Need the hive mind's opinion on something. I am cursed with a 4x8 layout, 042 curves with tubular track. I want a Lionel scale NYC Hudson. In the budget is jewel like OO, which would require new Gargraves track once they reopen and accept orders. OR a 1-700e reissue scale Hudson with the non scale pilot wheels and deal with her being cramped on my small layout. I would seek out a local modular group with a layout to let her stretch her legs once and awhile after we get past this virus stuff(which could be awhile before we see train shows again). I do somewhat enjoy the challenge of finding the OO stuff(can be frustrating to). But atleast I can get prebent 42" diam curves and straight in 3 rail from Gargraves. I can run both 2 and 3 rail on it since ties are wood. I have located a semi scale 2 rail set locally for a keen price, lacks 5 curved sections to have a full loop of the track, and it needs a cowcatcher and a set of trucks for the tank car. I hope to pick it up tomorrow. Not the scale version I want but the price is excellent. What says the hive mind? Stick with my OO idea as it will look less absurd on 42" diameter curves? Can I even find a cowcatcher for the engine? Thanks. Mike the Aspie
Silly NT's, I have Asperger's Syndrome
Tough call Mike!
First off, what's the minimum turn radius for a re-issue 700E? If it's more than the 042 radius on your layout then there's your answer, buying one would be a waste of money unless you set up a "Carpet Central" with wide radius turns to run it on.
Since you're chasing OO trains (I'm assuming Lionel pre-war, not currently produced European models) if I were in your position I'd go after the OO's, they're not that common (I think) so any find is a good find. Reissue 700Es', or 773's for that matter are around, although maybe not as common as you'd like, and if what I read is correct the prices are reasonable and actually dropping with lessened demand.
And a scale size engine on a tight curve is going to look a little strange, if looks are important to you.
But of course, I'm not in your position. You have to do what you think is right for you.
Reissue 700e's are easy to find. It will do 042, even 031 and look totally absurd doing it. Now if you fit the scale pilot wheels it will only do 072. I am going to look at a OO hudson right now. Stay tuned. Mike
I think that's a good call Mike. Personally I don't own a 700E re-issue, or a 773 re-issue for that matter, and don't have a desire for either. I've got two post-war Hudsons, a 2055 and a 2056. That's good enough for me.
Lionel sold the 773s as "O", and they will indeed do O31. I run my 1965ish one, with a few modifications, on O27. It doesn't look nearly as strange as you might think, when you're inside the curves of an around-the-walls layout. I haven't messed with my 1950, but it has no trouble with Marx O34. Chaqun a son gout!
Bob Nelson
I ended up making a day trip with my wife to pick up this 004 Semi Scale Hudson set that I found online. Needs a few minor things, a cowcatcher and trucks for the tank car to start with. Along with a few more sections of curved track and 2 or 4 more straights. But for the $275 price after negotations, I was very pleased. Even came with the whistle button controler, that brown thing with a red light on top and under all the track was this tinplate semaphore blade on a metal rod with no base. Mike the Aspie
Nice find! Ya done good!
Strange the engine's missing the cowcatcher. Can you tell if it was screwed on, or does it look like someone cut it off for some unknown reason? I can't tell from your otherwise excellent photograph.
They are held on with a single screw and commonly broken on these as they are a tad fragile being a thin metal casting. They are reproduced, I just have to get one and blacken it. I have already ordered it, some new green jewels for the markers. Just need to find a bit more track to complete my loop. I do know where there is a 2 rail set like this, and a 3 rail version, both with no track that are for sale as well. But well north of what I paid! Mike the Aspie
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