HO questions; where to find...

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Ok well, I'd like to make a list of places that I can get these locomotives.

I'd mostly like to find the R-3a 4-8-2 pictured above. I think it might be expensive though. The box said custom brass by NJ.

The 4-4-0's are easy to find by Rivarossi and Bachmann.

4-6-4 F7 I've seen around on ebay, but don't know where to find them. I'm sure they are brass.

The 2-8-8-2 and 4-8-8-4 big boy Iv'e seen and I know Rivarossi makes the Big Boy, but they are pricey.

I saw a 4-12-2 on ebay once, but haven't seen then too often.

Class J 4-8-4s I've seen quite a bit.

E4 4-8-4 streamlines I saw a pic of two different ones that were HO scale, but I don't know if they're a custom one of a kind or if they were made by some manufacturer.

FEF-3 4-8-4s I've seen on ebay, but they can get pretty pricey too.

I found a AD60 4-8-4+4-8-4 Beyer-Garratt offered from Eureka Models, but for $850+.

The 4-8-4 GS4 Southern Pacific Daylight are pretty common and easy to find.

I-5 4-6-4 and the K4 4-8-4 streamlines I haven't seen at all.

I saw a webstore that sold the 4-6-4 Dreyfuss Hudson "Empire State Express" and even the non-streamlined version.

T1 4-4-4-4 can be ordered from Bowser I think.


So any other options out there? Does anyone know cheaper places to buy or maybe just places to find some of the ones I can't find on my list? The fist one I'd like to find is that R-3a 4-8-2 or a 4-8-4 with feedwater heater like it. The rest are just for collection and fun.
 
Keep in mind, you can always order detail parts and superdetail the locomotives yourself to put the feedwater equipment on there.

I thought the T1 4-4-4-4 was by BLI, but i could be wrong.
 


My T1, 4-4-4-4, is from Bowser. Much better runner than the BLI offering, though a bit noisier. At least the Bowser will still be around and running in 20 years. I don't think one can say that about the Broadway Limited, too fragile.

I think Oriental makes one in brass, too. Though it may be PMI...... Whoever makes the engine, I'd LOVE to have one!!! Saving my "couch change" for one. lol So far, I've got $13.62....

Bob
 
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I bought one of those a few years back for head end power for my passenger car collection on my Hiawatha. Good runners. Actually looks better than the picture on eBay. I do hope the seller knows the difference between AHM/Rivarossi and Rivarossi Red Box engines. The AHM variant is grossly underpowered with the motor in the cab.

HOYARDSALE is a Yahoo site that allows you to list items. No auctions, just prices. Moderated and it does have guidelines for posting. I've bought, mostly, and sold a few things there. Prices do seem inflated at times. I guess everyone thinks that their items are made of platinum or something.

Bob
 
So on the topic of price inflation; in my November 1986 issue of Model Railroader, Train World/Train Land and America's Hobby Center have the Rivarossi 4-8-8-4 Big Boy for $160. Now they are going for $500-1,000+. Why? I don't see how they could have gone up that much in 24 years. Maybe it's because Key Imports instead of Rivarossi? Maybe key is more pricey?
 
IN 1986, Rivarossi was using AHM. About 1994, they redesigned the engines to allow placement of the motors in the boiler. A much better product with better balance and power.

AS far as those $1000 Rivarossi's.....someone is smoking crack.....

Bob
 
vintageiron said:
........where can I get these newer Rivarossi's?
Click to expand...

Good question....I keep looking and buying when I find 'em and am able. But, only in the costume of my roads, NKP, C&O, NYC, PRR..... Hard to find any in my other two roads, Wabash and Monon. In fact it's beyond very hard, darn nigh impossible. I usually look at IHC Premier Series in that case. Though the owner of IHC recently passed away and those engines will become high end and more scarce than hen's teeth soon, I imagine.

I seem to find most Rivarossi Red Box engines at train shows, but even then, have to pay a bit more than I'd like. eBay, is another source, but most sellers don't have any idea what I'm talking about when I ask them a question....INFIDELS!!!!!! So, you can be surprised thinking your are getting a Red Box and it arrives not being one. Filed a couple of complaints after having asked questions BEFORE bidding and gotten answers that led me to believe that the product was what I wanted and, in truth, it wasn't. I got to keep the engines at a huge discount, though they were the older models. Sellers didn't want to mess with them, I guess. Good for yard work and locals, though. Just a toughie to convert to DCC, and most are still DC.

There was a rumor going 'round that Rivarossi was going to make a comeback with the Red Box, or similar line, though I've heard nothing more lately. I'd hope so, I miss them.

If you are bidding on eBay, just don't bid on a Hudson or a Mohawk....I'm looking for a couple of each........

Bob
 


If its any help Rivarossi are now made by Hornby International in Chinese factories .They also bought Arnold ,Jouef and Lima and spun off a new company from Hornby UK .certainly new European models are now made .Not sure about US models except they will certainly be more expensive than the old Italian made models .
 
alfsboy said:
...Not sure about US models except they will certainly be more expensive than the old Italian made models .
Click to expand...

Thats for sure. I still have the old RR adverts in several RMC's, MR's etc that have the price of the AHM imported Big Boys at $20 on sale.
 
Ok I have a few new questions.

I wanted to include a roundhouse in my layout. The roundhouse just south of Fisherman's Terminal (Seattle), was it around in the 30s-40s? Does anyone have any historical photos of the roundhouse?

Also, I keep hearing people talk about DC and DCC. What is that?
 
DC is direct current, DCC is a digital system. With DCC you can operate multiple trains on the same track, all doing their own thing (with lights/sound/etc). DC requires special wiring and power blocks for multiple engines. For more info look around here, google it, and I'm sure Wikipedia has a whole spread on it.

As for the roundhouse, you may be able to find arial photos/building permits/etc at a Seattle library or city building.
 
If you haven't decided to go with either DC or DCC, you really need to do some research first.

Basically DC is older technology for model railroads, and newer DCC digital technology so you can run multiple engines with sound.

I recommend you get this book here: http://www.amazon.com/Dcc-Made-Easy-Railroad-Railroader/dp/0890246165/ref=pd_sim_b_2

I was a complete newbie just 8 months ago, and I went with DCC, it's easier wiring a DCC layout than DC. I also went with the NCE Powerhouse Pro wireless DCC system. It is very easy to use for beginners.

Some things to decide when choosing a DCC system are:

1.) How many locos with sound do you want to run at the same time?
2.) Turnout control - do you want to remotely control your turnouts? DCC supports this.
3.) Purchasing DCC locomotives - You need to either buy new locos with DCC and Sound installed already, or you can install them yourself which is not recommended for beginners. Locomotive that are "DCC ready" will not run on a DCC system.
4.) What is your budget for your DCC system?
5.) How big is your layout, how many switches, etc.?

Good luck,

Michael
 
As someone who was in your shoes about 3 years ago, I strongly recommend DCC. Unless your only interested in having a very basic/trainset type layout or your funds are very limited, its the only way to go. Relatively easy, makes running your trains alot more interesting (virtually limitless options for lighting, sound,accessories), and exponentially adds realism to the hobby.

I made the mistake of originally doing DC (it was what I had when I was a kid, we all had it then), and then switched over to DCC later. Could have saved some $ by starting in DCC.

I recommend going with DCC and not looking back. Unless you think your time in the hobby might be only a passing phase, you wont regret it.
 
I don't even have a train yet, but a place you might want to look is Wholesaletrains.com Like I said, I'm new at this so I'm sorry if it's not what you're looking for
 


You guys make compelling arguments for starting off with DCC.

My initial layout isn't going to be very complicated and I will only have one train. I'd say expansion won't happen for a couple of years. I'll be busy learning about layouts, scenery, trains, the works. In two years, I might not even be interested in expanding though I believe I will.

In the meantime, technology will likely improve further and prices may even drop. So I thought I'd wait on DCC since DC will handle my needs for now. Am I thinking wrong?
 
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