Just checking in. At the moment am running the 3 cAR Budd set (400 powered).
This being possible due to my almost completed layout expansion, which provides additional siding and bypass trackage.
I may be nuts to run this set, given it’s value and condition, but it’s beautiful to watch and listen to, as it sounds silky smooth and looks lovely. If you have it, I suggest you don’t deny yourself the pleasure!
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I run all my trains and why not? This is one of life’s pleasures. Why deny it? They’re my trains. The Budd set is wonderful in a darkened room. I always imagine the commuters on the way home, if it is dark, in late Fall or early Winter (here in PA) and the lights of the Budds are a reaffirmation of the commercial world made possible by iron rails. In our Philly area, we have a very good “heavy rail” transit system. In fact, Budd once had its factory in Philly. It is gone. Unfortunately, it is now cheaper to make the new rail cars that are coming on line in S. Korea, transport them across the Pacific and the US and then “assemble” them in South Phily (to comply with various laws). Anyway, the Budd set reaffims a better day, yet also celebrates present trade and commerce.
Best,
Mark
Here’s a couple of Budds. First is a postwar Lionel #400 B&O -
Next is a postwar AMT NYC -
Robert
Is everyone familiar with the jet-powered RDC?
http://www.americanheritage.com/articles/magazine/it/1999/2/1999_2_63.shtml
http://www.darkroastedblend.com/2007/01/jet-powered-other-futuristic-trains.html
According to Duke and Keilty, the cowling was tested in a wind tunnel using a Lionel model.
I have a 400 and 404 Budd cars on my layout right now. They are awesome and are on an elevated track loop. I have the E-units in both of them set on forward only. Because they are both powered and I wanted them locked into one direction. Horns work great on both too. Nice pics!! I love the budd cars. I just need the 2550 and 2559 to complete the set. Boy they are hard to find at a reasonable price. York show might have them, but are like $250 to $350 each. thanks.
Barrister, I agree with you. Running illuminated passenger trains in a darkened room is one of the small delights of this hobby, for exactly the reasons you cite. As a kid, I used to see the lighted passenger trains, with their snug little worlds of comfort for the travelers inside, rolling through my home town, and illuminated Lionel passenger trains still bring that same sense of appreciation.
As for running all my trains, of course I do. I still have the 2026 I got for Christmas in 1951, and it runs as well now as it ever did. As long as they’re treated properly, they’re not going to wear out.
Bob, we need a model of that jet-powered unit.
Thanks to all for your replys! Very eloquent.
Glad to see there are others who share my enjoyment in running the Budds and other ‘valuable’ trains.
(didn’t know about the non-postwar, non B&O models,–nor the jet powered!)
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Historically, the dummies cost more than the powered units because they are more difficult to locate. Of the two, the 2550 combine is more difficult to find than the 2559 passenger. With all the remakes, that may have changed. I think the first MPC reissues would match up pretty well with the postwar cars. Those are going at very reasonable prices right now.