Postwar Paradise

Life is short, you know it. I am in the life support side of things. No beating myself up. But I do miss the Had to return the 1959 eBay stolen item then sold to me merchandise to original owner. No problem.  It was sad but with a good ending. 

His home  insurance paid me in full. Whew.

And the single cut away 57 LP jr. sent to a buyer packed so well, arrived with head broken off!  Cowboy Deliverer threw it out of truck and ran over it as witnessed.

good ending  money refunded and head repaired professionally.

just miss those two. They were awesome.

PW trains easier on the senses.

 

Coast side Kevin, Awesome pop up layout!!!!

thanks for sending footage.

leroof

Leroof posted:

Life is short, you know it. I am in the life support side of things. No beating myself up. But I do miss the Had to return the 1959 eBay stolen item then sold to me merchandise to original owner. No problem.  It was sad but with a good ending. 

His home  insurance paid me in full. Whew.

And the single cut away 57 LP jr. sent to a buyer packed so well, arrived with head broken off!  Cowboy Deliverer threw it out of truck and ran over it as witnessed.

good ending  money refunded and head repaired professionally.

just miss those two. They were awesome.

PW trains easier on the senses.

 

Wow..that's something.  I've had some LPs come and go including a black 1957 with 3 PAF...nice but not my thing. Tele is more stout...ever see the video of Kief fending off a stage rusher with his? Fendermain

CoastsideKevin I just looked up Elkhorn Slough...looks like wonderful place.  Fendermain

Fendermain posted:

CoastsideKevin I just looked up Elkhorn Slough...looks like wonderful place.  Fendermain

It is an amazing place. Worth putting on your to-see list when you visit CA. I want to take my kids on the Coast Starlight all the way from start to finish - would be an incredible journey. 

Hey Fendermain! you had a real 57 Custom black beauty with three PAF's, very cool. My 54 black beauty with alnicos and P 90 was a Heavy weight, rib bruiser.  I preferred early the feather weight  LP jrs with my marshall 1930. I  don't have any vintage stuff left, but spanking a blackguard tele was an amazing time. Keif wouldn't have fended off a over zealous fan with a burst! No, I haven't seen that footage, was it with the 59 black guard?  

Playing with PW lionel stuff is a different kind of fun. Looking forward to playing with the new old layout again. Great chillin with you here. Have a good one Fendermain.

 

Leroof   Go to youtube look up keith richards guitar hit...it looks like a 1970s black tele custom.  Less drama with PW trains..too many fakes with old guitars now.      Fendermain

Postwar unit trains, on sidings, ready to roll:

Coal:

Logs:

Milk:

Oil:

"Rollin', rollin', rollin, though the streams are swollin',  keep them doggies movin',    Rawhide. . . (crack of the whip), . . . 

Move em out, let em out, ride em in, let em out, move em out, ride em in, Rawhide."

There's something about Postwar unit trains reminiscent of cattle drives. Not sure what it is.

Cattle drives moved meat to market; subsequently, trains moved all kinds of products to market. 

I was born in 1951, so I'm as Postwar as these trains. Shows about cowboys were often on TV when I was playing with Lionel trains as a kid.

Many on this Forum are also Postwar, having been born between 1946 and 1964.

Arnold

 

Postwar 646 Hudson and 736 Berkshire:

Got to have it all, modern and Postwar. Don't settle for less!

LOL, Arnold 

Postwar lionel 44 tonners at work

franktrain posted:

Postwar lionel 44 tonners at work

Double-headed Postwar 44 tonners pulling long trains. Set them for forward only. I never thought of doing that. Thanks.

Thanks to Franktrain. now I know that Postwar double-headed 44 tonners can pull long trains, slow and smooth:

I can't believe after having these trains for over 50 years that I never double-headed these engines before. And they have strong Magnetraction.

Cool 44 Tonners!  I always loved them as a kid...  Finally got my first, the NP, a few years ago...

I'm looking to add a PW switcher to my switch yard, and I love the look of these!

Fendermain posted:

Leroof posted:

Fendermain, hey put down that computer and riff, the telle is waiting! Lol.

crank it!

Leroof   No tele time yet..cleaned and lubed 022 switches.  Now it's time for some EL 84 fun.  Fendermain

EL84 fun - now we’re talking! I’m an accumulator of tubes (Dynakit/Dynaco MK IV amps, my son has a Fender Blues Jr amp) - he’s using different EL84s he’s been gifted (Mullard, GE, RCA, Tungsram) and a nice RCA 7025 for the preamp section.

As for postwar my AMT/KMT collection and Lionel trains are tucked away in tubs - I’ll dig some out to put under one of our Christmas trees.

Fendermain posted:

Leroof posted:

Fendermain, hey put down that computer and riff, the telle is waiting! Lol.

crank it!

Leroof   No tele time yet..cleaned and lubed 022 switches.  Now it's time for some EL 84 fun.  Fendermain

How hard is it to service these winches? I have 11 on my layout that need servicing, so debating paying an expert $20/pop, or doing it myself. I'm working full time right now, so time is at a premium in my life. Thoughts?

MTN posted:

Fendermain posted:

Leroof posted:

Fendermain, hey put down that computer and riff, the telle is waiting! Lol.

crank it!

Leroof   No tele time yet..cleaned and lubed 022 switches.  Now it's time for some EL 84 fun.  Fendermain

EL84 fun - now we’re talking! I’m an accumulator of tubes (Dynakit/Dynaco MK IV amps, my son has a Fender Blues Jr amp) - he’s using different EL84s he’s been gifted (Mullard, GE, RCA, Tungsram) and a nice RCA 7025 for the preamp section.

As for postwar my AMT/KMT collection and Lionel trains are tucked away in tubs - I’ll dig some out to put under one of our Christmas trees.

MTN  Time to open the tubs and have at it. Nice that your son has the Blues Jr.--they are very popular.  I have often thought about the Dynacos and their brethren but don't know enough to take the plunge. Haven't found any vintage EL 84s for my amps powered as such but have had good luck with Brimar, Hytron and RCA for 6v6 amps.   Fendermain

CoastsideKevin posted:

Fendermain posted:

Leroof posted:

Fendermain, hey put down that computer and riff, the telle is waiting! Lol.

crank it!

Leroof   No tele time yet..cleaned and lubed 022 switches.  Now it's time for some EL 84 fun.  Fendermain

How hard is it to service these winches? I have 11 on my layout that need servicing, so debating paying an expert $20/pop, or doing it myself. I'm working full time right now, so time is at a premium in my life. Thoughts?

Kevin   It's easy and youtube is your friend.  With 11 once you do the first couple and get familiar with the procedure the rest should go quickly.   Fendermain

Fendermain posted:

CoastsideKevin posted:

Fendermain posted:

Leroof posted:

Fendermain, hey put down that computer and riff, the telle is waiting! Lol.

crank it!

Leroof   No tele time yet..cleaned and lubed 022 switches.  Now it's time for some EL 84 fun.  Fendermain

How hard is it to service these winches? I have 11 on my layout that need servicing, so debating paying an expert $20/pop, or doing it myself. I'm working full time right now, so time is at a premium in my life. Thoughts?

Kevin   It's easy and youtube is your friend.  With 11 once you do the first couple and get familiar with the procedure the rest should go quickly.   Fendermain

Good to know, thanks. 

Made good progress on the layout today - videos coming soon!

Postwar trains passing in the night. 

My 1st Lionel PostWar train......last December on the modular layout....

Peter

My grandson 3 months old. Starting him early with GG1!

 

Leroof posted:

Hey Fendermain! you had a real 57 Custom black beauty with three PAF's, very cool. My 54 black beauty with alnicos and P 90 was a Heavy weight, rib bruiser.  I preferred early the feather weight  LP jrs with my marshall 1930. I  don't have any vintage stuff left, but spanking a blackguard tele was an amazing time. Keif wouldn't have fended off a over zealous fan with a burst! No, I haven't seen that footage, was it with the 59 black guard?  

Playing with PW lionel stuff is a different kind of fun. Looking forward to playing with the new old layout again. Great chillin with you here. Have a good one Fendermain.

 

So many of us share interests. I play Charvels and Kramer’s from 1987. My amp is a 1974 Marshall superlead mode by Dave Friedman played through a 1971 Marshall cab. I play every Sunday morning at church. 

I’m building a 12x25 shelf layout with pw diesels and scale rolling stock. I’ll get some pictures up by Saturday.

Fendermain, Maybe a Cathedral! Superlead =100 watts of crunch possibly with 4X 12 cab,

could possibly  be some floydrose overdrive ecstasy and fretboard tapping!

Hi there Guitarmike,  glad you get to play ever Sunday.

Also, send photos  when you can, we dig shelf layouts.

thanks.

leroof

Guitarmike..Leroof..tried to do an edit from an old tablet=bad juju.  Anyway, Superlead mega cool and mega loud..need big spaces for those. I had a Marshall 1987x but it was too much for my hearing impaired  self. Low wattage for me now.  Guitarmike we look forward to your pics.     Fendermain

This one is for Pennsylania Railroad lovers: Postwar 681 turbine hauling coal and logs:

Fendermain posted:

MTN posted:

Fendermain posted:

Leroof posted:

Fendermain, hey put down that computer and riff, the telle is waiting! Lol.

crank it!

Leroof   No tele time yet..cleaned and lubed 022 switches.  Now it's time for some EL 84 fun.  Fendermain

EL84 fun - now we’re talking! I’m an accumulator of tubes (Dynakit/Dynaco MK IV amps, my son has a Fender Blues Jr amp) - he’s using different EL84s he’s been gifted (Mullard, GE, RCA, Tungsram) and a nice RCA 7025 for the preamp section.

As for postwar my AMT/KMT collection and Lionel trains are tucked away in tubs - I’ll dig some out to put under one of our Christmas trees.

MTN  Time to open the tubs and have at it. Nice that your son has the Blues Jr.--they are very popular.  I have often thought about the Dynacos and their brethren but don't know enough to take the plunge. Haven't found any vintage EL 84s for my amps powered as such but have had good luck with Brimar, Hytron and RCA for 6v6 amps.   Fendermain

I have NOS EL84s from Amperex/Philips versions from Holland, Canada, France and a few I’ve probably forgotten, Mullard, Brimar, RCA, GE, Sylvania, Tung-Sol, Westinghouse, Matsush*ta, Telam, Siemens, and EI stockpiled (lots still out there, the hunt never ends). My sons amp can get flavored in a number of different ways.

Dynaco amps are great because you get any parts you need for them - Sunn used the MK-III 60 watt mono amp in their early amps. I have a Maxi digital tester for power tubes and a B&K 747B for preamp tubes and can handle repair work on the Dyna amps - there’s a good Dyna forum that has several folks who are good at diagnosing problems.

As for trains, I’m a pretty good Lionel and Flyer repairman - been awhile since I’ve done any O gauge repairs. I pull postwar out for a Christmas floor layout - I try running trains my dad bought back in the 50s and 60s.

I can't believe how many of us on this Forum are into guitars, amps and O Gauge trains!

I have a Martin classical nylon string with a pick up installed (I think Willie Nelson did the same thing) and a Guild acoustic steel string, but no electric guitars.

Wouldn't it be nice for us train and music lovers to someday get together with Neil Young?

MTN  Sounds like you are a tube meister.  How do you source them? Last time I bought NOS was from a dealer... KCA I believe.  I had a Sunn Solarus back in the day...60 watts EL34 as I recall...don't know if it was MK-III powered.

Have fun with the PW trains.     Fendermain

Arnold D. Cribari posted:

I can't believe how many of us on this Forum are into guitars, amps and O Gauge trains!

I have a Martin classical nylon string with a pick up installed (I think Willie Nelson did the same thing) and a Guild acoustic steel string, but no electric guitars.

Wouldn't it be nice for us train and music lovers to someday get together with Neil Young?

Arnold you might what to spice things up like Bob Dylan and add some electric action. "Muddy Waters invented electricity."  A+++++ on the Neil Young thing.      Fendermain

Fendermain posted:

Arnold D. Cribari posted:

I can't believe how many of us on this Forum are into guitars, amps and O Gauge trains!

I have a Martin classical nylon string with a pick up installed (I think Willie Nelson did the same thing) and a Guild acoustic steel string, but no electric guitars.

Wouldn't it be nice for us train and music lovers to someday get together with Neil Young?

Arnold you might what to spice things up like Bob Dylan and add some electric action. "Muddy Waters invented electricity."  A+++++ on the Neil Young thing.      Fendermain

One of my favorite Rock and Roll electric guitarists is Robbie Krieger of The Doors. He could also do flamenco (Spanish Caravan). Last year I posted a train video on this Forum with LA Woman playing in the background.

Fendermain posted:

MTN  Sounds like you are a tube meister.  How do you source them? Last time I bought NOS was from a dealer... KCA I believe.  I had a Sunn Solarus back in the day...60 watts EL34 as I recall...don't know if it was MK-III powered.

Have fun with the PW trains.     Fendermain

Auctions, estate sales, word of mouth - I’ve done a lot of research and know how to identity tubes (brand name printed on a tube doesn’t ensure that they made the tube) - as a hobby goes it’s taken a lot of work to get where I am.

Sharing a bit of Thanksgiving postwar train joy with my kiddos. Have a great day, everyone. 

Happy Thanksgiving, Postwar style!

Happy Thanksgiving to all.    Fendermain

Aren't the O Gauge 022 switch tracks with fixed voltage plugs the greatest?

What do you think of them?

I know they don't look realistic, but that doesn't bother me at all. In fact, I much prefer their toy-like appearance to the real thing.

They are rugged, reliable, easy to fix (which is seldom necessary) and I love the lights, non-derailing feature, fixed voltage plug  and controllers.

At the moment, this video shows what I'm most excited about on my mostly Postwar layout. Getting the Postwar Double Track Signal Bridge and Operating Switch Tower to work flawlessly:

Arnold, Do you use insulated track sections to activate accessories?

I've always the thought the 445 switch tower was one of the easier ones because they marked the electrical connections 1-2-3. At least they used to on the older PW versions. 1 and 3 (either way) are hot and common and 2 goes to the insulated side of the track piece. Then again, there’s also the mechanical aspects of the tower and getting them to work. I’ve been lucky as my old 445 has been one of my most reliable PW accessories.

John, I use the weight bearing triggering device for the switch tower and signal bridge.

I use insulated track sections for the crossing gates in other videos I have posted.

The insulated track sections are better IMO.

 

Arnold D. Cribari posted:

Aren't the O Gauge 022 switch tracks with fixed voltage plugs the greatest?

What do you think of them?

I know they don't look realistic, but that doesn't bother me at all. In fact, I much prefer their toy-like appearance to the real thing.

They are rugged, reliable, easy to fix (which is seldom necessary) and I love the lights, non-derailing feature, fixed voltage plug  and controllers.

On my layout, the O22 switch tracks are powered using the fixed voltage plug.  However, I discovered that running Lionchief Plus locos, where the track power must be kept at 18 volts, the fixed voltage plugs may not be necessary.  

Arnold D. Cribari posted:

John, I use the weight bearing triggering device for the switch tower and signal bridge.

I use insulated track sections for the crossing gates in other videos I have posted.

The insulated track sections are better IMO.

 

You have more patience than I as I always found those pressure devices to be sort of a pain to use.

I use insulated track sections (and a few relays) for all my accessories, signals, etc. Solder the wire right on to the track for a solid connection.

johnstrains posted:

Arnold D. Cribari posted:

John, I use the weight bearing triggering device for the switch tower and signal bridge.

I use insulated track sections for the crossing gates in other videos I have posted.

The insulated track sections are better IMO.

 

You have more patience than I as I always found those pressure devices to be sort of a pain to use.

I use insulated track sections (and a few relays) for all my accessories, signals, etc. Solder the wire right on to the track for a solid connection.

Agreed, John, it's a form of masochism on my part.

Amazed by my 1615 switcher. Here it is pulling some heavy PW operating cars. 

Next step is wiring my freshly serviced 022s to constant voltage. Any tips on best way to attach the drop wires to the main power wire? Splice? Solder? Wire nuts? Going to run 18ga wire from the transformer in a loop and not sure how best to tap in at each switch. 

Thanks!

I was in a Postwar State of Mind, as well as a "New York State of Mind" (Billy Joel song), last night.

Passenger and freight trains led by 681 Turbine and 646 Hudson:

Arnold

I hope it's ok to revive one of my favorite threads from last year.  I acquired this 2046 steamer this year...I believe it's from 1951.  Good year!!!  Pulling some early postwar cars.  

Fendermain

Fendermain, I received a crate full of postwar stuff a colleague's childhood trains, all postwar and worn!  But I like to fix and renovate stuff.  A 2046 is one of the items that will go to the bench for rehab.

I had to air out the stuff and it had been in a garage since the early seventies un run in this crate. 

As it was raining and I couldn't bring it in due to mold allergies in my wife and daughter I had to keep it out until I did a remedial de molding process.

a couple more photos to come.

This Ought to keep me busy there's a lot to renovate (and besides I didn't get the B-15n but I lucked out with this cool free stuff).

Leroof

Leroof.  Good going.  It's very rewarding to bring these treasures back to life.  My 2046 is a good runner...looking foreward to updates.  

Fendermain

Leroof posted:

This Ought to keep me busy there's a lot to renovate (and besides I didn't get the B-15n but I lucked out with this cool free stuff).

Leroof

Leroof,  It's hard to beat free. Rock the rocket..life is good my friend.

Fendermain

IMO, no Postwar locomotive runs better on 031 tubular track than the 2046 or 646. Its heft and Magnetraction make it a very good puller. Arnold

Good morning Arnold, I am looking forward to getting this old worn beast running well on my 031's and 022's.

My 646 is happy on the pike.

 

My 2020, and 2055 like 031's and 022's as well! 

IMO. Banked curves are key for safe operations.

Arnold D. Cribari posted:

This one is for Pennsylania Railroad lovers: Postwar 681 turbine hauling coal and logs:

Arnold, unless you had just lubed those coal cars, that must have been one very heavy load. I own a couple of those cars, and they are not an easy haul! Way2Go, #681!

Ahhh, postwar in action , I love ozone in the morning!

On the left is a recently acquired postwar NYC 6464-125...$50.00 on ebay in very good condition.  I had one when I was a kid and it was my favorite car.  When getting back into the hobby in the early 1990s I did not want to cough up the $100.00 plus for one.  Instead I bought the 16236 Lionel Mt. Clemens Mich. produced model on the right for about $30.00.  Life is good...both are nice to have.

Fendermain

Caught the mid morning pipe train heading to Allen Pipe Distribution Co.

Love those post war NYC gondolas!

Arnold D. Cribari posted:

I can't believe how many of us on this Forum are into guitars, amps and O Gauge trains!

I have a Martin classical nylon string with a pick up installed (I think Willie Nelson did the same thing) and a Guild acoustic steel string, but no electric guitars.

Wouldn't it be nice for us train and music lovers to someday get together with Neil Young?

Arnold......I had visions of being a rock star in 1970.....Luckily, I realized that I lacked the essential ingredient, talent, before it was too late.....

Peter

 

It aint much, but these are my little pieces of Postwar Paradise.

I first got into Postwar Lionel when I volunteered at a train show (needed hours for school) in San Antonio in 2016? I think. I met a guy selling postwar and I helped sell some stuff to local patrons including a Bucyrus Erie, a scout starter set and a few other things. At the end of the day I got my first Postwar from him, a 1949 6465 Tank car along with the original box. The next two PWs were eBay purchases, a 6468-1 B&O Double-Door and a 6356 NYC Stock car. My next purchase would not happen until April of 2018, when my family and I traveled to Vegas for Spring Break. I managed to visit a train store (shoutout to Westside Trains Las Vegas if ya'll are here!) and leave with a 681/2046 PRR and a 6357 Lighted SP Caboose. The train runs well and the light in the caboose shines bright as ever! My next purchase were also ebay, fall 2018; a Gray Lehigh Valley 6456 with a crack in the shell. The last one would be the grandest purchase yet, a B&M 6464. This was bought off ebay in January I think.

I've stopped collecting Lionel for a bit because the ever-so-apparent problem of space is now making an occurrence. That, and now im looking into HO Trains as well. However, with the holidays around the corner I will be prepping my O-Gauge stuff for the layout under my bed and eventually under the tree.

I also have a few PW-Celebration and PW inspired cars. I have two 6464 stand-ins (A Central of Georgia Boxcar with a box labeled Southern for some reason and the MPC #9420 B&O Sentinel boxcar), the PWC #6561 Flatcar W/ Cables, a 1990's "2460" Bucyrus-Erie Crane Car and the four Great Lakes Express Passenger 027 coaches. Every now and then I also toss in one of my #84722 N&W Hoppers as a stand-in for the coal-dumping N&W hopper.

I myself don't have a layout, nor will I for quite some time. However, when I rest my head on the living room floor and watch the little 681 whiz by it takes me to my own little paradise. One where the problems of life are non-existent and I am at the controls of one of the greatest models to have ever been made.

TheRWBYRailfan posted:

It aint much, but these are my little pieces of Postwar Paradise.

I first got into Postwar Lionel when I volunteered at a train show (needed hours for school) in San Antonio in 2016? I think. I met a guy selling postwar and I helped sell some stuff to local patrons including a Bucyrus Erie, a scout starter set and a few other things. At the end of the day I got my first Postwar from him, a 1949 6465 Tank car along with the original box. The next two PWs were eBay purchases, a 6468-1 B&O Double-Door and a 6356 NYC Stock car. My next purchase would not happen until April of 2018, when my family and I traveled to Vegas for Spring Break. I managed to visit a train store (shoutout to Westside Trains Las Vegas if ya'll are here!) and leave with a 681/2046 PRR and a 6357 Lighted SP Caboose. The train runs well and the light in the caboose shines bright as ever! My next purchase were also ebay, fall 2018; a Gray Lehigh Valley 6456 with a crack in the shell. The last one would be the grandest purchase yet, a B&M 6464. This was bought off ebay in January I think.

I've stopped collecting Lionel for a bit because the ever-so-apparent problem of space is now making an occurrence. That, and now im looking into HO Trains as well. However, with the holidays around the corner I will be prepping my O-Gauge stuff for the layout under my bed and eventually under the tree.

I also have a few PW-Celebration and PW inspired cars. I have two 6464 stand-ins (A Central of Georgia Boxcar with a box labeled Southern for some reason and the MPC #9420 B&O Sentinel boxcar), the PWC #6561 Flatcar W/ Cables, a 1990's "2460" Bucyrus-Erie Crane Car and the four Great Lakes Express Passenger 027 coaches. Every now and then I also toss in one of my #84722 N&W Hoppers as a stand-in for the coal-dumping N&W hopper.

I myself don't have a layout, nor will I for quite some time. However, when I rest my head on the living room floor and watch the little 681 whiz by it takes me to my own little paradise. One where the problems of life are non-existent and I am at the controls of one of the greatest models to have ever been made.

So true.  For me the post-war simplicity is so relaxing.  As a carpenter, I am and always was a stickler for detail and preciseness.  The simplicity of post-war Lionel trains takes me into my own little world.  Away from the stress of dealing with clients and $$$$$

Dan Padova posted:

So true.  For me the post-war simplicity is so relaxing.  As a carpenter, I am and always was a stickler for detail and preciseness.  The simplicity of post-war Lionel trains takes me into my own little world.  Away from the stress of dealing with clients and $$$$$

Personally I kinda am a stickler for both details and simplicity. I like the traditional line because it allows me to transport myself to the fantasy world of Lionelville USA but the stickler for details because one day that little bar saying "BUILT BY LIONEL/SKU NUMBER" will eventually become too bothersome for me.

                                                                                                                                                                       Around 30 years ago while I was assigned to a location just outside Philly, I encountered a 2344C NYC "B" unit at a hobby shop for a very cheap price.  Knowing that the B is more rare than the A units I picked it up with the expectation that I would eventually buy the AA to go with it.  Well, life intervenes as we all know and that never happened but I carried that B around through 8 or 9 more moves and just this October, for my birthday, my wife bought me the matching AA units.  They run like champs and pull like mad.  They are the 1950 ish vintage 2344's  with the "chicken wire" vents which just happened (circumstance) to match my B that I have been moving around the country for 30 years.  So that I my piece of Postwar Paradise today.

Don

Wow!  Havent seen a Kustom Amp in ages.  Still Work?

Patrick

Peter has his e-mail displayed in his profile, you could ask him using that form of communication, rather than derailing the thread, and going off topic. Thanks in advance.

Rusty

Christmas 1967 - two weeks before Christmas and the rec room floor was ALL MINE!!!!!!

Robert Butler,

I was 10 years old in 1967. I was a dedicated Lionel enthusiast by then. You had an excellent layout, by the way. 

Wow!  In 1967 we lived in student housing in a 1 bedroom apt with a combo LR, Kitchen , eating space. No rec room!!  Wonderful layout. You had 3 things I wanted but never did get: coal trestle, cattle car, and transfer table. Lucky Duck!!  Thanks for the picture. 

 Don

Tncentrr and Don, thanks for the compliments.  I paid for it with some money from various part time jobs (most of the money was earmarked for college). Among the odd jobs that helped pay for the layout was baby sitting.  As you might expect, as a guy, the only kids I got were the ones no one else would deal with. 

  When I set up the trains one of the things I did was invite my charges (and their parents) over for a train running/watching session.  Time and again the parents would come in with their kid and stare down into the rec room in shocked amazement. In spite of my charges less-than-desirable home behavior, most of the time they were well behaved and both they and their parents had a good time.  There were, of course, exceptions.

  In 1967 I remember one woman in particular whose son was an absolute ****-on-wheels with respect to lack of good behavior and this lack extended well beyond the confines of the family home.  She came over with her son and rang the doorbell. I answered and ushered them into our house and we headed for the stairs.  From the top of the steps (the vantage point of the picture) his mother caught sight of this layout, yanked her son backwards, wrapped both arms firmly around his torso so he couldn't take another step, refused to go any further than the top of the stairs and, in a very loud voice repeated over and over, "How much does it cost? How much does it cost?"  Needless to say the running session was rather brief.

OK,all these great videos have inspired me.Now my simple video.My Simple layout.My First train,Marx,a cousin's electric,and the great running steamer.Set the layout up so that we could feel and smell the trains..Simple post war layout.Still fun ..Still in progress..

 

Haven’t posted here in awhile. Got out my work gear for my busy yard, now with fully functioning 282 crane. Mostly PW in this pic with a couple of obvious exceptions. 

 

Do you want to hear the roar of those horizontal diesel motors from the early 1950s?

You can hear them in this short video of this Lionel Santa Fe F3 A A  hauling boxcars:

Now if I could only have you smell the heavenly scent of the ozone when playing the above video. LOL, Arnold

There were some recent posts on another thread about the mechanical superiority of the Lionel Postwar 2025 and 2035 steamers. Unfortunately, after initially seeing these posts yesterday, I was unable to find them so I decided to return to this thread to share these locomotives in action.

I will start with the 2025. Since it has no Magnetraction, it was probably made in the late 1940s, and I never thought much of it because it is not a great puller due to the absence of Magnetraction. However, as someone else recently mentioned, it runs like a Swiss watch, is mechanically outstanding, and reeks of quality:

Next is the 2035, which has Magnetraction, is a better puller because of that, and was probably made in the early 1950s:

Both the 2025 and 2035 are peppy little engines.

I love Postwar Lionel of the late 1940s and the early and mid 1950s, much more than the late 1950s and the 1960s. Arnold

Here’s two of my postwar engines. 2035 was my late fathers train that was handed down to me many years ago. Excellent engine that has never let me down and is a great puller. (Currently has a missing classification light on the boiler) Recently just added a 2026 earlier version with the side rails. I think both engines look great together. Considering getting a prewar 2224w tender with all the added rails to compliment the engine railing.

Arnold, Thank you, for sharing your videos of your layout. They definitely take me out of this trouble world.

Here’s a video of engine 2035 on the outside loop and engine 2026 on the inside. Top snowy scene is engine 1060 with the headlight currently out. It’s not loud or anything in the train room. Haha

Last photo of the steamers on the layout prior to dismantling it today.  2035, 2026, 1060

Richizzle07   Great pictures and video.  Hey maybe put that Pennsylvania tender behind the 2026 and the slope back behind the 1060?  I think the 1060 came with a slope back originally (at least that is what mine has).

Don

@Don McErlean posted:

Richizzle07   Great pictures and video.  Hey maybe put that Pennsylvania tender behind the 2026 and the slope back behind the 1060?  I think the 1060 came with a slope back originally (at least that is what mine has).

Don

Thanks Don! You’re correct. I was just mix matching them for the past 2 weeks. My 6466wx tender that came with the 2026 is having issues at the moment. The Pennsylvania tender came from a 8020 but that’s also not running. Apparently I’m realizing I have a repair list to tackle. 😂

Ozone from dormant motor and the smell of old Lionel lubricant. Doesn't take much to thrill me anymore. Better than any therapist.

I love your new layout Doug. Lots of action there!

Thanks Jerry

@Leroof posted:

i have to find some decent heaters for the concrete refrigerator I call my basement. It's starting to get cold up here in Maine. What I may do is move the three tables upstairs for winter this time around. I may never go back to the dungeon! Lol. I do store the trains upstairs where it's a normal temperature.

Leroof,  I've been watching a show called Holmes on Homes on TV and they use a lite glue I think to attach 4x8 sheets of interlocking foam to basement walls and floors.  Then they attach interlocking sheets of plywood and attach it to the concrete with anchor screws.  It makes sort if a beer cooler.  You lose 1.5 to 2 inches depending on the material thicknesses you choose.   Then your normal flooring is installed on the plywood like the rest of the house.

Do people do that up in Maine to insulate their basements better?

I'm building a shed with a slab floor for a trainroom/storage room in the Midwest and I'm thinking of doing that to isolate the cold floor influence during the winter there.  Not as cold as Maine for sure. but im wanting to get every advantage I can thermally.

Hey Aussteve, I thought when you used foam insulation sheets they had to be covered with some sort of fire-resistant material, like 5/8 plaster wallboard?   Perhaps the formulation of the foam has changed over time and this requirement is not relevant anymore?  Sorry if we're taking this thread off on a tangent....

Dale

Actually, this may be Pre-War Paradise:

I love, love, love this Lionel #115 City Station. This one has the 2 sconces at the front entrance as shown above, and the automatic stop, start feature,  which is so cool.

I have another 115 Lionel City Station without the sconces and the automatic stop, start feature:

This one does have an interior light.

I plan to keep them both on my layout. Arnold

If you have anything that makes you feel you're in Postwar Paradise,  please share it here. Arnold

My gut tells me this topic may be a good one on the eve of, and during, York.

Arnold in case you didn't know your second "115" station without the sconces and stop/start feature was actually made that way by Lionel.  It is a 112 station, offered between 1931-1934.  It looks almost exactly like the 115 but without those features you mentioned.  The 2025 does not have magnetraction but if the motor sides are non magnetic aluminum and not black it dates from 1947-1949

Don

@Don McErlean posted:

Arnold in case you didn't know your second "115" station without the sconces and stop/start feature was actually made that way by Lionel.  It is a 112 station, offered between 1931-1934.  It looks almost exactly like the 115 but without those features you mentioned.  The 2025 does not have magnetraction but if the motor sides are non magnetic aluminum and not black it dates from 1947-1949

Don

Don, did you mean to say the 115 station with the sconces and automatic stop start feature dates from 1947-1949?

No the 2025 dates from those years. Don

Arnold, I won’t be at YORK (committed to scheduled work, so much for retirement!)

but I have postwar paradise fever! Guess I will run my 2321-1 which should be here end of week! It only took me five plus decades to own and run a FM train master!
celebrating in postwar paradise anyway.

great thread continues!

@Leroof posted:

Arnold, I won’t be at YORK (committed to scheduled work, so much for retirement!)

but I have postwar paradise fever! Guess I will run my 2321-1 which should be here end of week! It only took me five plus decades to own and run a FM train master!
celebrating in postwar paradise anyway.

great thread continues!

Good to here from you, Leroof. Will take photos at York and send them your way.

Happily I Look forward to your YORK photos! Thx much, have a safe trip and fun at the show plus enjoy meeting all the bro’s!

Arnold, this is one of my favorite topics and I will submit a video from the archives as I am busy making sawdust with the layout expansion.  Postwar Lionel 623,624 and 6250 with appropriate cars.

Leroof, looking forward to FM pics.

Fendermain! Hey buddy. I Will post my FM! Gonna have to clean, lube and whatever comes my way.
That is a nice video of the three switchers I love the most!
layout Expansion did you say? Exciting! Is you plan a secret surprise? We will all be waiting for the inaugural run.

all my best…

Arnold to clear up an earlier post and my poor communication skills:

112 station - no stop/start and no sconces 1931-1934

115 station - dual sconces and stop/start feature 1935-1942 Note building same as 112.

2025 locomotive  1947-49, 1952  Note '52 version has black side plates on motor others are aluminum colored.  Changes from

'47-49 can possibly be traced from the number / color of the keystone on the boiler front.  If you post the configuration of the keystone, I can try to find that information for you.

Sorry for any confusion:

Don

@Leroof posted:

Fendermain! Hey buddy. I Will post my FM! Gonna have to clean, lube and whatever comes my way.
That is a nice video of the three switchers I love the most!
layout Expansion did you say? Exciting! Is you plan a secret surprise? We will all be waiting for the inaugural run.

all my best…

Leroof my friend,

I’m sure you will have that FM running in top form.

The expansion will provide some switching activities that have been lacking to date.  It is in a skeletal form currently and not presentable.  This will probably take several months to complete, but that’s ok. Presently working on a small backdrop…. “happy trees” and such!

Later…

My bud Fendermain! Looking forward to your layout expansion process. Switching in 3 rail Postwar paradise  never really worked out well.
In my remake of my old layout, I eliminated the fourth original table (pictured) with all the sidings and accessories. Kind of miss all the fun…but the live catenary was definitely a challenge as the switch layout was Inside the overhead Loop. Lots of catenary repairs and difficulty enjoying and operating the accessories.

This table was separately ZW powered located directly behind the NH EP5 (in front of the guitar postal box). Kind of inconvenient to operating the rest of the layout where controls were on opposite side a ways down at table #2. ZW under table. Seen in second photo.

i never got to a backdrop for the former layout, nor the simplified revised one!
a finished heated basement would have been a nice start! Lol.

Fendermain, I have always maintained that your layout is a spectacular showcase of postwar paradise.
and that finished room! Man what a joy!