I need some help making my Dad's Christmas

[Steam Rick]

Hi everyone, brand new to the forums. I came here specifically to get some help with a project for my 76 year old Dad. He's spent a great deal of time creating his perfect place. A 20X24 room with all his favorite things with a complete working Ice cream Soda Fountain as it's centerpiece. The one thing he didn't have time to do, and now can't really do. Is put in a railroad. I haven't touched model railroading since a decent HO layout when I was a kid. No DCC, no sound, just track, trains, and fun. I want to get him his train though and I need some help doing it. The project has 2 parts for me, get him something in the short term for this Christmas, then get him what he would do himself if he was still able.

Short term (by Dec 15 2021)
1. A straight run supported on top of the existing beams in the room. About 22 feet long with the ability for the train to run to the end of the track and then reverse,
2. A steam engine and cars similar to the old Wanderer from Wild WIld West Televison show.

Wanderer was a American 4-4-0 named Inyo

3. A Steam Christmas themed train


Long term
1. Full loop of the room either supported from the beams or on a wall shelf
2. Hidden siding to store not in service train(s)
3. A Coca-Cola themed train (he has a lot of Coke memorabilia)

My local hobby shop has little/no experience in G scale and no stock to speak of. They have been able to get me track (pico) and a digitrax DCC system to get me started. Dad has an old and pretty inexpensive loco I stole from his basement for testing.

I'm pleased to get any any advice but there are a couple big items that google just hasn't been very helpful with;

1. The wild wild west train. It appears that there was a train made, but it was for the modern movie and that was a crime against humanity (or so I'm told). So if anyone knows of something that is similar I'd be interested.
2. A way to create the auto-reverse function for train. I was hoping there was some way to program the DCC to react to the train position and switch the direction but all my searches for auto-reverse end up hitting on the polarity reverse function of the power systems.

I'm located in Massachusetts USA.

Thank you all for your time and knowledge.

 

[PhilP]

Hello Rick,

Welcome to the Forum!

Being in the UK, I won't comment on the loco, except there is plenty of potential starting with a Bachmann model. - We have members who perform miracles, starting with these..

Coca-Cola themed trains, are very possible, with LGB straight out of the box..
There are trucks available also, which you can drop on the back of a flat wagon.

Digitrax will be fine, and I am sure a shuttle system is more than possible..

Good luck! You don't have a great deal of time.. Perhaps try to find a local group of modellers, for moral support?

PhilP.

 

[Paul M]

Welcome to the forum, plenty of advice available. I'm sure LGB or one of the other big companies do a Western starter kit, which would probably be your best bet to start, as they often come with DCC

 

[idlemarvel]

If you are not bothered by authenticity Playmobil used to make Western style locos and carriages, with scenic buildings as well. You'd have to look on ebay though as they are not made any more and never were digital.

 

[maxi-model]

Bachmann made a very nice 4-4-0 for 45 mm gauge track operation. here are some images of a few examples - bachmann spectrum 4-4-0 g scale - Google Search

It is in fact a 1:20.3 scaled model of a 3ft gauged real life loco type, not the standard gauge loco the film "Wanderer" was based on (owned by the B&O museum). However, when paired up with Bachmann's "Big Hauler", slightly smaller scaled, but similarly gauged,, J&S clerestory roofed cars will look the part. Both products share the same coupling height, despite different scales, and are designed to run on the commonly available, like your Piko items, 45 mm track systems .

Note - these old Bachmann locos are prone to broken main drive gears but replacements, as well as full gearbox/motor sets, are available. If you buy 2nd hand ask if the drive gear has been replaced. This loco is relatively simple to convert to DCC and its supplied manual, or one posted on the Bachmann service pages, will show the correct wiring to achieve this modification. Also keep in mind they really need a minimum 4 ft radius curve to operate on. But that is not an issue for a straight "out & back" line you initially propose.

There is also a 2-6-0 variant of this loco, released at the same time as the original 4-4-0 (that I own) and a version that Bachmann recently reissued that has an improved drive train and simplified DCC (and battery/RC,) installation process that can still be bought NIB. BACHMANN G SPECTRUM GLENBROOK 2-6-0 & TENDER 81486 DCC & SOUND READY BRAND NEW | eBay Apart from the wheel arrangement these two original models are identical. There were a number of road name/livery variants of both too. Max

 

[Greg Elmassian]

The locomotive in the TV series (not the 1999 remake movie) is Sierra #3 (The Wanderer was used in the 1999 movie)

Still in operation . Here's the Wiki page on this locomotive:

Sierra No. 3 - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

The current owner: Railtown 1897 state park. (note in the TV series the loco was renumbered to #5)

Excursion Train Rides - Railtown 1897 State Park

Ride behind a historic diesel locomotive on a train trip through California’s scenic Gold Country.

www.railtown1897.org

 

[Fred2179G]

(The Wanderer was used in the 1999 movie)

Yes, and it stayed in that paint scheme for several years. We used to run it on 'steam days' at the B&O RR Museum.



(As an aside, note that the front drivers look wider than the rear. They actually have no flanges - the front truck pivots but does not move side-to-side to guide the loco, and the front drivers just follow.)

Getting back to your 4-4-0 question, there was a Hartland 4-4-0 which came in various disguises. It is smaller scale than the Bachmann 4-4-0 and will look very good with Hartland, Bachmann, Piko or LGB coaches.

 

[Greg Elmassian]

Just to re-iterate to the OP:

"2. A steam engine and cars similar to the old Wanderer from Wild WIld West Televison show."

The Wanderer was NOT used in the TV show, but the 1999 movie...

The OP also stated:
"1. The wild wild west train. It appears that there was a train made, but it was for the modern movie and that was a crime against humanity (or so I'm told). So if anyone knows of something that is similar I'd be interested."

So, you have to check with your dad if the one in the movie is ok.. he may not have ever seen the TV series one in enough detail to know the wanderer is wrong.

But I would check, certainly the 4-4-0 ones will be smaller and somewhat easier to get ...

Greg

 

[Fred2179G]

The locomotive in the TV series (not the 1999 remake movie) is Sierra #3 (The Wanderer was used in the 1999 movie)

You could use a Bachmann 4-6-0 as a stand-in for that loco.

P.S. OP = Original Poster, i.e. 'Steam Rick'.

 

[Greg Elmassian]

Yep, that would be the way I'd go, because I would also get pictures from the series for my dad, kinda package it up. Even maybe print up some of the scenes in some buildings.

Greg

 

[ByngGiraud]

Yep, that would be the way I'd go, because I would also get pictures from the series for my dad, kinda package it up. Even maybe print up some of the scenes in some buildings.

Greg

Hi everyone, brand new to the forums. I came here specifically to get some help with a project for my 76 year old Dad. He's spent a great deal of time creating his perfect place. A 20X24 room with all his favorite things with a complete working Ice cream Soda Fountain as it's centerpiece. The one thing he didn't have time to do, and now can't really do. Is put in a railroad. I haven't touched model railroading since a decent HO layout when I was a kid. No DCC, no sound, just track, trains, and fun. I want to get him his train though and I need some help doing it. The project has 2 parts for me, get him something in the short term for this Christmas, then get him what he would do himself if he was still able.

Short term (by Dec 15 2021)
1. A straight run supported on top of the existing beams in the room. About 22 feet long with the ability for the train to run to the end of the track and then reverse,
2. A steam engine and cars similar to the old Wanderer from Wild WIld West Televison show.
View attachment 290464
Wanderer was a American 4-4-0 named Inyo

3. A Steam Christmas themed train


Long term
1. Full loop of the room either supported from the beams or on a wall shelf
2. Hidden siding to store not in service train(s)
3. A Coca-Cola themed train (he has a lot of Coke memorabilia)

My local hobby shop has little/no experience in G scale and no stock to speak of. They have been able to get me track (pico) and a digitrax DCC system to get me started. Dad has an old and pretty inexpensive loco I stole from his basement for testing.

I'm pleased to get any any advice but there are a couple big items that google just hasn't been very helpful with;

1. The wild wild west train. It appears that there was a train made, but it was for the modern movie and that was a crime against humanity (or so I'm told). So if anyone knows of something that is similar I'd be interested.
2. A way to create the auto-reverse function for train. I was hoping there was some way to program the DCC to react to the train position and switch the direction but all my searches for auto-reverse end up hitting on the polarity reverse function of the power systems.

I'm located in Massachusetts USA.

Thank you all for your time and knowledge.

A LGB 10345 Shuttle Train Automatic Circuit Box - simple and ready to run in about a half hour adding the diodes. Has anyone thougt of using more than one operating a switchback?

 

[Gerard]

Hello Steam Rick,

Great project ! My age is 71 and I started my LGB railroad about 5 years ago.
Here is some advice based on my experiences so far.

Track level:
I have all my tracks at ground level which is easy to build and gives the opportunity to make a circular track along the walls of the room, but on the other hand can be a problem for elderly people because you must bend over deep to fix things.
I put 18 mm thickness multiplex wood layer 16cm wide or more under all track and fixed the track to this wood layer.
At the entrance door of my sub station room i used the gray platform parts next to and between the rail tracks to walk over the rail without damaging the rail. At the door to the garden rail i simply used a saw to make just some tiny space for the two rails without the sleepers, so no mice can come in when the door is closed. At one side of the room i have a table under which the track is covered by a wooden tunnel to prevent collision with my feet or other stuff. The U-shaped tunnel elements have inside measure of 25 x 16,5 cm, so they fit over the multiplex layer.
On the opposite side of the room i have a rail yard with 4 tracks on a multiplex layer of 61 cm wide. That side i can cover too with 5 large U-shaped tunnel pieces with inside measure 61 cm wide and 38 cm high which form all together a long sitting bench with 5 flat pillows. When i run the train i pick up the u-shapes and put them on top of each other with the pillows inside. But i can also run the train under both "tunnels".
See the photographs.


Choice of driving system:
I use a Zimo digital steering system that works well but i really need quite often my specialist that lives nearby.
I had to let build in a decoder in each loco and rail switch, this is a costly and delicate operation. Do not do that yourself if you have no experience!
The great thing about digital is:
1) you do not have to wire all your switches
2) each loco rides independently and very realistic (starts and stops)
3) there is a nice sound library for each loco
4) you can control all functions on the loco like sounds, smoke, and lights.
The choice of driving system to start with depends strongly on what your dad knows about digital control systems.
If he has no knowledge of Digital control and there is no specialist in the neighbourhood to ask for help with programming the decoders and do the building in of the decoders then my advice is to start with the standard Direct Current system.
LGB has a very nice small train sets to begin with! See photograph.


I hope these ideas offer you some help to make things working for your Dad
Regards
Gerard

 

[PhilP]

If by a switchback, you mean to zigzag up a series of inclines, then you would need a little more than a shuttle would give you for control..
Definitely 'do-able' with the automation that LGB give you, without resorting to DCC.

PhilP

 

[stevedenver]

Well, if you want to blow his mind for crimbo,
id suggest a bachmann spectrum 2-6-0 and combine and coach.
they are spectacular. Detailed, gorgeous livery, smooth runners.
they don't quite have the high driver feel of the wanderer.

lgb currently has a very limited and pricey set of brass 4-4-0s, the 119 and Jupiter. I assume this is more than you would like to spend.

each time i bought my 2-6-0 bachmanns, it was really exciting just to look at them. They are virtually fine scalein detailing, imho.

i have both the eureka and palisade and grizzly flats versions and cars. The latter might please your dad. While garish, it is, imho, similar to the feel of early western ng railroads, like the Virginia and truckee, very early santa fe, Carson and colorado. The livery on both is superb…very 1870s -1880s in feel.

it is my understanding they are mechanically and electronically superior to the 4-4-0 version. Cant say first hand. I can say the 2-6-0s are superb runners.

if you hustle, you may still find them on ebay at ok prices.

they are possibly the most beautiful g scale locos i own, and run every bit as well as they look.

otoh, they are fussy to put on the rails and connect Loco to tender. And not good candidates for regular handling, as details are delicate. Thats an understatement. And, importantly, there are no spare parts. And they require regular lubrication. And, they are not always able to mate well with lgb couplers.

If it will stay on the layout, no problem. If durability is a consideration, lgb, hands down.

an alternate, in feel, but not classication, imho, might be an lgb 2118, a similar livery.
The newest lgb coke with some coaches would do it too. Try pizza trains for very competitive prices (nfi).

 

[DRG11]

Hello and welcome,

You should be able to find out a lot of things here,

As to the steam loco have you looked at Piko they do several steam locos and coaches to go with them, maybe worth a look,

Also Trainworld in New York have a lot of locos etc from various manufacturers, also very good prices and they post.

Good luck with your railroad.

 

[maxi-model]

Well, if you want to blow his mind for crimbo,
id suggest a bachmann spectrum 2-6-0 and combine and coach.
they are spectacular. Detailed, gorgeous livery, smooth runners.
they don't quite have the high driver feel of the wanderer.

lgb currently has a very limited and pricey set of brass 4-4-0s, the 119 and Jupiter. I assume this is more than you would like to spend.

each time i bought my 2-6-0 bachmanns, it was really exciting just to look at them. They are virtually fine scalein detailing, imho.

i have both the eureka and palisade and grizzly flats versions and cars. The latter might please your dad. While garish, it is, imho, similar to the feel of early western ng railroads, like the Virginia and truckee, very early santa fe, Carson and colorado. The livery on both is superb…very 1870s -1880s in feel.

it is my understanding they are mechanically and electronically superior to the 4-4-0 version. Cant say first hand. I can say the 2-6-0s are superb runners.

if you hustle, you may still find them on ebay at ok prices.

they are possibly the most beautiful g scale locos i own, and run every bit as well as they look.

otoh, they are fussy to put on the rails and connect Loco to tender. And not good candidates for regular handling, as details are delicate. Thats an understatement. And, importantly, there are no spare parts. And they require regular lubrication. And, they are not always able to mate well with lgb couplers.

If it will stay on the layout, no problem. If durability is a consideration, lgb, hands down.

an alternate, in feel, but not classication, imho, might be an lgb 2118, a similar livery.
The newest lgb coke with some coaches would do it too. Try pizza trains for very competitive prices (nfi).

Very much agree with your assesment of these fine models. However the earlier versions of this Bachmann 2-6-0/4-4-0 19th century design were essentialy the same product sharing a lot of components. The weak spot is their main drive axle gear, a common component, they split with age. Both these loco types can be found 2nd hand and Bachmann still have stock of replacements drive axles with gears fitted, for these "kissing cousins" Drive Axle (Large 4-4-0 & 2-6-0) [813XX-13] - $7.14 : Bachmann Trains Online Store! Although I will admit it is not a task for the fainthearted to replace one.

Still available new, upgraded both mechanically and electronically, is the 2-6-0 design alone. I posted a link to this in my original post. I have a new one winging its way to me from Al Kramer on Ebay right now to join my existing 2-6-0. It's my favourite loco on my roster. It's diminutive size in real life, as a 1:20.3 scale model of a narrow gauge loco, means it will look closer to a standard gauge model with Bachmann's smaller scaled J&S cars in tow. Which is what you wish to represent. Max

 

[Dan]

To me, the best running old steam loco is the LGB wood burner mogul 2-6-0. And Marklin is making this model, but probably the most expensive compared to Bachmann or Hartland. One can find older LGB moguls on the web for far less $$$.