Not Knowledgeable about tinplate: recommendations

Lee,

This is like some of those open-ended questions we see on the O gauge side (you know the ones  ) and you’ll likely get answers all over the map. And there’s no right or wrong answer.

One question, though:  Standard or O gauge? I assume O but that’s my own bias.

When I got back into trains (the last time around) it was because I got bitten by the tinplate bug. For my own reasons, I prefer the modern reproductions by Lionel Tinplate Corporation (joint venture between Lionel and MTH) and they have some really great offerings. RTR sets, individual locos you can pair with different passenger sets or freight cars, and plenty of accessories, signals, and structures. Many are offered in either traditional or PS-3 versions.

The Blue Comet is a classic, of course, and is a great one to pick up as an intro to tin (you’ll get advice, I’m sure, to get the Standard gauge version). In the latest LCT catalog, they also have  a Red Comet set and some others with Vanderbilt locos. Most of the electrics are Standard, although there are a few in O. Take a look at the 2012 LCT catalog for more. Probably won’t see the 2013 ‘til April York.

Again, can’t go wrong with a Blue Comet set, but I’ll let the lobbying begin.

Thank you.  I certainly will not get a standard gauge version.  I have over 300 feet of O gauge track and no room for any other layout or track.  Plus, O is plenty big for me and easy to run. 

Welcome to the "Lighter" side, Lee!  BTW, the Baby Blue Comet is stunning, but I believe it has only been made with nickle trim, so you can't go wrong. 

It's being offered (for the first time per the catalog description) in a brass trim version in the 2012 LCT catalog.

The only thing I would be concerned about is switches, but if I remember correctly, your layout only has two, so that should not be a problem.

HI

 If you want tin plate look us up or need parts.

Lee

I have the Baby Blue Comet from 2005. Don't run it much, but it definately is an attention getter. Gorgeous train set and a very reliable runner.

Steve

I have the Baby Blue Comet from a few years ago and I love it.  There is one for sale on the For Sale Forum.

https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/d...nt/12270977817278705

Jeff Davis

I was at Nicholas Smith in Broomall, PA last week, he had an original on the wall with 4 cars, I didn't ask the price, as I have no buyer's resistance when it comes to prewar steam locos, i.e., 238E, 260, 262, 263, 259 and 258 in the train room. Looked pretty good, but it was from ten feet away. I do know that N.S. tests all of their second hand locos, and fixes what needs fixing. FWIW. 

Thanks to everyone.  I plan to get one . . .

Lee,

   As you probably know I like Tin Plate better than any other trains, to me the trains are the classic form of running.  The Blue Comet is a timeless classic, whether you pick O Guage or Standard means little, remember if you do pick the O Gauge that

only certain switches will accommodate Tin Plate trains.  I run my O guage Tin Plate on Lionel Fastrack using old Lionel 711 & 072 switches, because Tin Plate trains run so well on it, ofcourse I still have the old Tubular tracks also.   The Lionel 711 switches are the original O Gauge Tin Plate tubular switches, that came in the early Lionel Tin Plate Train sets, and they upped the cost of the trains sets considerabbly.  Most middle income families in that era, could not afford to purchase them.  The switches that came with my Fathers 263E work train set, still work perfectly even today.  As does the rest of the train.   Yep Lionels life time warranty on their original product really did work, it was made with pride in the USA.

Due to my memories, you don't own a real Lionel train until you own a Tin Plate.

The Blue Comet would be a great start.

PCRR/Dave

The original 711 Lionel Switches & Controllers

The MTH Reproduction of the original Lionel 263E

Me and my Grandpa in 1949, running my Tin Plate Train on the original O Gauge tracks.