I have just acquired an HO scale Varney AeroTrain set, complete with engine and three cars. I'm thinking that it dates to about 1960...It's in fairly good condition, but I don't believe it runs; I haven't been able to test it.
What do these things usually go for? This is the first one I have ever seen, and managed to buy it.
And does anyone make a repower kit or chassis for this?
Scott - Dispatcher, Norfolk Southern
Bowser AeroTrain
Accurate Lighting also offers a power frame:
Matt from Anaheim, CA and Bayfield, COClick Here for my model train photo website
I believe Con Cor is going to release an updated AeroTrain set. It should blow the old Varney out of the water if you are willing to wait.
Edit: BTW, I believe the Bowser uses the Varney molds.
I got this group of Varney Aero Train items for $20.00 from an estate sale. I never tried to run them but just got them to display. Have you checked ebay?......I have seen the one they have here in St. Louis at the Museum of Transport.
UPDATE!:
I just found this completed auction on ebay. Looks like I got a good deal!
http://cgi.ebay.com/HO-AEROTRAIN-by-VARNEY-Complete-3-Orig-Boxes_W0QQitemZ270077191756QQihZ017QQcategoryZ38278QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Scott - I've seen Areo Train sets go from anywhere around $100 to better than $200. However, an awful lot in the way of pricing depends on condition and how they are equipped.
Many examples I've seen on eBay are the original unpowered versions. Others have the aftermarket frames/wheels/motor offered by Kemtron but don't run any more or do so very poorly. Still others (increasingly few in number) have been upgraded and powered well beyond typical examples, as well as being mint in appearance. Incidentally, without proper weighting the cars themselves don't run/track worth a darn, easily derailing, especially when they are still equipped with those original Varney wheels.
CNJ831
Hi Scott -
sorry I don't have the complete info anymore, can't remember everything these days, but there are or were parts available to re-power or power up a Varney Aerotrain.
Contact Bowser, as they sell the Aerotrain as a dummy unit and three cars, but they also stock the components needed to get a unit powered. Alliance Locomotive Products makes a frame (item #1001) for the Aerotrain. An Athearn motor would work if I recall.
Don't know what the orginals are worth. Think I paid 20.00 for an observation car in it's original box about 5 years ago. The newer runs of Bowser Aerotrains retailed around 93.00 last time I ordered any.
Hope that helps some!
oops edit - sorry, didn't see that others had already posted similar info...my computer was down for a week and those ads make it look like no one else had posted yet! Something else to get used to.
Trainfreak, we need pictures! If you don't have a decent camera, use your girlfriend's cell phone. This is one of those things that call for you to rise above the instincts for petty larceny, and do the right thing. Re-motor it, install lights and even DCC. Maybe a sound decoder. Man, it's just like bringing a classic car back to life and putting it on the road again.
You've picked up a classic. Make the most of it.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Ask and you shall receive!
The set has some scratches and scuffs...But I think the only one I really need to worry about is the one on the nose (note on fourth picture). It seems mildly deep...But may not be noticeable after a coat of paint.
The plan is to restore it at some point...And by the looks of it, it seems that the previous owner was trying to update it a bit as well...I don't believe that Varney made the AeroTrain available with horn-hook couplers...I may be wrong...But they look like a home job. And if I'm correct; the coach bodies have been glued to the frames...I was going to try to pry it off; but I think I'll wait a bit until I have space, time, and everything else to work on it.
Kinda makes me want to go back to HO scale.