Anyone here have any big train sets? I am looking into train sets, pretty damn expensive though.

I am starting one myself. HO scale and I'm in the process of making my own buildings. Getting the ideas together and am searching for a place in the house that will be just right. Shutterbug also wants to start an "O" scale for outside. This should be fun.

Simple math equation:

Start small + build slowly + make your own stuff as much as you can =

Cash saved, affordable set and tons of fun!

Here's a link to a forum I am a member of. The folks there can be very helpful.

Just watch the language though and don't be afraid to ask questions.

Good luck and lots of fun!

http://www.zealot....page=the-gauge.com

I have an 'N' scale train set. So I would say.... no, I don't have any "big" train sets. ;)

Not enough money, not enough time, not enough space, sadly. I do enjoy model railroading however.

I have a 4x8 (soon to expand to 8x12) Lionel O Scale layout, bi-level. Includes an oil industry, mountain range, and will have a lumber industry modeled after the WSLC.

It's quite easy to lay out the track, buy the necessary cars and engines, and wire the layout. In fact, wiring is the easy part unlike what many people think.

For the board in any guage, starting with a 1/2" to 3/4" plywood is a great start. Cheap, firm, and flexable with all materials (glue, nails, screws, carpet, etc). Should you want to reinforce the board, add a 2x4 plank to each side of the layout (two only).

I can go into detail with other advice on what you need, but I'll stop for now. If anyone needs any help, feel free to ask on here or PM me directly.

-R

Oh...yah...sure, I have a BIG one...play on it all the time. It's called the CPR cascade sub.

Posted by HypnoToad Oh...yah...sure, I have a BIG one...play on it all the time. It's called the CPR cascade sub.

No fair! you have a 1:1 scale model

Posted by HypnoToad Oh...yah...sure, I have a BIG one...play on it all the time. It's called the CPR cascade sub.

Showoff.

I want O scale because I got 1:50 scale trucks and cranes

So here's what I'm trying to find... A model artist who can paint graffitti onto my train cars to add realism.

I NEVER see that in all of the model layouts and conventions I've been to. Both HO, O, and N.

Anyone know of someone in the SF bay area (CA)? I have several that need work.

-R

you can get paste on stickers somewhere...i'll look onto it, it looks good when done right.

Eh... only if it looks good. But sometimes stickers or decals have that clear edge that you can see no matter how careful you are or what the color is that you're applying it to.

I'll try though. There's a hobby shop by me. I could ask.

-R

What would be a good budget for a starter set O scale

I'd scour the web for a nice Lionel Postwar or Modern Era set. They'll cost you somewhere around $100-150. Maybe a little more.

These new sets are awesome the Lionel has come out with, but I don't agree with plastic over the old cast iron and metal they used to produce.

So ya, I'd say $100-200 starting is pretty fair for both new and used. Maybe less if you're lucky. Try eBay. They got a whole slew on there.

I'll post my layout in a few days here to show you what I have going.

-R

I've inherited all my dad's old Lionel stuff - which combined with all my stuff has left me with 15 to 20 apple boxes full of track, scenery, rolling stock, engines, remote control crap, and transformers.

Now all I need is some space to set it up.

I got some really good graf paste on train stickers...they say "Deggi 5", any takers??

Posted by Decoy I've inherited all my dad's old Lionel stuff - which combined with all my stuff has left me with 15 to 20 apple boxes full of track, scenery, rolling stock, engines, remote control crap, and transformers. Now all I need is some space to set it up.

If you're local, I'll hook your layout up with mine.

And should you decide to sell it all later, look me up.

-R

I have a small "10 x 12" Lionel O gauge setup. I run vintage loco's amd rolling stock, both prewar and postwar.

Posted by Bustedknuckle I have a small "10 x 12" Lionel O gauge setup. I run vintage loco's amd rolling stock, both prewar and postwar.

Right on. Good start. Are you planning to model an era, perhaps overlap a few decades? That would keep you using your current Locos and rolling stock while keeping the realism.

I'd love to get my hands on Lionel's original Green, Black, and Brass Pre-War Electric Set. It's size was slightly larger than today's O-scale trains.

Lionel collectors know what I'm talking about. You can usually see them in Antique stores for around a couple thousand, but if lucky, and good couple hundred in excellent to mint condition.

And not the steam loco's, but the ones that were advertised crossing over the Hellgate Bridge.

I'll post pics of my Christmas setup soon... Not much, but I'm celebrating this setup's 20th anniversary. It came out in 1986-87.

-R