I acquired a spirit of '76 engine and caboose thru a trade and i like the look of them. I was looking around and saw that there are cars that go along with it and I would like to get them and design a layout around the theme. Im trying to determine where i am going to set it up and build my layout, so the size it yet to be determined. What kind of things would you incorperate into a layout like this? I was thinking a logging area, some water features, a couple of mountains, tunnels, trees and a bridge or two. I am a novice when it comes to designing and all. Thanks everyone.
love any kind of train
Would this by a TYCO Plymouth switcher, Alco 630, or F-9, 4-6-0 10 wheeler version of Spirit of 76 train?
Don - Specializing in layout DC->DCC conversions
Modeling C&O transition era and steel industries There's Nothing Like Big Steam!
It is the tyco. Here is a pic. Hope it loads correctly.
hi,
i have bought a chair,
so design me house, it must have a lving room, bedrooms, bathroom and a kitchen.
Any ideas welcome, a garden would be nice too.
Think about this, your asking an impossible question.
Paul
Since the Spirit of '76 and Freedom trains are traveling trains, there is no need to make changes in your layout. For the Spirit, a layout set in the mid-70's to '80, would be very appropriate. Thest trains traveled around the country, not being limited to any particular area of the country.
Your desires do seem to change with each new find and that is part ot the fun of this hobby, you can change. Remember, it is your railroad and you can do what you want. You can pull double stacks with 4-4-0's if you want or wooden tanks with modern diesels. I have a friend that builds the buildings he likes the looks of, puts together cars he likes and runs locos that he wants to. There are others that stict strictly to a very narrow time and place. Most of fall somewhere in between
We can't tell you what you want. When you do have a idea and want help getting there, then the folks here should be able to help you.
Have fun, that's the most important part.
Good luck,
Well it's a modern loco, mainly built for mainline cargo. I would start from there.
There are also complete sets of spirit of 76 box cars.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Mantua-Tyco-Spirit-76-train-set-/170573071547?pt=Model_RR_Trains&hash=item27b6f284bb
You might want to consider this train set as a spare. Tyco's have a tendency to run for a short while, then break down in need of replacement.
You could also mix it with military equipment carried by train flats (tanks, cannons, jeeps, etc.)
Most people here will encourage you to "upgrade" to a more reliable model train. A lot of people get frustrated with Tyco and give up on the hobby.
Mixing it with American Flag UP's might be a start.
You can find good value Athearn models on eBay and other places. Athearn is reliable, a good value, and very easy to repair with spare parts everywhere.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Genesis-HO-RTR-SD70ACe-UP-Union-Pacific-Flag-8402-/180595732920?pt=Model_RR_Trains&hash=item2a0c5831b8
bakerboy2008 I acquired a spirit of '76 engine and caboose thru a trade and i like the look of them. I was looking around and saw that there are cars that go along with it and I would like to get them and design a layout around the theme. Im trying to determine where i am going to set it up and build my layout, so the size it yet to be determined. What kind of things would you incorperate into a layout like this? I was thinking a logging area, some water features, a couple of mountains, tunnels, trees and a bridge or two. I am a novice when it comes to designing and all. Thanks everyone.
Wait until next week. Based on your past posts, your layout idea will change again by then.
FOr a "spirit of 76" layout you can have all of the above if you like, though the 76'er wouldn't run on a logging run. It owuld travel and if you get the Bicentenial Freedom train to go with it, it traveled everywhere, so any countryside could be it's scenery.
You could stick with teh 76'er theme and model 1976. ANy other system in place {like Chessie} could be modeled around your freedom trains.
I agree-the TYCO may not last long or give will you immeasureable problems trying to keep it running.
-G .
Just my thoughts, ideas, opinions and experiences. Others may vary.
HO and N Scale.
After long and careful thought, they have convinced me. I have come to the conclusion that they are right. The aliens did it.
cowmanSince the Spirit of '76 and Freedom trains are traveling trains, there is no need to make changes in your layout.
Conemaugh Road & Traction circa 1956
In the Bicentennial era (mid-seventies) most if not all railroads decorated one or more engines and cabooses in a red-white-and-blue Bicentennial scheme, often with something like "1776" or "Spirit of '76" or "Freedom" or somesuch on it:
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NtgXlrcvXZA/TDSs87050rI/AAAAAAAAmbQ/GbSjg8CSRz0/s400/POSTCARD+-+CHICAGO+-+TRAIN+-+CHICAGO+AND+NORTHWESTERN+-+DIESEL+IN+BICENTENNIAL+COLORS+-+1976.jpg