Why O-Gauge?
- Many O-gauge trains are built to be played with and passed on for generations. Even many starter sets include die-cast locomotives and cars with many metal parts.
- It is easy to incrementally upgrade a starter set with even higher-quality cars and locomotives and trackside accessories as the years go by
- What about cost? Although O-gauge equipment initially costs more than HO gauge, it not only lasts longer but holds its value. Used equipment can be resold easily.
- The best O-gauge locomotives are both finely-crafted machines and true works of art. You might not be able to collect Porsches, but you could collect some of the best toy trains ever produced. You can buy pristine examples of many collectable locomotives for a few hundred dollars.
- The space needed for a minimal O layout is larger than for an HO layout, but not by as much as you might think. If you are happy with a "toy train" style, you can build a nice layout in 4 x 8 feet, or even 3 x 6 feet - see my Layouts directory. A very realistic ("high rail") layout, on the other hand, can easily fill a room.
- If you like the idea of really big all steel trains in the style of the earliest model electric trains (from around 1900-1930), consider Standard Gauge instead of O. The Lionel Corporation brand of MTH produced reproductions of standard-gauge trains from the early pre-war era, and original Standard Gauge equipment can be easily found at auctions (see below). Standard-gauge track looks like 3-rail O-gauge, but is about twice the width.
- For an outdoor or "garden" layout, look for quality G-gauge equipment, which are engineered to withstand weather. Most G scale trains have durable heavy plastic bodies, so they are less likely than O-gauge trains to be damaged by rough play by children. G-gauge is about the same size as Standard Gauge, but always uses 2-rail track and DC power instead of 3-rail AC. G-gauge brands include MTH One Gauge, LGB, Marklin 1-Gauge, Bachmann, and USA Trains.
- You might be lucky enough to have a model train shop nearby. Check the list of Lionel Authorized Dealers.
- Online stores with good selections and reputations include:
- Model train shows are a great place to see operating layouts and buy new and used merchandise from a large number of dealers. There probably is a show near you at least once a year. Many traveling shows are organized by Greenberg Shows. The Train Collectors Association (TCA) organizes a huge show twice a year in York, Pennsylvania. In the Rochester, New York, area, the Rochester Institute of Technology hosts the Tiger Tracks Train Show each December.
- An auction house that specialize just in toy trains is Stout Auctions. I have found the grading of trains by Stout to be reliable, and winning bids usually reflect true market value. If you can't attend live auctions in person, I have had good experience with using LiveAuctioneers to place bids on items before or during auctions. Other auction houses that specialize in model trains are Cabin Fever Auctions, Harris Toy Train Auctions, and Toy Trains and Other Old Stuff. A dealer who for vintage O-gauge trains and accessories as well as other scales is Tobias Toys and Trains - note that Tobias is open to offers for his goods.
- What about Ebay? There are indeed an enormous number of O-gauge trains available on Ebay from both dealers and private individuals. I have bought and sold many items myself. Before bidding on Ebay, check the history of the completed-sale prices of similar items. The quality of grading is highly variable between sellers, and in general is not very trustworthy - so buyer beware.
- Trains produced up to 1942 are called "Pre-War", and those from 1945 to 1969 "Post-War". No model trains were manufactured in the USA during its involvement in WWII. Trains produced from 1970 onward are called "Modern Era".
- "Tinplate" trains are the earliest pre-war trains, which are constructed out of sheet metal rather than die-cast metal and plastic. "Tinplate" is sometimes used generically to refer to any pre-war train or to any toy-style train.
- The main Pre-War brands are Lionel, Ives, and American Flyer.
- The main Post-War brands are Lionel and Marx.
- Marx trains were and are much less expensive than Lionel trains, and also much less realistic and more toylike. Early tinplate Marx trains can be charming. Later plastic Marx trains are just ugly and cheap.
- You can educate yourself about models, terminology, and prices of pre- and post-war trains by getting the Standard Catalogs of Lionel Trains by David Doyle, volumes 1 (pre-war) and 2 (post-war).
- Engines, cars, and transformers are interchangeable (except as regards remote-control, see below), so you are not locked into one brand.
- The best-known and biggest selling brand is Lionel. The company was originally founded in 1900, but has gone through several changes of ownership. Its lines of O-gauge models, in order of increasing cost and detail, are LionChief, LionChief Plus 2.0, Lionel Legacy, and VisionLine. Lionel sells a number of ready-to-run sets that include an engine, cars, transformer, and loop of 36-inch diameter FasTrack (see below for information about track). Lionel's catalog also includes very detailed model engines for adult collectors that cost over $1,000 each and are built to order. In addition to O-gauge, Lionel reintroduced American Flyer S-gauge. S-gauge is in between O and HO in size, and runs on 2 rail track.
- The second biggest name in O-gauge trains for many years was MTH, which was founded in 1980 by a model-train enthusiast. Its product lines in order of increasing cost and detail are RailKing, RailKing Imperial, and Premiere. Until 2018, MTH also sold reproductions of pre-war O and Standard gauge tinplate trains and accessories under the "Lionel Corporation" brand. In 2021, M.T.H. owner Mike Wolf retired and sold off the HO and S Gauge product lines as well as some O Gauge tooling. The company transitioned into three smaller companies and relocated into a smaller facility in Elkridge, MD. M.T.H. continues to churn out new products every month with a smaller staff and a number of outside contractors, many of whom worked directly for the firm for two or more decades. Updates to its printed catalogs and website are erratic, so you would find the best information about what they are currently selling from a dealer and posts from the company on model train forums.
- Atlas-O concentrates on producing scale-size models of diesel trains aimed at adults who want to create realistic ("high rail") layouts. Some higher-end Atlas-O engines are compatible with Lionel TMCC remote control.
- Williams was a small independent company producing replicas of postwar Lionel trains until the owner retired in 2008. Fortunately, rather than disappearing, the company was bought by Bachmann, a large toy company, which was known for HO and N gauge trains. Williams concentrates on replicas of Lionel trains from the 1950's.
- There are a few small European companies that produce O-gauge tinplate-style trains that can be ordered or converted for 3-rail AC operation. The couplers would also need to be special ordered or replaced to be compatible with Lionel.
- ETS (Electric Train Systems) hand-produces all-metal tinplate trains in the Czech Republic. Their train sets can be ordered configured for either DC or AC power, 2 or 3 rail, and with a variety of different kinds of couplers. To be compatible with US standards, you'd choose high-flange wheels, AC-0 power, knuckle couplers, 3 rail system, and AC sound.
- Darstaed produces a small line of 3 rail "coarse scale" engines which can be special-ordered for AC operation.
- ACE Trains London produces a larger range of models that can be run on either 2 rail or 3 rail track.
- All brands of trains can run on any brand of 3-rail track. What matters is the smallest radius of the curves of the track that an engine can negotiate. Curves are specified by the diameter in inches of a circle of track. Most entry-level engines can operate on curves as sharp as 31 inches, and some even on 27 inch curves. More expensive and realistic engines can require 54 inch or wider curves - you have to check the manufacturers' specifications.
- The most traditional track, introduced in the Pre-War area, is called "tubular" track, so-called because the rails are hollow, formed from metal sheets, with unrealistic widely-spaced ties. There are two kinds of Lionel tubular track, O31 and O27, so named for the minimal diameter curves they include. O27 track is slightly lower profile and uses smaller pins than O31 track. The two kinds can be joined together, but it requires some mechanical force due to the different pin size.
- Most Lionel starter sets come with FasTrack track for a loop with 36 inch curves. The rails are attached to a solid plastic track bed, so it is fine to use even on heavy carpet. The FasTrack manual switches are unique in that they will not derail the train if it runs into it "backwards" (all brands of automatic switches have this feature). The remote control switches can be controlled by a switch button or by Lionel TMCC remote control (see below).
- Most MTH starter sets include a loop of 31 inch curve track in a competing solid track bed system called RealTrax.
- For large permanent layouts, most modelers choose a flexible track system, for smoother running, added flexibility, and better modeling of curves. Flexible track and mixed fixed-radius and flexible track systems include Gargraves, Atlas O, and MTH ScaleTrax.
- A big share of the cost of a layout is switches - prices range from about $60 to $120 each. The best highly realistic switches are made by Ross Custom Switches. If you are building a toy-like tubular track layout, used Lionel 022 remote switches (O31 curve) are a fine choice. You can find them on Ebay or from dealers for around $25 each. With just a little cleaning with circuit cleaning spray and a drop of oil, even Pre-War 022 switches work well.
- How can you judge the quality of a (new) engine or rolling stock? Aside from the obvious visual detail, a simple rule of thumb is that higher quality pieces tend to use less plastic and more metal (steel, aluminum, or brass):
- The body of steam locomotive should be die-cast metal. The upper body of a diesel engine will be plastic, but if you turn it over all you should see is metal. All of the companies mentioned above include such engines in some of their least expensive starter sets - but there are some unfortunate exceptions, so check before buying!
- For rolling stock, check whether the "trucks" (the things the wheels attach to) are plastic or steel. Steel trucks are sturdier and their weight helps keep the car on the track. If the trucks are steel, check if the carriage (the bottom of the car) is steel as well - another good sign. The rest of the body is likely to be plastic. The more expensive passenger cars from all three manufacturers are made of aluminum. Most pre-war rolling stock is made of thin stamped steel called tinplate.
- Almost all O-gauge trains are electrically compatible - if the motor is in good condition, you can run a train from 1935 on a modern layout. Trains intended for the US market from all eras run on AC current, using transformers that deliver 0-18 volts AC, and are designed to run on 3-rail track. Trains designed for the European market are often built to use DC current and 2-rail track.
- Most recent engines from Lionel and all engines from MTH can run on DC instead of AC power. Most prewar Lionel engines can also run on either DC or AC power. Recent starter sets from Lionel include low-powered DC transformers.
- All engines with the notable exception of Lionel LionChief engines (see section on remote control below) can be controlled "conventionally", meaning the speed varies with the amount of voltage supplied by the transformer.
- The higher wattage of a transformer, the larger layout it can handle without overheating. Non-refurbished transformers from the 1950's and before are a fire hazard. A number of dealers on Ebay sell refurbished Lionel transformers from the 1950's. However, to protect the delicate electronics in modern engines from being damaged, you should add an inexpensive fuse block between the transformer and the track.
- Traditional O-gauge trains include an electro-mechanical horn and sometimes a bell. The transformer activates the horn or bell by applying a DC current on top of the AC current that drives the engines. Most modern O-gauge locomotives include electronic sound systems of varying degrees of sophistication. They provide sounds of chuffing, steam release, brakes, whistle, bell, and radio chatter from a train crew.
- Many engines sold by Lionel and MTH have some kind of wireless remote control system. Lionel has two kinds of control systems, TMCC and LionChief, and in 2020 introduced "LionChief Plus 2.0" which combines both TMCC and LionChief. The MTH remote control system system is called Proto-Sound. To add wireless remote control of switches and accessories, you need to buy adapters for either the TMCC or Proto-Sounds system. TMCC and Proto-Sound controllers cannot digitally control engines of the opposite brand, but can control them in "conventional mode", meaning varying the speed of the engine by varying the voltage from the transformer. It is possible to run both systems simultaneously. Finally, there is a yet a different remote control system named "DCC" that is an open standard supported by the National Model Railroad Association. MTH Proto-Sounds engines can be run by a DCC controller but Lionel or other brands would need to be electrically modified using third-party electronics.
- Trainsounds - engines with Lionel's most basic electronic sound system.
- Railsounds - engines with Lionel's more advanced electronic sound system, which allows multiple sounds to occur simultaneously (e.g. chuffing + whistle + bell).
- TMCC (TrainMaster Command Control) - the original version of Lionel's remote control capability. It has two main components, a handheld wireless controller, the CAB-1, and a base that receives commands from the controller and transmits them through the track to TMCC engines. The base can also be wired to controllers for switches and accessories, and to a voltage controller that allows conventional mode control of non-TMCC engines. A few accessories and Fastrack remote switches can directly receive signals from the base.
- TMCC II Legacy - Lionel's updated remote control system, released in 2007. It has many new features but is backward compatible with original TMCC equipment. In 2017, this system was renamed just "Legacy", and Legacy engines produced after this year were given both LionChief with Bluetooth control capability as well as TMCC control capability. Because of the Bluetooth addition, it is not necessary to have a command base to control a train, a smartphone suffices. The optional Legacy remote controller is named the CAB-2.
- LCS Lionel Control System - an extension to TMCC II Legacy that enables controlling a TMCC command base - and thus your whole layout - by WiFi. LCS also includes optional track sensors that relay engine position to the controller for automating complex operations.
- LionChief - a simple remote radio-frequency (RF) control system packaged with most current Lionel starter sets. Starter set engines with this kind of control can only be operated by a LionChief remote and cannot be operated in conventional mode (that is by varying the voltage lever on a transformer). Unlike TMCC, LionChief cannot be used to control switches or accessories.
- LionChief Universal Remote Control - a separately-sold version of the LionChief remote that can control up to three LionChief engines at the same time.
- LionChief with Bluetooth - introduced in 2017, engines with this designation can be controlled either by the LionChief handheld remote or by an iPhone or Android LionChief app using Bluetooth. In 2019, Lionel began using the name LionChief to refer to LionChief Bluetooth. Read the product description of an engine carefully to make sure which version is included.
- LionChief Plus - a more advanced version of LionChief with Bluetooth, which adds the ability to control smoke and audio volume. Most importantly, engines with this kind of control can be controlled conventionally (that is, by varying the voltage of the transformer).
- LionChief Plus 2.0 - introduced in 2020, engines with this designation can be controlled by any of TMCC, LionChief remote controls, or LionChief Bluetooth apps. (If your layout also has LCS then as with all TMCC engines, they can also be controlled by Legacy WiFi iPhone, iPad, or Android apps.) LionChief Plus 2.0 engines have many of the Legacy remote control functions modulo a few advanced features. The main difference is branding: Legacy is used for high-end scale engines - most over $1,000 in price - while LionChief Plus 2.0 is used for mid-range semi-scale engines. In its recent catalogs and webpage, Lionel is using the name "LionChief Plus" to refer to LionChief Plus 2.0. Read the product description of an engine carefully to make sure which version is included.
- Lionel Base3 - introduced in 2022, the Base3 is not a new system, but rather a control base that unifies all previous Lionel remote control systems. A user can send commands to the Base3 using any of a smartphone app, the original CAB-1 remote control, or the Legacy CAB-2 remote control. The Base3 then controls LionChief type engines by over-the-air radio, TMCC type engines by signals encoded in the power sent to the track, and all other kinds of engines - back to the earliest pre-war models from any brand! - by varying the track voltage.
- If the $500 price of the Base3 is too much for your budget, Lionel has you covered: the 2022 of the LionChief Universal Remote costs only $50, and can directly control any Legacy engine produced since 2017 using Bluetooth or any LionChief engine using Bluetooth or RF. It does not use a control base, however, and thus cannot be used to control other engines in conventional mode.
- Loco-Sound - engines with MTH's electronic sounds system only.
- Proto-Sound DCS (Digital Command System) - MTH's original remote control system. All versions of Proto-Sound are forward and backward compatible. As with TMCC, the two main components are a wireless handheld accessory and a base, which MTH calls a Track Interface Unit (TIU). The TIU relays signals bidirectionally to engines, and with additional modules can also control switches and accessories.
- Proto-Sound DCS 2.0 - engines with MTH's 2nd generation remote control capability and electronic sounds system.
- Proto-Sound DCS 3.0 - the latest version of MTH's electronic control system, introduced in 2010.
- In 2017, MTH introduced iPhone and Android apps that can control Proto-sounds trains using a relatively inexpensive WiFi adapter, the DCS Explorer. This adapter was included instead of a physical speed control in most starter sets. In addition to the DCS Explorer, MTH sells a DCS WiFi Module that uses the WiFi app to control a Proto-Sound base, and thus, all parts of a Proto-Sound layout.
- A "Ready to Run" set includes an engine, cars, track, and transformer. You don't have to start with a ready to run set, of course. You can instead buy an engine, cars, track, and transformer separately. Be careful not to buy a "Ready To Play" set - these are no O-gauge and use plastic track.
- LionChief starter sets are often discounted, especially sets issued in previous years. Note that there are many versions of popular brands such as The Polar Express - be careful to buy the version you want.
- LionChief sets available from Charle Ro Supply Company in 2023 include:
- Lionel 2123140 - Hogwarts Express LionChief Set (w/ Bluetooth) - retail $375
- Lionel 2122130 The Polar Express LionChief Bluetooth 5.0 Set - retail $375
- Lionel 2223060 Lionel Lines Mixed Freight LionChief Bluetooth 5.0 Set - retail $288
- Lionel 2123140 - Hogwarts Express LionChief Set (w/ Bluetooth) - retail $375
- LionChief sets available from TrainWorld.com in 2023 include:
- Lionel 1923040 O Union Pacific Flyer LionChief Set w/ Bluetooth - retail $310
- Lionel 1923150 O Winter Wonderland LionChief Set w/ Bluetooth - retail $320
- Lionel 2023070 O Lionel Junction Christmas LionChief Set w/Illuminated Track (no Bluetooth) - retail $240
- Lionel 683510 6-83510 O Thomas Lionchief Passenger Set With Bluetooth - retail $200
- Lionel 1923040 O Union Pacific Flyer LionChief Set w/ Bluetooth - retail $310
- Are all those prices way too high? You can often find bargains on vintage sets on eBay - but you must search for them carefully, since there are many listings that are overpriced. For example, today (November 28, 2023) recent sales on eBay include:
- Lionel 6-30089 Pennsylvania Flyer Steam Freight Train Set (air whistle) - $115
- Lionel 6084737 Construction Railroad LionChief Set - $99
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