Model Trains
Everything on model trains, model railroads, model railways, locomotives, model train layouts, scenery, wiring, DCC and more. Enjoy the world's best hobby... model railroading!
Freight Cars for BNSF in Canada
Brock models HO scale and poses this question:
“I model BNSF in Canada, and wondered what freight cars should be on my layout? Any ideas please?”
Value of Model Train Equipment
As regular readers will know, this blog does not do buy/sell/swap of used model railroading trains and accessories. We leave that to model train shows, and websites like eBay and Craigslist etc.
That said; we are often asked to put a value on how much second hand items might be worth. That’s not something we do. Obviously there are potentially a lot of factors at play including the condition of individual items, the location of the buyer and seller, the likely demand for each item, the cost of shipping etc.
The only real answer is that a secondhand item is worth what someone is prepared to pay on any given day. That’s why a visit to a local hobby shop, or model train club is often a worthwhile way to ascertain the level of interest in an item. Even if they don’t want to purchase the product, they can at least see its condition in real life, maybe test how well it works, give an estimate of what they think someone might pay, and perhaps some advice on how to go about selling it. Talking with vendors at model train shows is another way to gain a better insight.
From a buyer’s perspective; buying second hand goods can be fraught with danger without actually seeing the product and testing it out. But it could also be a golden opportunity to grab a real bargain.
Here’s an example of a recent email from John K. Obviously to protect the privacy of readers we don’t publish email or physical addresses or phone numbers, but readers can post an opinion on this blog of what they think these items might be worth if sold privately.
John who models 3/16 scale wrote: “I have one instruction book 1954, 20 curved sections of track, 6 strait sections, 2 696 track trip, 1 704 manual track trip, 1 overpass 24 pieces, 1 steam engine and tender needs repairs, 1 flatcar with logs, 1 empty car, 1 caboose 938, 1 industrial crane browning hoist 944, 1 road sign with sound, and 1 transformer. Is there any value to this set and how much should I advertise it for?
Bachmann ALCO S-2
Tim models Ho scale and has this question:
“I have a Bachmann ALCO S-2 which is Sound Value Equipped. I would like to know where to connect the Keep-Alive on the decoder?”
VGN Electric EL-2B Locomotive
Here is a question from Roba who would like to know the value of a locomotive:
“I have an HO VGN RR EL-2B electric locomotive that is in mint condition still in the box. I used to live beside the VGN RR and remember the locomotive very well. It used to run from Elmore WV to Roanoke VA. until 1959 when it was discontinued after the VGN merged with the Norfolk & Southern RR. Anyone know what the value of this loco Is? I could be wrong on the date. They merged in 1959 but the Loco may have run a little while longer. Thanks in advance”
This blog doesn’t do buy/sell/or swap so contact details are not exchanged.
Amtrak Washington DC – Northeast Corridor
Fred P kindly sent in this amazing photo he shot and says, “I have this back in the day photo to share with you guys. This photo is on The Northeast Corridor.”
Hard To Find Loco…If It Exists?
This website doesn’t do Buy/Sell/Swap, however Tom more interested in information on a specific HO loco that he thinks he has seen as some time:
“I am looking for a particular model engine that may or may not have been made by someone. The original engine is a Lima 51-ton Consolidation-type 2-8-0 purchased in 1905 by the Cranberry Lake Railroad [a/k/a Rich Lumber Co.] in Wanakena, NY . The build number is 1015.
I realize that it is a longshot to have that exact locomotive modeled by someone. If there is, SUPER! If not, would you know of something close that I could modify?”
1960’s – 1970’s Diesel Engine. Which Model and Manufacturer
Club member Daniel has this question for readers:
“I would like some suggestions to help me select my next locomotive to run on my 1960’s – 1970’s DCC HO layout. Any suggestions on the best manufacturer or model? I understand this is a very wide ranging question, so I’ve thought a bit about what I really want:
- Price – maybe $150 to $250USD range.
- Reliable performance needs to be a priority as I would would rather have fewer, better engines that can do the job and won’t cause me headaches.
- Style of diesel is not so important. It just needs to fit the era of my US railroad.
Any ideas please?”
Scratch Building A Critter… and What is a Critter?
The term “Critter” is one of those not so common model railroading words that confuses many in the hobby.
It is hard to put an exact definition on what a “Critter” is, but generally it could be any self propelled locomotive that runs as a support engine to move other cars around as opposed to being in regular mainline operation. Critters are often reasonably small (3 tons or less) with a small cab, or in some cases no cab at all. Most have a x-4-x wheel arrangement but some in the hobby would argue there are no hard or fast rules on what defines a locomotive as being a “Critter” or not. Some would say a double trucked locomotive of any construction could fit the definition whereas others might disagree. Could a small lightweight piece of MOW equipment that is not considered to be a “locomotive”, but is still capable of pulling cars on a mainline, be a Critter? Would a “Shay” fall under the definition, or would only a small Shay fit the definition? When is a critter, a critter, or not a critter?
Over the years I have heard people define a variety of locomotives as being “Critters” when others might disagree, so it is one of those railroading terms that perhaps we could do without? You might disagree. Anyway, it would be interesting to here what others think, and how you might best define a “Critter.”
That brings me to a question posted by William who asks others:
“Howdy, this is William and I have been busy with trains again. I have this project…an On30 mechanized bugger. Here is a photo of it that I found on-line. The driver sprocket is covered by a plated cover. I have seen this part and want to purchase one and can’t remember where I saw it. Please help with identification: manufacturer, item#…thanks in advance!”
If you would like to answer the question from William, or give your thoughts on what defines a loco as a “Critter”, then used the COMMENTS link to have your say, or to see what others have to say.
Connecting Wagon to Loco Without a Coupler
This question is from Dave:
“I want to put wagons in front of a Arnold br44 engine or run a second engine together. Any suggestions on how to do this without front couplers, or is there a product out there? Any help would be grateful.”
Triplex Locomotives
Mathew has this question:
“Hi guys just wondering if Varney ever made a triplex HO/OO locomotive? I picked one up recently and have no information other than Varney stamped on the trailing truck.”
Are HO Trains More Reliable To Run Than N Scale?
Mike has this interesting question for readers:
“I am wondering if N scale track is more likely to cause loco hesitation and stoppig than HO? I am ready to tear out and sell then go to HO. I don’t run trains daily but the layout is in a heated and cooled interior room and shouldn’t need cleaning from one week to the next. I have used everything but goo gone or WD 40. No I haven’t bought the expensive brass car.”
MRC Sound Decoders
David has this question for readers:
“I have a MRC HO 1730 16-bit universal EMD 567 Diesel sound decoder coming in the mail. Can anyone tell me anything about this decoder?”
1960’s Train Tracks
Johnny models HO and asks this interesting question:
“Back in the early 1960s I had some track for my HO scale train that consisted of a wooden bed that had sections (app. 3 ft. long) and rails that were one piece (app. 4 ft. long) that you used miniature spikes to install the rails to the bed. I don’t see this being used anymore. Am I remembering something that is of my imagination or has anyone else ever seen this type of track?”
Add your comment below this posting.
Buying Experience on E-Bay Model Railroad Products
I’m now retired and have been researching everything needed to build an HO layout in a 12 x 9 space. I’m new to this E-Bay thingy.
1] What to look for when shopping for diesel Locos on E-Bay?
2] Any reputable E-Bay store recommendations that anyone can share w/me & others.
I live in Philly, and am not sure whether I have necessary skills to build a complete layout from start to finish, so need recommendations for reputable layout designer/builders on the east coast.
I have many more questions and appreciate any advice given.
Free Model Railroading Calculators
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How To Reglaze Passenger Car Windows
Neill asks readers this question:
“I have some Atlas passenger cars I bought off eBay, but most of the original windows are missing so will need reglazing. What’s the best way to tackle this as I want them to look more realistic if possible?”
F-45 Engine
David asks:
“Does any company make a F-45 engine? I have one in HO DC, and like to get one for DCC.”
Model Train Slide Puzzles #1 to #3
Something a little different for you this week…
Below is a link to 3 slide puzzles featuring model train layouts. They look simple but will take a few minutes to solve. When you click on a picture square next to a blank square it will move across to fill the blank square. Keep moving the squares until a picture is formed with each square of the puzzle in its right place.
Click HERE to solve the three model train slide puzzles.
Please post feedback using the COMMENTS link. If you think the puzzle idea is stupid, then say so. If you enjoyed having a bit of fun, then that feedback would be welcomed too. Depending on the feedback, there might be some more slide puzzles in coming weeks.
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