siberianmo
Trains - real and model - trains!
Hopefully this introduction has not violated any posting-criteria for this Forum as my intention is to say "Hello" and provide some background regarding my re-entry into the world of Lionel Trains.
I began my love-affair with Lionel Trains back in 1947-48 with my first set - Pennsylvania RR S-2 Turbine work-train set with MagneTraction. It was to be the beginning of many decades of trains (Toy, Model and Real) with a 32-year on/off interruptions during active-duty military service.
Once retired I immersed myself into construction of a basement model railroad "empire" consisting of G-O-S-HO-N and G-gauge trains (the LGB for dual-ovals 'round the Christmas Tree). My HO walk-around layout was the "centerpiece" spanning a 35 ft length with 7 ft and 15 ft widths.
As time will do, things change and once alone in life I decided to sell all of my model trains, some to acquaintances with the Lion's share sold to a nationwide organization in Georgia; essentially returning my basement to a large empty room; filled with many happy memories - but still just a large empty room.
About a year later, I "got the itch" and decided to explore the modern-day world of Lionel Trains. It did not take me long to jump in with both feet as I purchased three (03) sets of Lionel O-gauge LionChief sets (Santa Fe Chief with add-on cars; Polar Express passenger with add-on cars and Polar Express Freight with add-on cars, track, etc.). I have opted to utilize track power from Lionel's GW-180/180-Watt Transformer as opposed to the "plug in" track sections provided with each set.
I just completed constructing a "walk around" 16 ft long by 8 ft wide "table" using the simplest method I could conjure up and now have all the track affixed with the ability to run all three (03) sets along two (02) ovals along with a lengthy passing siding. I have always preferred "simple" when it comes to laying track and enjoy the serenity of viewing my trains running 'round and 'round, etc.
Details will follow - but for now I am enjoying my return to Toy Trains using hand-held remotes and being amazed at the simplicity of it all compared to the wiring, block sections, insulated rail joiners, toggle switches, etc. associated with my Model Train experiences.
No doubt - the modern-day Lionel Trains are quite the leap from what I was exposed to back in the late 1940's. As a side-note: I was too far into my large collections to switch over to DCC; would have been cost-prohibitive to convert over 40 locomotives; to say the least.
Okay - if there is interest, I will provide some photos as my progress continues, which includes two (02) Lionel Girder Bridges (30" long each) that are removable, permitting me to access portions of my new layout where my arm-length cannot.
In conclusion: The more things change, the more they stay the same; meaning: I began with Lionel Toy Trains and find myself ending the same way. Other than that, this new adventure with the new technology and capabiliy definitely is providing me with something that has been missing for several long years; a meaningful and fun way to spend my time.
Later . . .
Tom in Missouri
(siberianmo - translated: Siberian for my love of Husky dogs - MO for Missouri).
P.S. Any references to Lionel trains as Toys is based solely on my experiences with 027(1948-56) and 036 (present times) sets and in no way should be construed as an indictment of Lionel's O-scale products - those are hardly toys and I apologize to one and all for coming across as authoritative; just my 2-cents. Thanx!
I began my love-affair with Lionel Trains back in 1947-48 with my first set - Pennsylvania RR S-2 Turbine work-train set with MagneTraction. It was to be the beginning of many decades of trains (Toy, Model and Real) with a 32-year on/off interruptions during active-duty military service.
Once retired I immersed myself into construction of a basement model railroad "empire" consisting of G-O-S-HO-N and G-gauge trains (the LGB for dual-ovals 'round the Christmas Tree). My HO walk-around layout was the "centerpiece" spanning a 35 ft length with 7 ft and 15 ft widths.
As time will do, things change and once alone in life I decided to sell all of my model trains, some to acquaintances with the Lion's share sold to a nationwide organization in Georgia; essentially returning my basement to a large empty room; filled with many happy memories - but still just a large empty room.
About a year later, I "got the itch" and decided to explore the modern-day world of Lionel Trains. It did not take me long to jump in with both feet as I purchased three (03) sets of Lionel O-gauge LionChief sets (Santa Fe Chief with add-on cars; Polar Express passenger with add-on cars and Polar Express Freight with add-on cars, track, etc.). I have opted to utilize track power from Lionel's GW-180/180-Watt Transformer as opposed to the "plug in" track sections provided with each set.
I just completed constructing a "walk around" 16 ft long by 8 ft wide "table" using the simplest method I could conjure up and now have all the track affixed with the ability to run all three (03) sets along two (02) ovals along with a lengthy passing siding. I have always preferred "simple" when it comes to laying track and enjoy the serenity of viewing my trains running 'round and 'round, etc.
Details will follow - but for now I am enjoying my return to Toy Trains using hand-held remotes and being amazed at the simplicity of it all compared to the wiring, block sections, insulated rail joiners, toggle switches, etc. associated with my Model Train experiences.
No doubt - the modern-day Lionel Trains are quite the leap from what I was exposed to back in the late 1940's. As a side-note: I was too far into my large collections to switch over to DCC; would have been cost-prohibitive to convert over 40 locomotives; to say the least.
Okay - if there is interest, I will provide some photos as my progress continues, which includes two (02) Lionel Girder Bridges (30" long each) that are removable, permitting me to access portions of my new layout where my arm-length cannot.
In conclusion: The more things change, the more they stay the same; meaning: I began with Lionel Toy Trains and find myself ending the same way. Other than that, this new adventure with the new technology and capabiliy definitely is providing me with something that has been missing for several long years; a meaningful and fun way to spend my time.
Later . . .
Tom in Missouri
(siberianmo - translated: Siberian for my love of Husky dogs - MO for Missouri).
P.S. Any references to Lionel trains as Toys is based solely on my experiences with 027(1948-56) and 036 (present times) sets and in no way should be construed as an indictment of Lionel's O-scale products - those are hardly toys and I apologize to one and all for coming across as authoritative; just my 2-cents. Thanx!
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