Hi redjimmy!
Over the years since my 3-rail experiments, the allure of "traditional-sized" trains, especially select PW Marx and Lionel pieces, has been residual within me.
For the immediate future, "running" will only be on a small loop set up on the kitchen table for piddle-playing and testing purposes. In the upcoming months, I'll be acquiring track on an "as can" basis, and eventually, I'll restore the ability to run trains on the existing "around the wall" bench work here in this 2'6" x 9' 6" "computer room". In order to do that I will need to re-install the hinged drop-down bridge so as to have continuous running. (But I saved all the parts to the hinged drop-down bridge upon disassembly after the last experimental effort.)
As for steam or diesel?
Well, Lionel's PW Hudson steam engines that were based on the Berk boiler (including a Berk "one of these days") as well as the shorter "Baldwin" boiler Hudson's are my favorites among the postwar steam offerings. I'll start with those when it comes time to purchase.
As for Lionel PW diesels, I prefer the downsized "traditional" engines that better fit the 6464-type boxcars. That would mainly be the cast frame and stamp frame FA's. I am not interested in any "scale sized" equipment, either engines or rolling stock. Migrating toward "Hi-rail" was my downfall when I seriously explored 3-rail back almost 20 years ago.
Marx: Wouldn't mind at all having a #333 smoker and possibly a few litho diesels.
As for non-PW engines of interest would be MTH Railking "Stubby" F3's, and an RMT "Bang" Alco S-2 or two. OR, in time, perhaps any "traditional" sized Williams FA or what have you.
Long term: I fully intend to make progress on my HO layout and enjoy it as long as I dare before making a HUGE decision as to what to do with it once the "Hassle Factor" has overtaken the "Fun Factor". In meantime, hopefully within a few months I'll have double main continuous run loops w/switching here in my computer room upon which to scratch the 3-rail itch.
Hardest part will be dealing with some "take aways" that accommodating 3-rail will entail.
Andre
