where to find streetcars

Anonymous

Member since
April 2003
305,205 posts

Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, April 17, 2004 1:35 PM

I am looking for some streetcars for my HO layout
i was wondering if anyone knew where i could find good looking one but not brass.
OR if you have any tips on how to turn a not so good one into a better looking one.

PLEASE REPLY OR GIVE ME A TIP

Shmitty

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jrbarney

Member since
January 2002
1,132 posts

Posted by jrbarney on Saturday, April 17, 2004 7:33 PM

Shmitty,
Review the trolley pages at Bowser's Web site:
http://www.bowser-trains.com/hoother/trolleys/trolleys.htm
Since you didn't state what type you are looking for, I suggest you read each page, they give fairly complete provenance for each type. The kits, IIRC, are zinc die castings. They even offer conversion kits for the trucks on Bachmann and other molded plastic types you can buy from Walthers and other sources. With luck, you'll get some responses from traction buffs who know of other non-brass kits. The cast resin kits may be more expensive than the Bowser kits.
Bob
NMRA Life 0543

"Time flies like an arrow - fruit flies like a banana." "In wine there is wisdom. In beer there is strength. In water there is bacteria." --German proverb

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Anonymous

Member since
April 2003
305,205 posts

Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, April 17, 2004 10:20 PM

thanks Bob

Shmitty

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IRONROOSTER

Member since
June 2003
From: Culpeper, Va
8,199 posts

Posted by IRONROOSTER on Sunday, April 18, 2004 5:58 AM

Labell Woodworking http://www.labellemodels.com/ has some wooden kits (without trucks).
Enjoy
Paul

If you're having fun, you're doing it the right way.

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Anonymous

Member since
April 2003
305,205 posts

Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, April 18, 2004 12:58 PM

Bachmann offer a couple of streetcar designs, I'd recommend the older-style one as these don't look too bad after a little detailing work. Admittedly the motor is a truck-mounted "pancake" drive, but they're ludicrously cheap (I paid under £20 for mine at a LHS). Might be worth a look while you expand your fleet.

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Jetrock

Member since
August 2003
From: Midtown Sacramento
3,340 posts

Posted by Jetrock on Tuesday, April 20, 2004 12:56 AM

Labelle kits are VERY hard to make--the classic statement is "If you want to learn how to scratchbuild in wood, build a Labelle kit."

I'm quite fond of the Bachmann Brill, it's a decent low-cost kit and it doesn't run too badly. They can be run "as is" on curves as sharp as 8-9" or modified to run on 6" or less, and the cheesy plastic trolley poles can be replaced with real poles and the motors rewired for overhead operation.

There aren't many new trolley models out there. I recommend eBay, you should be able to nab a couple of Bachmann Brills for around $10 each--or you can break down and pay $25 or so for them brand new at any hobby shop with a decent selection.

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jrbarney

Member since
January 2002
1,132 posts

Posted by jrbarney on Tuesday, April 20, 2004 8:45 AM

Schmitty,
Some overhead supplies are also availaable at Alpine Division Scale Models:
http://www.alpinemodels.com/about.html
and, they also have some of the old Suydam traction related building kits.
Bob
NMRA Life 0543

"Time flies like an arrow - fruit flies like a banana." "In wine there is wisdom. In beer there is strength. In water there is bacteria." --German proverb

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AntonioFP45

Member since
December 2003
From: Good ol' USA
9,633 posts

Posted by AntonioFP45 on Tuesday, April 20, 2004 5:32 PM

SchmittyJohnson, [:)][:D][8D]

These guys gave you some very good tips. One additional thing that might help. Visit local train shows as well as the GATS shows. You can find new and used trolleys at these shows. I saw a few at the last GATS here in Tampa. Even with the cheap units, they can be mechanically reworked and body detailed to resemble more realistic traction units. I'm fond of the PCC myself. [;)][8D][:D]

Hope this helps! Don't give up. [swg][tup]

"I like my Pullman Standards & Budds in Stainless Steel flavors, thank you!"