Author Topic: Modeling Help  (Read 4760 times)

Pete Stevens

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Modeling Help
« on: December 27, 2021, 09:15:20 PM »
Hello folks,
Cody entered the world of modeling this Christmas courtesy of the grandparents and a lovely Lionel starter set. Thrilling until I started looking at prices for expansion track sets. Holy Cow! Is there an inside secret to procuring track without taking out a mortgage? HELP!
Thanks,
Pete

Mike Fox

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Re: Modeling Help
« Reply #1 on: December 27, 2021, 09:21:04 PM »
Every once in a while some is donated to the museum for resale. That would be your cheapest option. Even used stuff online dtaws a healthy price..
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Pete Stevens

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Re: Modeling Help
« Reply #2 on: December 27, 2021, 09:54:08 PM »
Thanks Mike,
That's good to know, though I guess I'll just have to resign myself to budgeting a little extra until something like that comes along. Maybe we'll do a small O gauge layout and then switch over to HO. After I put an addition on the house of course.

Ed Lecuyer

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Re: Modeling Help
« Reply #3 on: December 27, 2021, 10:10:07 PM »
Keep an eye on Facebook Marketplace. I've seen some remarkable deals on used Lionel trains and track pop up there.

That said, modern era FasTrack is expensive. Period. Even used. Tubular O-27 track from 1930 - 2000 is usually cheap and plentiful. Switches can still be expensive, however.
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Bill Baskerville

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Re: Modeling Help
« Reply #4 on: December 27, 2021, 10:14:05 PM »
I know for a fact that there is a "LOT" of HO trains in four boxes in the basement.  Check with Linda.  Most can be had for a very reasonable price.  I think there is some HO track in there also.  If she doesn't have the inventory of what's in there, I still have one.
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Pete Stevens

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Re: Modeling Help
« Reply #5 on: December 27, 2021, 10:54:10 PM »
Thanks Bill and Ed!
I?ll pursue both lines.
Pete

John Kokas

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Re: Modeling Help
« Reply #6 on: December 28, 2021, 01:41:18 PM »
If there is any DL&W, LV, or O&W stuff in those boxes I'd be very interested!
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Benjamin Richards

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Re: Modeling Help
« Reply #7 on: December 28, 2021, 05:04:15 PM »
Sometimes you can find stuff at the shows and swap meets. Plus, those are a great time in general.

I will soon be unloading a bunch of N stuff that I started out with.

Carl G. Soderstrom

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Re: Modeling Help
« Reply #8 on: December 29, 2021, 02:01:05 AM »
Benjamin is correct - check the shows and swap meets when
they start again in your area.

Collector items are not cheap but other stuff can be very reasonable.
Turnouts (Switches ) are usually dear no mater where you get them.

Pete Stevens

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Re: Modeling Help
« Reply #9 on: December 29, 2021, 06:20:33 AM »
I knew this was the place to ask! Thanks everyone for pointing me in all these great directions. Naturally, it?s switches that Cody most wants and that are so blasted expensive.

Bob Springs

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Re: Modeling Help
« Reply #10 on: December 29, 2021, 08:33:04 AM »
In HO scale, be weary of train set stuff as these are usually very cheaply made. 
Common in train sets are poor running mechanisms in locomotives, track with brass rail (which oxidize and must be cleaned for electrical conductivity as opposed to nickel silver) as well as poorly working couplers and marginal power supplies.
I would recommend fewer models of better quality and build from there. 

Jeff Schumaker

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Re: Modeling Help
« Reply #11 on: December 29, 2021, 09:26:57 AM »
Pete,

I'm wondering what type of track came with the set. A few years ago, Lionel came out with track attached to plastic roadbed. They call it Fastrack. Is that what's in the set. If so, I don't know if it's compatible with the older style track.

Jeff S.
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Benjamin Richards

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Re: Modeling Help
« Reply #12 on: December 29, 2021, 10:29:59 AM »
Jeff,

They make tinplate adapters for fastrack. 6-12040. Can be worth it if you already have a bunch of tinplate in good condition laying around.


Mark Spremulli

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Re: Modeling Help
« Reply #13 on: December 29, 2021, 05:12:56 PM »
Find a reputable O scale dealer near you. Usually they give discounts. If not private message me and I might be able to help!
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Carl G. Soderstrom

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Re: Modeling Help
« Reply #14 on: January 02, 2022, 02:43:00 AM »
Pete

I waited to get permission to give info.

You might want to contact Bill Kane:

contactbillkane@gmail.com

He displays at area shows here in MN. Over the years he has
treated me well and fairly. His inventory is always changing (less so lately)
so if you have an item you are looking for send him a note.
He has stuff from Z to G some well used others almost new.

You will have to negotiate directly.

Just remember postage will be from MN.

Minus 12ºF and windy  :-\
Minus 25ºF this morning got to balmy plus 3ºF this afternoon  :)

« Last Edit: January 03, 2022, 12:16:04 AM by Carl G. Soderstrom »