Not strictly, no. But I run trains from a 1924 Lionel 153 w/629 pullman and 630 Obs. to a current Lionel Docksider. I do like traditional toy trains, even though not all of them are old. I dabble with command control, cause (I feel) it’s more fun, lets me run more trains on my small layout (6 x 12).
I bought a scale engine once ( A Lionel PA ) and I put it on the layout and I was thinking “What’s wrong with that thing? It’s too big.” I was just starting out and I didn’t quite grasp that 027 was really a separate scale from “O” gauge, not just different track. Live and learn. (I guess the Docksider is scale, but it looks good with 027 equipment.)
I deeply appreciate scale model railroading, but I don’t see too many scale railroads, just scale equipment. Especially in "O"scale. It’s toy trains for me. [8D]
I like to run my older MPC stuff as well as my newer Lionel. I would probably dabble in postwar more, but the lack of compatible engines and cabooses just grates on me. Postwar Lionel made all of these wonderful roadnames for engines, but seldom made a matching caboose, and they never made any diesels in the Lionel road name unlike the steamers. I try to be not too picky, but a train with out a paired engine-caboose combo just does not cut it for me. When I run my standard gauge, I keep the MTH Lines and the Lionel Lines distinct as well although I will “interchange” regular rolling stock. The extra features of the modern equipment do not appeal as I am regular transformer type of person, but I do like the Proto-Sounds 2 on the 384.
Keep on training,
Mike C. from Indiana
I myself am almost strictly interested in vintage toy trains. Other than a few MPC items that I’ve accumulated over the years (which I don’t have on my layout), my toy trains are all prewar and postwar. Within that category, I’m very broad, though. I have many different brands from many different countries in electric, clockwork and battery power in both O and S gauge. My layout is a traditional tinplate “green carpet” one. I do like modern era toy trains, but they really don’t interest me the way that vintage ones do. I am absolutely fascinated with the history behind them. I love the retro/old fashioned looks and styles they have. I love the shiny tinplate and the cool operating accessories. Collecting them is also far more interesting. “The Hunt” is one of my favourite parts of the hobby. You never know what your next purchase will be and have no idea what you will come home with when you go to a train show or antique shop. I love the fact that these trains are from another time and they form a connection with the past. To me, a tinplate toy train from the 1930’s brings you into that era far better than a super-detailed model of a prototype locomotive from that time does.
Here is a picture of a portion of my layout. The only modern era item visible on it is the Rico station, which is now on my layout at my apartment in Regina and so no longer on my home one.
However, having said all this, I also have a very large collection of modern HO trains and a (more realistic) layout for them as well, which I enjoy very much.
The only new Lionel train I have bought is the Polar Express. Everythng else is pre and postwar stuff. I have picked up a few Williams engines, and some of the new release accessories from Lionel. The accessories now are much quieter than their post-war counterparts.
I have mostly pre-war (WW2) Lionel trains. I have a 248 with the two little passenger cars, and I have a 253 with some four wheel freight cars. I also have a 2026 steamer and a few freight cars and caboose that is post-war. I really like the tin trains better because I can see that they were mostly hand made and shows the craftsmanship of US labor at the time. Wihe trains were still made here, made simple and made better without all of the defects and high prices. I was able to get most of my stuff cheap and the other things were given to me. I guess I am just lucky. I set it all up on a 4 x 8 table and use 027 track so I can get a lot of layout in a small space. The trains run good on the track. I even have some pre-war switches in 027. They work really good, but I wihey were non-derailing. (I’m working on that as I get time.)
Not too interested in the imported stuff. Maybe someday when I get some more money and time I might try a Williams loco…