The old postwar engines have a feel to them that are not matched by todays modern trains. For example, they have a ruggedness not matched by todays trains. Several of my postwar beauties have taken a tumble to the concrete floor with nary a scratch. By contrast, I have a highly detailed Lionel Consolidation ($650) that broke off the front coupler when it ran into the back of another train. I have another $650 0-8-0 Switcher that has the handrail standoffs broken just through normal handling.
Additionally, the new models using TMCC, have momentum settings of low, medium, and hi. The postwar engine gets momentum the old fashioned way; through physics. When these engines go rumbling down the track, you can just feel the power.
I also like the fact that the engines are easily maintained and repaired by the consumer. Today’s engine require repair at a service center for all but the simplest problems.
Postwar engines are classics that will never be obsolete!
Earl, have to agree with you. While the newer engines that I have look good and have lots of bells and whistles, there is something about the PW engines that I have. I am in the process of wiring my layout now and while I am putting in TMCC, I am making sure it will have conventional capabilities. Most of my engines are from the 40’s to 50’s and it is pure enjoyment to just watch them run.
I don’t want to spoil the fun, but also modern trains have physics enough to have very decent dynamics. Flywheels also kep the trains rolling a few inches after power has dropped and the very simple K-line engines with truckmounted motors don’t even need flywheels to get a decent amount of “swing”.
Though I don’t want do deny the feel of postwar (I love them myself too) I also like the modern trains, where also diecast is used on trucks and steamlocomotive shells.
Diecast is no cast iron however. Mostly used is “zamac” a combination of zinc and aluminium giving a very well moldable mix able to fill the smallest holes in the mold. Only the sheet metal used in prewar rolling stock is real iron, coated with a layer of zinc to prevent it from rusting.
Iron used for castings will always rust, since plating it with zinc is not possible. Cast Iron doesn’t involve Iron alone, but also uses carbon to make it modable. Those carbon nodules left in the iron casting don’t stick to the zinc plating, thus the zinc plating cames off very easy.
Zamac formes a paintable and even, thin layer of oxidation around the casting, protecting the casting itself from desintegration. Therefor it is ideal for toy cars, trains and other items to give the metal feel and durability, but without the disadvantages of iron. (weight and rust)
You are correct about the physics. The problem is that most modern engines (and a few postwar engines) used worm gears that stop dead in their tracks when the power is shut off. The flywheels will keep the motor turning a few revolutions to keep the train moving “a few inches after power has dropped”. My postwar engines with spur gears will keep moving several feet after killing power.
I have to agree. My old orginal American Flyer engine hit the basement floor more than once under my dads control. He could not keep the speed down on curves. You could always pick them up and put back on the tracks. They still have a feel to them that the new trains do not have. I recently purchased some new fright and passinger cars they seem much lighter. I still have my orginal trains and attend TCA in York hoping to add a car or two that I do not have.
