Back to my HObbylne Vintage trains.
I finally got my CONOCO tank car in a video with my play worn C&O FM H12-44. When you viewed and heard info on the soundtrack, I left out the fact that the cars seen all are originally ready to run with HObbyline split Kunkle couplers and brass wheeled trucks. The CONOCO tank is different in that I have never found it to have been released. I used the same trucks and couplers on it as the other cars have.
The CONOCO tank is seen twice in the 1954 catalog, and 4 times in the 1956 catalog. This car if released was not done in any large numbers. Mine is a HObbyline tank car from a Shell tank car kit and lettered using a Champ Decal set HT-53. The main car number provided by Champ is the same as seen in the 1956 catalog.
I used my phone camera to make the video and I am very pleased with how clear the video is. I placed the video on Youtube. This is a very good Video and you should view it Full Screen.
frank
https://youtu.be/cvIrjRrWgig
Is there anyone out there who also collects HObbyline Ho trains from 1953 to 1957? Those are the only years they were in business.
Plains are to run a HObbyline set like the set #462. A much larger Royal Blue than Hobbyline released is in the plaining stage. Their set #462 had a combine and three day coaches. This was pulled by Twin FA-1 locos with 8 wheel drive, very capiable of handling the 4 cars it was pulling. Between my Pennline and Varney cars that match in size and type the original HObbyline car I can put together a longer train doubling the cars to 8 or more. At a eight car minimun a full baggage will be added to leed the consist with three other new cars tail ending this train. 1 dinner , 1 pullman, and a observation on the very end. I am painting a Trainminature pair of FA-1, FB-1 which are both powered to match in the paint style done by HObbyline for their set 462. Thinking about and doing it is two very different things. This is a we will see.
Here is my HObbyline repaints now. The blue is lighter than I want it to be. Testors dull coat has a way of darkaing lighter colors. They, HObbyline only had the B&O name on their cars. No number or anything else is seen on them. I may change that for my set.
I now have the HObbyline B&O passenger set #462 Royal Blue. Just it seem I have to post the photo somewhere else, then I dont know what to do. So no photo of set #462 B&O Hobbyline UNcataloged passenger set that I have in its original box.
Excepting the Thomas and the Trainmaster, those photos take me back to the layout we used to set up when I was a kid. At one point we did use that same scenery paper material, though our skirting was a brick pattern paper type thing - more like a light and flexible cardboard. Didn't have any Marx HO though
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
toptrain I can't transfer a photo directly from my computer.
I can see the photo just fine, and the set looks excellent.
Congratulations on the beautiful find.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
In Vintage Ho most old timers like myself through the years has compiled quite a number of trains and sets made by Marx. All Marx with the exception of their battery powered train sets were made in the USA. The battery ones were made in Japan. I added to my collection this week with a Marx/Allstate (Sears) set. 9941. The set includes a NYC Hudson locomotive, a Erie flat with a load of two 1957 Chrysler seadans. Another flat with a load, this one a Lehigh Valley flat and it has a wood load. To help retain the wood load side were added that appear as substancial wood board construction. Mine is black with yellow letering, In a box somplace in my attic is the same car but colored green. A black and white New Haven box car is encluded with a Souther Pacific Gondola. The gondola's purpose to run with the New York Central Crane car also provided with this set. Tail ending the freight set is a New York Central Caboose. You will have to use only my graffic description of this like new beautifull set in its original weathered box that shows it age but has protected this early 1960 train set admirably because I can't transfer a photo directly from my computer. See how this works a photo from a forum.
HObbyline set #425 "The Hilltopper"
A set powered by Hobbylines FM H12-44. All axels are powered on the loco. I cant get photos to post anymore. For some reason Flickr links wont open. I am here to share what I have and if I can't there is no reason to be here.
Now this one does open.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/30431536@N03/49572353597/in/album-72157710242700546/
Ulrich had some of these if I remember right. Check out Ho Seeker for reference and Ebay for the item itself.
I picking up again from around 1979. I'm shooting for the period between 1955 and 1967. Unfortunately, a lot of the vehicles and roadside kit aren't available. I'd love to find a milk tanker (single or twin axle) from that period but so far all I've found is a Walther set from the 1990s. And most of my rolling stock is literally from that period, including a 1956 Revell SW7 in UP colors.
Hi I have a number of old trains made By Hornby Dublo from the sixties before the original Hornby went bust.
None of the really collectable ones good thing since they are part of the use it items.
I also have a and I know nothing about other than it works a Varney steam switcher upgraded with a brass whistle and bell this was a deliberate purchase for a 9 X 5 layout that was to be the original Gorrey and Dapheted (spelling) upsized.
I have some of the Roundhouse DG&H and G&D pasenger and freight cars as yet un -built.
Not sure when the Roundhouse was manufactured. I don't consciously look for older trains and only buy it if I like it and it is going to be used on a planned layout.
If it doesn't get built and a layout that it doesn't belong on is built it runs on that no point having them if they don't get played with that's where the true value is. regards John
I would consider Aristo, they did some oddball locos in the early days.There may be some pictures in Sutton's The Complete Book of Model Railroading, mine's not accessible right now. Perhaps advertised in old issues of MR.
The cab, frame, and cylinders of the New Haven #60 look exactly like the super piece of junk sold by Life Like, they just called it the Tea Kettle. But it had a square tank, not a round one. Even the colors of that model are the same, including the background of the number decal.
I don't think the one I had even made a full hour of run time before it died.
--Randy ( end of copy)
I've always thought that vintage trains were easier to operate, and maintain. Some of my personal favorites in my roster are,
These locos I would suppose are some of the easiest to maintain, which makes me into vintage model trains. No pics available, due to a technical difficulty (it's not not knowing how)
"Your never too tall to play with trains"
-Liam
Backmans SD45 would not be my choice for a good loco but they made so many that most were reliable. Lima's 0-4-0 was a long lived good steamer. Some of them were made without the l Lima name on their bottom and wound by in different forums " Identification Station". Not much you could say about Athearn Geep 35 and S-12. They get the rabbit with the drum award for relieability. Keep- en clean and they keep going. Lionel's Scout, now I always being a HO modeler have noticed the sheer number of them showing up at train shows in good apearance and running condition is common. I kinda remember them being also made in Tin-Plate. That name, Lionel Scout, has been around a long time.
Frank
Nice looking equipemnnt. I absolutely have to figure out how to do pictures on here. I managed to pick up some very nice old-old stuff lately: a 1938 walters gondola, a diecast International Alco FA-1, a pair of Hobbytown EMC E-7s with motors and trucks but no frames, a huge box of Ideal Cranes - some never put together, and a huge pile of old Comet car parts.
Now I have a chance to do something I wanted to do for years. I'll try not to pass it up. Here is what I was plaining when building the first section of ths new layout.
As it would happen the next week the auction had a box set 466 the Fronteirsman. No one want it so I got it. The pair of FA-1 locos are excelent as are the cars. The box is in bad shape and didn't completely protect the cars and one of the trucks came apart and a axel is lost. I replaced it with a sprung Varney truck.
Now for a little more HObbyline HO from the mid-fifties. I finally have Western Pacific FA-1's for some set photos. The motor and other parts are missing from the power unit which is beat up pretty good, but I am really happy to at least have this set for posed photos.
A guess would to Silvine because that is who sold the B&O #25 side tanker, and the boxes #62 and #60 came in were the same as the Silvine box. Also all 3 are made by New One and the box may be a standard New One box. But a guess isn't a fact. A picture in a catalog, magazine, or sales flyier would be convincing. Also anything in writing, picture, or photograph.
That saddle tanker is a real survivor, Frank. It's unfortunate that it can't be identified, but do you have any guesses?
Russ
Modeling the early '50s Erie in Paterson, NJ. Here's the link to my railroad postcard collection: https://railroadpostcards.blogspot.com/
Well back to my HObbyline HO trains . Here is my Passenger and Freight cars. I have a couple more coming a pair of ACL blue goldolas', and another southern box car, a HObbyline yellow gondola, a DSS&A gondola and unknown flat car.
Here is the Video
https://youtu.be/y99kV1xK_BM
toptrainfright trains
Fright train?
Sorry, but it´s Halloween, so I could not resist!
Happy times!
Ulrich (aka The Tin Man)
"You´re never too old for a happy childhood!"
Here are two Vintage HO fright trains running made up of old vintage cars. Maybe you will recognize some.
Randy, The square tank is called a side tank, the round tank is a saddle tank. You could not be more correct when speaking of the plastic Life Like Teakettle. The little reduction gear would fail and lose teeth and Life Like just kept on making them by the thousands, because they sold and were cheep, and parents thought them cute, and they were that, just not relieable. Now the one's you see in my photos do not use that speed reduction drive, but do share the original drive from the Silvine teakettle. the original all metal Teakettle B&O saddle tanker #25. This one just keeps on going.
Here is a photo of 60 year old all metal Teaketle that is just fine.
Here is the second of my mistery HO locomotives.
New Haven 0-4-0t saddle tank loco #60.
I have a lot of HO locomotives but I do suspect that this 0-4-0t saddle tank and another I have, another 0-4-0t saddle tank are the most valuable locomotives I have. They were both made in Japan by the New One Model Toy Works, some searching came up with this address.
#315 KOEMON-CHO ADACHI-KU, TOKYO JAPAN.
In 15 years of trying to find out who distributed these two tankers, I found out nothing about of who marketed them.
New One produced models in kit form and ready to run that were imported by Nat Polk of Polks Hobbies, Ho train Company, IMP, International Model Products. Another company was Silvine, who sold sectional track, switches, power supplies, and other HO products. The locmotive; New One made for Silvine was a 0-4-0t side tank Teakettle, B&O #25.
Does anyone know anything about the locomotive below.
It is B&O 0-4-0t saddle tank #62.
Here is another one of my old kitbashes a B&O Hayes 10 wheeler.
Here is my other old mantua pacific as CNJ 822. I used a all metal tender made for the latter all metal Mantua 4-6-2 and 2-8-2 types.
Mantua in the 1940's and 50's made a line of HO scale locomotived made of cast metal and brass. They made 3 or 4 little 0-4-0t and 0-6-0t tankers. next largest would have been their small switchers of which the one I liked was the 0-4-0C camelback. A 4-4-0 named Bell of the Eighties, a 2-6-0 called the Mogul, a 4-4-2 Reading Atlantic P7 class. next would be a 2-8-0 Reading I class. The next a 4-6-2 Pacific said to be a Reading prototype again but I will say it was CRR of NJ, Baldwin Pacific. This is the model I chose to show today.
The Baldwin built 4-6-2 pacific.
toptrain Russ Well you namesake the Erie had a bunch of them. frank
Well you namesake the Erie had a bunch of them.
As did the DL&W and, IIRC, the NYO&W and CNJ, too.
speaking of camelbacks, Well your namesake the Erie had a bunch of them.
You know, Frank, there's something about Camelback locos that's always appealed to me.
Years ago in the Early 1980's I kitbashed a HOTCO, new one, 0-4-0 camelback into a 0-6-0C using a mantua drive. The tender is a kitbasher Mantua switcher tender which is shortned and a height extension added to coal bin.
Above is the Califorina Zephyr as shown in the 1955 HObbyline catalog. Ths second of the 4 passenger car set. For me a hard one to get. I am thinking that when things get a little less busy I.ll repaint and letter Penn line or varney cars to make the set till if luckey I can find it. Micro-Scale still makes a decal set I can use.
At the top a recient photo of the ERIE's Lake Cities Express. Below that is the Pennsylvania RR Trail Blazer also by HObbyline. This photo was taken on my old layout which I had to take down.
I am sorry that I didn't get the photos done till now I had to much fun running these old trains.
Here are the first two large passenger set made by HObbyline.
Today I am running two old HObbyline passenger sets.#451 The Erie, Lake Cities Express and # 456 the PRR Trail Blazer.
50's and 60's is not my era. I settled into 80's-00's and actually got rid of a fair amount of stuff from from that era. However I've got some items from that era that I like and will be holding on to. A couple old Metal boxcars, some flats, etc. that will find use into the early 80's on my little short line.
I'm also halfway through building a Silver Streak EJ&E wood sided boxcar kit that I'm putting together just for the experience (never built a wood kit before) and because I like EJ&E.
This week, on a whim, I picked up a Revel 1958-59 HO Trains catalog at a resale shop. It was a hoot to read through their late 50's HO offerings in full color and it actually contained one car that I have.
Visit the Chicago Valley Railroad for Chicago Trainspotting and Budget Model Railroading.
Here's the set; #446 "The Ridgerunner" 1955. The box this set comes in is not the newer style one which was used for some 1955 sets. This style box is the same as sets issued starting in 1953.
At the Hamburg trainshow last Sunday I found and aquired a Hobbyline train set. It is named "The Ridgerunner". It is set number 446. A PRR freight pulled by a Brunswick Green Alco FA1. Also 10 other HObbyline freight cars. Eight in their boxes.
Actualy I dont know what vintage is. I know it as old stuff. The time period may be different to everyone. Maybe it is just a polite and proper way of refering to old sfuff. Being 73 does that make me a Vintage person?
That's another one I have, a Varney NW2, in B&O. Was at my grandfather's. He had a train layout set up, just 3 nested ovals on a 4x8, no turnouts. One loop ran a Varney set with the NW2, another had the ATT Stephenson's Rocket set, and the smallest had a Tyco trolley. I might still have the power pack the ran the two outer ovals, a twin throttle unit, where he had penciled in what the maximum speed we were supposed to run at.
7j43k hardcoalcase ...and a Varney SW-something diesel. Jim The Varney was (and is) a phase III NW2. The SP&S's NW2's were phase III. It is the only phase III available. Ed
hardcoalcase ...and a Varney SW-something diesel. Jim
...and a Varney SW-something diesel.
Jim
The Varney was (and is) a phase III NW2. The SP&S's NW2's were phase III. It is the only phase III available.
Ed
A belated response... and so it is a NW2 phase 3! As a steam guy, all diesels look the same to me .
In doing some follow up, I found that there was a brass model from Oriental Limited. Didn't see a price, but I had a hunch that upgrading the Varney version would be a very attractive alternative. I hope your project went well!
Two large and powerfull steam locomotives I like to run are a pair of PRR J-1 types. Both are old brass locos. The first being the newer of the two being a KTM made model of 1966 that was a AHM release. The other one I think is a early 60-62 HOTCO, HO Trains Company release. I Have some nice photos and have posted then in a edit on 8-15-19. Both have excelent detail the KTM differs in having outside sanders as though it has been modeled from a loco that has been in service for awhile and has had it sander pipes replaced.
Most of my HO and even my G scale are "vintage" or "old", whichever term you prefer. But, I know my older brass will be running long after that new fangled train with unknown quality metal castings and lots of throw away electronics as long bit the dust. Same for the older Blue Box era Athearns, while I moved up to brass from them, they served the purpose thru the years I was unable to afford a brass or higher quality locomotive. The estate tables at shows are my sweet spots to be, along with any dealer with brass. Only thing I buy brand new is track. In G scale, my live steamer is an Aster 4-4-0 from the mid 1970s, and Kalamazoo trains from the early 80's. I have some brass that dates back into the mid 1950's. So count me in as a lover of older HO trains. Mike the Aspie
Silly NT's, I have Asperger's Syndrome
More Vintage HO scale. This time from a 1953 to 1957 a set from a plastic HO line that grew from an older post war metal line. The set is the "Lake Cities Express". An Erie passenger train modeled by HObbyline. I wish I had the box but just having the set is very nice. Some info I put together on this set.
dknelson I am, but more by coincidence than choice. When I started in HO, if I bought something used it was 1950s or older, so I do have rolling stock of that era. I had a Varney F3 and it pulled like a son of a gun, but the sideframes and other parts had zinc-rot and deteriorated into nothing. I was sad because that engine was a favorite, even though the sideframes were shorter wheelbase than prototype. So did the zinc side frames and front door/headlight castings of the Penn Line shortened GG1 (what you have is Penn Line's tooling which Varney came out with again in the 1960s) that I always intended to get to but never did. They just crumbled to nothing. I think I finally threw the body shell casting and some other parts away, or maybe sold 'em off cheap at a swap meet., because the PEMCO GG1 was full scale length. If you like older HO, I hope you know the HO Seeker website. It has all sorts of photos, catalogs, and information about HO from the early days. http://www.hoseeker.net/ Dave Nelson
I am, but more by coincidence than choice. When I started in HO, if I bought something used it was 1950s or older, so I do have rolling stock of that era.
I had a Varney F3 and it pulled like a son of a gun, but the sideframes and other parts had zinc-rot and deteriorated into nothing. I was sad because that engine was a favorite, even though the sideframes were shorter wheelbase than prototype.
So did the zinc side frames and front door/headlight castings of the Penn Line shortened GG1 (what you have is Penn Line's tooling which Varney came out with again in the 1960s) that I always intended to get to but never did. They just crumbled to nothing. I think I finally threw the body shell casting and some other parts away, or maybe sold 'em off cheap at a swap meet., because the PEMCO GG1 was full scale length.
If you like older HO, I hope you know the HO Seeker website. It has all sorts of photos, catalogs, and information about HO from the early days.
http://www.hoseeker.net/
Dave Nelson
Thank you Dave! I am very familiar with the HO Seeker site and seeing what was is well known to me. just can't find the stuff.
I like Vintage HO I just finished up a pair fo diecast Varney F7s and a Varney GG1.
I just finished up a pair fo diecast Varney F7s and a Varney GG1.
It would be great to see them.
riogrande5761 Anyone here into vintage HO? 1940s thru the 60s? It won't be long until vintage will be 1960's through the 80's!
Anyone here into vintage HO? 1940s thru the 60s?
It won't be long until vintage will be 1960's through the 80's!
It's already up to the 90's if you believe eBay sellers.
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
Speaking of Rivarossi trains. The most interesting ones I have are the UPRR Big Boy and the Clinchfield Challenger. I hope you like the 2 photos.
Randy Great Story about when you were young. I did enjoy it.
I'd like to continue with a pair of Lindsay PA1's in PRR brunswick green in a series of photos of birth to completion but limited on line space prevents this from happening. I have to stick with whatever I have posted already. So I have a pair of Rivarossi 2-8-0's from around 1956-8 that I have done up as USRA leased locomotives at the start of WW1. These were short term leases of locomotives that were made for France but not shipped yet. Once the 200 Russian decapods became aviable they would be returned and replaced with decapods. These two locomotives 663 and 665 were leased to the CRR 0f NJ.
Some things I can date with good accuracy - I know for absolute certain the LL plastic Teakettle was early 70's, as I had it when my Dad was still alive, and he passed away in 1975. It mostly just sat parked because it was THAT bad.
My favroite to run was a FLyer HO 4 wheel diesel switcher. It was also one of the best pullers we had, despite no tractioon tires - because the entire body was a solid piece of die-cast metal. Very heavy. I think that was the one that started it all - it was older than I was, and I believe my parents won the whole set it was part of as a door price at the Moose Lodge Christmas party. Followed by a Mantua/Tyco 0-4-0 (which went missing after having it on display in a locked showcase at my elementary school) and the 0-6-0 )both tank engines). All the pictures have gone missing, but they had a room-size layout until I came along, then I needed the rooom the layout was in. Trains became relegated to Christmas time display, there is a home movie of me at age 2 running a train on a loop around the tree. It was either the Flyer diesel or the Tyco 0-6-0.
Well Randy I also think life-likes plastic teakettles ran bad when they ran. Not so the older all metal new one original version of the B&O side tank loco #25. I have 8 at least of the old metal ones, and all of them run well and they were sold in the mid to late 1950's. the life likes are from the late 1970's on to the proto 1000, 2000 era.
i have one New One HO model, steam engine that sits in the display rack ...
straight DC so it doesn't see the layout , from maybe the mid 70's or so, not real sure
That B&O #25 saddle tank loco looks exactly like the Life Like one I had in the early 70's. Perhaps it is. Thing ran horribly.
Familiar with MEW 44 tonners, their other big product was their log buggies. Well advertised in the hobby press of the time.
I seem to be very much akin to many of those who post here in this thread. I have very similiar thoughts about running my very old, old, and just a little older HO trains. Like some here my large layout days are over and just trying to make a slightly enlarged 4X8 with a hill cutting it in half is major challange. I keep choosing to work on a locomotive and not the hill, or track work. An old HOTCO brass 0-6-0t side tanker has been my recient distraction. Today here in Jersey is a beautifull day so a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and a few apples will go with me on an adventure someplace. Again postponing work on the layout.
Good luck to everyone. Like Arnold S. says." I'll be back"
mbinsewi carl425 Is vintage HO even a thing or is it just old HO? I think it's just old HO, and I don't care to go back. Kind of like the welcome sign you see as you enter just about every town and village across the country: "Welcome to Historic __________" ( fill in the blank with the village of your choice). Mike.
carl425 Is vintage HO even a thing or is it just old HO?
I think it's just old HO, and I don't care to go back.
Kind of like the welcome sign you see as you enter just about every town and village across the country: "Welcome to Historic __________" ( fill in the blank with the village of your choice).
Mike.
Depending on how fussy you are, many older models hold up very well next to the newer stuff.
Some other old stuff, not so much.
But if any of you are still buying Athearn/Roundhouse RTR items, some of that tooling dates back to the 50's......
The obvious thing is what era do you model? If you model that era or before, the best models of that era may interest you.
If you model a more modern time, then I guess they won't interest you.
Me, I like history, I restore old houses for a living, I just moved out of a house built in 1901 that was right near the some what famous Ma & Pa Railroad, yes, in one of those little historic villages......
I model a time period from before I was born - 1954.
I'm not a collector, I don't just buy stuff because it is old, or famous, or pretty. I only buy what fits my layout theme.
But that happens to include some vintage models made in the 1950's and early 60's that still present well next to many current offerings.
Disclaimer - I like detailed models, but I'm not replacing a lifetime of purchases and carefully built and super detailed kits with $50 RTR cars.
Do I buy $50 RTR freight cars? Sure. But I also still run $2 Athearn kits I bought in 1975............
And Athearn and Varney metal cars my father built, or similar ones I have since aquired.
And the fact is, many important prototypes from the 30's thru the 50's are not all that well represented by the current crop of high end RTR models - so one does what one must to model their era of choice.
Sheldon
carl425Is vintage HO even a thing or is it just old HO?
.
I think it is a thing. I am sure it will never catch on with a serious collector following like Lionel, but there is something about these toys from when I was a child.
I was in grade school in the 1970's and my toys from that era will still operate on my layout today. That is kind of cool.
It's all in the eye of the beholder. I'm old and I like the stuff I played with over 60 years ago.
I have a 44 ton MEW. I picked it up in a big pile of parts on EBay. It was totally disassembled and every part was there; even the little insulator. I love to run it. Actually, I'm the one who started this thread, but I lost my notebook with my password. I just picked up a pair of John English Alco's B Units yesterday. Old is better.
My You Tube
Is vintage HO even a thing or is it just old HO?
I have the right to remain silent. By posting here I have given up that right and accept that anything I say can and will be used as evidence to critique me.
Sometimes the vintage stuff can be fun. I recently picked up a bunch of old freight car kits with wood or paper sides in a deal with other stuff. Looking forward to putting them together. I have a fair amount of stuff that is older than I am.
I have had a couple of custom-built BRASS HO steam locomotive made possibly before or after 1960. One is a Pennsylvania Railroad K2 pacific and the other a New Haven Mikado. I think they may be built by Joseph Dorazio. Once I get my layout built again, I'll have time to refinish these models. Does anyone recognize these two locomotives? I do remember and saved the article that was in the Model Railroader Magazine of Feb 1955 on page 4. It was a article on Joe Dorazio locomotives which started on page 4, there are photos of 3 of his PRR types on the following page 5, and the article goes next to an end on page 8 with a list of the locomotive wheel arrangements he makes.
My reply to this New One Locomotive is about 2 other 0-4-0t locomotives made by New One Toy Works but imported by a unknown company. These are to me mistery locomotives. I have left questions about them in 4 or 5 other HO train forums with no real answeres as to who imported them. For all I know I have the only one's made. Maybe pilot models for a production run that never happened. All three 0-4-0t locos have interchange bodies and drives. Any drive will fit any body. All locos have their original boxes. They are identical in type and size but of 3 different colors. Only side tanker B&O #25 has it retailers name on it.
here is the B&O #62 saddle tank locomotive.
* Locomotives made by the New One company Tokyo Japan, retailed by Silvine.
This name is known by some vintage model train collectors. Their HO steam locomotives are from the 1960's and a little before. Here is thier old address, and dont try contacting them for they are most likely out of business. I'll try posting some info and photos of their old products. Of interest here is their vintage era steam locomotives made of white cast metal. I'll start with a little know importer named Silvine. This company made Ho track and switches and had one 0-4-0t saddletank locomotive they named the Tea Kettle. It was B&O #25. I do like this model and have four in good to very good condition in their original boxes. I have 3 others 2 of which I painted and lettered for the CRRofNJ as their old Hornet #14 and Wasp #15. The other I painted for the Reading. Here is a photo of B&O #25.
New One Model Toy Works, 315 KOEMON-CHO ADACHI-KU, TOKYO JAPAN.
I know of MEW and their 44 ton center cab. I have one powered and one dummy my self.
rrinker I gotta say, the coolest part of that story is the pilot friend with the fighter jet. Should be able to fit LOTS of model trains where the cannon and ammo boxes used to be. And fast delivery. --Randy
I gotta say, the coolest part of that story is the pilot friend with the fighter jet. Should be able to fit LOTS of model trains where the cannon and ammo boxes used to be. And fast delivery.
He was the one who found the shop and may have felt that he needed to help. He was the senior pilot on the deployment (RAAF Wing Commander) and couldn't be told off for doing it. I wonder what the other seven pilots took back....
That was part of a tradition for me. My first electric train set (a Hornby Dublo set EDG 17) came from Singapore in 1960 directly back to Sydney on HMS Telemachus a Royal Navy submarine of the Fourth Submarine Squadron based in Sydney. Our next door neighbour was the Squadron senior engineer, who accompanied the boat to Singapore and back. He married an Australian and moved to Australia later.
Peter
I gotta say, the coolest part of that story is the pilot friend with the fighter jet. SHould be able to fit LOTS of model trains where the cannon and ammo boxes used to be. And fast delivery.
This discussion is like those conducted on the "Classic Toy Trains" website, except of course, we are discussing HO...
My two collections are a bit later than those discussed here...
The first is of French made "Jouef" (an abbreviation of "les Jouets Francaises" = French Toys). Some of my models date back to the late 1960s but most are from the early 1970s and early 1980s. I purchased a few model steam locomotives in 1973 during my first visit to Europe. I just kept buying items as they became available here in Australia, although my biggest purchase was in Singapore where items were being sold at good prices, but the passenger cars were only sold in matching sets, no single vehicles. I took about one third of this back by air and the remainder was flown up to Butterworth in Malaysia by an old school friend who had a Dassault Mirage IIIO with the cannon pack removed providing useful cargo space in a jet fighter (along with a similar collection he purchased). These came to Australia as he was posted back home.
The second collection is of Chinese made British prototype OO models. These were initially sold cheaply in Australia from excess stock held in Hong Kong of the "Mainline" brand and some of the competing "Airfix" brand. These eventually became the current "Bachmann Branchline" range although some items ended up in the "Hornby" range.
In the late 1970s, the "Mainline" range had the best detailed models available, but standards have risen dramatically since then. But having kept buying a few of the more recent models, (many at bargain prices as interest in British models waned as Australian prototype models became available - I picked up 50 recent Bachmann Branchline passenger cars in 1990s colour schemes for $10 each, in matched sets of five cars).
I may have to rationalise the collection at some time....
Well, I went and jumped in and qualified myself for this thread by buying a large bunch of MEW (Model Engineering Works) 44 tonners on eBay. Any one heard of MEW? Or did anyone notice that lot? I'd never heard of MEW until just last summer, or of their HO scale 44 tonner. Couldn't resist.
All metal construction except insulating parts. I don't know the time span of their manufacture, but they sure look 50s-ish to me. I can post pic's if anyone's interested. Dan
With Varney f units I like the old die cast ones with the 3 speed gearing. And as to do have vintage HO trains. Yep! A lot. Recient aquisistions, Aristo Craft Frisco 2-8-2 in very good condition, Rivarossi SP 4-4-2 L SP/R (21226)# 3000 need tender, I am replacing drivers. Fleischmann 0-6-0t with a shorty passenger cars 1402 and 1403. Aristo-Craft 4-6-0 #157. LMB NYC 4-8-4.
Well, I date from the era of FDR, and I started collecting HO in the 'fifties. I have some Varney metal, Athearn metal, Ulrich and Silver Streak freight cars which I still run, and quite a few brass steamers dating from the 1960's which I still run (after quite a bit of rebuilding) in fact, my Avatar is one of the 3 Akane Yellowstones dating from about 1965 that do a lot of my heavy freight hauling.
I'm just getting back into the hobby after a siege of ill health, so I don't have anything in the way of photos to illustrate my layout or rolling stock (I had PhotoBucket until they got greedy), and right now, cleaning up my garage layout and getting it back into running shape is my priority. But hopefully in the future I can illustrate just how much "Vintage" I've got, lol. My grandnephew (who will be inheriting all of it) says that it's Uncle Tom's Operating Museum. I think he's right.
Tom
Tom View my layout photos! http://s299.photobucket.com/albums/mm310/TWhite-014/Rio%20Grande%20Yuba%20River%20Sub One can NEVER have too many Articulateds!
The 0-8-8-0 camelback was Erie, not P&R.
Anyway, the topic of the post was related to the age of the models, not the prototypes they represent. As in Varney and Mantua HO from the 40's, and so forth.
There are still a decent number of moderls who model preo-1900's, or right around the 1900's. Seems to be about a 40-50 year gap on the most popular eras to model, my guess is most likely due to the age of the modeler and wanting to recreate their childhood memories. In model magazines of the 50's, there were plenty of turn of the 20th century railroads. As time moved forward, the more popular model era moved forward along with it. Plus the 'present' is always popular. We're seeing a lot more interest in the 60's and 70's now than the 40's and 50's.
To me this isn't vintage enough. Vintage is most likely different to everyone. I kinda would put it at the begining on Big steam when everythig before it was dwarfed by these big new articulated beasts of the rails. When the B&O brought out Old Maud (0-6-6-0) and the Eire released Angus (0-8-8-0 camelback) on to the rail world, big was never big enough. The word faster was slowly disappearing replaced with emphasis on safer, more reliable, and on time. The keeping of the schedule became the most important thing with passenger confidence and comfort high on the list.
Well since this was drugged up from the past I will add I bought a engine from the '60s a United Sante Fe Class 1950 2-8-0. Seeing this engine is around 60 years old she still runs like a swiss watch with her Pittman DC 70 motor.
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
mbinsewi Is there an echo in here? or did the OP just answer his own original post? Mike.
Is there an echo in here? or did the OP just answer his own original post?
At least he didn't get in an argument with himself.
I posted some pics a while back of a Varney F unit and a Varney box car kit that I built when I was around 10 in 1957. I started collecting HO at about that time, putting up my Lionel trains and switching gears.
This was my first kit that I built, separate grab irons and braking detail underneath.
Good detail for the time.
The F units was purchased much later but it has good detail. A new motor was installed, purchsed the F unit at a train show in Columbia, SC. I am hoping the gentleman will be there this year.
Again separately applied handrails and grab irons. The body is heavy, a zinc alloy.
With the new Cannon motor it has great pulling power.
I'm hoping the same fellow will be at the Columbia Show this month for the upcoming train show, would like a few more. This F unit originally came out in the 50's.
It is very quiet and tracks well.
Robert Sylvester
Newberry-Columbia Line, SC
I ha one of those Lionel HO sets. They had MU cables (jumpers) between the A and B units. That’s an idea that should have been kept!
I like Vintage HO"Anyone here into vintage HO? 1940s thru the 60s?".
What I read is just what the OP asked. Vintage HO equipment, meaning models from that era.
Model trains manufactured in the 40's - 60's, not newer models that represent the 40's - 60's.
Reading through this thread, it's clear a couple of those that posted read it different.
Hey All...
I'd have to answer "Kind of" to the question.
My interest in that era is with line more than the equipment. My Dad and uncles all worked for the Monon and I spent a summer toiling for the CI&L. I have some Alco RS-2's, an NW-2 and an SW-7 all being re-decorated proper colors.
Where I depart from the era is I want to belive the Monon didn't go away in 1971. In line for the paint shop are an EMD GP-60 and and a GE P42DC. Think it would be neat to see the P42 pulling a string of vintage Monon rolling stock with a little red caboose! :-)
Happy Weekending!
Amanda
Never mind, I don't know how to do quote within a quote. I must have been absent that day.
After enjoying post-war Lionel for years, I naturally gravitated toward older HO trains. Simple to work on, and charming to see run.
Modeling the Baltimore waterfront in HO scale
Mike....sure looks like it, to Me....LOL
Take Care!
My old trains, mostly Athearn, were of that timeframe. Most now have Kadees and metal wheelsets. The rolling stock is fine, but the engines have been converted to dummies or sound dummies.
I have a whole train of old Mantua/Tyco operating clamshell hoppers, plus the unloading track. I've replaced the couplers, trucks and wheelsets. it
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
ATSFGuy F3's and F7's ran in the 40's through the 60's. Some were retired in the early 70's, and some may have lasted a few more years in commuter service. My trains are based on models that ran 50+ years ago, Athearn's website announced them, and I purchased them new in their "As Delivered" releases. Just like the railroads. Do you not understand this or what?
F3's and F7's ran in the 40's through the 60's. Some were retired in the early 70's, and some may have lasted a few more years in commuter service.
My trains are based on models that ran 50+ years ago, Athearn's website announced them, and I purchased them new in their "As Delivered" releases. Just like the railroads.
Do you not understand this or what?
Oh, I see.
You were being witty and it went right over my head.
I like working on vintage HO trains quite a bit! I think my oldest one is a Penn Line lead Midget from the late 40's or so. Gave it a good cleaning, new belt, and it works great! http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/88/t/213012.aspx
I also did an early-mid 50's Hobbytown PA-1 not too long ago. Detailed the crud out of it, made some upgrades, and it's one of the best engines I've got. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGNF7CDM9aN6IYZRM-Mv--rwqFccGgAyZ
I've done a lot of other projects too, but I don't want to go writing a book here.
_________________________________________________________________
ATSFGuy With my ATHG SF A-B-B-A and MKT F3 A-B-A sets as well using steam-era freight cars in my freight trains, I believe I qualify.
With my ATHG SF A-B-B-A and MKT F3 A-B-A sets as well using steam-era freight cars in my freight trains, I believe I qualify.
I think the discussion is about HO model trains that were produced 50+ years ago. Was yours???
i'l add this,the sad thing for vintage diecast is yardbird trains went out last year , they had lot of repair parts for early diecast locos.
Here is my Tenshodo 4-6-4. My Dad brought it home from a business trip he made to Japan roughly 60 years ago.
In this photo I ran it on my present layout a few years ago just before I converted to DCC.
GARRY
HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR
EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU
mobilman44 A good number of my cars are Athearns from the late '50s and early '60s. With IM wheelsets, KDs, truck weathering and a spray of Dull Cote, they are still running just great. Also have a few Ulrich and Silver Streaks as well...........
A good number of my cars are Athearns from the late '50s and early '60s. With IM wheelsets, KDs, truck weathering and a spray of Dull Cote, they are still running just great. Also have a few Ulrich and Silver Streaks as well...........
That can be said for Athearn BB cars (except for the Railbox,ACF covered hopper and 5344 kits) since they date back to the late 50s.
As a example the RTR CN "wet noddle" 40' boxcar looks exactly like the one I bought when it was first released back in the early 60s.
The F7 A/B hasn't changed since Globe produce them.
Sir Madog ATLANTIC CENTRAL Why is it that Bachmann can pay attenton to such details and a company like Trix cannot? Sheldon, I am quite sure that Trix has very little interest in the US market and therefore does not care much about the lettering being correct or incorrect or offering an undecorated version. Their market is Europe and I would put a bet on Trix selling more USRA Mikes in Europe than in the US. The average German model railroader knows very little about US railroads, just like the average US modelrailroader knows little about European railroads.
ATLANTIC CENTRAL Why is it that Bachmann can pay attenton to such details and a company like Trix cannot?
Sheldon,
I am quite sure that Trix has very little interest in the US market and therefore does not care much about the lettering being correct or incorrect or offering an undecorated version. Their market is Europe and I would put a bet on Trix selling more USRA Mikes in Europe than in the US. The average German model railroader knows very little about US railroads, just like the average US modelrailroader knows little about European railroads.
Understood and agreed, that much more reason to spend my money with someone else no matter how nicely engineered the model is......but in my mind it still begs the question, especially in this day and age, why do they even bother?
ENJOY !
Mobilman44
Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central
ATLANTIC CENTRALWhy is it that Bachmann can pay attenton to such details and a company like Trix cannot?
ATLANTIC CENTRAL.Why is it that Bachmann can pay attenton to such details and a company like Trix cannot?
Sheldon, don't you remember the old cereal commercial with the rabbit "...Trix, Trix, Trix are for kids..."
Regards,
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
Well this is really a hoot, I hope they don't really have the tender lettering like this picture:
https://www.reynaulds.com/products/Trix/22816.aspx
Because it should look like this:
http://www.rr-fallenflags.org/bo/bo-s4527gga.jpg
$400 locomotive and they can't position the lettering properly on the tender?
I think I will buy a couple from Bachmann....which also has the correct headlight placement for B&O Q-3's for most of their service.....Why is it that Bachmann can pay attenton to such details and a company like Trix cannot?
7j43k Sheldon, That would be "In only one (wrong) roadname?", I believe. But they're also doing B&O. Between that and the NYC they've done, that accounts for nearly half of all USRA light Mikes. Ed
That would be "In only one (wrong) roadname?", I believe.
But they're also doing B&O. Between that and the NYC they've done, that accounts for nearly half of all USRA light Mikes.
Yes, I know. It may account for half the quantity, but only 6% of the road names.
I don't know much about the ATSF, and I have no problem with manufacturers doing foobies, because they simply can't do every loco ever built.
But, but I have never understood the "random" choices of product that many manufacturers make.
But it matters not, because at over $400, with DCC and sound I don't want, I'm really not interested. I already have most all the locos I need.
ATLANTIC CENTRAL Sir Madog ACY I wish the Mike would be re released. Back in the market - see here In only one roadname? For a locomotive that was used by 32 different railroads, and who's later clones included even more railroads. No wonder Trix has never gained much market share in the US, they simply do not understand this market. Sheldon
Sir Madog ACY I wish the Mike would be re released. Back in the market - see here
ACY I wish the Mike would be re released.
Back in the market - see here
In only one roadname? For a locomotive that was used by 32 different railroads, and who's later clones included even more railroads.
No wonder Trix has never gained much market share in the US, they simply do not understand this market.
That's funny. True, the USRA light was used by a whole bunch of roads. The funny part is that AT&SF (the one road name being released) was one of the roads that never owned one, and BLI has announced an accurate AT&SF 2-8-2 for future release. An unpainted option would be a good idea, but I guess it wouldn't be too hard to do a repaint and reletter on this one. I'll have to think about it. It looks like the details on this one are a pretty close match to NYC (like the earlier release).
ACYI wish the Mike would be re released.
Marklin has a reputation for fine German engineering, and the items released under the Trix label are US-compatible. Their Big Boy never appealed to me because it doesn't fit into my scheme, and I missed out on their USRA 2-8-2, which has a fine reputation. I wish the Mike would be re released. Now they have announced a UP Challenger. I might be interested, just because the engine appeals to me, but I probably won't go for it because it looks like it will be released as a black oil burner with smoke lifters. I would want it in the passenger gray paint scheme or as a traditional coal burner, but I can't see repainting or modifying the engine at that price.
I like Vintage HOThanks for showing me
You are welcome, Randy.
Marklin never really had much to offer in terms of US-prototype engines iand cars. There was a rather crude interpretation of an F 7 in the 1950´s and 1960´s, a nicely detailed USRA Mike and the ubiquitous UP Big Boy, and a handful of 40´box cars. Most of the Marklin stuff came over with GI´s returning home from their stay in Germany.
I never understood why Marklin never really took a keen interest in developing the US market for their products. Being European market leader in terms of quantity and quality seemed to be enough for them.
Marklin is still #1 manufacturer in Germany, despite their proprietary 3-rail AC system. I guess it´s a tradition to own a Marklin "train set".
Randy,
like you, I rehab and refresh these trains. I came across an auction last year tha had several Gilbert/Varney HO diesels and cars. Ten Lackawanna F2's and the same namer of depressed flats with transformer loads. The cars were an easy fix. The engines took a little more. All but two came alive to almost like new. The last two were just to far gone and were sold as parts. All the items sold easily, so there are people out there who use or collect these vintage trains.
www.llxlocomotives.com
So many trains, so little time,
Hello Sir Madog,
I take it you are in europe then. More likely Germany since that is where Marklin orginated. I have not done much with Marklin. I occassionally run into some on an auction or an estate sale.
They are however very beautiful. I have a friend in California that I usually sell them to when I come across any. I just can't make room for more than one operating system.
I came across 30 prewar Marklin passenger cars, most with the complete orginalbox and wraping paper. Unfortunately, only 2 or 3 still had good trucks. That was my first exposure to Marklin. I am surprised i don't find more of them here in WI. with it's German heritage, but I suppouse nearly 80 years has taken a huge toll.
Thanks for showing me.
Randy
Hi Mister Beasley,
I still have my first Varney engine and my Athearn Hi-Fi Rio Grande set. They are old and loved friends. I was born in 54 so I lived thru the absolute height of the orginal hobby boom.
I have not had much problem with getting motors to go again. Usually a good bath goes along way. Although I have found some interesting things stuck inside of them from time to time. And usually you can find the specs to check them out on a multimeter.
Hope to chat again.
Hi Dave,
NICE!!!!!!!!!!!!
I will get some pictures together and post them soon. As for curves, especially for old passenger cars like Varney, American Beauty, and among others bigger is always better. Especially if you got a old Gilbert or Mantua steamer pulling them.
I bought a new house two years ago and have to build a new layout. They just don't do well for a move.
Look forward to chatting again,
Hi Ed,
Cool!! But they are all fun. I've even got some old Comet kits. I have not (knowingly) done the Athearn kit you mentioned. Lots of kit round house's though. My wife and my Mom made my Dad and I clean out stuff this year. We dumped a 1,000 different cars and about 300 engines on an auction. So, with that many the memory gets fuzzy. My Dad and I generally had a weekend sale every year but they didn't go well the last few years so there just wasn't room any more. Besides, we restored them to be played with. He and I are just big kids but too many is too many.
I have the MEW switcher. It runs great. I gotta find a box for it one day though. The last box I bid on went for about $25. My wife would of killed me since I only paid $3 for a big pile of odds and ends that contained the complete switcher.
Look forward to talking again.
Hi Dave. Still a lot of bodies on Ebay. And yes, you gotta watch for rot. I'll buy a rotted shell if the inside is complete simply because I know I can get another shell.
Ho Seeker has some diagrams, but as we all know, toy trains are like cars, a NEW & IMPORVED model every year. Research drives one nuts. Ho Seeker doesn't carry every version you will run into.
Thanks for the line and I hope to chat again soon.
rrebellEven back in the 60's I tried for relistic, didn't do that well back then though. I have some central valley car kits and some built from that era, also a few of other brands but don't collect anymore because I can buy RTR with better work than I could ever do and at a not much more cost.
Modeling realistic could be done back in the 60s by using brass steam engines Athearn and Roundhouse cars which was highly acceptable back then. Of course some removed the molded on grabs on freight cars and replaced them with wire grabs-some even made those grabs with closer to scale wire.
All depends on how much time one wanted to spend upgrading his freight car fleet.
I did not worry about such things because like today I preferred prototype switching operation.
Even today I still enjoy switching cars with my BB SW7,GP7 or GP35 as much as I do one of my Atlas,P2K,Athearn RTR or my lone Genesis GP9 or my lone Kato GP35 engines.
Of course every freight car and locomotive must be era specific-no Seaboard System locomotives or CSX cars will be seen in my 77/78 era nor will IPD boxcars be seen in my 94/95 era.
Sheldon:
I have followed your suggestion of removing one of the axles from most of my TOFC trailers. I also invested in a bunch of Details West flat car trailer hitches and connecting ramps. I really like the appearance of the hitches despite the fact that I don't think they are quite right for the late 50s era. I really don't care. I'm not a rivet counter. I have also moved all the trailer bogie wheels back a notch so they can actually be hitched up to a tractor should I decide to do so. I did manage to glue the connecting ramps to the wrong side of the flat cars at first but that was easily corrected. I have five newer Athearn Canadian Pacific TOFC RTR flats with the green trailers with yellow lettering on them, and I have four sets of Canadian Pacific 25' trailers without the flat cars too. I haven't modified any of them yet. I seem to lack the courage to rip into brand new RTR models. If I could find the matching decals I would convert a lot of the other road name TOFCs to Canadian Pacific. I might have to do the decals myself. The Athearn TOFC Canadian Pacific flats with trailer loads are some of my favourite models.
Thanks for the inspiration Sheldon!
hon30critter Sheldon: I have always admired your sizable collection of TOFC cars. I'm slowly expanding my fleet but current prices on eBay are usually way too expensive, especially when you add in the shipping cost to Canada. My club puts on a big show/sale in February. Last year I found three TOFC cars for great prices. I hope I can do the same this year. Wish me luck! Cheers! Dave
I have always admired your sizable collection of TOFC cars. I'm slowly expanding my fleet but current prices on eBay are usually way too expensive, especially when you add in the shipping cost to Canada.
My club puts on a big show/sale in February. Last year I found three TOFC cars for great prices. I hope I can do the same this year. Wish me luck!
Cheers!
Thanks for the kind words Dave, one day I will photograph some more, and finishing building a few more.......
A large portion of the TOFC fleet are the kit bashed Athearn cars in these photos, and while not exactly "to scale", you would be amazed at some of the prototype photos they are a good match for. a great many of the Athearn cars were kits purchased at "bargain" prices, but some are actually the newer production RTR versions, also reworked regarding trailer axles, rub rails and bridge plates.
My other TOFC equipment includes about 18 Walthers F39 75' cars in PRR, WABASH, ATLANTIC CENTRAL and a few others.
I have a few Walthers GSC flats as piggys, and about two dozen of the new Bachmann cars. The Bachmann cars ride too high out of the box, so I change the trucks and install offset Kadee's to get the decks down to the right height.
Then there are some odd balls, Ullrich 40' piggy flat, and some other 40' flat/32' van sets I kit bashed. Seldom modeled, there were actually a fair number of 40'/45' piggys built early on, B&O, NKP, ERIE and a few others, but I don't think any of them went to TrailerTrain in 56-57.
But I model the fall of 1954, before TrailerTrain with just a little "license" about a few details.....
Yes, I model the 50's, with a fair number of models from the 50's......
I have lots of vintage rolling stock, Athearn metal cars, Varney metal cars, Original Athearn "Yellow box" kits, hundreds of blue box kits, many built, many not. Here is a small sample:
I kitbash and upgrade most of them a little, but honestly, many of them are very good in terms of detail and overall appearance. My only older locos are a set of seriously upgraded Athearn F7's, replacement motors, GSB cab interiors, diesel dressup kits.
I have Silver Streak kits from before the Walthers takeover that I built in the early 70's as teen.
I still buy and build "new old stock" kits from any era.
I have all my HO stuff from the early 70's (when I started in the hobby), much of which was available in the 60's (maybe earlier).
I also have my Fleischmann train from the 50's. It still runs.
Over the years I have picked up some older HO (and S and O) as I have seen them at good prices. I have some MDC metal cars, some Tyco locomotive kits, some old S scale Kinsman and Ambroid kits, some old Mainline and Athearn O scale. Some of these I'll build eventually, but others like the MDC cars I probably won't.
Eventually, I would like to build a small layout using the old stuff of those early years in the hobby.
There are a few manufacturers still making kits like those from years ago. Ye Old Huff n Puff, LaBelle Woodworking, etc. Some of the details may be updated, but some are very vintage.
Paul
Have what is left from an old HO Lionel train set I received back about 1961.It saw rough use, from a kid who just saw it as a toy to play with.:).Loco no longer works and cars are in pretty bad shape.The old transformer still works well though.
Sir Madog I am just pondering of "going back to where it once started", which is in my case the early 1960´s, when Santa brought me a Marklin starter set with that infamous tinplate track. I just love the simplicity of the way layouts were built in those days, leaving a lot of the detail to one´s own imagination and phantasy. Not so long ago, I sketched a layout idea which followed exactly the way layouts were built in my childhood days. Marklin locos and cars of that period are available in abundance in my country and can be had for reasonable money. With a little TLC, Marklin locos are virtually indestructible and surprisingly well detailed for their time.
I am just pondering of "going back to where it once started", which is in my case the early 1960´s, when Santa brought me a Marklin starter set with that infamous tinplate track.
I just love the simplicity of the way layouts were built in those days, leaving a lot of the detail to one´s own imagination and phantasy.
Not so long ago, I sketched a layout idea which followed exactly the way layouts were built in my childhood days.
Marklin locos and cars of that period are available in abundance in my country and can be had for reasonable money. With a little TLC, Marklin locos are virtually indestructible and surprisingly well detailed for their time.
I've got one on my bench now. It's getting re-powered (Hobbytown slow speed), re-cabbed (Kato or Cannon, don't know yet), re-stepped (Kato), re-other stuffed, and DCC/soundified/keepalived (Loksound). And weighted.
The basic body casting (which is about all the Varney I'm using) is pretty good. It's actually got flat body doors (as opposed to slightly raised), which I don't think any other HO EMD mass produced switcher has. Surprisingly, it's pretty light. I think because of the wall thickness of the casting. I couldn't find any zinc pest. I have another one of these that doesn't have any, either.
I am hoping this project turns out a super switcher.
I was born in 1947, so I'm "vintage," too.
I started in HO about 1960, with what was then a brand-new, modern-era Athearn train set. I took down the layout when I went to college, but I kept everything in boxes that moved with me for 30 years. Finally, I opened them up. The engines did not run well enough, so some of them have been turned into dummies and others still sit in boxes. Rolling stock has mostly been converted to metal wheels and Kadees. A few structures have been cleaned up and placed on my layout, too.
Old trains are like old friends. You hate to let them go. The detail may not be as good as modern offerings, but they have their place on my tracks.
I have 1950's built Lionel Lines O27 Hudson steam engine but thats because I received it for Christmas when I was 4. Otherwise stuff built back then is much more crude than the past 15-20 years so I don't see myself buying more vintage stuff.
Hi there 'I like Vintage HO',
Welcome to the forums!!
I keep my eye on eBay all the time, partially to see what vintage bargains come up for sale. Last year I scored a set of four Star Line stock cars that were in really good condition considering the fact that they are probably about 70 years old. Whoever assembled them had done a masterfull job. There was absolutely no excess glue showing anywhere and yet the cars were quite solid. There was a little bit of damage to a couple of the cars, and I had to remove some of the cast frame to get the trucks to pivot more freely (the original builder must have had some pretty generous curves on their layout), but other than that all they needed were new couplers, a bit of weight, and fresh paint and decals. I love them! They are among my most favourite cars. Every time I pick one up I am inspired by the workmanship.
Here they are as purchased. I have removed the placards, decals and original coupler boxes:
Here they are after the rebuild:
I have also picked up several unbuilt vintage kits and I enjoy the challenge of creating nice models from them. I do have to confess that sometimes some of the original components get tossed in favour of more modern materials.
Please show us what you have.
Regards
Well, I'm more in the category of "still have" as opposed to "into", but I have several Tyco/Mantua locos (big 6 with valve gear, little 6 and the General with the Cary boiler) that someday will get motor upgrades and decoders.
The shelf queens are my first HO Trains - a Gilbert set with the little gas electric switcher, and a Varney SW-something diesel.
You might enjoy if you are on
Face Book, Fallen Flags of Model Railroading Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/849363045074879/
Like Garry, I've got a goodly bit of old HO stuff. Even some brass, which I bought in the sixties.
But it's mostly for nostalgic purposes, as the detailing is just plain unacceptable. I don't DO cast-on grabs anymore.
The only exception that comes to mind would be some Athearn/Menzies metal boxcar kits I've gotta build someday. Those should still look great, with a little attention. Some are the round-roofed version. And I've still got to figure out how to put that little dent in the roof at the top of the side ladders. Neatly.
Oh, and there's that neat little MEW side dump car. And some Kadee disconnects.
First of all ..... WELCOME to the Forum ....
I do have a lot of old HO, but don't operate it very often.