We've all had them as starter kits when we were just wee folk. I still have a majority of mine and decided to do something with them.
Cars are all at least 30 years old (am 40 now) so I enjoyed them upto 10 years old. Some were a bit beat up but thought nothing I couldn't fix. A few stirrup steps broken off which I replaced with some modern, scaled ones. I will put in some Kadee good ol' #5's, better trucks and have stripped them down with all the paint and decals now removed.
My idea is to repaint them and make them into a small MOW train. Will place detailed loads on the cars, ballast in a converted coal car, etc. Still awaiting Athearn's 250 ton wrecker due out this fall. Once I have that, I'll hopefully have the rest of the cars ready for it's arrival.
I know what a lot are probably thinking. A trip down nostalgia lane. There are better cars, more detailed out there, etc.but hey, it's about having fun and I have to start somewhere to airbrushing, decalling and not sure on weathering just yet.
I do have a few well detailed cars bought this year right out of the box that I won't do anything to but the ol' Tyco's Mantua's I know I can get them closer with some extra detailing stuff. (better grab's, trucks, wheels I'll install on them) I figure I'll get another 30 years enjoyment or so out of them.
What inspired me to write this note was a big thank you to all of you on here :thumb: for paint stripping. I tried everything and nothing worked Got brave with brake fluid and the industrial strength Tyco paint and decals come off no problemo.
Thanks one and all for your suggestions. Looking forward to enjoying (some)Tyco trains all over again.
Heath
Cars are all at least 30 years old (am 40 now) so I enjoyed them upto 10 years old. Some were a bit beat up but thought nothing I couldn't fix. A few stirrup steps broken off which I replaced with some modern, scaled ones. I will put in some Kadee good ol' #5's, better trucks and have stripped them down with all the paint and decals now removed.
My idea is to repaint them and make them into a small MOW train. Will place detailed loads on the cars, ballast in a converted coal car, etc. Still awaiting Athearn's 250 ton wrecker due out this fall. Once I have that, I'll hopefully have the rest of the cars ready for it's arrival.
I know what a lot are probably thinking. A trip down nostalgia lane. There are better cars, more detailed out there, etc.but hey, it's about having fun and I have to start somewhere to airbrushing, decalling and not sure on weathering just yet.
I do have a few well detailed cars bought this year right out of the box that I won't do anything to but the ol' Tyco's Mantua's I know I can get them closer with some extra detailing stuff. (better grab's, trucks, wheels I'll install on them) I figure I'll get another 30 years enjoyment or so out of them.
What inspired me to write this note was a big thank you to all of you on here :thumb: for paint stripping. I tried everything and nothing worked Got brave with brake fluid and the industrial strength Tyco paint and decals come off no problemo.
Thanks one and all for your suggestions. Looking forward to enjoying (some)Tyco trains all over again.
Heath