Either the 97 coal loader or the 3356 horse corral
Not to derail the thread, but want to include American Flyer Accessories?
Very hard to pick one. But one I do use almost all the time and like a lot is the K-Line Operating Sawmill with smoke and operating saw # K-42450 Just looks so nice. You can never go wrong with operating gate crossings.
Joined 1-21-2011 TCA 13-68614
Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL.
My favorite accessory among the ones I own in my personal collection is ye olde 145 gateman. I like them all, but there's something about the plastic shack postwar version that makes me smile a bit wider.
However. My favorite accessory that I don't own is the bascule bridge. Oh, that bridge!
Becky
Trains, trains, wonderful trains. The more you get, the more you toot!
Hi Mr. Carp,
I would ever suspect talking to you! It is a pleasure! Also I do happen to own a prewar gateman that had almost mint paint but sat in some sunlight for to long and is now starting to flake off, unfortunatly.
In 2014, I wrote for Classic Toy Trains a special publication about Lionel accessories over the past century. That publication can still be obtained--all new material and excellent photos.
In there, I made clear my preference above all the many innovative and entertaining accessories Lionel has developed for the automatic gateman. It is everything an accessory should be: fun, magical, path-breaking, and animated. The gateman, regardless of vintage, looks great on any layout, no matter how big or small or how sophisticated or simple.
Indulge yourself and pick up a prewar, a postwar, or a modern-era version of the animated gateman and see what makes it a true classic.
Happy New Year,
Roger Carp
Senior Editor
I would like to know what your favorite o gauge or o gauge compatible accessory is!
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