HI GYZ,
Does anyone own one of these accessories? Does it work good? Saw this on the History Channel and thought it was just a fun accessory, but it really works. It is in operation up the road from me about 50 miles. Is there any problems with the bathtub gondolas?
laz57
A friend has one.It works flawlessly.I advise you to put it right in front of you as the gondolas are a B---- to spot.The gondolas are a little light but no problems.You must use the coal that comes with it,the old stuff will jam it.
Ed
I had one. Takes a monster of a section of layout. Sold it. Have to use the plastic coal that looks like rat droppings. I was going to try to “sink” it down in the layout [if not, you have to build a tressel that comes with it and suppose to be two sided] and then have a lower level receiving the coal. Also have to have the Lionel bathtub gons with rotary couplers and then line them up in a certain way [some of the couplers are dummy to rotate. Got the room, go for it.
It is expensive, large and a bit tempermental. You’ll have to plan on how to place it in the layout and the trestles leading up to it or, as previously mentioned, place it in a cutout. The coal is special and everything else jams it up. the coal is a bit hard to comeby since they didn’t make too many of these. this coal doesn’t do well in other coal loading/emptying accessories so it is hard to marry this one into a load/unload operation.
the coalporters are a bit light when emply and difficult to back up, especially over switches. Atlas also makes the rotary coupler cars which are heavier and work ok. It is going to have to be close to the edge to clean up the mess.
As long as you are creative in placing it, it will be a great addition!
ralph
Got one. Great accessory. Will be on Phase III of my layout (will dump into former bathroom sink!).
Note ***only use Rotary Coal from Lionel (about the size of raisenettes). Anyhting smaller and it will jam up the works.
Thanks GYZ, on the input. I have my train guy BARRY getting me one for a great price and I do have the tipple coal loads for it, was using it with my Bethlehem Gantry crane. This coal works great for the crane and allows the bucket to easily pick up the coal. I’m also thinking of doing a add on to the layout and this accessory just might do the trick. Thanks again,
laz57
Hey, Laz, may just want to keep it within in arm’s reach to the layout edge, as you will need to tinker with it ever so often.
I actually had it on the Christmas layout one year. I used O-31 track pieces to gain elevatio around the tree, and we could empty two cars. It probably looked something like cromagnaman discovering fire, the first time I watched it go through it’s motions…awesome.
I tossed a turkey leg up in the air…
It’s not Lionel, but did you guys see the one at York in the Orange Hall. Real precision unit. I chatted with the gentlman who builds them for a while and he said he only takes 20 orders and then he builds that 20, if memory serves he had 17 orders on Friday when we talked. Don’t remember the price, but I’m sure it wasn’t cheap.
John, seen pictures and heard about his. Was told it was a cut above Lionel’s.