Trains.com

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Anyone here into vintage HO? 1940s thru the 60s?

29348 views
143 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    August 2013
  • 3,006 posts
Posted by ACY Tom on Wednesday, January 11, 2017 5:31 PM

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

 

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).

Tom 

  • Member since
    May 2004
  • 7,500 posts
Posted by 7j43k on Wednesday, January 11, 2017 5:49 PM

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

  • Member since
    January 2009
  • From: Maryland
  • 12,897 posts
Posted by ATLANTIC CENTRAL on Wednesday, January 11, 2017 8:17 PM

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

 

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.

Sheldon

 

    

  • Member since
    January 2009
  • From: Maryland
  • 12,897 posts
Posted by ATLANTIC CENTRAL on Wednesday, January 11, 2017 8:29 PM

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?

Sheldon

    

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,797 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Wednesday, January 11, 2017 8:49 PM

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..."Smile, Wink & GrinLaughLaughLaugh

Regards,

Dave

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, January 11, 2017 11:46 PM

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.

  • Member since
    September 2003
  • From: Southeast Texas
  • 5,449 posts
Posted by mobilman44 on Thursday, January 12, 2017 5:13 AM

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...........

ENJOY  !

 

Mobilman44

 

Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central 

  • Member since
    January 2009
  • From: Maryland
  • 12,897 posts
Posted by ATLANTIC CENTRAL on Thursday, January 12, 2017 6:10 AM

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.

 

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?

Sheldon

    

  • Member since
    October 2001
  • From: OH
  • 17,574 posts
Posted by BRAKIE on Thursday, January 12, 2017 7:40 AM

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...........

 

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.

Larry

Conductor.

Summerset Ry.


"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt  Safety First!"

  • Member since
    January 2007
  • From: Kentucky
  • 10,660 posts
Posted by Heartland Division CB&Q on Thursday, January 12, 2017 9:02 AM

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

  • Member since
    November 2016
  • 476 posts
Posted by j. c. on Thursday, January 12, 2017 11:09 AM

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.

  • Member since
    November 2015
  • 1,345 posts
Posted by ATSFGuy on Friday, January 13, 2017 10:52 PM

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. Big Smile

  • Member since
    May 2004
  • 7,500 posts
Posted by 7j43k on Friday, January 13, 2017 11:20 PM

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. Big Smile

 

 

I think the discussion is about HO model trains that were produced 50+ years ago.  Was yours???

 

Ed

  • Member since
    June 2005
  • 4,368 posts
Posted by Darth Santa Fe on Saturday, January 14, 2017 12:41 AM

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.Big Smile 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.

_________________________________________________________________

  • Member since
    November 2015
  • 1,345 posts
Posted by ATSFGuy on Saturday, January 14, 2017 2:24 AM

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?

  • Member since
    May 2004
  • 7,500 posts
Posted by 7j43k on Saturday, January 14, 2017 10:48 AM

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?

 

 

Oh, I see.  

You were being witty and it went right over my head.  

Ed

  • Member since
    October 2014
  • 2 posts
Posted by QRailrider on Thursday, February 28, 2019 9:53 PM
C.B.& O RR (California, Berwyn & Ohio RR) AnyWhere West/ The Route of the Breezes.
Does anyone have a complete list of Walthers Steam Era Classic heavyweight passenger cars?

 

Does anyone know what color Burlington MOW trucks were colored in the 50-60”s?
  • Member since
    January 2017
  • 28 posts
Posted by I like Vintage HO on Friday, March 1, 2019 10:20 AM

I like Vintage HO

I just finished up a pair fo diecast Varney F7s and a Varney GG1.  

 

I just did the same thing.  The GG-1 went to my grandson.

 

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Bedford, MA, USA
  • 21,483 posts
Posted by MisterBeasley on Friday, March 1, 2019 11:42 AM

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. 

  • Member since
    May 2010
  • From: SE. WI.
  • 8,253 posts
Posted by mbinsewi on Friday, March 1, 2019 11:50 AM

Is there an echo in here? or did the OP just answer his own original post?

Mike.

  • Member since
    January 2010
  • From: Chi-Town
  • 7,712 posts
Posted by zstripe on Friday, March 1, 2019 2:02 PM

mbinsewi

Is there an echo in here? or did the OP just answer his own original post?

Mike.

 

Mike....sure looks like it, to Me....LOL

Take Care! Big Smile

FrankLaugh

  • Member since
    January 2005
  • From: New England
  • 6,241 posts
Posted by Jumijo on Friday, March 1, 2019 2:39 PM

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

  • Member since
    May 2010
  • From: SE. WI.
  • 8,253 posts
Posted by mbinsewi on Friday, March 1, 2019 4:00 PM

Never mind, I don't know how to do quote within a quote.  I must have been absent that day.  Smile, Wink & Grin

Mike.

  • Member since
    July 2018
  • 43 posts
Posted by Monon Railroader on Friday, March 1, 2019 8:13 PM

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

  • Member since
    May 2010
  • From: SE. WI.
  • 8,253 posts
Posted by mbinsewi on Friday, March 1, 2019 8:33 PM

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.

Mike.

JMK
  • Member since
    April 2012
  • 22 posts
Posted by JMK on Friday, March 1, 2019 10:35 PM

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!

  • Member since
    November 2003
  • 594 posts
Posted by robert sylvester on Saturday, March 2, 2019 9:49 AM

Whistling 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.

101-2715.jpg

This was my first kit that I built, separate grab irons and braking detail underneath.

101-2716.jpg

Good detail for the time.

101-2717.jpg

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.

101-2719.jpg

Again separately applied handrails and grab irons. The body is heavy, a zinc alloy.

101-2720.jpg

With the new Cannon motor it has great pulling power.

101-2718.jpg

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.

101-2721.jpg

It is very quiet and tracks well.

Robert Sylvester

Newberry-Columbia Line, SC

                                         

  • Member since
    March 2002
  • From: Milwaukee WI (Fox Point)
  • 11,439 posts
Posted by dknelson on Saturday, March 2, 2019 12:16 PM

mbinsewi

Is there an echo in here? or did the OP just answer his own original post?

Mike. 

At least he didn't get in an argument with himself.

Dave Nelson

  • Member since
    October 2001
  • From: OH
  • 17,574 posts
Posted by BRAKIE on Saturday, March 2, 2019 12:36 PM

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!"

  • Member since
    June 2010
  • 104 posts
Posted by toptrain on Saturday, April 27, 2019 11:03 AM

  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.

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Users Online

There are no community member online

Search the Community

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Model Railroader Newsletter See all
Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!