I am still in the research mode of getting into model railroading and need more advice. I am considering buying a 70s vintage layout which includes lots of track several locomotives and cars and misc other items.
My questions are. Is there any disadvantage of buying old equipment? Will the old track work with new track if I want to expand? The setup is all DC does that matter? What can one reasonably expect to pay for a setup like this? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Short answer to all--it depends. Im assuming were talking HO here. With that in mind, track has changed somewhat. It used to be brass code 100 (taller rail, black ties), but most of it is now nickel silver and Code 83 (shorter rail height , brown or concrete and more prototypica) has emerged as a favorite. the reason being is that brass oxidizes more readily and the oxidation hinders electrical conductivity whereas the nickel silver is more resistant to it.
Either way, you can expand old track to new track as there are transition joiners that will allow you to attach the two together.
Also, track is easily replaceable and new, good quality track is relatively inexpensive. So if you need/want to replace the old stuff or not buy it at all, it wouldnt be that expensive to do. Turnouts and specialty pieces like crossings are more expensive, but rolling stock/locomotives is really where imho the hobby gets pricey.
Doesnt matter that its DC. You can easily go DCC with it if you want later.
Older equipment can be gems or it can be junk. Probably all of it will need a good cleaning/tuneup. It may be a bit harder to convert some of it to DCC later or not worth it.
Price--hard to say. Depends largely upon the size of the collection, its condition, and its make and model. If you show up and see alot of brass track and Tyco, LifeLike, Model Power, and Bachmann--your looking at low end stuff (train set quality). If you see alot of Athearn, Walthers, Kato--your looking at higher quality trains. If its brass trains, prepare to pay thru the nose.
