Tell Me About Standard Gauge...

Oh Strummer, you have just took that first step into another whole realm.  It was in the early 90’s when I bought my first piece of standard gauge.  A Lionel 402E.  When I first saw it, I thought it to be the most butt ugly thing.  After a few hours of socializing at the local train shop and me constantly looking back at that engine sitting on the counter staring at me, I ended up taking it home.  I’m not sure which was worse.  Getting bit by the standard gauge bug or COVID.  COVID only had me down for about a month and a half.  I am one of the fortunate ones in that case.  That darn standard gauge bug bite is still wreaking havoc on me and it’s been over 30 years with no end in sight.  Every time I say “ok, I have enough”,  I find something else I feel I need to have.  I still have quite the collection of O gauge trains too, however, my real thrill is the bright and shiny tinplate trains, buildings and other accessories.  The heft of some of these pieces is astonishing.  Kids of years ago must have been very muscular consider the weight of some of these engines.  Your find is a very nice one.  According to my plexiglass ball, I see a circle of track and transformer coming, a couple of cars, oh and a station.  After that all I see is a big flash.  Enjoy my dear Sir.

I'd tell you, but it's too late...

Standard gauge is what toy trains were meant to be.  Old stuff is simple, and if you're not afraid of putting in some work, it's easy to find operator-grade items at reasonable prices.

Before diving into the modern stuff, search and read threads on the forum regarding the common problems - keeping the gears greased will save you a lot of grief.   

Tell your wife that you'll be in the train room.

You want to know something before you "get in too deep"? That's easy. You should know that you won't stop now. You could eventually fill your house with Pre war and modern Standard Gauge and you will love every one you get. The only concern I have with a similar dilemma, is that I keep hearing parts are harder to get for the original pre war trains and it's been suggested I limit how much I run them. That's not a real big issue because I only do Christmas time floor layouts. I also have happily acquired Lionel/MTH reproductions or items that weren't made prewar. (My Hiawatha set is a good example).

So have at it and keep us updated on how crazy it get. I doubt you will regret it.

David (also in Oregon)

@Strummer posted:

I think it will make a nice addition to the train room...😊

What should I know before I get in "too deep"? 😳🙂

Mark in Oregon

It will make a nice addition to your train room.  Standard Gauge is all about having fun.  Very cool.

Oh dear; that's kinda what I expected...

The first two issues of "Railroad Model Craftsman" I ever got (Dec. '71 and Jan. '72) had a two-part story about restoring some Standard Gauge; I think the guy was in Connecticut. Then, a few years later (mid to late '70s) they ran an article with a fellow named Chuck Brasher, who had a big Standard Gauge layout and collection. When asked what his favorite piece was, he said "whichever one I'm holding at the time". I always thought that was the best answer to that question anyone could give...regardless of scale.

So away we go...

Mark in Oregon

Look at all the pretty colors. 😁

Wait til you run that engine....then the real fun starts.

I see Joe has already made plans for future expansion.  Some very nice looking trains on those shelves Joe.

Standard is the most wonderful rail gift to all of us ever. Enjoy!

How about a little "the rumble and the roar" teaser video?

If you are able to find the newer MTH/Lionel stuff, my advice is to stay away from it. You will be hooked. Nothing better under the Christmas tree.

Your nice 33 is a modest entry into the realm of "el gran tren".

@jini5 posted:

If you are able to find the newer MTH/Lionel stuff, my advice is to stay away from it. You will be hooked. Nothing better under the Christmas tree.

I agree -

What else do you need to know? 

Cheers,

- Mike

"Tell Me About Standard Gauge..."

From an experienced observer:

* It's big.

* It's colorful.

* It's impressive.

* It has its own charm.

* It can shrink your 401K.

Andre

@jini5 posted:

If you are able to find the newer MTH/Lionel stuff, my advice is to stay away from it. You will be hooked. Nothing better under the Christmas tree.

Nothing better EXCEPT the originals . . . 

@laming posted:

"Tell Me About Standard Gauge..."

From an experienced observer:

* It's big.

* It's colorful.

* It's impressive.

* It has its own charm.

* It can shrink your 401K.

Andre

... 😁 ...

Thanks Andre; could that be why you went back to HO?  🙂

Mark in Oregon

@Strummer posted:

... 😁 ...

Thanks Andre; could that be why you went back to HO?  🙂

Mark in Oregon

HO:

You bet! There's no financial sink holes in HO. (NOT! )

I think the common denominator of "money" in all this can be distilled down to just two words: Model Railroading.

Andre

@Strummer posted:

Although I've been involved in many different scales over the years, and my interest has been on "realistic" trains, I have always found the colors and charm of Standard Gauge to be most inviting. With that in mind, I just now purchased a restored (repainted) number 33, through Trainz. Here are a few pictures from eBay:

I think it will make a nice addition to the train room...😊

What should I know before I get in "too deep"? 😳🙂

Mark in Oregon

Mark,

By coincidence, my first piece of Standard Gauge was also a #33. I bought a derelict one and restored it. Here is a pic of mine:

It looks exactly like yours, except that mine has red window trim.

I've purchased other Standard gauge items over the years, some all original, some I restored. I now have several "sets" that I set up under my Christmas Tree every year. For more, click here: https://www.warrenvillerailroa...s-too-standard-gauge

Click here: Memorial Diner in Honor of my Brother (warrenvillerailroad.com) to see my restoration process

Have fun with this new aspect of the hobby - I am

I recently acquired a 392e.  Were do you find Standard Gauge Track?

@Lionelski posted:

Mark,

By coincidence, my first piece of Standard Gauge was also a #33. I bought a derelict one and restored it. Here is a pic of mine:

It looks exactly like yours, except that mine has red window trim.

I've purchased other Standard gauge items over the years, some all original, some I restored. I now have several "sets" that I set up under my Christmas Tree every year. For more, click here: https://www.warrenvillerailroa...s-too-standard-gauge

Click here: Memorial Diner in Honor of my Brother (warrenvillerailroad.com) to see my restoration process

Have fun with this new aspect of the hobby - I am

You did a great job on that restoration...and yes, it's my understanding that the window trim should be red like yours. 👍

Mark in Oregon