UP2CSX wrote:Maybe I'm just dumb but I don't even understand what that thing is. Is from an old amusement park or what? Do people ride in it? By the size of the shoe in the one phote, it looks maybe .4 to 1 scale. What does it use for as a prime mover? The paint scheme is obviously totally wrong for the Santa Fe and it looks to be in terrible shape. Why is this thing worth anywhere near $78,000?
The seller feels its worth $78,000 or is fishing to see what he can really get for it. On e-bay, anything could happen.
I agree, it is poorly described and the photos do not show enough. Check back in 1 day xxx hrs to see if it sold
Anyone can ask whatever they want on eBay. That doesn't necessarily mean that someone is actually going to bid on it.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
78K is not too out of sight for a G-16 A-B with 3 cars, even in this condition. Restored G-16's with an A and 3 cars usually go for about 50k.
These were built by Miniature Train Co. of Rensselear, Indiana in the 1950s. The locomotives are VERY precise 1/5 scale F-3's. Even the Blomberg trucks are scaled out, and have the motion of the real ones. They were designed for 16" gauge, but can run on 14" and 15" with different wheels. The axles are the same, and the difference between the three gauges is where the hub is cast in the wheel.
There are still quite a number of G-16's around. I help maintain two at the local Lions Park, except ours are gauged out to 14". Ours are pretty reliable, but we've changed the drivetrain to hydraulic, keeping the stock MTC trucks and gearboxes.
If you think this price is bad for the train, just wait until you want rail! New 12lb rail is running about $6.50 (or more) a foot these days
Yes, these were used in amusement parks, city parks, private property, you name it. You ride in the carbody on metal seats. They're very smooth riding, even on less than smooth track.
If these are stock, then they will have Wisconsin VF-4D engines, with a fluid clutch and mechanical transmission. This then drives driveshafts to each truck, and each axle has a gearbox on it. There is a shaft running through the truck to connect the gearboxes.
By the way, if anyone knows of a source for starters for VF-4D's, please send me an email or PM. Thanks.
http://www.trainweb.org/mtctrains/
This might clear some things up.
There is a amusement park train that is closer to Santa Fe colors in Independence, KS that has been around for a very long time. Last year I took some pictures of it in between runs. During the summer months, they would take the hood off so it wouldn't over heat. That allowed me to get a good picture of the "prime mover".
Waiting for the next load of passengers.
The little engine that still can...notice the horn placement.
Take care,
Russell
Did anyone notice that it is in Southern Pacific Daylight paint but says Santa Fe on the locomotives. Who is the idiot that did that?
"No soup for you!" - Yev Kassem (from Seinfeld)
ericsp wrote: Did anyone notice that it is in Southern Pacific Daylight paint but says Santa Fe on the locomotives. Who is the idiot that did that?
Look, it is meant to haul kids around a track. I doubt any kid out there is going to know the difference.
If he wants $78,000 or a $1,000,000.00 dollars it is his business for asking the price.
Sheesh people relax.
From the far, far reaches of the wild, wild west I am: rtpoteet
Don't know the history of the set for sale, but a very similar set was running in a city park in Austin, TX, many years ago. IIRC, the old gent who was engineer and conductor was collecting 35 cents per ride.
This one could be put into revenue service with some work, but I think $78K is a bit much for equipment in sorry condition.
Chuck (modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)
Repairman87 wrote: ericsp wrote: Did anyone notice that it is in Southern Pacific Daylight paint but says Santa Fe on the locomotives. Who is the idiot that did that?Look, it is meant to haul kids around a track. I doubt any kid out there is going to know the difference.If he wants $78,000 or a $1,000,000.00 dollars it is his business for asking the price.Sheesh people relax.
Did I say anything about the price?
Actually, I would have know that Daylight paint with Santa Fe letering was incorrect as a kid (depending on my age).