Freight consist now "all operational"

[lionelsoni]

Generally, the operating part of the car is connected between pickups on the two trucks, contacting the two extra rails. The control grounds one of these and puts track voltage on the other to operate the car. Electromagnetic couplers are also connected to the same pickups but returned to ground. So one coupler opens incidentally when the car is operated.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by thor


Actually I have yet to see an operating car in action, I often wonder how its done and why the actuating track has five rails but I assume they are for operating levers to be triggered.

As far as the "dumping" cars go, there are 2 types. The ones that work off the uncoupler magnet do a quick DUMP, then you pu***he unit back down to lock it back into position. This type cost less ( about $30. vs $60.)
The other type need a 5-rail controller track and have "pickup shoes". The plus is (I speak to MTH...I have no experiance with other brands) the bed lowers slowly, then automatically rights itself. These are what I have, but, for a kid's layout, the cheaper ones may be best because they can better take "rough handling".
The Lionel milk car, "Mo and Joe", and MTH operating box car with signalman use the 5-rail controller track. Lionel box cars, where the guy throws a sack, can use the regular uncoupler track.
The Lionel caboose runs on just track power, and the newer one has a on/off switch. The just-announced MTH caboose needs the 5-rail track section, and also is said to work when the whistle button is pushed. I've not seen it yet. Joe

[Dr. John]

One of my favorite accessories is the magnetic crane (whether Lionel, Flyer or MTH). It is a natural with gondolas to move pieces of metal (tubular rail, washers, etc.) from car to bin, bin to car or car to car.

I agree with Doug that gondolas and flat cars are naturals for kids AND adults - I like to create loads using cars, military vehicles/tanks, logs, pumpkins (from Michael's for Halloween) and candy (at Christmas). Let your imagination run wild! Box cars with sliding doors allow you some opportunities for loads as well.

[thor]

Thats great! I want to get some of those operating cars too. All I have at the moment is a K-Line gondola and an MTH flat car which came with two trucks that we removed as Asherah, also like you guys children, puts things onto and into them - often as they're moving despite frequent explanations about what stations are for!

Actually I have yet to see an operating car in action, I often wonder how its done and why the actuating track has five rails but I assume they are for operating levers to be triggered.

BTW whilst on the subject, is it possible to actuate the couplers with a powerful permanent magnet? I thought if this was the case I could mount some here and there so the uncoupling could take place if the train was pushed gently over one but under tension they should remain locked.

I miss the old HO Triang/Hornby hook and bar couplers that operated from spring loaded ramps and only uncoupled if trains were pushed gently over them. They were cheap and snapped between the rails so you could pretty much uncouple anywhere you wanted to.

I have yet to see the Lionel style couplers in action remotely. At least they stay coupled!

[cnw1995]

Another idea that greatly appeals to my kids and visitors is to just run a string of gons or flats. They love to position figures and other small objects (dinosaurs etc) in them. Or drop them in as the train goes by...

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by johnandjulie13

That is a great idea! With my son (2 1/2), he loves playing with train figurines. He likes having the little train figures watch the trains go by, ride on the boxcars, talk to other train figures, etc.

He would love the MTH animated station...I know my Grandkids do. There are a row of figures sitting on a bench. Stop the train, flip the switch, and when the train leaves...the bench is empty! Next time arround, you pretend they all got off (at least I pretend they get on and off...my 1 1/2 year-old Grandson knows they flip into the space under the roof). Joe

[johnandjulie13]

That is a great idea! With my son (2 1/2), he loves playing with train figurines. He likes having the little train figures watch the trains go by, ride on the boxcars, talk to other train figures, etc.

Regards,

John O

[Anonymous]

My layout is small, so "long" trains cannot be run. One of my goals was to entertain my Grandkids, so I've now gotten to the point where all my freight cars actually "do" something that the kids can activate: Lionel operating milk car, MTH log unloader, MTH box car with operating signal man, MTH dump car, Lionel "Mo and Joe" board unloader, and a Lionel caboose with operating signal man. I really like the smooth action of the MTH cars, and the Lionel "Mo and Joe" seems to be everyone's favorite, with the milk car a close second. Joe