Old stuff

[OBTC 1909]

A friend recently gave me some old HO stuff from his childhood. The stuff included Mantua-Tyco and AHM stuff and other parts and pieces Pics below.

 

[trailrider]

While lacking in the detail that some "modern" models have, some/most of these could be put into operating condition. The "biggest" drawback would be the truck-mounted hook-horn couplers. These could be cut off and replaced with body-mounted Kaydees. The NP sleeper appears to be a basket case, although the crack might be fixed and some four-wheel trucks added. The missing truck frames on the diesel might be a fair problem. All-in-all, these might be something a youngster could use, or possible trade bate at a swap meet. Does the BL-2 run? Needs couplers looks like.

 

[OBTC 1909]

Haven't had a chance to test the BL-2 or the SF unit to see if they run yet. May do that later today if I get time. I'll either give the other stuff away or use it for learning to do modeling stuff instead of practicing on my good stuff. I may get some replacement couplers from Kadee for some of them.

 

[2Tracks]

Hey Ken, I don't know your modeling style(s), I keep a couple of those cars around to experiment with weathering techniques. (mainly)

 

[OBTC 1909]

Hey Ken, I don't know your modeling style(s), I keep a couple of those cars around to experiment with weathering techniques. (mainly)

That's exactly my thinking too. Better to try it out on stuff like that.

 

[PNKFLOYD]

Ken- longish story, but my wife's cousin use to have a salvage yard and was hired to remove an old steel caboose from some property.
He removed the trucks and wheels, and jacked the body up to haul it away on a lowboy trailer. He stopped for lunch at a cafe and got to talking with a man there. The man bought the caboose for his wife to use as a beauty shop, delivered to his home a couple miles away.
Cousin got paid to remove the caboose, sold the caboose body on the way home and got scrap value for the trucks and wheels.

ALL this to suggest that you can turn your caboose into a shop or office easily. The sleeper can become a diner or motorcycle shop. These cars are great material for repainting and unique repurposing. Think outside the boxcar!

 

[OBTC 1909]

Those are excellent ideas! Thanks Mikey!