Model Trains: PIA

leowis1 · Post by **leowis1** » Sun. Sep. 20, 2009 12:33 pm

I'm writing this in the heat of frustration. Last year I bought a model train set: "O" Gauge for the kids. I never knew how expensive the tracks and other components were.

E.g A switch can cost around $65. If you want a track with 4 switches...$240. Yes, that's crazy. So my uncle had an old train platform in his basement that he gave me. Perfect! It had 4 switches and the track had rust on it. I spent yesterday scrubbing the track. I didn't get all of it done, so I left all of it outside and overnight since it was nice out. Came out this morning to finish the job and found rust all over the areas I just cleaned. The morning dew must've gotten to it. Very frustrated right now. What did I get myself into????

009to090 · Post by **009to090** » Sun. Sep. 20, 2009 12:45 pm

leowis1 wrote: What did I get myself into????

Probably, a "money pit" hobby

Yep your uncle's track is steel. You have to buy brass, but thats probably twice as expensive.

Post by **Richard S.** » Sun. Sep. 20, 2009 12:56 pm

Technically it would give it that authentic look? Maybe they are designed to rust?

Stoker6268 · Post by **Stoker6268** » Wed. Sep. 23, 2009 9:00 pm

Scrub it off and keep it dry. It should be ok. Ive used fine sandpaper on stubborn track too. Works great. Being an avid model railroader myself I can tell you O gauge is very exensive! One locomotive alone can cost over $1000.00 easily! I have locomotives that have sound, rail chatter smoke and steam fans auto uncouplers etc. Most simple box cars are a min of 49.00 and go way up too. It is a lot of fun, but if you want to keep within a budget, go with HO scale. Much cheaper and you can fit a lot more in a smaller area.....

Poconoeagle · Post by **Poconoeagle** » Wed. Sep. 23, 2009 11:03 pm

http://paul.mcnabbs.org/trains/#layouts

coal berner · Post by **coal berner** » Thu. Sep. 24, 2009 2:38 am

Richard S. wrote:Technically it would give it that authentic look? Maybe they are designed to rust?

Rusty Tracks do not conduct electricity to well you must keep them cleaned

ken · Post by **ken** » Thu. Sep. 24, 2009 11:32 am

You have keep the top of the track clean. After you clean real nice , try to get some No-Ox at an electric supply store. It should potect it for years with no more cleaning. Works great on silver-nickle track.