Originally posted 2009-12-10 11:56:11. Republished by Old Post Promoter

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A good place to start with sectional track is to plan your layout. The simplest designs are circular or oval and more complex layouts may include complex crossings. Consider how much space you have available. Once you have a design planned out for your Lionel trains, take the time to invest in a range of track. You want large pieces as well as small pieces so that you can avoid holes. One of the biggest mistakes is not having enough of the right pieces on hand to build the desired layout.

There are many types of track to choose from. There are of course the basic straight and curved pieces of track as well as more complex options. For example, a turnout is a piece that helps a train enter in one direction and leave on two or three other tracks. Crossings are pieces where you have two pieces of track crossed in 90, 45, or even 30 degree angles.

Some forms of model trains sectional track include roadbeds. These pieces have interlocking tabs that will keep your train running without risk of derailment. With or without roadbed, it is recommended to nail the entire track layout to a piece of plywood. This will prevent carpet fuzz and debris from breaking up the track and interfering with the engine of the train.

To position your sectional track, line up the pieces so there isn’t a gap between them. Be sure the pieces are level: You don’t want one overlapping the other. Do not try and force pieces of track together, especially curved pieces. If you do this, you risk creating a gap or having an awkward section of track that can cause derailment. You want your curves to be tight so that you can run many model trains on your track, but you do not want the curves to be unnatural.

At first, it may take a while to plan and build sectional tracks, even for popular brands like Lionel trains. You may start with an idea only to realize you lack all of the necessary pieces or that its design is larger than you anticipated. Sectional tracks are like pieces of a big puzzle. Assembling the pieces will help with estimating the layout’s dimensions and the necessary supplies needed to for its construction.

Originally posted 2009-11-24 12:08:40. Republished by Old Post Promoter

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For HO scale trains, you can purchase a track-cleaning car. You fill the car with light oil and the track-cleaning car is pulled around the track by the engine. Be careful that you don?t overfill the track cleaning car, for in doing so, oil may spill over onto the tracks or the scenery. Add oil sparingly to avoid the mess. The cars contain a small tank with protrusions that rub on the rails, cleaning the rails as the train travels the length of the track. The track-cleaning car can be used frequently. If you use a brass track, you may notice oxidation forming. If so, a more thorough cleaning of the track may be necessary.

For heavy-duty cleaning and eliminating oxidation from brass tracks, you will need a product such as Walther?s Bright Boy. It is a hand-held cleaner that looks like a small flat eraser, measuring about 2? x 1.5?. You rub the bar across the rails, allowing the grit to remove dirt, paint, and oil from your model tracks. If you have brass tracks for your toy model, this cleaner will remove most of the oxidation from the tracks. Using sandpaper or emery is not recommended as these products could leave pits in the tracks of your toy model trains.

Once you have cleaned the tracks with the bar, you will want to rub a soft cloth along the tracks to remove any residue left behind from the cleaner. Cleaning your tracks regularly will keep the toy trains running smoothly, giving you more time to enjoy playing and less time cleaning.

One more cleaning option is to use a liquid product that is made for track cleaning. LifeLike is one such product and can be purchased at your local hobby store. Dampen a soft cloth with the liquid and rub the tracks. Keep changing places on the cloth as you go so you are not using the same spot repeatedly. Dry the train tracks as you go. As you are cleaning, inspect your track for signs of damage and repair or replace them as needed.

Once your model trains tracks are clean, you will need to perform regular maintenance to keep them that way. A product such as Pacer Technology?s Rail Zip is a good cleaner to maintain your track?s cleanliness. You squeeze a drop or two on the track in a few places and let your toy model trains run for several minutes. This allows the product to be spread fairly evenly around the track. Additionally, this product will keep the wheels clean. Rail Zip will also restore the electrical conductivity by preventing and reducing sparking.

Originally posted 2009-11-08 12:34:54. Republished by Old Post Promoter

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During that time, trains were also one of the premier methods of travel, especially over long distances. With that came huge coverage and media interest in everything about trains. Cowen decided to leverage on that, as well as his own passion in the subject, to produce toy trains of such detail and quality that they quickly became popular with children and men of all ages, and were often a favorite choice as gifts. Lionel trains sets also became the choice for collectors and it was often that you would see individuals from that time who had amassed huge personal collections of toy trains which primarily consisted of Lionel prewar trains, which were a popular choice.

Till now, you can often find someone making a Lionel trains purchase as the continued passion in collecting of toy trains and railroad model paraphernalia remains strong, especially in the United States. This is entirely expected with the long and fabled history of the mode of transport which reached its height of strength in post war America. Despite the advancement of technology which has resulted in high tech trains that can now travel at supersonic speeds or speeds which easily overshadows their aged counterparts, there remains an affinity amongst collectors for the antique designs of both prewar and postwar Lionel trains. Part of this is due to the mystique which lends itself to the highly detailed craftsmanship that was invested in building those model toy trains, which was the result of Cowen constantly hiring skilled model locomotive builders who spent long hours making sure that the replicas were true to the original designs.

Along with the consistent number of model railroad collectors worldwide, the tradition of toy train collecting also continues to be spread down from generation to generation. The fact that these toys still hold a fascination with men of all ages and diverse backgrounds, lend them to being timeless mediums for bonding between family members. It is quite a sight to behold when a railroad set is completed and a toy train is seen chugging along the tracks with both father and son, or sometimes the entire family, smiling and cheering on their efforts. With other accessories including scenic landscapes that come with these railroad sets, it is not difficult to understand why Lionel trains remain close to the hearts of train collectors everywhere in the world.

Originally posted 2010-01-11 10:47:04. Republished by Old Post Promoter

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Based on an analysis of Google searches where a model trains brand name was included in the search phrase, the most popular brands are Lionel trains and Bachmann trains. These two brands account for over 70% of searches, both in the United States and globally.

Lionel trains dominate the model train hobby with 59% of all searches in the United States and 37% of searches globally. Lionel trains are primarily O scale, which is one of the most popular scales available, especially among serious hobbyists. Lionel is also one of the oldest brands with train sets dating back to 1900. However, the original Lionel Corporation went out of business. The brand was revived in 1969 by General Mills, the cereal company. They launched Lionel, LLC and quickly became the leading brand.

In the United States, Bachmann trains are the second largest brand with 13% of searches. Globally, Bachmann is the third largest brand with only 8% of searches. Bachmann trains were first introduced in 1946. Bachmann manufactures a large product line consisting mostly of HO scale trains, including the popular Thomas Tank Engine electric train sets. Bachmann also produces N scale, O scale and large scale trains. Prices range from under $100 to over $2,000 per train set.

Globally, Hornby is the second largest brand with 35% of searches, placing them just slightly behind Lionel. However, Hornby is based in the UK and their sales are almost all outside the United States They received only 1% of searches within the United States. Horny trains have a reputation for quality but their product line within the United States is very limited.

The top three brands, Lionel, Bachmann and Hornby, accounted for 73% of searches within the United States and 80% of searches globally. The remaining searches were spread among a dozen other brands led by LGB and Marklin, each with 5% of global searches. MTH with 3% and Atlas and Micro each with 2% of global searches. The remaining 3% of global searches were spread among all other brands. Of these remaining brands, the largest was Athearn, which received 3% of searches in the United States but only 1% of searches globally.

Originally posted 2010-01-19 10:33:54. Republished by Old Post Promoter

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The Super-Flex, however, from Atlas, works in a somewhat different way ? you can bend it in to pretty much any shape you like, but it always spring back; this is due to the fact that the Super-Flex has both one floating rail and one fixed rail. Which style you prefer is entirely based on personal taste, though both have their advantages and disadvantages.

There are four advantages to having some form of flexible track for Lionel trains or any other brands of model trains to run on.

First, there are fewer joints in any given run of track. With just one three foot section of flexible track, you instantly cut out the need for four nine inch pieces of sectional track, thus giving you far fewer connections and a lot less potential for any problems on the track.

Second, you can curve flex track into any particular radius you want. It can also be shaped into a much easier kind of curve for your trains to run on than would otherwise be the case. The curves can also be shaped into the kind of curves you require to fit the area, rather than be stuck with a fixed shape that might not work for the space you have available.

Third, flexible track pieces can be cut to any length you require. This helps make your layout work because it can be adjusted to fit into whatever space is available.

Fourth, when trying to find the best layout for your track, it is helpful to mark the lines you want the track pieces to follow before nailing them down. With normal track this can be very challenging to get it right. However, with flexible track it is easy because you can use pieces of flex track as a template to draw around and mark the track locations. There are some tools available to buy that have been specifically designed for this purpose, but you may find they are not entirely necessary ? a yardstick, pencil and a few extra track lengths can do the job just as well and cost less.

The advantages of flexible track are clear and unequivocal. All things considered, flexible track for your model trains to run on is unquestionably the way to go.

Originally posted 2009-11-04 16:50:45. Republished by Old Post Promoter

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The beginner getting in the ho example train hobby will have numerous queries. Even that can be serious, because you want to recognise some thing about the issue you are curious.

Your line of questioning will have to deal with the intention you wish the ho model train for. If you are designing on becoming a collector, or are you only make a primary layout for something to do, but are not going to get overly involved, or is a present for a youngster?

If you are planning on becoming a collector, so your first question would be where can you collect whatever particular information as to the history of the Lionel trains. It would be speculative to pay top dollar for a train set that was not reliable. Several vintage parts can be very costly.

To start with simply a introductory set and go from there, it might be well to go a reputable hobby store ,rather one that only addresses with train sets. Most of the individuals that have these kinds of stores have a love of trains and they have spent ages finding about them. The one bit of knowledge that you do have is you know that Lionel train sets have been on the market for some years, and are acknowledged to be worth the money you are about to invest. So in all likelihood your introductory enquiry should be, which models should you start off with. You will in all likelihood want to start with a easy elementary set and add up to it. Did not make the decision that it doesnt matter if there are add ons or not. It has been said that the train hobby is highly addictive. Which means theres a easy chance you may get to a greater extent involved then you projected.

Plan for the future. Ask the experienced hobbyist selling to you if whatsoever of the ho model train sets come DCC ready. This is new to model railroading, and what it signifies it that it utilises digital computer technology. If the result is no, and then require are there sets that can be upgraded and if so how much would it cost. You too require to know what is a average budget to have to start with the train series. They may have some package deals already defined.

If you are buying a set for a child. Your demands will depend on the childs age. Say they are rather young and so you will require a Lionel train set that is going to fit in with his capabilities to run it. Over Again ask the sales rep what they would recommend for that age group. He will be confident to show you train sets that would be ideal for what you are reckoning for. And Then you can pick the theme that your child would like well.

Originally posted 2009-12-14 10:33:23. Republished by Old Post Promoter

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When it gets down to it, their valued, or their selling cost, will look on whatsoever things, not the least of which is how much the buyer is ready to give you to get it. The most affected buyers will course pay more than someone who is not fanatic about it.

The last someone you want to deal your used Lionel train to is one of those someones who post ads saying “I buy trains!”. These somebodies are in the business of paying the bottom possible price, and then selling as high as manageable. You most likely will not get a good cost presently.

Who you DO want to talk to is proper collectors of used Lionel trains. They are most likely to give you a ordinary cost, and in this group of someones is where you are likewise most in all probability to learn a motivated purchaser. You may have a localized group of collectors in your personalized region. Hobby workshops that deal in old Lionel trains, or supply regions and add-on for them, can direct you in seeing the accurate collectors.

Nowadays that you recognize where to find a purchaser, here are whatsoever hints to help you put a price on your antique Lionel train.

The Train Collectors Association has direct grading banners that are observed by the regular train collectors in discovering valuations. They divide the entire range of conditions into 7 categories, ranging from brand new and unused (mint condition) to rubble, with some useable divisions (poor condition). The 7 categories are: Mint, Like New, Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair, Poor. Your train will drop somewhere into one of these families.

In addition, there are 2 quality leads released every last yr that can help you to fix a rate for your old Lionel train. These publishing companies are well honorable in this field, and have been writing these guides for some yr. The two guides are:

TM’s Lionel Price and Rarity Guide – Volume 1 or Volume two, betting on the date your Lionel train was constructed

Greenberg’s Pocket Price Guide to Lionel Trains

There are certain affairs you can do which can make a primary difference in your selling cost. If your train is in mint condition, plus you have the special package, you will get the steepest price possible. So do not ever so cast away the box if you have one. Also, clean your train so that there is no dust, soil, dirt, or old built up oil on it. A clean and polished train that doesn’t move can ofttimes require a high dealing cost than a dirty one that operates. In addition, sometimes just cleansing it up and making minor fixtures can reestablish that old train to a more worthy condition.

You can get an superior guide for fixing your old Lionel train at LionelManuals.com. The guide is actually 2 CDs full of instructions, blueprints, parts lists, and detailed plots for every Lionel train ready-made from 1906 through 1986. It makes reconstructing your train simple, and can easily double or triple the cost you can get for your train. With whatever of these payable trains, doing the uncomplicated restores can actually bring you thousands of dollars more when you sell it.

So you see, there is a lot that goes into committing a rate on your used Lionel train. Your well count to get a good trading price is to do your enquiry on your train, check the established guides, make contact with a collectors club, and show a reconstructed, clean and beaming train to a wild gatherer.

Originally posted 2009-12-30 10:49:11. Republished by Old Post Promoter

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Let?s start with scale. Model trains are scaled down trains–that is, smaller versions of real trains. A model train?s scale tells us its proportion in relation to the real train version. For example, a Lionel train is an O27 train, with a scale of 1:48 . This means that the Lionel train is 48 times smaller than its real train counterpart, with one-quarter inch equal to one scale foot. Due to their larger size, Lionel trains are easy to work with, especially for beginners–but they may not be the best choice as the available product line is smaller than that of standard gauge trains, or HO (half-zero).

Gauge–gauge is the distance between the rails of a railroad track. Standard track gauge is 4? 8.5?. O gauge tracks are 1.25? apart. Something to be aware of, though, is that gauge and class specifications can vary internationally, so always check the exact measurements before buying internationally.

As O27 trains, Lionel trains are a bit different from standard O gauge trains. They run on O27 track, which is a bit shorter and narrower than standard O track. The difference can be seen when O27 track is laid out in a circle–an 8 piece circle of O27 track will be 27? across (an 8 piece circle of standard O track is 31? across). Love Lionel trains but have a lot of O track from other set-ups? That?s okay because you can use O track and O27 track together without any problem. Raise your track a little by using a shim, widely available at hobby shops.

Some companies, like Conrad, NZG, and Corgi manufacture die-cast, or metal, model trains that are also compatible with O scale track. This can lead to some interesting track set-ups, and die-cast trucks, cars, buses and construction equipment are popular with collectors.

Lionel trains are a good choice for many reasons. Beyond the ease of running an O27 train, they are also great for modelers looking to perfect model and replica trains. Their size is easy to work with (unlike the smaller N and Z gauge trains), and a great choice for children interested in railroading.

Originally posted 2009-11-16 11:36:51. Republished by Old Post Promoter

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Repairing and reconstructing your old Lionel train can be very accomplishing. You can enjoy in the warm glowing of memories of past times, and so make new memories to go on with them!

The good thing is, you can do this yourself with just a small patience and know-how! At One Time you’ve mended it, holding your old train’s aura is largely a topic of a dab of oil now and then in the good targets to keep it functioning smoothly.

How do you mend Lionel Trains?

The introductory step in restoring an old Lionel train is to make it all cleaned up.

Wipe it all off with a soft cloth to remove debris and stain.

You can take out rust with rust remover or sand paper. Say you see green or cranky white spots, that is oxidation, and you can get rid of it with oxidation remover.

The final part in your cleaning is to wipe down the tracks, the wheels of the cars, and any moving parts with a light oil spray. Use Q-Tips soaked with the oil to get into smaller areas, like the wheels, and use a soft cloth soaked with the oil for the tracks. Buff it all up with a clean part of the cloth.

Placed a tap of the oil on whatever moving sections, and function it in so that they run smoothly and easily. You can use a toothpick to collect tiny pieces of oil for the small segments.

You can start to mending it now that it’s clean.

Make sure all the pieces of the track fit together tightly. If they don’t, then bend the connections back into position with average pairs of pliers. It might take a few tests to get them simply in good order, simply you should be able to get a challenging fit.

Take the bodies off of your cars, and inspect the interiors. Clean them as earlier, and reckon for broken areas. It Is actually simple to exchange these sections yourself. You can purchase them at a Lionel trains specialty storage, numerous hobby storages, or get them from Lionel trains regions catalogs. Only unscrew them and screw in the replacement part.

Lastly, does your train move? Check it after you’ve cleaned it all, because built up soil and dirt could cause the link ‘tween the train and the track to be so terrible that it retains it from running. If it’s clean and still doesn’t move, check to see if the plug is working. If the plug reckons Fine, it may be that the transformer wants repair or substitute.

You can find detailed statements about how to fix the transformer, and each of the different regions of Lionel trains at LionelManuals.com. They have a two CD set of complete guides, blueprints, and plots for all Lionel train ready-made from 1906 through 1986. The set also takes on a areas and supplements catalogue for your convenience.

Use the repair manuals to complete any other necessary repairs for your train.

Ready And Waiting to keep your Lionel train, merely keep it clean and furbished, oil the running parts all so often, and it should present you many more yr of enjoyment!

Originally posted 2010-01-03 11:09:38. Republished by Old Post Promoter

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