Back to the present

[Anonymous]

My adult children persuaded me to get my trains down form the attic for Christmas. My grandchildren loved playing with the trains I had as a young boy. They're 54 years old and run fine. Since I have been away from the Lionel trains for a number of decades, I want to keep my trains up and get some recent equipment with the different sounds and remote control.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[pbjwilson]

I would recommend doing some reading. Get an issue of Classic Toy Trains and browse through that. See whats available and in your budget and take the plunge.

Alot to choose from these days. Some great deals to be had too. Check the ads in CTT

Good-luck and keep us posted.

[1688torpedo]

Hello Mustraline&[#welcome] To the Forum! If you need any parts for your trains here are a few places to get you going. Warren's Model Trains, Olsen's Toy Train Parts, George Tebolt, And, The Train Tender. All of these places have websites and they should have just about any part that you may need.Plus, Oil & Grease for your Trains, Smoke Fluid & Smoke Pellets as well. Hope this helps you out & let us know what you need/ or looking for. Take Care.

[ole1]

I too unpacked some 50+ year old Lionel stuff a few years ago and have gotten back into trains and have even joined a local club that has a three rail layout. The changes in the equipment are really quite phenominal and you have some catching up to do which can be a really fun part of the hobby. Classic Toy Trains Magazine is a good place to start and visiting a train show if you've never been to one is a neat experience. A visit to eBay can also be educational but as with a visit to a hobby shop the sticker shock may be a bit daunting if you haven't priced trains in fifty years. Keep in mind that there are many new manufactures too such as K-Line, MTH , Williams and Atlas that have websites you can visit. There is a lot that is new and there is a lot of the older stuff availible so best of luck in persuing your new/old hobby. Just remember that most of us involved in the hobby do it for fun and wether you want to collect, build a layout, enjoy them as toys, collectables or model trains, build a realistic layout or run them in a loop it's your hobby so enjoy.
Ole

[jimhaleyscomet]

I just have three suggestions.

1. Beware of ebay...new items often sell for more than the adds listed in CTT.
2. Be sure to keep all your engines and old axles lubricated (lionel sells a lubrication kit).
3. Keep it fun! If it starts getting overwhelming (TMCC, DCS, Switches, Operating Accessories ) then simplify back towards an oval until you get some assistance.

Jim H

[jimhaleyscomet]

Oh one last thing. Lionel makes a fun "trainsounds" car (about $100) that will add sound to your old engines. Be sure to start with the steam engine sound car. It adds alot of fun.

Jim H

[Anonymous]

Thanks so much for the great info. I'm going to start with the classic Toy Trains magazine. I want to play with the trains...I'm not a collector. Again, thanks.

[dwiemer]

Welcome back. I started with my Dad's set from '49, and have grown it many times over. You can get some great information on this site. Check the search on this forum on any topics you may have and than be sure to ask questions. Look forward to having you on the list.
dennis

[jimhaleyscomet]

One other thing. If you want new rolling stock with command control and great sound then MTH sets offer the best value (as low as $230 on sale with full protosound 2.0) and that includes an oval of track, transformer, and usually three cars.

If you want to add conventional dump cars then the Lionel expansion sets ($99 but can be had mail order for 75....I just got one at a show for $65) are a great deal. Usually they have three cars, a dump car, and sometimes a truck and signs. The passenger sets are great if you want to turn your freight train into a passenger one. Both expansion packs have 4 straights. You can use a conversion track to hook up to O and then use those tracks....or sell them on ebay.

Jim H