New train store walkthrough out now! kzitem.info/news/bejne/pKGolmV-rYCadZg
@B-and-O-Operator-Fairmont
Жыл бұрын
When I was a kid, I remember circa 1976 how cool the Chattanooga Choo-Choo looked on TV. Never got one, but some years ago I ran across one in a flea market. It may have been the flimsiest engine ever produced. BTW I think the reason most toy sets include gondola cars is because kids can load marbles, green army men, rocks, or whatever and take them for a scale 100mph ride.
@WashingtonDistrictRailfan
Жыл бұрын
That's a really great point! The playability is there for sure.
@jamestonybrown1712
Жыл бұрын
You meant a scale 200 m.p.h.!
@B-and-O-Operator-Fairmont
Жыл бұрын
@@jamestonybrown1712 That would have been for the Life-Like GP38 I had. Superfast by itself, but it had no real pulling power. Staying on the track was also a problem as the traction bands caused a lot of rail climbing.
@jkleylein
Жыл бұрын
Tyco also had the distinction of having a mostly plastic one size fits all drive mechanism. The same thing fit in their F7, the steam locos and even that horrible attempt at a GG1. No compromise was too grievous for them to make if they thought they could save a buck in design.
@BOBXFILES2374a
Жыл бұрын
Good point about the gondolas!
@milissathreatt8014
Жыл бұрын
I like to collect old rolling stock and engines because they can be upgraded and be reliable and cheaper than paying 30-100 USD for new locomotives and rolling stock.
@benh3518
Жыл бұрын
Sometimes it's also the only way to get rare and unusual looking cars as well, like the Vinegar Tank Car.
@driline
Жыл бұрын
If you’re paying $30 for a new locomotive then you’re buying crap nobody wants. Quality locomotives like athearn , Kato, Broadway Limited etc. are $150 and up.
@benh3518
Жыл бұрын
@@driline Heh, I once got a virtually mint condition Bachman Spectrum 3-truck Shay from a garage sale for the equivalent of 75 cents - bought 30 items for $40. It was an old woman just clearing out her late husband's stuff and I think she simply wanted the engine to be in the hands of somebody who would appreciate it.
@driline
Жыл бұрын
@@benh3518 The Bachman Spectrum is the Pro Line of locomotives and is completely different from a cheap Toy Store regular Bachman. I’ve had several Spectrums and they were really good.
@ShawnCalay
2 ай бұрын
@@driline um i can take any athearn kit locomotive, tyco or bachmann look alot better then your overpriced RTR junk that falls apart and railings warp ....
@Iconoclasher
Жыл бұрын
Another thing that distinguishes "toys" from models is the colors. Tyco and the other cheaper brands mold the plastic in the final color. Athearn and other upper end products are molded black then painted. Nothing is more cheezy than an orange locomotive that glows orange from the headlight.
@WashingtonDistrictRailfan
Жыл бұрын
The plastic headlight glow is BRUTAL hahaha
@robertknight4672
Жыл бұрын
I have an AHM Rock Island BL2 that does that. Fortunately for mine it's more noticeable at maximum speed which I rarely run it at.
@Iconoclasher
Жыл бұрын
@@robertknight4672 AHM did it too. It can be helped if you paint the inside black. I did that on my Tyco to Athearn conversions.
@BOBXFILES2374a
Жыл бұрын
An orange-glow loco! How interesting! But not "true to scale!"
@adamserafini6945
5 ай бұрын
@@robertknight4672 A small piece of aluminum foil can fix that.
@MilesModelWorks
Жыл бұрын
My whole freight train is made up of older cars that can easily be detailed, painted, and weathered. And because my local hobby shop sells them for $1 a piece, I can easily obtain nee models. Please do a part 3!
@WashingtonDistrictRailfan
Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much!
@markfryer9880
Жыл бұрын
That is a very valid point, being able to acquire older cheaper cars gives the hobby modeller a good opportunity to work on the skills of modifying, painting and weathering models without any great risks or costs. Mark from Melbourne Australia
@B-and-O-Operator-Fairmont
Жыл бұрын
I heard that! I have a number of Tyco cars riding on P2K wheelsets with Kadee couplers. Some of their cars decorated for prototype roads were actually pretty good.
@vistalite-ph4zw
Жыл бұрын
Great video, you hit some interesting points. There is a market for Tyco products and there's no shortage on EBAY. Growing up in the 70s and 80s Tyco, Life Like, Bachmann, and Model Power were staples. I believe all of them made the F7 in the red/silver livery. I have a few of them and they still run to this day. The UP gondola and the BN 50ft plug door box car were everywhere. Another Tyco mass production are the UP piggyback trailers! I swear those things multiply like rabbits!!!!😂😂
@WashingtonDistrictRailfan
Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much! Very true about the piggybacks haha
@davydigger708
7 ай бұрын
The thing that bothers me is that there are almost no reproduction parts for Tyco trains these days. Considering that there are parts still being made for Tyco slot cars and US-1 trucks, as well as Lionel and American Flyer trains, I don't see any reason to not make them for Tyco trains as well - especially considering how many have burnt out motors and/or broken gears.
@vistalite-ph4zw
7 ай бұрын
@@davydigger708 Exactly, ironically I was just looking at USA-1 sets/parts on Ebay. I had the USA-1 set and a Tyco race set with several Magnum cars. Tyco, AFX, and M2 I believe still make vehicles and parts. I know a lot of Tyco early train stuff was made by Mantua. Not sure if Mantua is still in business or continued making trains for Tyco...
@mattsmocs3281
Жыл бұрын
As for the old track. I love to get it in bulk for free. I take the rail (recycle the worthless ties) and cut it to length as flatcar loads or to make various scenery like rail used on retaining walls, fences, structural. Or other things. This way i get a dirt cheap good material for these odd things. As for the ones cut to length and loaded on flatcars (i paint the rail rust color) i can sell those flat car loads for a decent price ether on car or as a complete weathered car for far more than it cost to make. I don’t do it often because the rr i model does require a lot of car loads of rail (steel mill and major construction) but it is fun.
@markfryer9880
Жыл бұрын
Very clever use of cheap rail.
@mattsmocs3281
Жыл бұрын
@@markfryer9880 if you thought that was good. I also break down N scale rail and i had broken HOn3 close space ties and i reused those Nickel silver rail on new lay HOn3 switches. As for the old ties they all became fence material thus making really nice fence work for both a big yard one and small garden type.
@sirrliv
Жыл бұрын
I just stumbled across this channel and found your insights very interesting. If you're game for it, I'd absolutely love to see a Part 3 of this series. Perhaps there might be room for a couple spin-off ideas too, something like "Hidden Gems of Vintage Model Trains" or "Buyers Guide: What to look out for to ensure you're not buying a lemon" or even "Worthless Model Trains that you actually like". On those scores, I'm curious about your feelings regarding a couple models specifically: The HO scale Life-Like "Teakettle" and "Docksider" 0-4-0 steam locos. These were my first two ever model engines, and while I've seen more recently that some hobbyists consider them among the worst locos ever made, I managed to get a respectable 20 years of play and fun out of them. Yes, they were not realistic in the least, and they were geared like little pocket rockets, but for me at least they held up remarkably well with zero maintenance, withstanding many tosses and tumbles and still going strong; toward the end of its life my Teakettle was running with the smokebox door fallen off, and one of my Docksiders had had its rods rusted and kept going. Sadly, I had to let go of both the last time I moved house, but I still fondly remember them and rankle at such harsh criticism of what seemed to be sturdy if unspectacular models for me.
@WashingtonDistrictRailfan
Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much! Part 3 is already in the works, and I love those other video ideas! I will always have a soft spot for those tiny 0-4-0s Life Like did. An old middle school friend of mine and I used to run one of those things around his layout until the wheels about fell off - I think that was one of Life Like's best products. Reliable, cute and cheap - can't go wrong.
@PhantomKoala215
Жыл бұрын
Hi there :) Just finished watching the video, and I must respectfully disagree on a point about used track. On one hand, I do completely understand that nobody really wants the non roadbed track. When I got my first train set (mid 1990's) it came with EZ track and it worked perfectly for what I needed - just a simple loop. Now as I've grown more competent with trackwork, I find it's a little easier to use non roadbed track. Here's why: space, customization, costs. 1. Space. I can get tighter clearances between lines with non roadbed track than I ever could with EZ track. Which for me works out better when I don't want most of my table covered in track. 2. Customization. With non roadbed track, if I need a shorter piece say...seven inches cut out of a nine inch piece, I just need a pair of snips (cutters) and a small file to de-bur the track. And, to be completely honest, I've never tried cutting EZ track because I don't have a bandsaw or the time and will power to go at it with a hacksaw or even a Dremel tool. 3. Costs. When I go to my local "ma and pa" hobby shop, I usually raid the previously owned/used section because I can find a lot of - in my opinion - really good stuff for relatively cheap. Track is no exception. And since the track is a lot cheaper, if I mess up something on a section of track, I can replace it without making my wallet beg for mercy. Sorry for the long winded ramble, just wanted to give my thoughts and opinions.
@Hacksworth_Sidings
Жыл бұрын
It's definitely interesting to see how the model train market fairs overseas compared to the UK, especially the bit about track, I'm personally a big collector of Triang and Hornby Dublo models, one big drawback to those is track, I personally buy 2 rail Dublo models where possible, though Dublo was mass produced in 3 rail, so 3 rail Dublo track is actually fairly valuable, the same can be said for Triang track, whilst incredibly crude being made of steel and either Bakelite or Acetate (later polystyrene), the thick profile of Triang wheels means that any collector who wants to collect them needs either "Standard", "Series 3" or "Super 4" track for their collection, Super 4 being the most popular as it allowed for integration into the Minic Motorways brand (another Triang brand, an early version of Scalextrix), alongside having the same track geometry as Hornby's current "set track" (a converter between the two also exists so you can expand your Triang layout with modern Hornby track), though Series 3 and Standard also hold up well, also having the same geometry, although Standard has a grey ballast roadbed (similar to Bachmann easy track), though a converter between Standard and Series 3 would definitely be doable! Definitely interesting to see how the market differs between US and UK!
@WashingtonDistrictRailfan
Жыл бұрын
I wish I knew more about the UK market, this comment is very interesting!
@johnd8892
Жыл бұрын
@@WashingtonDistrictRailfani would recommend the KZitem channel of Oscar Paisley having a weekly vid on some items of Triang railways and Hornby Dublo. The cooperation period with Lionel for operating cars may also be of interest. Arose because Lionel wanted the hot item of the early sixties from Triang being Scalextric slot cars. Triang US outline Transcontinental items never seemed to crack the US market as hoped but sold much better in Canada, Australia and even the UK for those wanting streamlined diesels and lights.
@justinporter6236
Жыл бұрын
A fun one to point out is the Proto 2000 locomotives. There are TONS of them in like-new or even NOS condition, but because of their reputation for split axle gears even in the package they're hard to shift. It's actually easier to sell them in clearly used or refurbished condition so that potential customers can know for certain they're solid runners with updated Athearn or Walthers axles.
@BOBXFILES2374a
Жыл бұрын
Split axle gears? That's a real "ouch!"
@towcat
Жыл бұрын
Don't forget Zinc rot! Got a Conrail E8 for dirty cheap at a show once. Got it back and the chassis fell apart in my fingers Few years later and it has recieved a transplant with a new chassis and good axles, among other things like the correct pilot and fresh lighting I am super careful when considering more old P2k models mostly due to zinc rot. Wheels are easy, chassis transplants not so much
@towcat
Жыл бұрын
@@BOBXFILES2374a Long story short, the gears weren't made quite right and were either produced just a fraction of a hair too small, or the plastic shrunk, and so they crack. Old Athearn locos from the early days of gears had the same issue, as well as pretty much any Bachmann loco clear into the 00s
@thomasmoje5926
Жыл бұрын
I have a Tyco/Mantua HO scale F7 A/B loco set in Pennsylvania RR tuscan red/5 stripe livery which I really like a lot. I also have a Bachmann HO scale 'Harry Potty Hogwart Express' train set from early 2000's, a couple of newer Bachmann SD40-2 locos in BNSF livery, an IHC SD-24 loco in 'Presidential' livery, and an older Atlas 'Silver series' HH660 loco in Erie RR livery. And a lot of old Tyco, Bachmann and Life Like rolling stock I've picked up for cheap at thrift stores/antiques emporiums. Not real knowledgeable about values of model railroad equipment but I do enjoy what I have regardless of what my model railroad stuff is worth I simply have fun with it.
@Mike__B
Жыл бұрын
FYI, I'd love a part 3, gives me hope in the hobby as my old garbage isn't the "norm" for what's out there as far as rolling stock/locos AND me hoping my kids old Thomas Trains are worth a ton! Although I wouldn't say that old track is worthless, it's great for making display cabinets and stuff to put trains in. Although I'm not a huge fan of "ez track" type products, the plastic roadbed just looks so fake
@WashingtonDistrictRailfan
Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much!
@raymondleggs5508
Жыл бұрын
Kato roadbed track looks much better so does the old out of production Fleischmann Profi-track in HO Even Marx had roadbed track, which was sold as atlas true track after they switched from hollow rail to solid rail, and then sold it to atlas when yty got rid of the HO line, it's literally the same Marx bedding!
@johncole9641
Жыл бұрын
I was just in an antique shop in Southern California and they had the Tyco F- unit, the UP gondola, and a pile of old brass track, in a worn food box, and the vendor wanted over $100 for it. Yes the plastic is antique, but like you said worth around 12 bucks maybe!
@WashingtonDistrictRailfan
Жыл бұрын
That's a brutal price!
@CaptainHarris-ip2kg
Жыл бұрын
1:58 I had that exact train set with that gondola car. You couldn't do much with it, but it was okay fun for kids for what it was. Good times.
@johnblanton-fd3jf
Жыл бұрын
The older Mantua Tyco locomotives and diesels are decent , but can be a pain to repair , the older rolling stock was decent as well , but later on the quality declined . I’ve come across some Marx h o locomotives and they are surprisingly good runners for an inexpensive train . A 3rd follow up would be great .
@WashingtonDistrictRailfan
Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much!
@survivingworldsteam
Жыл бұрын
The old Tyco diesels were good runners; but they riveted everything together, making simple tasks like cleaning the commentator and changing the couplers very difficult. They are also pretty noisy; the steam engines are better. I have a fleet of the Bachmann Thomas trains; Bachmann sells them for a high price; but puts very cheap motors in them that burn out. I have had three burn out so far. I would have to pull the worm gear and press it on a new motor to try and replace them with something better.
@johnblanton-fd3jf
Жыл бұрын
@@survivingworldsteam Have you watched any of SMT Mainline’s videos ? This young man has worked on many HO locomotives , Tyco being one or two of the videos . Very knowledgeable and instructive
@dave6695
Жыл бұрын
The only thing TYCO had that is of value to a serious hobbyist are its line of very well molded and detailed building kits (though some former TYCO kits are now available from Walthers in its Trainline series) made for it (TYCO) by Pola of the former West Germany with the rolling lift bridge and The Center Street series both being very sought out items.
@raymondleggs5508
Жыл бұрын
I love those obviously european pola building kits by model power and Tyco. Lionel just re released a few of them.
@dave6695
Жыл бұрын
True, many of the Pola kits are naturally European in design since Pola was (at that time) in West Germany, but they had quite a few kits that were North American in architecture.
@raymondleggs5508
Жыл бұрын
@@dave6695 The Model power and Tyco versions of the european kits usually go for cheaper than the original pola versions, I am doing a Euro-style layout and I don't want to pay $ nearly $200.00 for the Faller branded re release of the pola kit or the original, when I can pay $28.00 for the same building.
@jeffbranch8072
Жыл бұрын
Several years ago my MRR club visited and operated on Doug Tagsold's current Sn3 layout, featured in some Model Railroader publications. I was very interested to see a noted modeler reusing many Atlas turnouts and old model buildings I remember from the 1980's. While operating I paid special attention to these old building kits from Tyco, AHM, etc. and found they actually have pretty good plastic molding detail that still holds up today. In fact, Walthers Trainline has reintroduced some of these very same kits. So ever since then I've been collecting them, primarily hunting for bargains off of eBay.
@ohiovalleyrailfan
Жыл бұрын
Back up the footage one minute, was that a New Jersey Transit E8 I saw at 3:23? That's something that's been on my shopping list for a while.
@WashingtonDistrictRailfan
Жыл бұрын
Yes it is! It's a Rivarossi dummy model, throw me an email at cadencehinnant@gmail.com if you'd like more pics of it
@starpawsy
Жыл бұрын
They are indeed worthless. I am on the executive of an Australian model railway club. We get donated stuff like this all the time. We are also constantly asked by widows to evaluate their late husbands' collections, and they are very disappointed - and sometimes angry - when we tell them that this stuff is esentially worth nothing. And when we DO try to sell it, we dont get more than a few dollars for it. About what you'd pay at a charity shop. Harsh - but that's life.
@IanHollis
Жыл бұрын
I had a bunch of Lima and Hornby as a kid. I had some Bachman here and there over the years. I have one Kato N scale start set which I bought a few year ago and it is, by far, the best train set I've ever owned.
@TheKurtsPlaceChannel
8 ай бұрын
Very entertaining and fun to watch. Thanks for posting this.
@WashingtonDistrictRailfan
8 ай бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it!
@Alcofoamer
Жыл бұрын
Just came across these videos and they are something really needed. If I was to recommend a third video, it would be about how something isn't valuable just because it comes from a well known brand like Lionel, Hornby, American Flyer or Marklin. Not to mention, everybody tries to claim their old train from those brands are "rare." If Lionel is rare, then why does everybody know who Lionel is, while most people outside of the hobby have never heard of Athearn?
@WashingtonDistrictRailfan
Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much! That's a great idea - planning to talk about some Lionel stuff in Pt 3.
@elleryparsons2433
Жыл бұрын
I Was Young Back in the 70’s TYCO is One Of the pillars For Model Railroading. And I will Always Remember these Brands once you know And Understand You will Respect it.
@WashingtonDistrictRailfan
Жыл бұрын
TYCO is an OG!
@captainvlad
Жыл бұрын
Man I wish I lived close enough for some of this stuff. I like doing up old abandoned places or quarries for a layout and that old rusty stuff saves a good bit of time
@CityOfGravella
Жыл бұрын
I got that Tyco Pipe Express as a Christmas present nearly 40 years ago. Been hooked on model railroading ever since. I still have the loco and rolling stock. The freight cars are part of the freight consists. The loco doesn’t run but I will rehab it one of these days for old times sake.
@Elfnetdesigns
Жыл бұрын
I classify the "model trains" into two categories: 1 - Model Trains - The MTH, Athearn, Walthers stuff that will empty your bank account pretty fast but are detailed and require special care with handling, typical to see real liveries, knuckle couplers are common. Locomotives typically have a 5 pole motor central and has all wheel drive. Enough weight is used so traction is achieved without the use of rubber bands 2 - Toy Trains - Your Cheap Tyco, Life Like stuff meant to be toys and/or entry level to model railroading. These are meant to be handled by a kid, are low quality, fictional liveries are common, bright colors, horn hook couplers, and basic details. Locomotives usually have a 3 pole pancake type motor and for traction uses a rubber band on a set of drive wheels due to lack of weight That old track major flaw is that it is steel track and steel is not the best conductor plus it rusts but steel is cheap and was "good enough" an electrical conductor for a toy so it was used. The rail joiners also would wear out and soldering that old steel track you needed a high wattage iron and proper 60/40 rosin core solder. With the high wattage iron came the reality of melting the plastic cross ties. There were nickle clad and brass types also but those suffered from corrosion or wheel deposits building up from the plastic wheels New modern tracl can be soldered with a low watt iron so you dont heat up too fast and melt things
@kenvandevoort7820
16 күн бұрын
I opened my first hobby shop in 1974. I brought an assortment of Life-Like locos from the wholesaler. They sold cheap and everyone failed and came back. They were returned the next week. I tried Tyco sets at Christmas. They sold okay, but I was not impressed with them. I then let customers make their own sets with Atlas nickel-silver Snap Track (22" radius), Athearn locomotives and cars, and MRC or Troller power packs. None of them failed. I also wanted nothing to do with steel track. I would run HO trains full speed in reverse on the store's layout with a sign in the gondola that said "Try this with your Tyco".
@deweyhall712
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for the tips on whats not worth the money..
@andycrawford9077
9 ай бұрын
Yep. Make a part three. Maybe also, some insight into what brands ARE worth buying and how much we should or should not pay. One added note. TYCO back in the day when their rolling freight LOOKED real and not so much toy like, I do personally find them highly collectable. Great channel.
@jamesstrickland631
Жыл бұрын
You forgot to mention the Tyco BN 50ft boxcar, that I think they made a billion of. I buy those to repaint into other RR's, just because I can get them cheap.
@WashingtonDistrictRailfan
Жыл бұрын
That might make an appearance in part 3 haha
@ABQRT
2 ай бұрын
I was at an antique mall in Roseville CA back in 2016 and spotted a Bachman Empire Builder set box in one of the cubicles, I picked it up, lady quoted a price, I looked into the box all was there except the track, which I had plenty of at home, I mentioned no track, she said ok then $10.00! SOLD, I grabbed it and took it home!.
@abpsd73
Жыл бұрын
That riser/bridge setup where there was one support for each section of track was one of the most absurd ideas I've ever seen. The set I had when I was young had it and I only built it once, seeing the track flex by touching it made me scared to run the train over it.
@tracynation2820
10 ай бұрын
Super. I wish that I could give those unloved train cars a home. Hello from the Tracy Mountain Railway in Colorado. 💙 T.E.N.
@lonnie4894
9 ай бұрын
I like Tyco, I started in H.O. with Tyco and enjoyed it thoroughly. The Clementine gold loader didn't stay together very well. The conveyor belt broke easily. Everything else was good to me. The Alco 630 locomotive was very powerful locomotive. The geep 20 was a reliable running locomotive also. So I have zero problems with Tyco Trains. They are a Hoot to have.
@dathyr1
3 ай бұрын
Yes, anyone like myself who has been in the Model Railroad hobby for a long time kind of know what train items that are worth having and can cost more. I also have worked in a hobby store. My friend and myself both have pretty good size HO layouts, but allot of our items we have we bought many years ago. Prices now for a young person to get into the hobby is insanely too high priced for new products. Even lumber, wiring, and electrical parts are very expensive. Starter sets for anyone can cost around 200 dollars for an engine, a few cars, and a loop of track. Be fun for a child for a little while, but would probably get boring in a very short time. I get kind of a chuckle sometimes when I go out to Ebay to see what model train stuff is being sold at. The prices they put on allot of the items are marked up way too high. I used to get allot of bargains a long time ago, but not now. Model Railroading is a very expensive hobby today, so if you plan to start to build a nice layout in your basement, do some investigative pricing on how much it would cost to do. Thanks for your video, take carre.
@CairnTerrier69
Жыл бұрын
Hey there…I love your work here. I’ve dealt with model train retail for many years…and though you may already be doing so….one way I was able to move shelf sitters was to bundle into “sets”. Set a single price for a transformer, a large oval of track, and allow people to pick a locomotive and four cars. Great way to pick up $40 or so bucks rather than it sitting…and it gets people…mainly kids into the hobby. ….also, do you deal in American Flyer AC Gilbert S scale? How does it do for you?
@WashingtonDistrictRailfan
Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much for the very kind comment! This is a great idea, I'm absolutely going to try this. Appreciate you!
@SPUPRR
Жыл бұрын
Funny seeing the tyco Chattanooga TV spot showing it already derailed. Natural Habitat.
@BenriBea
6 ай бұрын
Definitely glad I held on to all my wooden Thomas toys from when I was little
@sebastianmarconi2855
Жыл бұрын
Also worth mentioning are the Bachmann steam engines from the 70's - 80's (and even the 90's models too) that have the dreaded pancake motor and split axle problems...
@paulleow8017
Жыл бұрын
Honestly, I might try and keep an eye out for the TYCO UP gons, there's an article on improving/superdetailing them and I do need a good amount of gons for timber traffic
@WashingtonDistrictRailfan
Жыл бұрын
They are good cars for customs, I did one up in a CSX paint scheme a while ago.
@cu29640
Жыл бұрын
The late era Tyco sets and Bachmann Sets from the late 70's and early 80's may be junk but if found sealed as new stock they sell for significant premium. People relate to what they grew up with. I for one always liked the Flashy TYCO sets in the toy store at the mall but never was able to get one. Had to fight several bidders for a sealed A-Team Tyco set on Ebay. Old USA Made Tyco was a fine product. Beautiful diecast steam locomotives.
@JBB4118
Жыл бұрын
In additionto the Tyco U.P Gondola don't forget the Burlington Northern Boxcar!
@ablemagawitch
Жыл бұрын
Keep them coming, ironically that track you have and think is worthless, is the type I prefer and want but isn't for sale around me locally. Unless it is from some flipper that thinks because it came from the 1970's-1980's it most be super rare collectible and of high value. Will will not come off their absurd price, so they have it listed for years on ebay also and it stays sitting there.
@ParadigmAC
Жыл бұрын
I prefer that track too. I hate Bachmann easy track.
@timstrainroom8007
Жыл бұрын
Nice video. I’m a native Virginian as well. Grew up a few miles from Virginia Beach. My old stomping ground, but last lived in Richmond until 2013 when we moved to Baltimore. In Portland Oregon since 2017. I have a question for you, have you ever heard of Cox Trains? If so what are your thoughts. Thanks in advance. Tim
@WashingtonDistrictRailfan
Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much! Cox is an interesting one - quality wise I feel like they were around the same as Tyco/Mantua, but they look a bit more realistic in my opinion. Maybe it's the darker colors of plastic and paint used - less toy like.
@alanh1406
Жыл бұрын
I would curious to know your experience with “zinc rot” aka “zinc pest.” I’d like to see a third installment on worthless trains as well.
@sarahhockey02
Жыл бұрын
As a Thomas collector the new stuff can be put up for a quarter and it probably won’t sell
@WashingtonDistrictRailfan
Жыл бұрын
The unfortunate truth. Tomy forever!
@LMR78
Жыл бұрын
Cough (Any clapped out BLI Locomotive) cough.
@WisconsinCentralProductions
Жыл бұрын
ive been needing some spare track for a diorama lol
@davydigger708
7 ай бұрын
While the Tyco Union Pacific gondola is worthless, it's still a very useful train car! I have 3 of them and they see a LOT of use because I can carry almost anything in them - and they look good too! Plus, I use the Tyco track, partly because of my brand loyalty to Tyco, but also, since nobody buys it, I take advantage of that fact and buy track for dirt cheap! It's actually not bad for the price. Sure, it is not Atlas track or Kato Unitrack, but for as cheap as you can get it, it works!
@klausvonzeit8686
Жыл бұрын
2:54 Did that company really take a video of a derailed locomotive, say "that'll do", and put it into their company commercial??
@WashingtonDistrictRailfan
Жыл бұрын
That would seem to be the case 🤣
@Couchflyer-NY
2 ай бұрын
Some late ‘50s and early ‘60s HO toy trains were made to a higher standard. It was a route into model railroading. My first “toy” engine was made primarily of metal with very few plastic parts. The motor ran smoothly and quietly. There was good detail, a light and the couplers could be upgraded. A decade later, train sets had nothing to do with getting kids interested in the hobby.
@CassidysWorkshop
Жыл бұрын
More good info for helping us clubs dealing with consignment sales. Keep it coming. I'd like to know if you see regional differences in this. Even coasts to midwest, or metro to rural. Thanks!
@WashingtonDistrictRailfan
Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much! That's a great topic for a video - I do think model railroading wavers in popularity depending on location.
@AnitaBreitenberg-um7xe
Жыл бұрын
GREAT JOB!!!
@michaelquinones-lx6ks
Жыл бұрын
If you don't want those "worthless" tyco trains give them to me ill take them.
@stevesmodelbuilds5473
Жыл бұрын
I bought the Tycho Alco Century Diesel Rock Island No. 235-10 used in the late 90's. It was all-metal, a good puller and looked really cool. I wish I still had it today 😥.
@bennettdickmann1602
Жыл бұрын
I enjoyed the informative video. You have an excellent delivery - a professional voice. Continue with your programs. Thank you
@WashingtonDistrictRailfan
Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much, really appreciate the kind words!
@paulromsky9527
Жыл бұрын
Those bedless tracks are great for display tracks. I buy old Linonel track. Then I make cantilevers wood pieces (painted flat black) that screw to a board from behind every few inches. That board is then screwed to the wall at the wall studs. Then the bedless track is rested and screwed to the cantilevers. I then 0lace my rolling stock and engines on the track forvdisplay when not in use. I can stack these display tracks a few inches above each othe from floor to celling as make them as wide as possible. I can even entend the display track around corners with varying widness cantilevers and support. If i make a loop around the room, i can actually run the trains on these racks (near the ceiling as no not block walkways).
@markgerken9767
Жыл бұрын
Keep up the good work on the videos.
@WashingtonDistrictRailfan
Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much!
@bblegacy
Жыл бұрын
Tyco might have been around in the 80's but they were really big by 1970 because they were everywhere in toy stores and department stores. Back then their track was made by Atlas because the Atlas stamps are right on the bottom of the track ties. The problem was that the freight cars were built pretty cheaply and many of the freight cars they came up with didn't even exist in real full-scale railroading, but their accessories like the automatic crossing gates, the 47 piece pier set and the bridge and trestle set made to simulate wood trestles weren't bad. Given that the Tyco track was brass rail Atlas track (or at least gold in color) every piece of track and switches and crossovers I got after that I just bought Atlas because I knew it would be compatible. I started with a basic figure-8 layout that came with the bridge and trestle set and it was essentially a 4' x 8' layout back about 1968 or 1969 when I was 8 or 9 years old but kept adding on to it until I was about 15 to the point that I was running a reversing double loop and had a yard, in addition to the original figure-8 running three locomotives and about 20 freight cars Ahh, the innocence of youth... I've wanted to build a cookie-cutter multi-layer model railroad my entire adult life.
@trainboy7
Жыл бұрын
Good to know that my old school Thomas toys are still worth a lot. Unlike anything Mattel puts out these days.
@WashingtonDistrictRailfan
Жыл бұрын
Mattel made the show amazing and the toys horrible, unfortunately
@trainboy7
Жыл бұрын
@@WashingtonDistrictRailfan Yeah, meanwhile Hit Entertainment once made the show horrible and the toys good. I mean, why not have both of them be good like how it was in the Britt Allcroft and Gullane era?
@pwblackmore
Жыл бұрын
Thoroughly enjoyed this and the previous video - so yes, Part 3 please. I'm getting responses from forwarding these to the model railroad groups I belong to... although it does seem I'm the odd one out with N-scale stock with rapido couplers. But, hey, as they say "Model Railroading is Fun"
@monmixer
9 ай бұрын
the good thing is if a new guy who doesn't want to spend a bunch of money to buy some train stuff to play with the kids might want a bunch a tyco stuff. Not all the bad stuff but if you worked with a kid and pretty much gave him the track you could sell him some cars, engines and other HO stuff. Maybe more tyco stuff that you want to get rid of. thank you for making these videos as I'm just starting get into this hobby in my semiretirement years and want to get my little buddy into something and off the IPad. From what I have learned so far collecting information for people like you whom are willing to share knowledge I want to stay away from anything but the newer nickel silver EZ track unless it is in a set dirt cheap with a good engine and some decent rolling stock. I want DCC but am willing to buy used starter set that would be a value for some of the stuff even if it does not have a DCC engine but does come with the nickel silver track and other things that I can use and it's a deal.
@Zebrails
Жыл бұрын
If I was given a choice of similar track, TYCO, Bachman, LifeLife, AHM, Model Power: Snap-Track or Flexible Steel/Brass, Honestly, I'd choose TYCO. The non-roadbed track had the better quality plastic ties. The same choice goes with their switches and bridge/supports. A bit void of detail, but the plastic was less brittle. John BC, Canada
@monmixer
6 ай бұрын
Part 3 is good for me. Sub earned
@ThomasWLalor
Жыл бұрын
The power trucks in Tyco diesels always impressed me. I accumulated banged up units,, removed the the truck and put into a good unit. With twice the power trucks, added weight to the shell and had a great-pulling locomotive. Too bad every model F-7, GP-20, etc. all used the same locomotive numbers for a given model.
@officialFortherails
2 ай бұрын
That DT&I locomotive looks sweet and I’m not even into HO.
@Posttrip
Жыл бұрын
Tyco and Bachmann are definitely some sentimental favorites. Yes, they a blown away by the latest and current makers in quality and performance. But, master modelers can very adept at rebuilding then and finding use for them. I’m certainly not above picking up to old favorites when I find them. Great videos on this topic. I’ll be all in for a #3. This is an interesting and informative perspective..
@WashingtonDistrictRailfan
Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much for the kind words! Excited to have Part 3 out hopefully next week
@FireCatExpresso
Жыл бұрын
Definitely will come by your store ar some point. As i'm seeing a lot of hot wheels fantasy castings in all the footage used and i love to collect those
@WashingtonDistrictRailfan
Жыл бұрын
Awesome! I do carry a ton of Hot Wheels too, come on by and see what I have!
@joeknowz4898
Жыл бұрын
Tyco got me started .. the 1976 Bicentennial set...
@kjdickson
Жыл бұрын
Anyone who works with me after a short time knows I am into trains. Now I model N scale but growing up I had G, HO and O27 High rail stuff, so I am not myopic to one scale. Often I get the story "My uncle/dad/cousin/brother in law has some old trains, would you mind telling me if they're worth anything?" Now I want to be kind but helpful and usually have to break it to them that unless they're in the the original packaging with little to no use, these were mass produced items made in the tens of thousands. Sometimes I get someone bringing in to work a locomotive or car, and I pull up some guides or ebay and kinda nicely as best I can say "well according to this in this condition it's got a market value of $3." It's not me giving the bad news, it's the guide or ebay doing the talking.
@badboy10350
Жыл бұрын
My FIRST train set was the Super Over & Under.
@tesleywhompson9555
Жыл бұрын
Loved the vid, and cant agree more with some of what you said. the one thing i really wish other model brands did were the interactive builds or cars. i have a few of the old TYCO 2-Bay Hoppers with the opening doors, and i love the ability to roll them over the track piece and unload them. i don't see any or cant find any other Model brands that have the operating hoppers.
@philismenko
8 ай бұрын
I think you should do a "loop of track" deal, obviously making sure to say that it's terribly outdated and that's why you give it away
@markdrake6217
Жыл бұрын
Yes, bring on a part three, and make comments about the near religious fervor over Athearn blue box products.
@BOBXFILES2374a
Жыл бұрын
Very interesting! I am over 60, and it never occurred to me that Tyco would be "cult-like" - they were just train sets. Good ones, though. It was interesting to learn that Mattel bought Thomas. (Will they make a Pink set of ""Thomasina" engines?) Unfortunately, Tennessee is a long way from Kansas City, so I probably won't be "dropping in." Good luck with your store!
@WashingtonDistrictRailfan
Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much!
@SAVikingSA
Жыл бұрын
I'm 42, I believe you missed the explosion of Tyco that occurred in the late 70's and 80's. For a boy my age, Tyco was everywhere from trains, to slot cars, and R/C vehicles, complete with flashy ads on Saturday morning cartoons. If I had to guess, the really dedicated Tyco fans are ~45 years old.
@donttreadonmetal5073
10 ай бұрын
Yep, I have that X159 UP gondola too.
@anitanaylor-qt2f2cb52
Жыл бұрын
LOVE IT!!!!!
@WashingtonDistrictRailfan
Жыл бұрын
Thank you gma!
@jameskerner7782
Жыл бұрын
I'd like to see a part 3. How about doing one about Lionel trains made by the various owners throughout the years, ie General Mills, Richard Kuhn.
@leverettrailfan5414
Жыл бұрын
There's a lot of trains out there that I'll only buy if they're next to nothing. Sometimes, even if there's a collector's market for them, I know that if I'm patient enough I'll find an item for a much better price. It can also feel a bit weird to pay a lot for a cheaply made model, even if it has a dedicated following of collectors. I'd suggest if you ever make another part, consider having a look at the late-era Marx plastic rolling stock with plastic knuckles, simulated truck frames molded to the body, and 2-axles. I see them around junk bins a lot but I don't think most of them are very sought after. I collect them sometimes, but only for the sake of having a 'period appropriate' consist to pull with a simple, cheap Marx 490. They're alright, but the plastic solid knuckle couplers are incompatible with most O gauge trains, and their cheap look does make them a bit undesirable. Lionel 'scout' sets are pretty notorious for being unwanted and unloved. The locomotives with plastic motors are difficult to work on without taking the motor completely apart, and they're not designed to pull very many cars (too heavy a train can burn out the motors). There are a few nicer models, but a lot of collectors will turn up their nose at anything with. 2-4-2 wheel configuration (scout motor or not), and of course the scout-type couplers from the 40s don't mate with the Lionel knuckle coupler. Basic Lionel SP-type cabooses like the brown 6017 'Lionel Lines' model are so plentiful that they're practically worthless except to repaint or use for parts. I never buy them unless they're practically being given away, they're just not worth it.
@ProspectorsGhost
Жыл бұрын
I personally like, use and prefer the older style (non-roadbed installed), track pieces and (Non-Roadbed installed), flex track. Don't get me wrong, I do like the newer style track that already has the roadbed installed but on my limited fixed low-income retirement pay I can't afford such luxury of roadbed which aready comes installed on the track. And even if I try to get the non-roadbed installed track they still want a price for it of which I can't afford. So I can't understand why you have so much trouble selling it even for a measily twenty fiive cents a section. There are people out there like me that are in the same low fixed-income bracket. At twenty Five cents a section I would think You would sell it all very quickly. I just paid 39.25 dollars (7.85 apiece, less tax), for 5 sections of N-Scale flex track at my local (Did I say Local? - it's fifty miles one way (hundred miles round trip), a couple of months ago and it seems to be even more expensive If I try to buy it online from E-Bay, Amazon, or a Model Rail-Roading hobby supply shop. So, 25 cents apiece for each section is not bad at all in my way of thinking. I even need more turnouts but even they are no less than $27.00 dollars minimun for each turnout. That price is not something I can afford upon my monthly low fixed-income retirement pay. I wish I could still get those items brand new for less than 10 to 15 dollars apiece like I could back in the 1970's. I still need at least 5 more sections of N-Scale Flex track and at least 6 more N-Scale turnouts (3 left hand turnouts, and 3 right hand turnouts). I know that Model Railroading is sort an an expesive hobby, but I swear that everybody thinks their model railroading parts and equipment is made out of either gold or platinum. Even if it is used parts and equipment. So they deliberately price their items (whether it is brand new or used), out of reach for the lower income model railroading hobbists. I had 13 turnouts given to me free of charge by another fellow model railroader because he was upgrading his layout with new equipment. But out of those 13 turnouts there was only 6 that were still usable as the others were so badly damaged after he removed them from his layout that they are totally useless and can't even be repaired or salvaged for use. A couple of them looked like he used a propane torch on the controls as they are melted and the switch controls won't operate and the rest have the track rails broken loose from their plastic mounts on the cross-ties almost the whole length of the turnout. The same thing was wrong with at leat 7 sections of flex track he also gave me. all the rails were broken loose from the plastic mounts on the cross-ties. almost the whole length of the flex track so they are useless and beyond repair as well too. But at the price of 27 to 30 dollars (and up), apiece for each turnout I can't even afford them. It would take me about 6 to 8 months to try to save up enough to buy them all new and that's if I had enough left over after paying all the normal monthly bills to be able to buy one at a time. But most of the time I usually have from 15 or 20 up to 50 dollars extra left over after paying the mothly bills of which I can set aside to purchase something with if it's not too pricey. But generally everybody wants more than I have available even though it is used and not brand new. So I continue to sit, wait and wish hoping somebody will finally have something I need for my N---Scale Layout at the price I can afford. But I will probably die of old age before somebody has the items in a price range I can afford. So, Like I said, I'm surprised that you can't sell those fixed track section items and turnouts for a measlily twenty five cents a section. That's dirt cheap in my way of thinking. But I was told that's what I get for doing my own thinking, as it will get me nowhere, and I will aways find myself wishing and doing without and waiting to die of old age first. For those out there reading this - Nope, I'm mot whining or feeling sorry for myself. So get that sequence of thoughts out of your head and don't even go there. or post comment to that effect. I'm just stating the truth and the facts the way I see it from a low income bracket and also for all others of which are in the same low-income bracket like I am of which would like to get into the model Railroaging hobby. but can't do so due to the high prices even for used equipment and parts. But in regards to this remember one thing - Eventually in your Greed for higher prices whether it is for brand new items or for used items you as a individual or as a dealer or manufacturer you will eventually high price yourself right out of business and will eventually go broke from the lack of customers due to your greed for higher prices. And that is a fact of life, and has been proven many tmes down through the ages. So once again, I'm surprised that this gentleman can't sell those older style track items and turnouts for the low price of 25 cents apiece. Just because they are the older style doesn't make them totally obsolete and useless. I'm quite sure I could afford those items at that price even on my low income. But I'm not into HO scale. I swapped all my HO equipment straight across for N-Scale equipment because I don't have a room or an area large enough for an HO layout.
@GGSRailways
Жыл бұрын
LOVE your store !!! On a side note , when friends ask me about "value" I try my hardest to get out of the conversation , nobody wants to hear it :)
@briansmith-l1q
2 ай бұрын
for those who can't afford gold plated train sets, these are priceless. Parents trying their best for their kids, etc.... try different ideas for your time here,
@WashingtonDistrictRailfan
2 ай бұрын
@@briansmith-l1q Thanks for watching!
@suppylarue220
Жыл бұрын
"WORTHLESS" is a frank, and accurate description of this junk. People who play with this stuff don't know what they're doing. They think they're hobbyist or modelers when they are nothing but price shoppers with an infantile interest in trains. My suggestion for those who have an interest in railroads is to get a grip on trains, read some history, buy back issues of magazine publications and just go out and watch trains without any photography in mind.
@elleryparsons2433
Жыл бұрын
When All Do Model our Trains different strokes Different Folks. Different Taste But we Are Our own Biggest Crittics One Way Or Another We All Do model With Passion and Pride.
@robertwilkins1765
7 ай бұрын
Atlas Snap Track Nickel Silver is a good "no roadbed" brand in both Code 100 and 83 .
@SAVikingSA
Жыл бұрын
Tyco's other offerings, namely slot cars and R/C vehicles, have a strong following and some of their sets and more rare R/C stuff can command a premium. I'm looking at you, Bandit truck slot car set.
@lesliemclean4381
2 ай бұрын
Part two Damnskippy!
@bohunt8113
11 ай бұрын
I am surprised that the piece tracks don't sell. I can't stand roadbed attached track, since most are not compatible with each other. I find it very difficult to find track pieces.
@TheMrKite
Жыл бұрын
As someone who's starting to get an interest in model trains but is too poor to afford much, I wish I could stop by your shop for a Santa Fe F7 and some track 😂
@mojorisen74
Жыл бұрын
The Tyco stuff in the late 80's really started to get boring. It was always a Santa Fe engine with the UP gondola and about 75 pieces of accessories. In the 70's and up till the mid 80's you at least saw Chessie, ICG or BN stuff. They even had their fantasy lines like "Comin round the mountain", Golden Eagle and Chattanooga choo choo in Steam and diesel.
@neimrxcharix574
Жыл бұрын
Ill watch a part 3!
@gdfruitygames7082
Жыл бұрын
also where is your shop located?
@WashingtonDistrictRailfan
Жыл бұрын
2090 Fairview Blvd, Fairview, Tennessee :)
@johnkozlowski8782
Жыл бұрын
All of my model trains 027 gauge are Lionel Diesel freight train and the other 027 gauge train is a Radio Flyer steam engine and the are set up for Christmas time under the Christmas tree and they are older than me.
@WashingtonDistrictRailfan
Жыл бұрын
O-27 is classic!
@johnkozlowski8782
Жыл бұрын
@@WashingtonDistrictRailfan thank you
@randallmeadows9568
Жыл бұрын
Do you have an online store?
@WashingtonDistrictRailfan
Жыл бұрын
Unfortunately not yet
@ericzerkle8486
Жыл бұрын
I really miss the cars in kit form. I built countless kits in the 1980s and 90s.
@BaileyLeFloof
Жыл бұрын
Wish you lived nearby, I’d love hundreds of Bachmann ez track for cheap lol
@naguoning
Жыл бұрын
One exception to track without roadbed being worthless. LGB (and to a certain extent other brass G gauge and one gauge like Marklin).
@timothy2119
Жыл бұрын
Love the videos seen both how about N-scale train cause everyone I buy a bachman train the engine doesn't last long
@WashingtonDistrictRailfan
Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much!
@Harrisonidk
Жыл бұрын
I go to a hobby store and I can definitely agree that nobody wants old tyco stock including most of the engines, track and really anything else they made
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