Hi, I just joined. Larry from Mpls Mn. Looking at getting into model railroading. Toally new to this thou.
Had a two engine Lionel set from the early 60’s, Found out my folks sold it years back. I was really bummed. Had a lot of add ons to.
First- Are Lionel trains still made in the USA?
Second, How would I determine what a used train/ set is worth? Is there a website or guide to go by?
And would Lionel be the best train to look at if I bought a new set and started from scratch again?
I think this queston is better off at the Classic Toy Trains Forums http://cs.trains.com/trccs/forums/95.aspx, if you want to model O scale. If you want to model Ho scale or N, maybe Z… the Model Railroader forums are for you.
Welcome to the forums![#welcome]
Price and collector guides are available. Google Krause Publications and Kalmbach Books. Used Lionel trains are available at train shows and ebay. New Lionel trains are made over seas and imported here. Lionel makes good starter sets and a mid priced set is a good way to start out.
Welcome! Wander this particular forum; browse the entire Classic Toy Trains tab - there’s lots to ponder. - better yet, pick up an issue of the mag - then you can ‘take it with you’ - the latest issue features layout ideas, advertisements offering a range of starter sets and other options, including train shows in your neck of the woods… This is a great hobby.
Hi Larry, welcome to the hobby and to this forum. I think Doug and John are right suggesting that reading a bit before you dive in. Other resources are your local library, and of course, your local hobby shop (if any). While at your hobby shop, see if there is a club nearby that you can visit.
As for your questions, John answered one and two, and contrary to what some on this forum may say, only you can decide what train is the best train for you.
J White
I haven’t had any luck finding clubs or shows near me. I’m near Mpls Mn
What was the last year Lionel made their equipment in the USA?
The last year of US production was around 2000. The last US made engine was a 765 berk or something like that. If there are no train shows near you, ebay is a good source. You should really get collector guides if you do ebay to burn off the smoke and mirrors. If you want something “new”, an 0-8-0 Pennsy Flyer set is a good choice. Not to be confused with the 2-4-2 Pennsy Flyer starter set.They feature a down to business nicely detailed scale size steam switcher and nice cars. You can get them for around $150 from discount dealers.The UP merger set is a good choice if you’re into diesel. I’m sure others will chime in with a big bang for the buck pet starter set as well. You should maybe get a copy of CTT magazine to find out more about this wonderful hobby.
Upcoming events found in Minnesota, United States
(events in the next 3 months)
EventDate
From TRAINS.Com’s Events-Shows (See the bottom of their home page.)
Greater Upper Midwest Train Show
White Bear Lake, MN02/07/09
Luce Line’s Spring Rail Fest
Hutchinson, MN03/28/09
spummerr: Welcome!
We have family in the Cities area, so we get there a couple of times a year. A good place to visit is the Twin Cities Railroad Museum http://tcmrm.org/ in Saint Paul, in Bandana Square. They run 2-rail O-gauge, and are a wealth of information.
A great Train Hobby Shop is Scale Model Supplies http://www.scalemodelsupplies.com/ on Lexington Parkway in St. Paul, just down from Bandana Square.
Hope this helps.
Kurt
I’m in the Twin Cities area and agree with Kurt’s suggestion, especially Bandana Square. Treat yourself to a day out. Restaraunts nearby, so have a bite to eat then go visit the layout at Bandana. Scale Model Supplies hobby shop is also a great place. Maybe even a bit overwhelming with their large selection. The two are pretty near each other, so eat, see a layout, then go to the store and buy stuff! Seriously though, you’ll see and learn a lot by visiting just those two places. As Buckeye listed, the next train meet is at Century College in White Bear. Its a nice meet that’s not too overwhelming in size and has all gauges represented and even some prewar stuff (which is my interest). The cost of admission is $4 and kids under 12 get in free. Oh, and welcome to the forum.
Yes … please research totally what scale and engines you want first ! So many dive in and waste money on something they end up not wanting . Check out compatability of the train to controllers and detail of the finished products . Ebay is the best place to shop and compare afterwards … but beware of some sellers … they lie … and cheat … but 95% are honest folks . Do not fall for that " RARE " description on some items and overblown prices … take your time . This could be worth the money … http://kalmbachcatalog.stores.yahoo.net/10-8709.html this will give you the cost at max and then shop for lower prices .