above Marseilles IL
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Posted by KRM on Thursday, September 8, 2011 7:58 PM

Good for you mikeberry

. I am with you. I have many engines but never had a big dog. Always wanted a post war one but wow they cost so much. I did finally get a "1992" 6-18207 Norfolk and Southern Dash 8-40C NIB with twin motors and do I love the power it has. It is my only modern Lionel engine. She can drag six fully loaded 6361 style timber cars and four other cars with no problem. It also was a buy at only $144.00 with shipping off of E-bay. Only problem I have had was it pulls more power hauling heavy loads than a CW-80 can provide to it. Works fine with my old RW.

Post a picture when you get it.

Kevin

Joined 1-21-2011    TCA 13-68614

Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

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Posted by mikeberry on Thursday, September 8, 2011 9:16 PM

Ya, they are a little pricey.  I was lucky and ended up getting mine for 238.00.  I watched about four others go for more than that.  They were not as nice, either.  You got a really good deal youself.  I  don't have to worry about power with my ZW.  :)  I also have a KW, TW, 1033 and 1044.  I am currently looking for an LW.  I will post some pictures of it and some of my other Postwar trains when I receive it.

Mike

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Posted by Seayakbill on Friday, September 9, 2011 4:48 AM

Congratulations on your 2343 purchase. Take some piuctures and let us know how the F unit pulls your PW passenger cars.

Bill T.

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Posted by mikeberry on Wednesday, September 14, 2011 12:46 PM

Here are some pictures of the 2343 AA and my layout.  Smile

 

http://s986.photobucket.com/albums/ae341/mikeberry1/Trains/

  • Member since
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  • From: Silver City, NM USA
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Posted by Deputy on Wednesday, September 14, 2011 1:24 PM

Looks real nice! I've been tempted a couple of times for a Santa Fe F3. My wife loves the colors.
I've got an MTH F3 ABA in NYC and the same thing in a Century Club F3. Plus I have a bunch of the twin motor Trainmasters. I am contemplating a Williams Santa Fe Dash 9 in the warbonnet colors and then install Railsounds and Command Control. Just not sure about making those mods. 

 

Virginian Railroad

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Posted by balidas on Wednesday, September 14, 2011 3:15 PM

Great looking layout! I like how it's set up.

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Posted by mikeberry on Wednesday, September 14, 2011 6:58 PM

Thanks for the compliments.  I have been working on it for about six years.  The layout on the floor is so my 3.5 year old boy can easily play with a train.  He can also use the rest, but that one is easiest.  The rest of the cars on the carpet are modern cars from around 1981.  The motorized units and steam engines are Postwar and need to get on a shelf as soon as I can put one up.  It's not a full basement, but I try to get the most out of it.  Eventually I will start woring on some of the details.  Trees, bushes, groundcover, ties, ballast etc.

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Posted by mikeberry on Thursday, September 15, 2011 7:11 PM

I was finally able to post a YouTube video of my layout.  Smile

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZaBuACXmQtQ

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Posted by Brutus on Thursday, September 15, 2011 8:54 PM

Good job - neat layout and great buy :) 

RIP Chewy - best dog I ever had.

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Posted by mikeberry on Thursday, September 15, 2011 9:51 PM

Thanks!  It sure keeps me out of trouble.  :)  I know I shouldn't, but a "B" unit would sure look nice!    How many layouts can you "do your business" and have five trains go right by you?  :)

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Posted by balidas on Thursday, September 15, 2011 10:41 PM

A "B" unit would look nice, so why shouldn't you! Big Smile

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Posted by mikeberry on Friday, September 16, 2011 6:41 AM

Ha ha!  Unfortunately I do not have unlimited funds to spend on Trains.  Big Smile  I do think a "B" unit will be finding its way here shortly.  I just can't resist.

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Posted by overall on Friday, September 16, 2011 7:20 AM

I think you will enjoy your "new" 2343's. Roger Carp named them the all time greatest toy train in his excellent book called 101 Greatest Toy Trains. They are really good pullers.

George

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Posted by mikeberry on Friday, September 16, 2011 7:48 AM

I really like them.  It was like trying to use a Ford Escort to pull the five 2500 series cars I have.  The 2343's are like hooking up a Mack truck!

I actually have the book you are talking about.  I bought it at Trainfest last year and Roger signed it for me.  :)

  • Member since
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  • From: Silver City, NM USA
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Posted by Deputy on Friday, September 16, 2011 8:50 AM

mikeberry

I was finally able to post a YouTube video of my layout.  Smile

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZaBuACXmQtQ

WOW!!!! Nice video! looks like a Lionel commercial Big Smile
Now if it just had a 682 S2 turbine it's would be perfect Yes

Virginian Railroad

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Posted by mikeberry on Friday, September 16, 2011 3:01 PM

I wonder how well a 682 S2 works on O27 curves?  Smile

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Posted by lionelsoni on Friday, September 16, 2011 3:17 PM

The 671 and 681 work fine; so the 682 should too.

Bob Nelson

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  • From: Silver City, NM USA
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Posted by Deputy on Friday, September 16, 2011 3:49 PM

lionelsoni

The 671 and 681 work fine; so the 682 should too.

What Bob said. Although my tightest curves are 048 on Fastrack. Smile

Virginian Railroad

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Posted by rtraincollector on Friday, September 16, 2011 5:37 PM

I never had a problem with either of mine 671 and 682 I had

Life's hard, even harder if your stupid  John Wayne

http://rtssite.shutterfly.com/

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Posted by balidas on Friday, September 16, 2011 6:33 PM

I know that feeling all too well.

mikeberry

Ha ha!  Unfortunately I do not have unlimited funds to spend on Trains. 

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