O Scale US Civil War layout

[Brian Austin]

For those wondering what to do with your AMT 1:25 scale GENERAL loco kit, here's what trains typically looked like in the Civil War days.  Note the loco in the thumbnail below.  GENERAL looked very similar before being rebuilt after the war.

The lovely brass model locos are hard to come by today.

 

[Jim B]

Very impressive setup, and I do have the MPC "General" locomotive that I've been wondering what to do with.  Unfortunately, 1/25 railroad cars are quite expensive.

[Ace-Garageguy]

44 minutes ago, Jim B said:

Very impressive setup, and I do have the MPC "General" locomotive that I've been wondering what to do with.  Unfortunately, 1/25 railroad cars are quite expensive.

Even 1/87 HO scale is expensive now. I was in HobbyTown yesterday...average ready-to-run car from Walthers is about $45.

G-scale, which is close to 1/25, runs anywhere from $120 to over $400.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G_scale

Edited September 23, 2024 by Ace-Garageguy

[Dave Van]

1 hour ago, Ace-Garageguy said:

Even 1/87 HO scale is expensive now. I was in HobbyTown yesterday...average ready-to-run car from Walthers is about $45.

G-scale, which is close to 1/25, runs anywhere from $120 to over $400.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G_scale

Yep!!! Sure ain't the MDC Roundhouse kits I'd buy in the 70's for $2.25 each!! BUT I have about 200 HO kits on hand from my HO days. 

There are deals out tjere. My O scale freight cars all are used other than a few Menards which are around $25 each.

BTW the 2 part video on the Civil War O layout is great....even if you only have interest in the CW and not model trains. Thx

[slusher]

beautiful layout!

[Brian Austin]

You can find plenty of random rolling stock used.  For 1:25 scale, you don't need premium products.  I think in the size range we're talking about models are reasonably priced compared to, say, 1:20 scale 3ft gauge stuff which is indeed pricey.  You'd need to re-detail the rolling stock and make your own trucks. Track gauge for the historic GENERAL was 5 ft, so G Gauge track would be out.  You might want to use O Scale rail.  Some time after the war the track was re-gauged to Standard.

[Brian Austin]

Part One is a lovely walk-through of the layout, though I figured you guys would like to see the trains run instead of the guys talking for almost an hour.  ?

If you have a rainy weekend, I'd recommend  poking around the YouTube channel the video is from.  HO Scale, O Scale, various eras.  Lots of neat buildings as well.  Admittedly I've only skimmed the surface myself.  Lots of talent for sure.

[Mark]

Train show season is approaching...if you've got any in your area, go!  Lots of used stuff turns up, including items bought and never used.  If you know what you are looking at, there are deals to be had. 

As a bonus, there are occasionally deals on model car kits, new and old.  Prices on those are often lower than at toy shows or model car club meets because most people are there looking for train stuff.  

The biggest shows will have a good tool/supply vendor or two.  The train guys buy all sorts of neat tools that you don't see at toy shows or model club events, and you don't think you "need" until you see them.

Edited September 24, 2024 by Mark
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