New Bright & Other Inexpensive G-Scale

[RR Redneck]

Much as I hate it, I have to admit that Bachmann is a good brand for newbies, just be sure to get brass track.

[Anonymous]

Dose new bright make any switch track?  I just ran upon this topic and it got the ol' wheels a turnin'. Do they only make one radious of curve track also?

 Kevin G

[Anonymous]

Hello again Big Daddy - Since your in Knoxville I don't guess we will meet any time soon but here is a tip for you.  Take you son to the Children's Musuem at Oak Ridge TN.  I'm told they have a "killer" G-scale layout on display there.  You may find some ideas also............

Happy Railroading.................

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the encouragement guys.

I've decided to go ahead and purchase enough Aristo-Craft track to close an oval. We'll see about engines in the future.

With a young son who is seriously into trains, I've had the opportunity to dabble in all scales and several toy lines this year. We've had a great time cleaning and repairing old Lionel equiment. As we are running out of room inside, G-scale appeals because of the option to move outside.

I reside in Knoxville and would certainly be interested in learning about bargains to be found in G-scale railroading equipment. My local hobby store is helpful, but their prices are almost double what's available online.

 

[Great Western]

Hi Big Daddy,

      I would also say don't give up.  I am also fairly new into G scale.  I did buy brand new Aristo brass track from a very helpful supplier here in the UK.   I gave him a plan he gave me good advice and I purchased.  (Garden Rail Centres of Cheltenham).

  But I am sure in the US there are many good retailers who offer a full (not just discounted) service and will advise you well.  Think about second hand, yeah I doesn't shine but it is OK and the new stuff will tarnish anyway. 

   And read the many Forums, there is so much good advice and help.

     

[Anonymous]

Hey Big Daddy don't give up on G-Scale just yet.  You'll be glad you stuck with it later on as nothing in any of the other scales offers so much.

There are plenty of bargins out there you just have to do your home work before buying.  That's what I'm in the process of doing right now.  For example, I started out looking at Bachmanns web site and thought to my self, "self, you can't affore this stuff!"  Then I started checking e-bay and discovered the same items for almost half of what Bachmann had them listed for.  Then, from an ad that caught my eye in December issue of Garden Railways, I found the very same item I was looking at for even less than e-bay!  Haven't order yet but probably will do so shortly.

Do you mind telling me if your located in Tennessee somewhere?  I'm in M'boro. and was thinking maybe we could get together some time and compare notes.  Comments?

Best Regards, 

 

[Anonymous]

After reading this thread with great interest, I decided to replace my New-Bright Oval with Aristo-Craft track. I had great plans to use the New-Bright Engine and cars for now and upgrade in the future.

I purchased track from ridgeroadstation.com as recommended in this thread, but have had a horrible experience. The photos on the site do not match the item numbers or contents. I ended up spending $90 and can't even make a closed oval, but I do have a pair of switches which go nowhere!

If you are a newbie to G-scale like me, please be wary of what you order online. Ridge Road Station told me that only the "fuzzy" part of the photo is included in the set I ordered. I also ended up with 1/2 track curve pieces while the photos show full pieces. They offered to accept the return, but I'll end up eating over $25 in shipping charges.

I'm thinking of giving up on G-scale and sticking with good ol' Lionel O-scale.

 

 

[cruikshank]

I picked up three sets at flea markets over the summer.  I paid $5 for one box of Scientific toys, $10 for a complete New Bright with Sounds,  and $15 for a complete Scientific with Remote.  I ended up with 3 engines, 3 caboose, Cabeese ?, 3 Gondolas, and 3 boxcars plus lots of plastic track.  First I found out that New Bright and Scientic Toys Track are not compatible, the joiner is on the oposite side.  I felt the New Bright was inferior though it did have chuff, Whistle, Bell, and All abord sounds. Corny but the kids and cat love it. I sold the New Bright and track and caboose on E-bay for enough that the Scientific Toys were essentially free.  I will weight, repaint, weather, and probably add a 9 volt rechargable cell to the tender.  This will keep my "G" gauge Jones under control until I see if it's for me.  If it is, then I'll probably go Hartland.  With the sale of the new bright I essentially have nothing in this but time.  The Scientific runs better and seems more substantial than the new bright.  Right now it's all for fun.  Being disabled, we had to move in with my Mother-in-law.  At first she said no way to a garden railroad, but when she saw the "G" in action she was hooked.  I'll check our K-bee for track.  We have a K-bee outlet here in Reading, just a few blocks away.  I like the idea of Battery power, no need to worry about clean track, or multiple trains on one layout.  Like someone else said for now I'm having fun, and have very little invested into it.  Thanks for the forum and this thread.  Dave in Reading, PA

[vsmith]

While the weights really do make a huge difference in keeping the Scientific Toys Mogul on track, I've found (in my experience) that it's more important to take the flange off the center driver. The ST mechanism doesn't have the side to side play that better three axle drives have and on the tight radius plastic track, there's a lot of stress on the chassis, which pushes the front driver to walk over the outside rail. It's easy to take down the flange; turn the loco upside down and turn it on. Simply apply a file to the flange and wait till it's even with the rest of the wheel (i.e. track level) or use a Dremel sanding disc if you're in a hurry. As long as the wheels are turning, it's relatively easy to get an even result. I've done this on four or five of these locos and it works better than adding weight (IMHO). Hope this helps. Chris

Silver, Chris....S...I...L...V..E..R........

(He knows whatzdisabout)

 

[Chris Walas]

While the weights really do make a huge difference in keeping the Scientific Toys Mogul on track, I've found (in my experience) that it's more important to take the flange off the center driver. The ST mechanism doesn't have the side to side play that better three axle drives have and on the tight radius plastic track, there's a lot of stress on the chassis, which pushes the front driver to walk over the outside rail.
It's easy to take down the flange; turn the loco upside down and turn it on. Simply apply a file to the flange and wait till it's even with the rest of the wheel (i.e. track level) or use a Dremel sanding disc if you're in a hurry. As long as the wheels are turning, it's relatively easy to get an even result. I've done this on four or five of these locos and it works better than adding weight (IMHO). Hope this helps.
Chris

[vsmith]

Hi Danielle

Heres what I did, from another forum:

Yes, I added weight to my Scientific loco by unscrewing the boiler and adding self-adhesive tire rim weights that should be avalible at PEP BOYS or similar auto parts shops. I'm lucky in the my LHS sells them. They come in 1oz. and 1/2oz sizes and have a peal off adhesive backing. They come in strips about 4 inches long and break down into 1/2" squares, I added as many 1 oz weights as I could by sticking them to the inside of the boiler in whatever space I could find onto the inside face of the boiler, being very carefull to make sure that they didnt interfer with reassembly. I figure I added 12 to 16 oz of weight, 1 oz at a time, which these badly need.

Make sure you study the inside before you start sticking, theres a certain amount of strategy involved because once to stick these weights, there permanent!

I'll add that I did this with the engine on its back so I could lift the drive off, place an individual weight down with backing still in place, close it up and make sure it fits and still closes up, reopen it and then peal off the backing and adhere it in place and move on to the next weight and work my way around the the innards from front to back. Sounds tedious, but theres really not a lot of extra space inside so you have to approach it stratigicly. Be carefull not to add weight beyond the line of the front axle as it will unbalance the engine.

Good Luck

[Anonymous]

      Hey there,

Thanks for the advice Vsmith. I will try it. I also have a problem with the engine derailing and I was wondering how to fix that, so that helps a lot. One question though. Will adding weight hurt the engine? As I said before I model Ho so I don't know much about battery powered locos or G-scale. So your advice is a big help.

Thanks again! Danielle

[vsmith]

    Hi there,

I'm new to this forum as I model Ho scale, but a couple of years ago a friend gave me a Scientific set and I was hooked. I looked high and low for the stuff (did not want to deal with ebay). Joe0315 said he could not find a retailer that sold the stuff so I wanted to share the info. I found out that Kaybeetoys.com sells the sets as well as track sets really cheap. I even found a few of the stores carried the sets (in NJ). I just picked one up today. I know these are considered toys but hey, I've heard the same about my Ho stuff. I say as long as you have fun....that's what matters.

[Anonymous]

    Hi there,

I'm new to this forum as I model Ho scale, but a couple of years ago a friend gave me a Scientific set and I was hooked. I looked high and low for the stuff (did not want to deal with ebay). Joe0315 said he could not find a retailer that sold the stuff so I wanted to share the info. I found out that Kaybeetoys.com sells the sets as well as track sets really cheap. I even found a few of the stores carried the sets (in NJ). I just picked one up today. I know these are considered toys but hey, I've heard the same about my Ho stuff. I say as long as you have fun....that's what matters.

[cruikshank]

Since it's been 8 months, what did you end up doing Bjohns?  and what did you do with the new bright?

I would like to see that article, I'll have to find some used GR  which month was it?  I know I spoke to Vsmith and probably others about this very subject on MLS board.  I got in real cheap, a Scientific Toys set for $4 at a flea market.  I am missing 4 curves, and hate to pay even E-bay prices which are much more than I paid for the whole set.  I'm watching Ebay for a HLW loco, I want to build a mining layout since I'm from Coal country in Eastern PA.

What do you put in the New Bright/ Scientific stck for smoke?  I see there is a plastic buld type item under the stack.  Thanks,  Dave

[vsmith]

All you Cheepo's out there..

Check out the latest issue of GR, the featured Scenic Express RR is all El Cheepo battery stuff, plastic track, and looks surprisingly looks terrific!

[Anonymous]

I was told (more years ago than I care to remember) to
get some track down and run some trains so what if the track isn't perfect or the rolling stock less than real once some thing moves then the drug gets you and in no time you will find the means to the ends. There are a lot of railroad addicts out there only too willing to help, to sit on your butt and dream well that's about all you will get, dreams. So what if your track is plastic or your loco only cost a few dimes it gives you pleasure at the end of the day that's what counts. I must confess that I do envy you folks you are surrounded by like minded people here I am in a desert. The locals think I am a nutter their only interests seems to be in killing things thankfully their accuracy with their shotguns is about as good as their sense of creativity. So to sum up you press on
with your newbright and enjoy it just keep the trains a running.

[vsmith]

Brian one thing you will want to consider is adding some wieght to the locomotive. My Scientific Toys engine chronicaly derails at the slightest whim. Its due to the lack of any real weight over the driver wheels on the loco. All the weight is with the batteries in the tender. I suggest using those peal and stick self adhesive lead tire weights Pep Boys and a few other auto places sell (and most good train shops). They come in strips that can be snapped into smaller 1oz and 1/2oz sizes segments, peal the adhesive strip off and adhere the strips to the inside top of the boiler. This is what I plan to do with mine. Also add a small 1/2oz wieght on top of the pilot wheel to help it track thru the corners.
Later Vic

 

editI have since removed the pilot wheel, it just wouldnt stop derailing, removing the pilot solved this.

[bjohns67]

thanks everyone. Just by looking at the sheer numbers of views and responses, there's some interest in running inexpensive trains.

I have 60' of the cheap track, but just ordered 60' of the good stuff. Was told in another forum that cheap trains might be okay, but cheap track is definately NOT. I agree. When building a foundation, it must be strong.

The extra 60' of plastic track might be fun indoors somewhere. Shelf layout perhaps.

Again, thanks for all the feedback since I inquired about New Bright and other inexpensive trains!

Brian Johns
[e-mail]

[piercedan]

Always check out www.ridgeroadstation.com.

Some sites have consignment and used equipment.
I have bought used items and I have found that the worst part is the plastic wheels were worn out, but I always convert to metal wheels and I just use the plastic ones for decorating on the RR.

[Anonymous]

The only thing I can really add is subscribe or find a store that sells Garden Railways! Between the web and the magazine Ive learned a lot about the hobby. Dont be afraid to experiment there really isnt a right way or a wrong way, its whatever works for you and your skills. EBay can be your friend but research the prices from companies like St Aubin, TrainWorld, Charles Ro before you start bidding, its easy to pay too much on ebay when the bidding wars start. Good luck and welcome!

[Anonymous]

Set-up a Scientific set in the garden last summer, and my Grandkids, including the one-year-old, ran it every time they came over. Brought it in and ran it around the Christmas tree for 4 weeks. Got extra track on eBay(not cheap), but I can't find any retailer selling it. The set was the best $39. I ever spent.
I'm a "O Gauger", but do not want to be screwing-around with electric outdoors. Until I find a better-looking READY TO RUN battery set...this will do. Joe

[Anonymous]

bjohns67 - I understand you desire to be thrifty but as noted earlier, the first place you will want to make a meaningful investment in in your track. As most people he know, Aristocraft has a big track sale in the Jan/Feb time frame where you buy 4 and get one free. Shipping can get expensive if you don't have access to a local dealer with internet pricing. One way to pick up track over time is to watch eBay for track that is within your driving distance so you can avoid shipping.
Also, key an eye out for Bachman rolling stock sales. Their stock is designed for outside plus can be found for low cost as a starter set. Don't try to use Bachman track outside. It is steel and will quickly rust away.
WELCOME ABOARD!
Paul D

[vsmith]

New Bright for $120? stay away!

Do an Ebay search under "New Bright" you'll get the real value, most sets go for betweem $10 to $30 dollars.

Personall i find the Scientific sets to be a better, as the loco almost kinda looks like a real loco as opposed to the New Brights doesnt-look-like-any-kinda-loco is far too toy like for me.

I bought a Scientific set this year, so i would have a kids sets for the outdoor layout, now were going to my sister-in-laws instead so now I gotta decide...keep it for future visits, or scrap for parts!

[Anonymous]

While I'm not yet into G, I have the symptoms. I saw a New Bright set on the net several days ago going for about $120. Have they upgraded their line or was I seeing things?

[bjohns67]

So do most of you keep running in the cold and rain and wind and snow? I guess that's another aspect that makes it mirror the real train world, eh?

How many of you keep running and how many close up shop until spring?

bjohns67

[piercedan]

How do we handle winter, we get a plow and run the trains outdoors. Depends on how deep the snow gets and if it turns to ice.

Thos is the first Xmas in 4 years I can not run due to icey snow on the track.

[bjohns67]

Oh, and on my teacher's salary, I will try to buy a few feet of Aristocraft track each paycheck and replace the cheapy stuff as I can. I'll have to create a fictional maintenance division for replacing track...hmmm.

anyway, that's the plan.

Merry Christmas!

brian johns
bjohns67

[bjohns67]

Wow! Guys, thanks!

I know, I know. Trying to save a dollar now might cost me more down the line.

What I'm most impressed with is that some of you have been able to get used QUALITY Gscale stuff for such a great price. Used. I'll start looking.

In the meantime, I'm running the New Bright train (might be Scientific Toys, I can't remember) around the Christmas tree. The puffing smoke gives me a headache, but we crack the window, and the three little ones love playing engineer! I actually realized that it's something I never had as a child but always wanted, so I might as well start creating the memories now. I want my kids to remember the train running around the tree.

In the spring, the train (and others, eventually) will move outdoors. The sound is loud and the smoke better for outdoors, and I'm anxious to get them running. from what I've heard here and read everywhere, good track is essential. And doing a good job of laying it too. I have some of this cheapy track - and about 60' of it or more, so will go ahead and treat it with a UV spray, lay it in ballast, and give it a try. Then I'll get back to you.

Being rainy and right at freezing here in Idaho, it'll be a few months. I cannot wait!! How do you guys handle winter?

and thanks again for welcoming me and not laughing at me.

bjohns67

[markn]

bjohns67 -I'm so cheap-I'm not putting my two cent in, I'm just putting one cent in-I know where you are coming from-Vic, TJ and the others always have good advice but I would just add this: DO IT-maybe spend another $20 on track to double the basic oval you get with a set-this will make a simple dogbone say 12'x6'-take it outside and run it-find out if this hobby is for you-I finally started a garden railrod this summer and found at the early stages there is more gardening than railroading ie the track and the trains are almost secondary to the site work-I am NOT trying to be negative or scare you off but it is a big step to outdoor railroading -take what you have and find out. If you like it, don't spent anymore money on the toy/plastic stuff- start planning/saving for the better stuff-if you don't like it -you're out $50-or sell it on ebay -Welcome and good luck!