Gulp! I bought my first loco.

[Kimble]

There was a train show today, Saturday, in my town and I went with my Dad and 2 year old. One retailer in our area is closing up his storefront and moving sales online, so he had some discounts to unload his inventory.

I hadn't planned to make any purchases, but 20% off was too good a deal to pass up. I'm a few months away from building any bench-work, but I figured I'd best pick-up a locomotive now.

I ended up buying an Athearn Genesis SD70I (CN #5610) for $52. I'm amazed at the detail (from what I remeber as a kid). The cab as interior detailing and the fan grate on top actually has grill work and fan blades - it's not stamped plastic!

Rob C
Portland, Maine

[Don Gibson]

NOW you need some TRACK. (Check out Bachmann or life like's EZ track) a car or two, and an MRC power pak.

When that gets boring try a track plan.

Long Engines such as SD-70's like 22" radius curves (and larger). Railroads used those on the mainline. When you get more cars and a switching Industrial area try an (Athearn) CF-7 engine.

EXCELSIOR!

[easyaces]

Nice Buy Kimble! Thats the spirit, hit those closeouts and swap meets and shows. Always some real bargains out there!

[krump]

Great Buy Kimble.

Thanks for your post. Glad youv'e connected with the forum - this is a place where you are able to learn a lot of valuable information. What products are good, what to avoid, techniques to use, etc... Keep hanging out on the forum, drop in for a coffee and a chat, learn and share.
I still need to make that first engine purchase, but that will come in a few months. In the meantime, I'm running what I have. (the Walthers catalogue is also helpful for future selections)
Have you joined a local model rr club?
Glad to have you aboard, and online.

cheers,

[Anonymous]

Good show,.

I must warn you. Buying new locomotives and freight cars is the most addicting part of the hobby for me. The next most addicting is puting them together. (Maybe its the glue and paint fumes?) I must caution you. From here on out. extream care must be taken to not lose control and blow your entire budget on stuff. My last visit to the hobby shop I had to severely restrain my self. I came out with a F7A (Undec) F7B (D&RGW) F45 (BN) and a heavy weight coach (ATSF) Spent $90.00. The preveous visit before that I blew $725 on 13 locomotives.

Just wanted to warn you what your getting into. [;)]

James

[ericsp]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Don Gibson

When you get more cars and a switching Industrial area try an (Athearn) CF-7 engine.

Assuming the railroad he is modeling had CF-7s. Did CN? Athearn told me that they will be making their GP7 (as a "Blue Box" kit) this fall. That may be a safer bet as for being prototypical for his road.

QUOTE: Originally posted by Don Gibson

EXCELSIOR!

Have you been watching "The Three Stooges"?

QUOTE: Originally said by Curly

I'm not me.