Trains.com

LGB Electric Rack Loco

15677 views
72 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    June 2002
  • From: Perth,Western Australia
  • 194 posts
LGB Electric Rack Loco
Posted by lyctus on Saturday, August 25, 2007 5:41 AM
I have progressed on my GR project to the point that I can begin tracklaying. I anticipated requiring a rack loco to service the proposed timber mill branch and began searching the mail order houses for a 2146/2046 Electric rack loco, but I have not had any luck...they are listed in ads placed by some of the major suppliers in GRM every issue, but they don't actually have them in stock. Does any one know where one is lurking, new or VGC used ? I also need the rack sections and clips. Once again, not much joy with the retailers. Any lead would be most welcome. I would appreciate a private e-mail to save Forum space in what is a fairly self serving issue.  
Geoff I wish I was better trained.
  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Shire Counties UK
  • 712 posts
Posted by two tone on Saturday, August 25, 2007 1:49 PM
For the rack railway cogs try Ebay you may be lucky or ekse you will have to wait till stock is available in the near future

                Age is only a state of mind, keep the mind active and enjoy life

  • Member since
    December 2006
  • From: Florissant, Missouri
  • 493 posts
Posted by hoofe116 on Saturday, August 25, 2007 2:50 PM

Lyco:

Gonna eat up postspace anyway. I'd be interested in hearing more of your proposed rack line to a lumber plot, as I'm wrestling with a problem of impossibly steep grades (on the order of 45 deg) and am considering switchbacks which would require a lot of spadework, so to speak. Did lumber Co's do rack lines? I know they skidded forever with tracklayers, donkeys, or hung overhead cabling (my Gfather was a tall-timber man--a topper, point of fact--but I never heard of  a rack RR). Which means that the whole western region might be covered with 'em and I wouldn't know. Your question opens up a possible thread.

FWIW, I intend someday to have a rack RR.

Les

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Jones County, Georgia
  • 1,293 posts
Posted by GearDrivenSteam on Saturday, August 25, 2007 3:23 PM

Look at this thread: See my replies. I posted several good photos.

http://2guyz.info/Forums/viewtopic/t=3773.html

It is enough that Jesus died and that he died for me.
  • Member since
    June 2002
  • From: Perth,Western Australia
  • 194 posts
Posted by lyctus on Saturday, August 25, 2007 7:09 PM

Hoofe, thanks for your interest....my real estate is fairly limited and whilst a switchback would be prototypical, I have not got the room for it.I have always been facinated by rack railways and have ridden them in Wales and in Switzerland. Due to cost factors, I would not think a timber company would ever have installed one, but then they say there's a prototype for everything ! I will need rack to get the trains up from sea level to the mill as the grade will be too great for traction alone.Really interested in the comment on Grandfather....the Pacific North West timber operations in the US amaze me....volume, ingenuity, rail lines,flumes,....facinating stuff.

My mill operation will simply be a short branch with a two track change over yard at the end..empties in, loads of milled timber out with the rudimetary passenger service to keep the loggers wives happy....:-)

But I need the rack loco........... 

   

Geoff I wish I was better trained.
  • Member since
    November 2005
  • 66 posts
Posted by gtrainman1 on Saturday, August 25, 2007 7:15 PM
  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Jones County, Georgia
  • 1,293 posts
Posted by GearDrivenSteam on Saturday, August 25, 2007 10:18 PM

This site may be of interest to you.

http://www.thecog.com/

It is enough that Jesus died and that he died for me.
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, August 25, 2007 10:33 PM
  • Member since
    December 2006
  • From: Florissant, Missouri
  • 493 posts
Posted by hoofe116 on Sunday, August 26, 2007 11:27 AM

Lyctus:

I noticed you're from down under. If there were but one country I could emigrate to, Australia would be my pick. I'd want somewhere in the outback, though.

Re the rack logging road: go for it! But by all means, send across some pixes! If nothing else, it'll be unusual. Are you using British designed locos, or someone else's? Is that sawmill conna actually work? I read on a site where one does, but no details. (I used to haul logs to a mill, so I know how they work, no problem--except doing it in 1:20 scale. The mechanics, not the appearances, I have in mind.)

THe temperatures are finally falling here in River City. It was about 81F. Gonna get hot again.

  • Member since
    May 2006
  • From: Eastern Pennsylvania
  • 71 posts
Posted by CPT Stryker on Monday, August 27, 2007 5:41 PM

I have found an LGB 24460 red Furka-Oberalp electric rack loco !  The price is $500.95

Nicholas Smith Trains

Broomall, PA

(610) 353-8585

I remembered seeing it there last week. I called a few minutes ago (27-AUG-07, 6:30 PM), and they still have it.

St. Aubins Station and Watts Train Shop also have the same loco for $479.89

Trainworld has it for $459.99

Hope this helps !

Captain Stryker

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Jones County, Georgia
  • 1,293 posts
Posted by GearDrivenSteam on Monday, August 27, 2007 6:12 PM
That sure is a small loco for a big price.
It is enough that Jesus died and that he died for me.
  • Member since
    May 2006
  • From: Eastern Pennsylvania
  • 71 posts
Posted by CPT Stryker on Monday, August 27, 2007 6:42 PM

Yeah, it is kinda pricey, but, they are getting few and far between. I was lucky to have gotten mine off e-bay this past spring.

 

 

I also have the matching Schollenbahn passenger cars that go with it.

Captain Stryker 

 

  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: North, San Diego Co., CA
  • 3,092 posts
Posted by ttrigg on Monday, August 27, 2007 10:11 PM
Try this one!


I've seen cog systems used (or rather the remains of where they had been used) in Colorado, but these were for "short haul down the mountain" for some of the gold mines.  In my case I have a "bridge line" going up to the top of the water falls on the Koi pond, at about 10%.  The Bachmann street car does O.K. making the run, but am looking forward to putting in a rack system, IF I can find a cheaper way to do it.

Tom Trigg

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, August 27, 2007 11:30 PM
Like to see several cogg GR. Been thinking of one but....the "buts" always get yeah.
  • Member since
    June 2002
  • From: Perth,Western Australia
  • 194 posts
Posted by lyctus on Tuesday, August 28, 2007 8:41 AM

Thanks for the research Capt. I am now trying to talk with St Aubin, as my usual supplier,Trainworld actually says that they do not have this loco. I don't know if St Aubin ship internationally. Trainworld are good at this. For some reason, probably a couple of forms that have to be completed for international parcels, a number of US retailers and mail order houses are reluctant to send stuff overseas.  

Hey Hoofe, you'd be welcome Down Under and I could maybe take you for a ride on a 2' gauge steam loco just 20mins from my house, and you could give me hand to commission the backyard empire....in fact, get packing and come on down...

Geoff I wish I was better trained.
  • Member since
    June 2002
  • From: Perth,Western Australia
  • 194 posts
Posted by lyctus on Tuesday, August 28, 2007 9:40 AM
Well Captain, I waited till the stores opened and gave Nicholas Smith and St Aubin a ring, and lucked right out ! Neither stores have actually got stock. I guess I will have to wait on e-bay to come up with the goods !!
Geoff I wish I was better trained.
  • Member since
    May 2006
  • From: Eastern Pennsylvania
  • 71 posts
Posted by CPT Stryker on Tuesday, August 28, 2007 11:17 AM

I just called Nick Smith trains and the one they have is the display model sitting up on the shelf. What did they tell you ?

Captain Stryker

  • Member since
    June 2002
  • From: Perth,Western Australia
  • 194 posts
Posted by lyctus on Tuesday, August 28, 2007 8:13 PM

Well Captain,after about 4 expensive long distance phone minutes , the nice fella at Nicholas Smith said, no, none in stock ! He said no problem shipping to Oz, but unfortunately they did not have the loco I wanted in stock ??

OK, I'll have another go !!   Thanks for your interest. I'm getting obsessed with getting my hands on one..........

Geoff I wish I was better trained.
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, August 28, 2007 8:23 PM

lyctus,

I am about pissed at these people! I will ship the part/train to you!!!!

I have ordered parts before to another man in Oz and shipped them on and not a single problem!

People should not have this much problem. Only problem I had was emailing him back but I could get his.

Let me know and I will be on the phone (and other things) to these people in the AM!

  • Member since
    May 2006
  • From: Eastern Pennsylvania
  • 71 posts
Posted by CPT Stryker on Tuesday, August 28, 2007 9:12 PM

I'll go there tomorrow evening and check as it is only a 20 minute ride from here.

 

Captain Dale

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, August 28, 2007 9:14 PM

Dale,

Ok, just makes me dang mad at some times!

William

  • Member since
    June 2002
  • From: Perth,Western Australia
  • 194 posts
Posted by lyctus on Wednesday, August 29, 2007 1:21 AM
TF&WL and the Captain ! What a team !! I have faxed Nicholas Smith and asked them to look again as my friends on the Forum report that they positively have a loco in  stock....so we could wait to if/how they reply. Or, I could accept TF&WL's incredibly kind offer........I would transfer funds into your Bank prior to you sending the loco if that is the best way to proceed, but I am very aware of the trouble I seem to be causing and I don't wish to be a burden. Maybe we will see how Nicholas Smith respond to my fax, and take it from there......otherwise I will continue arrangements with TF&WL...Many thanks, Geoff (pronounced Jeff) 
Geoff I wish I was better trained.
  • Member since
    May 2006
  • From: Eastern Pennsylvania
  • 71 posts
Posted by CPT Stryker on Wednesday, August 29, 2007 8:32 PM

G'day cobber !

I went there today and the red LGB 24460 FO Rack loco is still on display on the shelf above and to the right of the "Now Serving" number sign and the row of coffee mugs hanging on the nails. It is to the right of the red LGB 2095N OBB Diesel loco.

 

Captain Stryker

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, August 29, 2007 8:55 PM

Ole Chap, did you ask if they ship to Oz?

Toad in da Swamp

  • Member since
    May 2006
  • From: Eastern Pennsylvania
  • 71 posts
Posted by CPT Stryker on Wednesday, August 29, 2007 9:05 PM

That I did not ask, but, in one of Geoff's previous posts, he said he spoke to someone at NS Trains on the phone and they said it would not be a problem to ship to Oz.

 

Captain Stryker

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, August 29, 2007 9:13 PM
K, good deal! Missed that part. Well at any rate email me if need be.
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, August 30, 2007 8:48 PM

lyctus,

Did you call them back and order it? What is the stat?

  • Member since
    June 2002
  • From: Perth,Western Australia
  • 194 posts
Posted by lyctus on Saturday, September 1, 2007 10:39 PM

TF& WL Thanks for checking out status of the rack loco. I have been interstate for a couple of days- went to sunny Queensland for some business meetings in Brisbane- and I have not been into the office to check incoming faxes to see whether Nicholas Smith replied. I will just love giving them the location of the loco in their store from Perth, Australia Banged Head [banghead], but if they haven't replied, I'll assume they don't want to deal, and I will come back to you.

Life can be frustrating.........  but international friends-  strangers who are prepared to help out someone they have never met, do not know, may never meet, is truly inspirational. Thanks fellas.  

Geoff I wish I was better trained.
  • Member since
    June 2002
  • From: Perth,Western Australia
  • 194 posts
Posted by lyctus on Saturday, September 1, 2007 10:49 PM

Apologies Capt Stryker....I am suffering late night flight red eye and keen to check out where things are with this thread, and trying to get out of the house to meet the family for Father's Day picnic at a narrow guage railway park and I kinda messed up the 'who's doing what on the RacK Loco scene'. Sorry. I owe you for the research ! Many thanks. Same message applies though ! I will enjoy NST being told where their stock is located....... from Oz !! 

Geoff I wish I was better trained.
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, September 1, 2007 10:55 PM

Ok, mate, just keep us informed! Smile [:)]

Search the Community

FREE EMAIL NEWSLETTER

Get the Garden Railways newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month

By signing up you may also receive occasional reader surveys and special offers from Garden Railways magazine. Please view our privacy policy