Ok, I found it. Display cases for trains are now my business. Not allowed to talk about business in this forum. The BOKR is still live and well.
DrW No, the thread is still there, ending (at the moment) with your last post from January 23rd.
No, the thread is still there, ending (at the moment) with your last post from January 23rd.
I don't see it listed under my posts.
Your thread hasn't been deleted. It's currently to pg. 9 in the General Discussion forum...
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
OldSchoolScratchbuilder It would seem the moderator deleted the display case thread. youll have to ask him why.
It would seem the moderator deleted the display case thread. youll have to ask him why.
DrW I was a faithful follower of your two threads (a) on the display cases, and (b) on the "holistic layout approach". I assume these two threads will now end, without resolution. Is that correct? JW
I was a faithful follower of your two threads (a) on the display cases, and (b) on the "holistic layout approach". I assume these two threads will now end, without resolution. Is that correct?
JW
OldSchoolScratchbuilder My wife gave me thumbs up to pre-order both Lionel Canadian National Legacy SD70SDEs tomorrow. Six Legacy locomotives tentatively scheduled for delivery around October. Ninteen inch long CN locomotives with 054 minimum curved track - can't wait to see them.
My wife gave me thumbs up to pre-order both Lionel Canadian National Legacy SD70SDEs tomorrow. Six Legacy locomotives tentatively scheduled for delivery around October. Ninteen inch long CN locomotives with 054 minimum curved track - can't wait to see them.
wjstix I'd bet a lot of O scale folks read their own magazines and don't bother with Kalmbach, because MR rarely has O scale articles, and Classic Toy Trains mag is really just about toy trains. There is a magazine called "O Scale Trains" that is exclusively two rail O-scale. Unfortunately, looks like the Jan/Feb 2018 issue is their last one.... http://oscalemag.com/wordpress/ O Gauge Railroading magazine is still here though. It deals with both two-rail and three-rail trains (and narrow gauge). It also has an extensive series of forums. https://ogaugerr.com/ I suspect the number of two rail / O-scale modellers has dropped quite a bit in recent decades, although overall probably more people are into 1:48 O trains now than say 30-40 years ago. That's partly due to the introduction of Bachmann's On30 trains a while back, and partly due to the popularity of "hi-railing" - using scale equipment but with 3-rail track. Lionel, MTH, Atlas and others make full 1:48 scale equipment that runs on 3-rail track. Sunset even offers brass three-rail engines. BTW Atlas and some other companies make much more realistic track than the old 'tinplate / three ties to the piece' track. The advantage hi-rail has is even the biggest piece of equipment will take an "O-72" (72" diameter) curve, whereas many large engines in two rail will require larger curves - many O scale layouts use 72" radius curves, twice as big as needed in three rail. Two-railers often talk in feet BTW - a 'five foot curve' or 'six foot curve' instead of 60" or 72" radius.
I'd bet a lot of O scale folks read their own magazines and don't bother with Kalmbach, because MR rarely has O scale articles, and Classic Toy Trains mag is really just about toy trains.
There is a magazine called "O Scale Trains" that is exclusively two rail O-scale. Unfortunately, looks like the Jan/Feb 2018 issue is their last one....
http://oscalemag.com/wordpress/
O Gauge Railroading magazine is still here though. It deals with both two-rail and three-rail trains (and narrow gauge). It also has an extensive series of forums.
https://ogaugerr.com/
I suspect the number of two rail / O-scale modellers has dropped quite a bit in recent decades, although overall probably more people are into 1:48 O trains now than say 30-40 years ago. That's partly due to the introduction of Bachmann's On30 trains a while back, and partly due to the popularity of "hi-railing" - using scale equipment but with 3-rail track. Lionel, MTH, Atlas and others make full 1:48 scale equipment that runs on 3-rail track. Sunset even offers brass three-rail engines. BTW Atlas and some other companies make much more realistic track than the old 'tinplate / three ties to the piece' track.
The advantage hi-rail has is even the biggest piece of equipment will take an "O-72" (72" diameter) curve, whereas many large engines in two rail will require larger curves - many O scale layouts use 72" radius curves, twice as big as needed in three rail. Two-railers often talk in feet BTW - a 'five foot curve' or 'six foot curve' instead of 60" or 72" radius.
The other advantage to Hi-Rail is that it's much simpler to wire since there are no issues with reverse loops
One of my future projects is to build a simple portable layout which I can use outdoors on what I call the Lido deck by the pool to run 3 rail outside. I have the track motive power etc just need to get the boss on board.
Joe Staten Island West
wjstix O Gauge Railroading magazine is still here though. It deals with both two-rail and three-rail trains (and narrow gauge). It also has an extensive series of forums.
just downloaded the free Dec 2017 issue. It's got excellent info, even the ads. I've seen many old issues in the back room of the hobby shop. I'll grab a few tomorrow.
wjstix There is a magazine called "O Scale Trains" that is exclusively two rail O-scale. Unfortunately, looks like the Jan/Feb 2018 issue is their last one....
hopefully a new owner will be found and continue the magazine. I'll definitely look for back issues. Thanks for the heads up.
railandsail You might have liked this beauty
You might have liked this beauty
Wow! Yes indeed, even though I am a diesel guy.
You might have liked this beauty,....a 2-rail O-scale steam loco I sold a few months ago...
I'm sticking with HO scale
Brian
My Layout Plan
Interesting new Plan Consideration
Once in a while Classic Toy Trains has featured a O scale 2- rail layout.
3 rail doesn't have to be toylike. Often featured are very realistic 3 rail layouts.
Toylike or realistic - I like them all.
There are several magazines devoted exclusively to 2 rail O scale. Google search will easily find them.
I tried to sell my two cents worth, but no one would give me a plug nickel for it.
I don't have a leg to stand on.
railandsail @ OldSchoolScratchbuilder So you are going to do both O2 & O3? Kind of unusual.
@ OldSchoolScratchbuilder
So you are going to do both O2 & O3? Kind of unusual.
Yep. O2 will be the overhead train in one of my hobby rooms (hobby shop is on the lookout for a nice locomotive for me) and I am going full out on O3 Legacy. I'll be treating them like models not toys so I'll still be around this forum when I do layouts and O scale structures from scratch.
I tried to send you a private message, but I forgot how to do it??
OldSchoolScratchbuilder I'll be trading my entire HO collection at the hobby shop for O 2 and O 3.
I'll be trading my entire HO collection at the hobby shop for O 2 and O 3.
Alton Junction
Going to be very exciting to control all the Legacy trains using Lionel 's Lionchief Bluetooth App. If Legacy lives up to expectations, I'll be trading my entire HO collection at the hobby shop for O 2 and O 3.
Also pre-ordered a Lionel TH&B Torpedo Legasy GP9, Lionel Great Northern Ore Car 6-Pack, a complete Legacy Command Set and Legacy Powermaster.
OldSchoolScratchbuilder My O 3 locomotives will be the two Lionel Illinois Central Legacy U33C's #5052 and #5054. My hobby shop will be placing their Lionel orders soon so I'll get them to add these beauties.
My O 3 locomotives will be the two Lionel Illinois Central Legacy U33C's #5052 and #5054. My hobby shop will be placing their Lionel orders soon so I'll get them to add these beauties.
I was going to suggest On30 but someone beat me to it. That way you could use HO track but O scale scenery.
OldSchoolScratchbuilder Thanks Paul. Interesting that I get lots of advice here and nothing in the Classic Toy Trains forum. Glad I posted here.
Thanks Paul. Interesting that I get lots of advice here and nothing in the Classic Toy Trains forum. Glad I posted here.
The CTT forum is mainly about O gauge 3 rail and S gauge 2 rail, stuff like the 1940s and 1950s Lionel and American Flyer.
IRONROOSTER MTH's premier line is often available as 2 rail with scale wheels for steam and with conversion kits for diesels. They also offer conversion kits for Premier rolling stock. Their Premier line is full 1/48 scale. They have some 2 rail track in their catalog, but no turnouts so far. Paul
MTH's premier line is often available as 2 rail with scale wheels for steam and with conversion kits for diesels. They also offer conversion kits for Premier rolling stock. Their Premier line is full 1/48 scale. They have some 2 rail track in their catalog, but no turnouts so far.
Paul
@snjroy Was delighted to read your comments just now. I decided to buy all the O 2 tracks and will just wait for as long as it takes to find the right locomotives for my taste. Fortunately, our hobby shop has an O 2-rail expert and lots of contacts so I should be able to get everything through them. I'm also going to do some O 3 as an overhead train in one of my hobby rooms. Lots of space above the doors and windows so it will be easy to install.
richhotrain I guess it depends on what you mean by challenge. O scale 2-rail runs on DC power so the wiring is no big deal, unless you plan on setting up blocks. Two issues are cost and space. Check out this link for a discussion of O scale 2-rail, pro and con. http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/88/t/162032.aspx
I guess it depends on what you mean by challenge.
O scale 2-rail runs on DC power so the wiring is no big deal, unless you plan on setting up blocks.
Two issues are cost and space.
Check out this link for a discussion of O scale 2-rail, pro and con.
http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/88/t/162032.aspx
That thread is definitely worth a read if you are thinking about 2 rail O scale.
Last year, I started building a portable layout that features 2 rail O gauge and ON30 gauge equipment. It's in the garage now, waiting for completion when summer returns. I also started buying 2 rail stuff last year, so I can report back on that experience. Here are my observations:
- We can distinguish 3 categories: Old and new brass engines (steam), modern Atlas, and equipment from the 70s from Atlas, Rivarossi, AHM, Pola and Faller. Weaver is in a separate category. I read mixed reviews about their equipment. Never bought any.
-The brass steam stuff is very expensive. Never bought any. There are All Nation engines (10 wheelers) that can be found at about $250 on Ebay. They look nice, but not sure about their running abilities.
-The current Atlas offerings are super nice - too expensive for me, never bought any.
-The 70s stuff is affordable and available on Ebay. The Atlas plymouth switcher is a good runner (made by Roco, good stuff). You can find one for about $50, sometimes less. There are F units too.
- 70's Rivarossi: I have a 4-6-0 that runs fairly well. It is available in kit form, I bought one that was factory assembled. There is also a 0-6-0 model that looks nice, as well as two 4-4-0. You can get one for about $100 if you are patient, but be prepared to pay more. There are diesels also, but I never bought any.
- 70's Pola equipment is lower quality in my opinion, but there are a few interesting ones. I bought two switchers. They run OK, but look very fragile.
- I bought used Rivarossi track. Pretty easy to find on Ebay. But you can use current Atlas O scale track. It won't mate well with the Rivarossi track unless you solder the rails.
-I bought my locos for my portable layout that I intend to show in shopping centres when our club has a table there. My thinking is that kids are impressed by big locos... I certainly am. But the running abilities of these 70's locos are not great. Atlas is Ok. They don't pull very well and I would not even try switching operations with them. Oh and rolling stock is pretty expensive too. Kadee sells couplers for 2 rail, and they can be easily installed.
- I have succesfully adapted 3 rail rolling stock (Lionel stuff) by changing the wheels and installing new couplers. Not really worth the effort in my opinion. You're better off buying older Atlas and AHM rolling stock.
-Faller stuff is G scale that runs on O scale track (as narrow gauge). It is very much toy grade.
-The ON30 gauge (O scale on HO track) is a lot more appealing. Bachmann makes nice stuff that you can find on Ebay. The logging locos are pretty cool.
Again, I can't comment on the modern Atlas, but if you have deep pockets (and a large basement), I would say go for it.
Simon
PS: I often read that the detail work on HO is too fine and that O scale is a lot easier to model from that perspective. Well, the problem I find is that our eyes adjust to size and that our expectations are just higher when it comes to O scale. Bigger just means more details if you want it to look good. So there is no economy of scale when it comes to details, if I can borrow that expression!
tankcarsrule What I wanted to know was, who made it and what scale. Thanks, Bobby
What I wanted to know was, who made it and what scale.
Thanks, Bobby
LOL it's an HO Atlas ACF Kaolin Tank Car #1715-1 Ontario Carbonate 71473. My wife knows I like tank cars so that's usually what I get from her for gifts. Can never have too many tank cars.