Beginner looking for information

[Anonymous]

Hello all,
I want to start by saying you guys really know what your talking about when it comes to model railroading. I am a 25 year old life long train lover that is now financially able to get back into the model railroading hobby. Last year I bought a house with a basement and garage and then got married July 4rd 2004. So now my wife and I are pretty set in our routines. This past chrismas we were setting up the tree and I remembered that I had a train (backman something or other in my parents attic (in Santa Barbara, CA). Unfortuantely my mother couldn't find it and still can't. So I am in the market for a used O scale train any brand. Preferably I would like a passenger train. This past weekend I went to a train show in Fort Washington PA with my wife (I convinced her, but it cost me a trip to New Orleans) and saw a Williams train set with a loco and 3 passenger cars for $195. I couldn't convince my wife to buy it at the show, but she said I could look. I don't know what I need or what to do to get started. I have the space and maybe the $$. The salesperson at the show recommended his train obviously but pointed me toward a 90 w transformer and cheap tracks. I just don't know how to start. If I could get some suggestions it would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Jesus in PA, right outside of philly

[3railguy]

Hi Jesus,

Was the Williams pass set head by a GP-9? That is a good set. It will work with cheap 027 track a 90 watt transformer. Starter sets by Lionel, MTH, and K-Line can be found pretty reasonable. Passenger sets are a bit more than freight. They can be had for around $250 - $300.

[spankybird]

HI Jesus,

[#welcome] Welcome to the CTT forum. [#welcome]

here is a good site to read and look over
http://www.thortrains.net

YOu may want to get a complete starter set, which would include train, track and transformer. K-line, MTH and Lionel all make them. You can check them out at there web sites.

MTH just put out there Ready to Run catalog this past week
http://www.mth-railking.com/news.asp

[jimhaleyscomet]

Try to find a local dealer. Then purchase Classic Toy Trains magazine and peruse the mail order adds. It will be cheaper mail order (usually) but for that first set buying from the local dealer (if he has any). Also, Hobby Lobby occasionally puts their sets on sale at 40% off.

Jim H

[Anonymous]

Hey - the obvious place to shop is eBay---do a search under any desired name - like train sets; MTH. Lionel - etc. Despite remarks about eBay, I just restarted the hobby 2 months ago and found everything on eBay - and beat retail dealer prices on everything - in fact, bought everything from dealers who advertise on eBay - they have to. to be competitive.....like - Ma &Pa Junction, Irene's Collectibles, Wholesale Trains, Justrains, Trainz.com etc.... however, I can't say that I did better than train swap meets - never have been to one yet.... might do a little better there if you aren't in a hurry as I was.

[GPJ68]

Congratulations on choosing a new hobby!

First suggestion would be to make a short list of ideas about where you want to go with the hobby. Permanent layout on a tabletop/benchwork, or temporary "carpet railroading" on the floor, to be set up and taken down as the mood strikes? Scale modeling with detailed scenery, scale-sized locomotives/rolling stock, and trackwork to accomodate the larger equipment and maintain the aura of "realism", or "operator" (like myself) with emphasis on operating accessories/cars, switches, and the like, with less attention to scenery and realism? Moving from one extreme to the other over time is certainly acceptable, but be prepared to find that some of your past purchases may not fit well with a big change in the direction of your layout.

Second suggestion would be to take some measurements of the area you will devote to the layout (permanent or temporary). Room center with access all around, or against one or more walls restricting access from certain directions? Available space length/depth will have a major effect on the maximum radius of turns you can utilize, as well as accessibility for construction, modeling, troubleshooting, recovering derailments, etc. Keeping all areas of the layout within reasonable reach should be a primary goal. Play around with pencil and paper with some track designs (or check out Thor's site that Spankybird listed) to get some early ideas on the amount of track needed, different turn radius to fit the area and meet your interests, etc. Surf the web looking at other railroaders' personal sites for ideas on direction, scope, and size requirements of different layout choices.

Third suggestion would be to make heavy use of this forum's search features for past posts on track types, power needs, scenery ideas, accessories, etal. There's a boatload of info here, you just need to look a little for it.

That said, my specific suggestions to someone wanting to get started with O guage trains would be to purchase a basic non-command control engine and rolling stock (the Williams you looked at would be an excellent choice IMHO, great reputation for reliable operation without the extra command control effects), 027 profile tubular track ( O profile tubular if temporary/floor railroading) for low-cost but reliable trackwork (and readily available new or used), and the largest transformer you can possibly justify expense-wise (to allow room to grow the layout power-wise).

Complete starter sets from Lionel, MTH, K-Line are also an option, but IMHO the track supplied in the sets can be limited in size/length and of the more expensive variety, and the transformers may be powerful enough to run the set well, but can be overwelmed when expanding with extra accessories, additional loops of track, etc. Still a good value though, if expansion to a larger-than-basic loop is quite aways off.

Most important of all - go slow, set goals, ask plenty of questions, and stick to an overall plan. Eventually expanding into command control, increased detail and scenery, more complex track layouts is easy to do over time, but can be frustrating if taken on all at once. Expensive too.

Hope that gives you a few ideas.

[cnw1995]

Welcome! Enjoy the process - even making mistakes - you can always undo or change whatever you do. It's fun to talk about it all here.

[Anonymous]

If you are west of Philly, you might want to visit:
Nicolas Smith Toy and Train Store,
2343 West Chester Pike....Thats Route 3,
Broomall PA

Start with the first floor.....it is a K-Line SuperStore with great prices.

Then, look upstairs, you will be overwhelmed, everything you ever wanted to see.
Plenty of starter sets, but before that, look over their Track Display......that
will bring you up to date with all types of track.

Get an education, get catalogs, take your time.....or go full steam ahead.

If you have time to expand your travels.....go to JustTrains in Newark Delaware. [:)]

[Anonymous]

Hi Guys,

I too am looking for some help. I've recently re-aquired my grandfather's trains. They have been in storage since new 195?. I do remember setting up "the trains" once or twice when I was young (1974-5?) They were never setup on a real lay out.

A) My question is what kind of value do they have?

B) Which engines / rail cars came in which set(s)?

C) Which ones were purchased as individual units?

This is what I've got: Keep in mind these have very little use if any.

1) Virginian blue and yellow. Has a holder for a "D" battery. What's that for?

2) Lackawanna grey and red(ish) roof and trim. It's almost the same as the Virginian, diffrent shell? 2321

3) A dark green "double ended" electric locomotive with overhead wire contacts 5 gold stripes on each side. 2360

4) A white milk box car. Load up metal barrels in the top and a man ejects them from the side. Still has barrels#3482

5) A green and black log car that tips up and the logs roll out. Still has logs #3461

6) A hollow silver box car with a yellow feather on the sides. #6464100

7) A gas tanker car 6465

8) A Green Gondola 6462

9) Three dark red/brown lighted passengercars with people in the windows, and spring loaded doors. 2625, 2627, 2628. is it missing 2626?

10) a gray "Lehigh Valley" caboose. matches the Lackawanna engine 641751. Part of a set?

11) another caboose that looks the same, but is dark red 64173

12) A "heavy" cast metal steam engines.  #736

Is this stuff worth anything? Should I offer it on ebay or take it to a local hobby shop? Please let me know what you think.

Thanks in advance!

Mike

[bfskinner]

Rare_Find,

That's a big question, and I'm sure you'll get some detailed answers. If you'd rather not fool around with it, and you live within driving distance of Washington, D.C., why not just give me your address and I'll take 'em off your hands and give you a coupla' bucks for the lot.

[Anonymous]

Sorry BF I'm not really not near DC. I was just hoping to find out what I've got and what's is value is. Might sell if the price is right, but I really don't want to sell "Grandad's trains" for a "couple of bucks."

[bfskinner]

Aw shucks!

Someone will answer seriously.

[pbjwilson]

Rare find,

If you are for real, youve got some of the most desirable postwar trains out there. The Virginian, the Lackawana, the green loco is a GG-1, and the 736 are all top off the line postwar engines. Worth a pretty penny. Where you go from here I dont know. If you want to sell them, put them on e-bay, the market will determine the price. If you keep them you have quite a good start on a collection.

[pbjwilson]

Rare find,

Did a little research. What you have there is some of the best Lionel made in the postwar era. Engines will fetch $500+. The 736 around $300. The passenger cars are in the $200 range ea.

These are rough estimated prices and condition is the determining factor as to the prices you can get. Another thing, Do they have the boxes? Original boxes can drive the price up alot.

[bfskinner]

Rare_Find,

Ok, seriously now. There are two kinds of "value." Sentimental or heirloom value, and fair market value. Clearly you understand the first of these as you recoiled at my facetious offer of a "coupla' bucks." These trains may be very precious to you or someone in your family, whether they are valuable on the market or not -- and I think they could bring top dollar in the market for non-electronic trains, but there is a lot of competition out there.

I largely agree with "pbjwilson." You have listed some nice trains -- top-of-line at one point in their history. Much of the modern toy/model train world has since gone ultra-electronic, but there is still a good-sized market for the post-war (1945-1969) or "traditional" examples.

In my opinion, the best way to research their value would be to go to eBAY and look them up individually and see what folks are asking and paying. If you are a member of eBAY you can look up completed as well as current auctions. Personally, I don't think I'd actually try to sell anything on eBAY, but it makes a good resource for determining fair market value, if you study it long enough.

Of course there are price guidebooks. Greenberg's is well known and widely available. The problem with them is they tend to be out of date, and often exaggerate the fair market value, in my humble opinion.

Train-nuts generally go by a set of standards for describing (grading) the condition of trains that are so strict that they often boggle the minds of newbies. For example, many folks describe their trains as "mint,' but "mint" is an almost possible standard to meet. You can find these standards described in detail at the Train Collectors Association (TCA) website. You can avoid a lot of misunderstandings if you understand them and tend to slightly undergrade your offerings.

Several forums, including that of the O-Gauge RailRoad magazine (OGR), offer buy/sell boards.

Finally, you might consider starting your own thread, as many people have already browsed this one and might easily miss your post in this thread.

I know a lot more folks who regret selling their trains than I do those who are really glad they did. I never learned what happened to my childhood trains when I meandered off to college.

Hope this gives you a start. You have got some really nice trains there -- a rare find indeed.

 

[phillyreading]

Jesus,

The Williams set that you were looking at is a good quality set at a good price, the only draw back with Williams is that you will have to buy track & transformer separetely.

Most of Williams trains will run on 027 track but not all as some are too long for 027 track.

I have about eight Williams locomotives and don't have any problems with the way they run, the gears are all metal & the wheels.  Have two passenger car sets by Williams and like the sets very much.  Would buy more Williams trains if I had the space and the money. If you want you can check out Williams trains on line at www.williamstrains.com

From my own dealings on ebay is BUYER BEWARE!!!!  I don't recommend ebay if you are starting out in model trains.  Try on-line stores or an auction site like Choo Choo auctions, the guy is from Erie PA and is most trustworthy!!

Lee F.

[dwiemer]

Jesus, I would start with a starter set and get some expansion packs as soon as possible as this will allow you to have fun while you are getting some ideas.  Then, as you define your interest a bit more, you will have an idea of what you like (steam/diesel, old/newer named railroads, etc.)  Also, get a subscription to Classic Toy Trains, and/or O Gauge Railroader.  This will give you ideas and direction, along with visiting as many public/private displays as possible.  Also, visit a local hobby shop and learn more about your new hobby.  As with many things, it is better to do your homework before spending your money.

Dennis

[dwiemer]

Rare_Find,

      These are indeed some nice pieces you have.  I suggest you contact a local club or hobby shop and get the name of a TCA member who can both give you a grade/condition of your set, and a estimated value.  While this value may not be realistic to selling prices, it will help with insurance.  These trains should be gone over by a properly trained train repair person so that they can be checked and lubricated for proper function.  Also, bring along the transformer as many that have been stored have bad cords and can be dangerous.  This repair person probably has TCA membership and can help with the pricing too.  Make sure you have photos of these pieces as you want to make sure you get back the same pieces you left.  As for selling them, you probably could get a good bit of money, but remember, once they are gone, that is it.

Good Luck,

dennis

[cheech]

hi rare find

you didn't win the lottery just yet. the value of the train will be the condition. Rust, does the train run for example.. condition determines price.

your best bet is to take one of the engines to a local dealer/hobby shop. let them look it over, maybe even run it on a test track. if it is truly worth anything, they will make an offer, like others did, and you turn it down and leave.

now you know it works, its condition etc....now you are on the way to knowing how much it will get either in a private sale or on ebay.  one man's trash is anothers treasure.....one's treasure is anothers trash.....

go slow and gather info

ralph

[Anonymous]

Thank you guys!

 I will look for a local train dealer / repair tech. I'm sure they will need to be serviced since they haven't seen power since the early 70's. I know for sure they don't have any rust or external damage / missing parts. I also have a couple of other examples not listed above. I'll try to post pictures so you guys can help me identify them. One interesting car is a black tanker "Sunoco" with a really small coupler. It won't couple to anything else. Another is a loco and tender with a hook for a coupler 225E. Are these "pre-war"?

one other thing... I have a yellow and blue "European" train my grandfather brought back from a trip over seas. It very light weight, runs on 2 rails in "G" scale , I think, and has molded european style bumbers on both ends of every car and loco. I can't seem to identify what it is or who made it. I think he bought it in about 1979. But there are really no markings on it.

[trainsopray1]

I recommend you get several TMCC items so that you can run your trains remotely from turning the transformer knob.  The hand held  controller  lets you do anything you want with your train even without TMCC in the train. Just Trains  Store in deleware is the least expensive source of the equipment. If you are free at April 20 thru 21st you could join me at the  TCA Show at York Pa and see some real bargins. I can get you in if you would like to go (as my guest). I am  here in Rockville Maryland . You can get here by doing route 30 to Gettsburg and 15 to  270and 270

down to Rockville. I have  TMCC,MTH DCC and conventional all running on the same layout.

I am retired and  have  lots of time  to play trains these days. I get up your way once a month

this  spring (at Rahns Pa) where I run  my ride on trains at the  PA Live Steamers  Club. T.O'Pray