HELLLPPP! I know nothing and I need to get him a train....

[tstage]

Tess,

Found a great web site with lotsa of locomotive and car manufacturers listed:

http://www.readingrailroad.org/reference/ref_modelers.html

Tom

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by piccolotess
[I went to a wonderful privately owned shop called the Iron Horse in Reading. I strongly recommend visiting there sometime. It is very reminiscent of old time shops. I felt like I stepped back in time....much better then going to Hobbytown...which I've been in but left knowing absolutely nothing. Anyway, so I spent a good hour and a half there with one of the owners (I believe).

Well Tess, I am glad you are making some progress. The hobby shop you found is exactly the type of place you want to do business with. The fact that he was willing to spend so much time with you and guide you in your decicions, proves that this is a hobby shop you want to keep doing business with again and again. Also if he is worth his salt, (Which I beleve he is) if you have any problems with the items you purchase, he will be more than willing to remedy the situation.

QUOTE:
I did purchase the Tech 4 MRC 220. He didn't have the 200 in stock however I didn't worry about it since it would have only been 10 dollars cheaper. I did opt for putting off the DCC controller for now. I'm under the impression that the MRC 220 I can use in the future for lighting buildings, lamp posts, etc....so no loss for purchasing it. I'll by a DCC controller in the future when we have multiple trains and layout set up. For now there really is no need.

Nope no loss indeed. Also depending on what DCC system you end up buying, you can power the DCC system from the terminals on the power pack that say "Fixed DC". Then again, if you pick a DCC system that has its own power supply, then again you can use the power pack for powering up a myriad of acceccory options.

QUOTE:
4. I don't remember what this one is called - the plug that goes into the track - that is invisible if you have it come up under a layout - I saw the old form that used to actually be part of track that really ruined the effect - but that's again what I remember Grandpop having - all I know is that it runs from the track to the power supply - what's that called?

The Technicle term is Track Feeder Wires. We call them Feeders for short.

[tstage]

Okay, Tess:

I contacted Tim at Empire Northern. I asked him if it is possible to have the motor decoder and sound decoder and speaker installed but not hooked up. When you both finally decide to go the DCC route, it might be an easier jump that way - i.e. easier for Tim because he can install everything NOW while he's got the locomotive; easier for you because you won't have to send it back to Tim to install everything. (I'm hoping that a simple jumper adjustment might be all that's need for this.) I don't know if that's feasible so I'll wait to hear from Tim if he thinks it's a lame-brain idea or not. I also asked Tim about installing a Soundtraxx DSX sound decoder - which would be better sounding than the LC100, and should be feasible.

Tess, here's another idea for you. I know you initially decided to go wtih DD instead of DCC and just purchased the MRC 220 power pack. And I know that some are going to pooh-pooh this for it's limitations. You can get a taste of DCC by purchasing a Bachmann E-Z Command DCC system farily inexpensively. I picked mine up for $53 back in February and am presently using it on my layout. It is a limited DCC system but you can use it to run a couple of DCC locomotives and one DC locomotive simultaneously on the same track. My E-Z Command runs off of two wire attached to the track (just like a DC power pack) and it works great for what it does. It was a good way for me to get my DCC "feet wet" and not spend a lot of money. I have run up to 4 locomotives at the same time. I most recently purchased a BLI 2-8-2 Mikado with sound and can actually activate the bell, whistle, coupler, doppler effect, flange squeal and headlight. REALLY COOL! [tup] I recently saw a new Bachmann E-Z Command at my LHS was $50. If Keith gets a taste for it, it might be a reasonable starter system. It's also farily easy to set up and and straight forward to operate.

Okay, I've done enough blabbering for now...

Tom

[SMassey]

Sounds to me like you could both benefit from each other's hobbies. Alot of research and time goes into building a layout especall if you model a period in the past. How did Reading PN look back in the 1930's when passenger trains were king of the rails? Your picture postcards may be able to help him build a building or depot if he decides to build a layout in that time period. See how you could help each other? Sounds to me like you would want to go with a steam locomotive and some passenger cars. I just discovered today why I could not find the kit number that I remember seeing. Bachmann has re-released alot of their Spectrum line now with the DCC decoders already installed in their locos. These sets still come with a DC power pack but this allows you to upgrade to Backmann's DCC system or another system fairly cheap. I was not able to find out about a Reading set, but keep looking there should be some around still.

[tstage]

Daniel,

Your first link is just making this page a real pain to view...

Tom

[Texas Zepher]

QUOTE: Originally posted by tstage
Tim did mention that he would be putting in a Soundtraxx LC100 sound decoder. You could ask him if the Soundtraxx DSX sound decoder would work with that. That's what Tim is putting in mine and I believe it's a better sound decoder than the LC100. It will also cost a little more.

Yes, the LC stands for Low Cost. On the other hand if one goes with a DSX it has only one horn sound so it must be chosen in advance. As I recall there are three options Waber, 3 chime Leslie, and 5 chime Nathan.

[tstage]

Tess,

There's a New York Central FT right on the front page. (That's the one that Tim is special ordering/custom installing for me and a number of other people.) The Reading FT will look just like the Stewart pic that I posted for you.

Tim doesn't have pics for everything he sells. Sometimes you just have to inquire about it from him. Even if Tim doesn't have it in stock, he can usually get it fairly quickly most of the time.

Tess, so are you thinking of the FT for the freight locomotive and the 4-8-4 T1 for the passenger locomotive? That would be a nice way to go. Freight is just WAY COOL!! [tup]

Tom

P.S. Tess, tell you what. I'll contact Tim again, ask him about the DSX sound decoder and get back to you. If everything sounds good to you (no pun intended), I'll let you take care of the rest from here. Tim's contact info is located either on Tim's response I posted for you, or at the top of the Empire Northern web site at: http://www.empirenorthernmodels.com

[Texas Zepher]

QUOTE: Originally posted by piccolotess
I really do think the FT is a very sleek and beautiful design...it would fit for the transition period?

It is the perfect diesel for transistion era, since it was the first one designed for mainline freight service. Nothing looks better next to a steamer.

QUOTE: ...I read this correct I would get the FT from him for 105 + I want to add the powered b.....and what would the sound be like in the b unit? what would the quality be like...

Two things here. I probably have more Stewart FTs than any other single type of locomotive. Unless this locomotive is being expected to pull more than 25 cars up a hill, I really wouldn't worry about powering the B unit. I have an AB powered set that pulls 55 cars up a 2.5% grade. Much more power than most model railroads will need. Powering it is way overkill and besides if you really want good sound leave it hollow. And speaking of the sound, it is funny you mentioned this since I just posted something about this in another discussion. With the space available in an empty B unit, the sound can be phenominal because one can fit a really big or custom designed speaker. See my last post in http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=51120

Finally don't let someone charge you hundreds of dollars labor for the installation. It is almost a simple thing. The hardest part is getting the power off the wheels.

EDIT EDIT EDIT - In the original post I said pulled 65 cars. That was a finger check, I changed it to the correct 55. They got 65 cars up the hill but it wasn't pretty and used lots of sand.

[tstage]

Tess,

It appears that what Tim is saying is that if you want to go with the sound, it will only be heard using a DCC unit. Tim is making a special FT for me with the A-unit powered and the B-unit being a dummy, which will hold the sound decoder and speaker. There's plenty of room in a dummy B to hold both the sound decoder and the speaker with baffle. The speaker with the baffle will sound terrific in that configuration. Tim can put in a sound decoder and speaker in a powered B-unit but it's a bit tricker and the sound probably won't be quite as good. Unless you are pulling 100 car trains, the powered A/dummy B will suffice just fine. Again, you will only benefit from the sound if you go DCC. This is something that can be added later by sending it back to Tim.

Tim did mention that he would be putting in a Soundtraxx LC100 sound decoder. You could ask him if the Soundtraxx DSX sound decoder would work with that. That's what Tim is putting in mine and I believe it's a better sound decoder than the LC100. It will also cost a little more.

Tom

[Anonymous]

P.s. I couldn't find the FT on Tim's website....do you know where it might be hiding?

[tstage]

Tess,

Good choice with the MRC 220. Both you and Keith will be happy with it. You are right. If you switch to DCC, you can always use it to run your accessories.

I personally like and prefer the Code 83 because it's prototypical. I wasn't clear with your description. Did you only purchase straight sections of track? No curves?

Athearn RTR are good quality. I always go for kits myself. (Down the road.) 40'ers are a nice size. The Walthers 46' gondolas are nice. They do have a tendency to bind slightly going around tighter curves than 22" radii. There's extra detailing that comes inside the box. You can leave it off, or add as skills become more proficient. Atlas makes some very nice RTR rolling stock. Broadway Limited Inc. (BLI) also makes a set of 6 hoppers that are beautifully detailed. You can get them as a set or one at a time. List for them is $25 a piece. Accurail is one of my favorites but it's in kit form. Very easy to put together though.

$350 for the Reading 4-8-4 T1is a decent price. List is $400. Atlas Master Series is a quality locomotive. I'll have to take a look at it. I still think that Tim's deal is worth considering. You won't be a price like that and Stewart mechanism are smooth.

I'll hunt around for the caboose and let yo know what I find.

Thanks for keeping us abreast. You're making some good and informed choices. Tess, you DEFINITELY have to post a pic sometime after Christmas. That's our only stipulaton for helping out. [:)]

Tom

[Anonymous]

Tom,
I really do think the FT is a very sleek and beautiful design...it would fit for the transition period? you also said it would work freight or passenger? In fact if I remember correctly....at the temple station's miniature railroad they had something similar to it and Keith pointed it out to me....I'm not completely against diesel no....(i'll get a steam engine eventually......okay so that one is for me....) So, if I read this correct I would get the FT from him for 105 + I want to add the powered b.....and what would the sound be like in the b unit? what would the quality be like....the guy at iron horse said that most times sound installed doesn't sound that great because it hadn't been test via the manufacturer.....so to have sound and powered b plus I wouldn't mind having the decoder would be a bit over $235....I want the works....I know I might be over doing it but this guy deserves it. So what do you say?

[tstage]

Tess,

Just checked my e-mail to find out that Tim had responded. Here's what he had to say:

QUOTE:
Tom,

The Reading FT's are readily available. You can get them from Stewart for $185, or I can get you an AB set for $105. The upgrade to the powered b is $48.95 so a dual powered set is $153.95. I can put sound in the dummy B unit for $65 additional with a Soundtraxx LC100 for 1st Generation EMD, but it's DCC only that way. $15.95 for the decoder in the A unit.

I also have 2 Atlas Reading C424's (#5201 and #5207)new in the box, as well as one Atlas GP7 in Reading #619. I even have new Stewart first run F3's ABBA and F7's ABBA. The F's are $139.95 pair powered A & B or $89.95 for the A powered B dummy. Same deal with the sound. All of these are in stock now.

Tim Smith
Empire Northern Models
P.O. Box 8185
426 Ridge Rd
Webster, NY 14580
[phone]
www.empirenorthernmodels.com

Since you've gotten the box cars, how about going with the freight diesel, like the FT. If you are set on a passenger diesel, the F7 would work great. The price that Tim quoted is REALLY good. Since you are apparently going with DC with the purchase of the MRC 220, leave the DCC and sound off for now and have Tim install it at a later date. Haven't read everything you've written so I'll give you this before you turn in.

Tom

[Anonymous]

Well, gentlemen.....It's been about 24 hours now.....I went from knowing absolutely nothing to knowing something......let me give you an update.....I went to a wonderful privately owned shop called the Iron Horse in Reading. I strongly recommend visiting there sometime. It is very reminiscent of old time shops. I felt like I stepped back in time....much better then going to Hobbytown...which I've been in but left knowing absolutely nothing. Anyway, so I spent a good hour and a half there with one of the owners (I believe). I was able to use much of the lingo....and I got to see first hand what was meant by tracking codes.....and I learned about layouts and flexitrack (I believe that's what it was called....) Absolutely fascinating! I left there having learned about different font styles on the sides of cars.....I know what is acceptable for the transition period....which sorry Keith! Your sticking to transition because it truly is the best of both worlds! (I'm assuming he will read this the day after Christmas....) Anyway, I did leave with a little less in my in my check book.......however here is what I started with....
1. track - Bachman code 83 - yep definitely prefer that to 100....although he had to explain why it was more realistic at first....I didn't quite get it at first but well....I remembered the 100 code from when I was little....grandpa had it.....I did check to see if I could purchase adaptors for tracks...because I believe I have some tracks down in the cellar of my parents house that they aren't using.....but for 80 cents a piece of track I'm far from concerned.

2. I did purchase the Tech 4 MRC 220. He didn't have the 200 in stock however I didn't worry about it since it would have only been 10 dollars cheaper. I did opt for putting off the DCC controller for now. I'm under the impression that the MRC 220 I can use in the future for lighting buildings, lamp posts, etc....so no loss for purchasing it. I'll by a DCC controller in the future when we have multiple trains and layout set up. For now there really is no need.

3. I bought two box cars. Athearn series. 40' box car-superior door #18065 and #18018 item numbers 70331 and 70332 - definitely nice detail - not cheap looking but yet inexpensive! I couldn't let it go.

4. I don't remember what this one is called - the plug that goes into the track - that is invisible if you have it come up under a layout - I saw the old form that used to actually be part of track that really ruined the effect - but that's again what I remember Grandpop having - all I know is that it runs from the track to the power supply - what's that called?

So that's what I bought....I know I"m missing the important part - the locomotive but I have some good ideas now. I really would like to get Keith The Reading 4-8-4 T1 coming out.....however I was thinking that can be for a later occasion since it's not quite out.....oh by the way, it's going to be at Iron Horse for $359 when it gets there... anyone find any better deals out there yet?

However, here’s where I'm thinking about going and I need a couple reactions. They had an engine there Atlas Master Series Item #7727 Reading Phase 2 - Road #862. It had everything - or so it seemed....very nice detail and was what I thought to be reasonable for $209. I don't know where to go to find it reasonably online but what are your impressions. After taking up so much time from such a wonderful helpful gentleman in the store I really would rather purchase it there if I get the go ahead from all you pros. :-) What do you think of the quality?

More potentials - I only have two box cars thus far....I saw a 3 pack of side hoppers there - made by atlas - item #1107 - they looked nice but didn't have loads - I really much rather them be carrying something! No worries though the gentleman said that I can get loads for $8 a pair. ($4 a piece) how's that sound guys? again...how's the quality?

second to last question - Walthers 46" USRA Gondola - Reading #23035 - looks like very nice detail as well - 2 pack - 932-27461 - should I be buying a certain number of box cars, hoppers, gondolas, what will be too much for my 62" long track....I don't know what will look ridiculous at this point.

Last question - I want a caboose (This is for me more then Keith.....he can have the rest of the train - The caboose is mine.....) they had none in stock but does anyone know where I can order one.....he said one authentic to the transition period would be red with white lettering....not the yellow and green one he had.....and like I said....I'm going for authenticity here....

well, is that enough to throw at you??? That's where I currently am. For now I'll stop and see what everyone has to offer me now. Be honest - tell me what you think of my purchases, if I’ve been incorrect in saying things, etc....I want to learn as much as I can.

Thanks all!

[Anonymous]

heres some stuff he would like
http://cgi.ebay.com/CUSTOM-ATLAS-GP7-READING_W0QQitemZ6019046339QQcategoryZ19131QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.com/Athearn-79692-HO-RTR-GP40-2-Reading-3673_W0QQitemZ6019130461QQcategoryZ19130QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.com/Train-Master-READING-RR-866-Atlas-Silver-Series_W0QQitemZ6019784591QQcategoryZ19131QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.com/Proto-2000-HO-GP7-Reading-628_W0QQitemZ6019164398QQcategoryZ19135QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[Anonymous]

heres a link to soem reading stuff on ebay
http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?sofocus=bs&sbrftog=1&fstype=1&catref=C6&from=R10&fcl=3&satitle=reading&sacat=19128%26catref%3DC6&bs=Search&fsop=2%26fsoo%3D2&coaction=compare&copagenum=1&coentrypage=search&fgtp=&sargn=-1%26saslc%3D2&sadis=200&fpos=66845&ftrt=1&ftrv=1&saprclo=&saprchi=

[selector]

If things don't go as planned, Tess might consider logging on and showing her better half all the trouble she went to (not trouble really, but, you know...) to get him a terrific Christmas gift. That, alone, will make him a friend for life. [:D]

[tstage]

Ray,

Yep - See last point of rolleiman's (Jeff's) post on page 2.

Tom

[bikerraypa]

Did anybody remember the most important part?......

Whatever you get him, make sure you include a card with the URL for this forum

[:D][:D][:D]

Ray out

[Attaboy]

Hi, Tess, and welcome to a fellow Pennsylvanian. I live near Harrisburg.

A good place for you to check out might be Tommy Gilbert's Hobbys in Chambersburg. Here's the web site:
http://www.tommygilbertshobbyshop.com/
The staff is very helpful and knowlegeable and you may be able have some "hands on" time before you buy sight unseen. If there is any good Reading Lines RTR stuff out there they will probably be able to get it for you. A bit of a trip, I know, but well worth it.

Hope your man knows how lucky he is. [:)]

[tstage]

Tess,

Glad we can be of help. Hey, just want to encourage you. You are doing a FABULOUS job of both soaking this stuff in and processing it. You are putting the rest of us to shame. On to the questions and comments.

QUOTE:
I looked at the IHC web site....very nice variety of passenger cars....but definitely doesn't look like it has very good detail.....very cheap looking.....I hate to say it but I have a bit of an eye for good quality....darn antique collecting....and photography hobby.....just don't think the IHC is lacking detail as you put it.

I agree. I haven't been fond of IHC because of the lack of detailing. The Bethlehem Car Works Ready-to-run cars would be a lot nicer and more practical for now. The kits can be when Keith gets more modeling experience under his nails...and he's up for a challenge.

Also, something not mentioned yet. The Pullman passenger cars are long so they will initially need at least a 22" or 24" radius curved track to work well. Atlas makes those sizes. And, what works well and looks good doing it are two entirely diferent things. if Keith gets into this, and starts building a layout with the intention of running passenger service, he'll want to think curve radii at least 36" and bigger. (That's whole nother story...)

QUOTE:
Gosh....adding sound....tom, you mentioned something about adding sound to the steward reading FT.....so it doesn't come with sound....for some reason I couldn't get that page you sent me to open up and I was having problems through work getting that page to work.....going to try again at home....so the stewart doesn't come with sound....how much do you think it would cost to get the decoder added? I guess thats not something a mechanically minded guy like keith could do himself is it?

I'll have to double-check but Stewarts don't normally come with sound. The F-untis can be easily adapted for sound. The motor decoder can be placed in the A-unit, and the sound decoder and speaker can be placed in the B-unit. That's pretty straightforward if the B-unit is a "dummy" or unpowered. If both the A- and B-unit is powered, it's still possible but gets a little more tricky. Here's the link again to the Stewart web site:

http://stewarthobbies.com/Loco%20Page/5042.htm

(Tried it. Works fine on my end.)

I've e-mail Tim at Empire Northern. You can figure for the sound decoder, speaker and install by Tim: $150+. Again, Tim does VERY good work and prices for sound decoders has come down. I asked Tim about his availability on the FT units but I'm still waiting to hear back from him. He's usually pretty good about returning e-mails.

Tess, I know the FT were used for freight transport. I want to find out from Tim whether he knew if FTs were also used for passenger service, as well. As Randy points out, Reading used the FP7 ("P" stood for "passenger") diesels. I checked earlier and found out that Intermountain has FP7s coming out in February or March 2006 in the Reading line. Like the BCW cars, Intermountain makes some nice stuff. Tess, I also found out from Randy that the Bachmann 2-8-0 steamer (used for early passenger service), although a good locmotive, is inaccurate.

QUOTE:
Whats the difference with power packs....I don't know anything about that stuff yet....I'm picking up on other things.....MRC power pack????

If you go with DC, MRC (Model Rectifier Corp.) is THE power pack or transformer you want to get. Quality and reliability are their name. This is something that visiting a local LHS will come in very handy for so that you can see for yourself. MRC has a very good series called their Tech 4. The 200 is their basic unit. The 220 and 260 add momentum and braking. The 280 is a "double-trottle" unit for the ability to run two tracks from the same power pack. Here's a pic and info page from the MRC web site on the 260:



http://www.modelrectifier.com/products/trainSound/product.asp?ID=1298&Subcategory=Tech%204

Basically, momentum and braking are terms to describe the inertia that trains experience when accelerating and slowing down. Unlike toy trains, real or prototypical trains start out slow and accelerate up to speed and slow down the same way. The momentum and braking switches on the MRC 220 and 260 power packs mimick that phenomenon.

Tom

22:18 EST - No word from Tim yet.

[rrgrassi]

Hi Tess,

To stay in about 100 year ago, you gotta run the steam engines. My father in law collects anything railroad including the old postcards. Check to see if there is a Reading Railroad Historical Society or club. They can point you to Reading stuff. Also as your boyfriend gets more into the hobby, he can buy undecorated items and dress them up as Reading. Also. Reading is one of the Monopoly game railroads, along with the Pennsy, B&O, and Short Line. I collect anyhting railroad too, but focus on PRR due to family history, and Southern Pacific, Santa Fe, Cotton Belt because a Cotton Belt line ran right by my house in a rural area where I grew up near the Dallas Area.

Ebay can be a good source as well.

Now both of you can go shopping together for old stuff, and let that be yet another thing you have in common. My wife understands this about me since her dad loves the rails, and all that ride on them.

Good luck and welcome aboard!

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by mthrules

May I suggest a nice O gauge starter set from MTH. They have made very nice Reading sets and other trains. Here is their website: www.mth-railking.com

Another option is Lionel www.lionel.com

She has stated that he knows he wants to work in HO.

[Anonymous]

Well we're dealing with HO and we don't want to confuse the client with O at the moment...

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by piccolotess
Did you see what James Mitich wrote? how the set isn't quite authentic and also that reading did not in fact have Dome cars. James made a very good point....if it's up to me I want to go historically accurate more then anything else.....even if that means me buying individual pieces....darn my perfectionist and historically accurate side!

Well the IHC passenger cars are modeled after what are the most common Pullman Standard Passenger Car Plans. So while the IHC models might not depict a specific Reading Passenger car right down to the last rivit and functional lavatory plumbing, they do offer what is a reasonable depiction of Reading Cars. If you want more detail several companies offer parts that you can add to them at a later date. This "Modeling" is a highly enjoyable aspect of model railroeading which means it can be the proverbial "Gift that Keeps on giving" but in a good way. And as for the FTs. They are locomotives the Reading had, but I do not know if the Reading used them in passenger service. But if you get him the T-1 steam engine, It could then pull the passenger train and the FTs can then be used to pull a freight train.

A company "Bethlehem Car Works" Makes lots of "Craftsman Kits" for Reading passenger cars. But they have to be assembled carefully and painted and lettered. If he is just getting started in model railraoding that might be a little to much to fast. Then they are not listed as in stock at Walthers. The thing about availability is, Walthers is essentially the center of the model rairlaod universe. If they don't have it, you have to work really hard to find it. Since christmas is close and time is short I am just trying to stear you to what is avialable on such short notice. IHC also sells interiors and lighting kits for those cars if you are interested.

Let me know if I can help some more.

James

[Anonymous]

May I suggest a nice O gauge starter set from MTH. They have made very nice Reading sets and other trains. Here is their website: www.mth-railking.com

Another option is Lionel www.lionel.com

[emdgp92]

This is a shop I've been dealing with for many years:
http://cityguide.aol.com/pittsburgh/shopping/main.adp?_diraction=detail&_dircid=107689199

It's a bit far from you, but maybe he does mail order? Since I live close, I'm not sure about that. I've never had a problem with them... ever. He's been in business a long time, and sometimes has older stuff on sale. I didn't see any Reading engines in there the last time I was in...but that was about a month ago.

Here are some photos of various Reading engines (both steam and diesel), along with some freight and passenger cars. Enjoy!

http://www.rr-fallenflags.org/rdg/rdg.html

[Anonymous]

Tess,

Stewart makes a nice product -- quiet, reliable runners -- but they are kits that require at least an intermediate level of applying the details. If you choose to purchase a Stewart I would also suggest contacting a local model railroad club to see if there are any members willing to put the details on for you. Atlas makes an excellent Trainmaster -- a 2400 horsepower, six axle diesel built by Fairbanks Morse in the 1950's.

Like others, I would suggest avoiding the trainset stuff.

Here is an idea. Why not purchase a top of the line locomotive, a couple of brass cars and a one year membership at a local model railroad club. That way he does not have to wait until he builds a layout to run his train. Living in Reading, I am sure there are HO clubs that model Reading nearby. And this is the season when they have their open houses.

[rolleiman]

QUOTE: Originally posted by piccolotess

I looked at the IHC web site....very nice variety of passenger cars....but definitely doesn't look like it has very good detail.....very cheap looking.....I hate to say it but I have a bit of an eye for good quality....darn antique collecting....and photography hobby.....just don't think the IHC is lacking detail as you put it.

Did you see what James Mitich wrote? how the set isn't quite authentic and also that reading did not in fact have Dome cars. James made a very good point....if it's up to me I want to go historically accurate more then anything else.....even if that means me buying individual pieces....darn my perfectionist and historically accurate side!

What is ABBa Arrangement? Oh gosh all of you are tooo helpful....I'm researching everything everyone is saying now...it's going to take me quite a bit of time......you guys might have thrown tooo much at me....but i'm learning a lot!!!!

Only, six more pages of these posts to read, translate into English, and understand yet....thanks everyone!

Tess

This is true of a lot of IHCs offerings.. Famous for basically offering a single type painted in every scheme that ever existed.. Appeals to the mass market but falls short on those interested in accuracy.. Still though, the passenger cars can be a good place to start with modeling projects. Though I didn't see any Reading passenger cars there, one brand overlooked is Branchline trains..

http://www.branchline-trains.com/blueprint/passengercars/currentreleases.htm

I don't own any of these (yet) but thier blueprint series freight cars are pretty top notch as far as detailing goes.

An ABBA set refers to a F unit diesel where 2 of them have cabs (A) and the other two do not (B).. The A units would run back to back so to speak so at the end of the line, rather than turning the engine set (as was done with steam) the crew would simply move from one to the other.. The B units were there to add power to the set and all 4 (or 3 or 2) would be controled from whatever cab the crew was in.. The entire ABBA set would have been referred to as a Single locomotive and could be ordered that way. Not entirely in the same vein, modern diesels also run in multiple units. In contrast to that, a Steam loco required a turntable to turn it around in terminals and when put together for helper (more power) operations required a crew for each one. This, among a lot of other things, was the downfall of steam power on railroads. By 1960, most of them in regular service had been retired and completely replaced with Diesels. Of course a few Working steamers survive today through the efforts of dedicated railroad history buffs and in some cases, the actual railroads that owned them.

Jeff

[Texas Zepher]

QUOTE: Originally posted by piccolotess
So if I bought some track locally....at a local flee market...

If the flee market has new track ok, but I would advise against starting with used track. It only takes one bad piece to ruin an entire track (assuming you're going for some sort of loop here), and spoil the new train experience. Don't get me wrong, I buy used track all the time, but I know how to look at it to see if it has been warped, melted, bent, kinked etc. Even leaving it in the sun can make the plastic ties contract pulling the rails too close together. Also depending on the type, putting it together repeatedly can make the connectors loose. Loose connectors cause electrical problems and the track works its way apart if not fastened down. Once again not a big deal, but an annoyance for a "first".

This is my first contribution to this conversation, because I forwarded your original message to a friends who is a Reading fan. I had been waiting for his reply to post, but couldn't ignore that comment [2c]