HO Model Trains

[Anonymous]

Thanks alot everybody. Like I said, if anybody is willing to sell some cheap trains, I would be willing to talk to you about prices. Thanks!

[Junctionfan]

I have a pair of CSX AC4400CW from Athearn "blue box" and I have to tell you that they pull really long trains. Those guys pulled through when I had to pull a 45 car train up a 2.5% grade.

[Anonymous]

I know they don't have a good reputation, but I would suggest the Bachmann "standard" GP40 and high-nose GP50. I have three of these, the latest examples are excellent runners and are very reasonably priced. The latest ones are easy to spot as they now have full "pilots" fitted and body mounted couplers. Their "Silver Series" freight cars are also good, though they need a little modification to get the couplers at the right height.

Also worth considering are Athearn "Blue Box" kits, these are decent models at reasonable prices. As far as finding models is concerned, I would suggest eBay, train shows, a LHS, or sales at online stores. I've found good prices at all of these. Hope something here is of help!

[tstage]

cgmstrojan14,

Welcome to the forum! [:)]

For your diesels, if you are going to get new stuff, save up your pennies and wait and buy good quality. Athearn, Broadway LImited, LIke-Like Proto 1000 or 2000 series, Bachmann Spectrum series, Kato, and Stewart all make some VERY good lines of diesels. Some of the above-mentioned manufacturers will be more expensive than others (particularly the Broadway Limited!) but with good care, you'll have any one of these for many years of enjoyment to come.

If you are really watching your pennies, check out the following web site:

http://www.Trainworld.com
You can find some FANTASTIC deals on the above lines - particularly those designated "Close Out". I've shared this many times on this forum before . I picked up a Proto 2000, S1 switcher from Trainworld (reg. $110 MSRP) on close out for $29.99!!! (Plus $7.95 S&H) I ordered in on a Friday. I had it in my hands the following Wednesday. The S1 runs smoothly and looks great! As mentioned previously, train shows and train swaps are also a good source for deals. (You should ask the dealer if he/she has a return policy or not.)

Trust me, fork out a little extra for the better quality! If you get the cheapest you can get, you will regret it in the long run and spend more time repairing, cursing, and/or regretting you ever thought about getting into the hobby in the first place.

If you have to skimp, skimp on the side of your rolling stock or passenger cars, NOT your motive power!!! Even "cheap" passenger cars or rolling stock look a lot better to me behind a good looking and well running locomotive. You can save up and buy better quality cars (when you have the money) to match that beautiful E- or F-Series diesel you just bought. [:)]

As you eluded to in your post, perhaps some of the more "long timers" on this forum would be willing to weed out some diesels or passenger cars (that are currently collecting dust) out of their inventory and give (or sell them) to a good home. (Maybe just for the cost of S&H?!? [:D])

My last bit of advice. Find a good local hobby shop (LHS) in your area that has a knowledgable person on trains. They will be invaluable source of information and advice for you. Come to think of it, I'm heading over there this afternoon...[:D]

Tom

[tatans]

I just got back fom local hobby shop (LHS) and rummaged though 5 boxes of engines and cars including passenger cars, price was right, selection not too great but lots of great cast-offs, big selection of diesels (no steam) prices from $2.00 to $14.00, some real crap but some super stuff, also if possible go to train meets, there are tons of used equipment out there, just keep hunting.

[Anonymous]

Hello. This is my first time on this website and a question. Where could I find some cheap passenger cars and diesel engines for my HO layout? I am kind of short on money put I would really like to get some more trains. Maybe if someone would like to sell some to me, that would be great. My e-mail address is [e-mail]. Thanks!