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This new site is strictly for train running and model railroading, so it has a few features we don't have on our main sites. The idea is to give folks more information, links and tools to enjoy the hobby. It's not a bad idea - and we think we can do it in a way that's original, useful and fun.
The keyword is fun. We're into trains because they're fun. We run them for fun. N scale is here for the fun of serious, prototypically-based model railroading. O gauge is for fun, and if prototype gets in the way, it must yield to fun. This isn't a "prototypically-correct" thing, nor is it geared for collectors and investors. The All gauge Page is about the enjoyment of model railroading.
The aim is to share techniques and ideas, help folks get good stuff at better prices, and announce things that are worthy of your interest. (You can't grab a good deal if you don't know about it)
One thing we're not doing: nailing people for having interests which differ from our own. If you're so prototypically-correct that the term "rivet-counter" applies, that's okay with us. As long as you enjoy doing it, then do it. If you're a collector or investor, so be it. Different strokes for different folks. There's room in the hobby for everybody.
We're going to be adding more articles, news and opinions. And the pages on tips, techniques and methods will be updated often. So please keep coming back. If you don't see what you want today, it might be here next week.
Of course, you can always ask..... Requests are fine.
News and Reviews: May, 2000
The big news was last Summer, when we bought our new home in Freehold, NJ. Now that we have the space and a back yard, the work begins. Our tinplate World layout is still in progress, and we're getting ready to install our garden railway.
I joined the Ocean County Society of Model Railroaders in February. It's been fun to run trains with a great bunch of folks. The club layout is over 50 foot long, so I've been able to test trains in an entirely new environment. Between the long club layout, and my tight, curvy, graded home layout, it's much easier to get an accurate review of trains.
One sad note: some of you are familiar with the antics of our cats. They love watching the trains. Two of our train-loving cats passed away. Smudge, at 15, took ill the day after Yule. He passed the next day. Sadie, at age 20, passed in March. We'd been out shopping for an hour, and came home to find her ill. She passed that day. Both are missed. Smudge was entertained by hopping over a moving train. Sadie liked to lay on the rails, but only when the juice was on.
In May, we went to the local shelter to find another cat. It seems that three cats is not enough, because Oddvar, Torkatt and Freja had been tense since Sadie's passing. What we found was a grey and white, LARGE six-month old kitten whom we've named Leif the Lucky. Leif is a lovable, affectionate fellow whose curiosity and playfulness are amusing. He has found himself a nice hide-out under the layout. The others are a bit calmer now.
Large Scale? Yes, we are building a garden railway - a small pike to bring added enjoyment to our yard. This is going to be photographed and illustrated on the website - watch for it!
What about S, Standard, G, OO, TT and Z scales? We call the page All Gauge because we eventually hope to provide for all. However, we can only work with what we have. G and #1 gauges will be here as we build our Garden Railway. Z, OO and TT are a long way off. I tried to get some S gauge info on site and wrote to several makers, but none replied at all. I guess the S gauge manufacturers aren't interested in seeing their gauge get the added exposure which our site offers. If you're an S gauger and you wonder why your gauge isn't here, thank the folks who have ignored us.
New Loco tests: nobody tests locomotives on tight O27 track with grades and difficult curves. They look for power and speed on long straightaways and wide curves. Most people who run O gauge have smaller layouts. So what works on a small pike?
Small scooters and locos run very well on tight curves: hand cars, gang cars, little Marx 0-4-0 steamers, 70-ton switchers, porters (steam and diesel). Big trains are another story.
We ran the following larger locos. Marx E7, K-Line F7AB, MTH Railking F3, Williams F7, Lionel RSC3, Lionel GP38 (NJT), K-Line 4-6-2 (train set type), K-Line MP15, K-line Alco FA and the venerable Lionel #671 S2 steam turbine 6-8-6. The S2 Steamer served as our baseline for testing, because it is one of the best locos ever made.
The S2 proved again why it is a great loco. The K-line 4-6-2 handled difficult trackwork well, but the real masters of the track were the MTH Railking F3 and the super Williams F7. K-Line's F7 and MP15 were prone to derail in a few spots. The Willaims F7, Railking F3 and K-Line 4-6-2 were able to pull 27 cars with diecast trucks around this convoluted trackwork, un and down dippy grades and around convoluted nut-job curves. The MP15, Alco, RSC3, GP38 and E7 couldn't haul the load. The E7, with a lighter load, was a great track-handler, however.
Williams does it: when we started the website, we weren't too familiar with Williams. That's changed. Several fellows at the club run Williams trains, and I decided to give them a try. I bought their Lackawanna F7 AA set. Wow! These locos handle beautifully. Many Williams locos are under $200 and they are worth it. Also, since I have the K-line B&O F7 AB, I wanted passenger cars. Pete and T-Ball at the club suggested I try the Williams 72' scale heavyweights. These are long cars that won't handle my home pike, but are perfect for the club's wide curves. I bought the five-pack and found them to be a great deal. The cars look great and handle well. I had stated last year that we need affordable locos and passenger cars. Williams impressed me with theirs trains and prices.
People around the hobby: Here's some folks in this hobby who caught our attention lately:
Al Miller, a.k.a. "Tinplater Al", has always been there for the hobby. He's been a real help to fellow O gaugers. Al recently had heart bypass surgery. we all wish him a speedy recovery.
Bob McMillen out in Wichita (Lineman), KS, is one of the most active Marx fans we know. He runs 'Bob's Trains' and is one of our main sources of classic Marx. Seems that Bob is feeling the weather this season, what with the quick changes from cold to hot to cold to stormy. We wonder if he keeps his collection in a storm shelter during the stormy season.
Anyone who reads the Lionel and MTH boards is familiar with a bunch of fellows whose vitriolic posts inundate the boards. They fling invective at each other and the various train makers the way the Luftwaffe flung Stukas at the Polish Army. It's like the Itchy and Scratchy show. Most of us would be appalled if our children acted that way.
Several Baltimore-area railfans claim that their city has the best hobby shops. We wonder if it's the shops's prices & inventories or the free Baltimore handshakes.
Our "Outfoxing the old lady" article in the humor section not only made for laughs, but provoked a handful of knuckleheads who took it seriously. We heard from a few whiners, mainly sourballs claiming how 'wonderful' their marriages were, and one wimp crying that the jokes "demean women." (Reminded me of Ned Flanders.) I don't know what was funnier - the jokes or the knuckleheads. One gal suggested we post the knucklehead replies for an added laugh. We didn't - I don't think those people intended to make fools of themselves when they mailed us, and I don't think it's right to open them up to additional ridicule without their consent.
Trainwars `99: In case you had not heard it, some of MTH's plans were pilfered from Samhongsa, the company that manufactures their trains. The plans ended up at Korea brass, a Lionel subcontractor. There were claims that the Lionel N&W A articulated was made using those plans. The Korean government seized the trains temporarily, then released them to Lionel. Is it true? MTH fans claim it is, Lionel fans say it is not. this could be a ruckus, or it could have merit, or it could be a convoluted mess that defies disentanglement. For many, it is an item of hot debate. For us, it provides materials for a game of "figure the angles."
Announcement of this theft came on the heels of Lionel's announcement of signing K-Line, Weaver, Atlas and 3rd rail to license TMCC. If it were an attempt to strike back at Lionel, it wouldn't have much effect. Were MTH really out to screw with Big L, they'd have made the fuss BEFORE the agreement was signed. That way, they might cause consternation in one or more possible signatories, or at least impede the process.
Would Lionel have ordered this theft? That is doubtful, since the "savings" would have been negated as soon as the use of MTH plans was revealed. The thieves were either freelancing or working for someone closer to the subcontractor. Reports confirm that theft of this sort is common in the Korean industries, and is either freelancing or done at the request of subcontractors. Industrial espionage and "turning" competitors' employees is a big problem there.
Now, would Lionel have some complicity in the use of stolen plans to make their locos? Let's look at the angles. If they could ensure that the trains could be sold in the US without losing a court fight....perhaps. Knowing how MTH aggressively back-engineers, however, it would be only a matter of time before it was revealed. Therefore, either they did not know, or, they felt that they could prevail in both the legal and public relations fronts if discovered.
A final consideration: Lionel's N&W As outsold MTH's. Obviously, the differences were enough to give Lionel an edge. It could not have been an exact copy, could it? that is, if there really were any copying at all. Perhaps - just speculation - the stolen plans could have revealed MTH's intentions and given a competitor a leg up on beating them with details, features, etc.
Of course, we're just speculating. A big part of the feud revolves around copying. MTH made many copies of classic Lionel trains - and in fairness, the patents had elapsed on those items. Lionel had not done any copying of MTH in the past. (In its early years, however, Lionel was one of the most aggressive, 'cut-throat" competitors in the toy train industry.) Copying is common practice. Several Williams loco shells are almost identical to their Postwar counterparts. In fact, Williams started by making reproductions of Lionel and Ives Standard Gauge trains. Mike of MTH got his start working for Williams. Granted, there's a difference between using lapsed patents and stealing fresh plans. Lionel did not steal those plans - the theft was done by employees seeking to make a fast buck.
So we have a feud and a lot of noise between two competitors who really don't like each other. Mike hates Lionel. That's common knowledge. Lionel wouldn't mind knocking MTH on its butt. That's business. Lionel can cut deals with its competitors, but MTH won't do that. That's a matter of individual business procedure. But then, MTH is located near Baltimore - so in the end, it's a sort of big Baltimore Handshake uniting two train makers in their ferocious competition against each other.
A note on the Alco FA Locomotive: scale fans know this, but some tinplaters don't. The Alco FA and the EMD F3A and F7A are all about the same height and length. They were the standard size freight loco of their day. In O gauge, the Alco is commonly smaller than the F3. This originated with Lionel, whose F units were scale size O gauge, sold as O, and whose Alco FAs were semi-scale models sold as inexpensive O27. The classic toy train Alco is therefore markedly smaller than the EMD F3 / F7. K-Line perpetuated it, with their Alcos being semi-scale while their F units are scale. A more accurate size comparison can be made in two ways: compare the K-line/ Lionel Alco with a Railking F3, or compare any Lionel, K-line or Williams F3 / F7 with the new Williams Alco FA.
K-line's Alco accurately fits with their semi-scale streamliners, while the scale F3s dwarf them. In fact, you have two scales at work. O semi-scale is close to a 1/64 train made to run on O track, while regular O is 1/48. (British O is a screwy 1/43.5 - another well-deserved reason to make mock of the English.)
Reading Reviews
I'm an avid reader and writer. My main fare ranges from military to esoteric, but I like a good hobby book from time to time. Here are a few that deserve some attention, good or bad:
Operating O and O27 Trains from K-Line: Several Lionel books have entered the public domain, since copyrights were not renewed. One is Handbook for Model Engineers, a pre-War book on O, O-72 and OO model railroading. This book is reprinted in Operating O and O27 Trains, as well as numerous Lionel instruction and service sheets. The sheets cover a wide variety of Postwar accessories and several locomotives. A few small sections are original, but most of this book is reprinted materials. The Handbook section has a few interesting ideas, but is dated. Many well-known Lionel layouts are reproduced. Okay as an occasional reference and a look at the old days of the hobby; useful if you have older accessories, but nowhere near as good as more current fare from Lionel, Kalmbach or Greenberg. **
Track Layout and Accessory Manual from K-Line: Largely a reprint of the Lionel manual from 1952, which is public domain. Of course, the same Lionel manual with a few additions of our own is on our website. K-Line's reprint is okay if you need a printed reference, but it's mainly the same good old Lionel information. (**** for the original Lionel writers)
The Lionel Train Book by Lionel: This 1989 manual is still in print, with good reason. It is an excellent handbook for the beginner in O/O27. The material is readable and clear, and most important, up-to-date. One interesting section goes into making a nice 4' by 6' layout. Perhaps the best buy for the bucks, The Lionel Train Book makes starting much easier. ****!
Repairing Lionel Trains by Ray L Plummer: Actually, it is a book on getting Postwar trains up and running again. There's more about tweaking and maintenance than actual repair, but lots of good information on everything from care and handling to layouts and wiring. Plummer's writing is notable in that he can explain detailed information without verbose diatribes. For a book with so much technical information, it is pleasantly readable. (One thing we caution about is the advice concerning WD-40. The stuff is okay on metal parts, but can adversely affect plastic gears, etc.) A worthy text for those who are using Postwar trains and accessories. I think a better title would be "Reviving and Running Postwar Lionel" **** !
Collecting Toy Trains - Identification and Value Guide Edition 4 (1997) by Richard O'BRIEN If you want the lists of Lionel pre- and Postwar, original Marx, American Flyer, Hafner, Ives, Dorfan and others all in one place, this is it. It lists individual items and sets, along with values for Good, Very Good and Excellent. I like it because the listings are comprehensive, and there are plenty of photographs. Background information is spotty, since the book is more a price guide than anything else. Still and all, there are plenty of photographs throughout the book, which increases its value to collectors. I like it - it makes a handy reference. ****!
TM's 3-Rail Illustrated Price Guide by Tom McComas (1996-1997 Edition) I understand that this issue has yet to be updated. Covers the major modern makers other than Lionel. Interesting articles are interspersed throughout - a nice little guide. McComas covers everything from MTH and Williams right on down to little-know makers like Adirondack Car Foundry and Rich-Art. What with all the new goodies released the past two years, they are going to have one heck of a time. (Note that no price-guides cover K-Line. MDK Inc has threatened legal action against any including them in guidebooks. And you wonder why K-line is not as collectible as Lionel or MTH?) ***
Greenberg's Pocket Price Guides: a good, ready reference to prices, but please note than mistakes have occurred occasionally. The most current sources of pricing, the Greenberg Pocket price guides have become a bible of sorts for serious train collectors. ***
Greenberg's Guide to Marx Instruction Sheets: This huge, hardbound tome is a collection of the instruction sheets packed with Marx products, mainly trains and accessories. There is a section on playsets, but it is brief. If you're expecting a good read, forget it. You will find much of it repetitive, because it is a collection which strives to be comprehensive. The idea was to gather everything they could in one place, and they did an excellent job of it. For the serious Marx fan, it's a pleasure to have, even if for nothing more than curiosity. Amid the redundant pages of basic instruction sheets are some interesting tidbits. As someone who likes to run Marx trains and collect Marx soldiers, I'm glad I have it. I'd say that if you are serious about original Marx, you might want a copy. (Not rated - this kind of reference stands on its own merits to those who need it)
Greenberg's Wiring Your Lionel Layout: the book is a very basic guide to wiring, based on a vary basic layout. It does not explain much more than Lionel's manuals or Plummer's book. We were disappointed, because it did not cover any new ground or offer anything we could not get from other basic manuals. The author takes a whole book to explain what Plummer or Lionel can state in a few pages. **
Toy Train Collecting and Operating: an Introduction to the Hobby by John Grams : The real surprise here is that Grams, a college professor, writes a book that is interesting, creative and a good read. A professor who has a life? Astounding! Grams' book is a basic primer, yet it is such a good read with touches of humor and personal insight. He covers the field nicely, even adding a humorous catalog of collector and dealer types seen at train shows. Naturally, there's a basic course in building your own model railroad. My only complaint was that it was so totally Lionel that Marx was virtually omitted. Whether you're an old hand or a newcomer, Toy Train Collecting and Operating: an Introduction to the Hobby is some of the most enjoyable reading out there. ****!
150 Years of Train Models by Hal Carstens, Carstens Publications inc. I had waited in anticipation for this book's release, hoping to learn of the origins and evolution of the hobby. I so wanted a book which put it all in perspective and had more materials than the usual short blurbs one finds. Carstens Publications usually puts out a pretty good book. Hal Carstens is no hack - he's written countless fine articles for Railroad Model craftsman. I expected a great book, and so am doubly disappointed. 150 Years of Train Models is a loosely-organized collection of articles, photos and reminscences of the model train hobby. Facts are scattered hither and yon, and I had to jump around to make sense of any of it. Perhaps it would please someone on the inside - someone who was there - but for me, it did very little. The bit of information that was useful was brief and fragmentary. Even the layout of text and pictures seemed thrown-together. Marx, American Flyer and Lionel were barely notable amid myriad smaller makers who long since went out of business.
Part of writing is organizing materials for the reader. In this case, information is poured out willy-nilly, leaving any organization up to the reader. At $29.95 a copy, it's too much to ask. 150 Years of Train Models left me baffled and more confused. I hate seeing a good writer bomb, and Hal is a GOOD writer. This one gets **
Greenberg's American Toy Trains with Current values is a convenient text, current up to 1989. It covers the majority of models sold by Lionel, American Flyer, Ives, marx and others. It only gives partial listings for some of the smaller makers, and has no listing of Marx accessories. Each chapter has a brief introduction and history of the maker. Not bad as a quick reference to everything old, but the price guidelines are dated and some brands' coverage is spotty. **
The American Toy train by Gerry and janet Souter MBI Publishing Company, 1999 Well illustrated and readable story of American toy trains, from the days of clockwork to the present. The book covers almost every brand, with pictures of many popular and some little-known models. Not a comprehensive guide or detailed history, The American Toy Train spares us all the nitpicking and irrelevant facts, getting to the story itself behind the trains we know and love. If you want to know the real deal on the development and growth of the hobby, this book is a must! ****
(Ratings: * - blah! Waste of paper / ** - ho-hum, redundant, tepid, no great shakes / *** Good - it will do / **** - Money well spent - definitely useful / ***** - super book! One of a kind! An exclamation point (!) behind the ratings means it's recommended highly and is worth every penny)
I am involved in publishing, by trade. It's a known fact that in any field, 90% of extant literature is redundant or worse. The same goes for trains. Unless you want to collect every book out there, it pays to find only those books that give most bang for the money. We will be reviewing hobby books from time to time, to tell you which ones are that useful 10%. This way, you don't wade through a hundred books just to find the ten that tell you all you will ever need.
Our past reviews from last year can be found here - Archives