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Post by firewood on Dec 9, 2020 5:14:20 GMT
I'm a relatively recent convert to 3-rail O and am happy with the compromises. I guess the rule of thumb is the tighter the curve, the more "compressed" the model. I have a MTH E6 A-A set which is semi-scale with compressed trucks and shorter body, but they look fine with a passenger consist on my 0-42 curves. I'd love to have their Great Northern W-1 or Milwaukee Bi-Polar electrics but even on 0-72 curves the W-1 is still an overhanging monster. (Cost considerations aside ) Run what you like and just make changes if something looks too out of place - yes, there is a happy medium! Enjoy your trains. FW
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Post by Deleted on Dec 9, 2020 17:48:49 GMT
Most sets in 3 rail came with AC transformers. Some unique sets in the early days experimented with DC but AC has always been the norm for 3 rail. DC is mostly used for 2 rail applications. All the Lionel Sets like the one I purchased come with 54W power packs. I also bought a 72W one separately from Lionel. Additionally the FASTRACK POWER BLOCK LOCK-ON takes a DC power from a barrel jack connector. The manuals for the legacy locomotives contain a warning that you need to use an AC transformer not DC power. Whereas the O Gauge locomotives, at least the LionChief/Plus/2.0 all run on DC or AC power. Unfortunately, it's taken me a long time to research and discover this. It's not something that's easy to come by. If it weren't for a comment on a forum I'd never have realized it until it was too late. (not that switching to AC power is difficult, but does require more of an investment since you need to buy a transformer and new terminal track sections).
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Post by JDaddy on Dec 9, 2020 17:53:33 GMT
"at least the LionChief/Plus/2.0 all run on DC or AC power"
I have not purchased any of these sets. Do they really say the will run on DC? What voltage and supply do the sets provide?
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Post by josef on Dec 9, 2020 18:04:00 GMT
I'm a relatively recent convert to 3-rail O and am happy with the compromises. I guess the rule of thumb is the tighter the curve, the more "compressed" the model. I have a MTH E6 A-A set which is semi-scale with compressed trucks and shorter body, but they look fine with a passenger consist on my 0-42 curves. I'd love to have their Great Northern W-1 or Milwaukee Bi-Polar electrics but even on 0-72 curves the W-1 is still an overhanging monster. (Cost considerations aside ) Run what you like and just make changes if something looks too out of place - yes, there is a happy medium! Enjoy your trains. FW Then you have the original K Line full scale 1/48 engines that run on tighter radius. Many even prefer the scale K Lines Hudson's (which are getting harder to find) to the newer Lionels offerings
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Post by Traindiesel! on Dec 10, 2020 2:57:59 GMT
Aaron, the best way to find out what style of trains you want to run, although it may be difficult during the pandemic, is to visit a train club or a train show in your area. See what they are running, take note of the style of trains they are running, ask some questions, most operators are happy to help. That way you're not spending money on items you may not want.
Not only will you see lots of trains but also take notice of their track systems and power requirements. Another good source is to search YouTube. There are endless videos of O gauge and O scale trains to enjoy!
Have fun with the hobby!!
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!
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Post by JDaddy on Dec 10, 2020 18:33:09 GMT
It never fails though, just won an auction for I thought scale heavyweight Milwaukee 4 pack of cars. they looked beautiful and were accurately painted by K-line. So I get them yesterday open them up and they were O-27 cars... wah-wah... Thank God the seller understood and I am able to ship them back...
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