You are right about the Marx 666. I’ve picked one at a garage sale in 91. I recently restored it the e-unit was surprisingly easy to take apart and clean. It’s a great runner and puller. Mine is the older single reduction motor from the mid ‘50’s. Great smoker too! I gained a new respect for Marx locomotives and tempted to add more to my collection. They will literally run forever. A lot of thought into creating a simple locomotives that are easy to repair yet are great pullers and speed demons.
Pretty much anything Marx is a great deal. I would recommend the 999 diecast steam engine the Commodore Vanderbilts The Mercury, the 333 Pacific, Marx made the 1666 plastic shell steam engine, the first steam engine with steam chest smoke and the gray 1666, the first tender with sound of steam that sounds better tham Lionels first try. The 1998 alco S-2 switchers are fantastic switchers and the E7's are a great deal. Especially the latter versions with traction tires. Some of the rarer models of the 1998 and E7's are highly prized by collectors.
Nice to see a video that show trains that a hobbyist can afford without a wall full of engines on display. So many other videos are cost and time prohibitive to a guy like me. The typical video on the internet spends way more on a rail car than I’m willing to shell out for a postwar engine. Your comment of 75 dollars is a nice reasonable engine ceiling. I get the feeling that toy trains is the only thing some guys do and spend $$$ on. Good to see others have similar economical practices. Very nice presentation😊😊
i was so suprised when i got my first O gauge set for 40 bucks. I've been a lifelong HO collector, but always having a dream of having O gauge. I personally am lucky and blessed enough to have acquired an absolutely massive HO Scale collection. If I had ever known how cheap O gauge can be imagine how much I could have acquired by now in O as well. HO & N will always be my absolute favorite, but O gauge is incredible in its own way. I feel a big factor the cheaper stuff isn't recognized because the general focus of train collection seems to be on realism. And the "toy" like designs can scare people off, they underestimate how fun these things are. Love your channel and your content, please keep it up my friend!!!
Thanks! The less than scale proportions on some of the models don't really bother me that much. There are ways to get more scale-like O gauge models for cheap too! Have a great day.
I definitely entered a good time period with postwar and mpc. I notice the prices are way less than they used to be 10 years ago, and none of my engines are above 200. I’ll also like a shout out to the Williams engines. I got an fp45 for 75 bucks. It has more modern electric components, but no sound gimmicks (sometimes sold separately), and is conventional only. Edit: I’m surprised you never mentioned the Gp7. I think it looks good with any consist, a good switcher, and I think it’s the best diesel to start with.
Swap Meets are a great place to find the smaller Locos. I got my 736 for $120.00, Didn't think I would ever own one. I got my first set of F3 Santa Fe 2343s at a loco hobby shop. I did well but you did better. Along with the FAs, don't overlook the NW2 switchers. They are made very similar the Alco's and can be found at Shows for between $35 and $50.
Great prices, for sure. $75 for a nice 2343 AA, is an excellent deal. It's a good deal, just for the powered unit alone. I don't think that I've ever seen that price, even for roached out engines. These are all great deals. An excellent video, as always.
Even so, around $100 for a powered unit in decent shape is still a good deal. I've also found a modified single engine F3 for $50. It needed a little work but now runs fine. Thanks for the comment!
@@chicagolandrailroader Very true. They are good runners, for sure. The problem with single motor units is that they don't pull big passenger trains very well. They look good, though and pull a four or five car passenger train OK. I just can't see them pulling one of my big, full-sized AMT or Lionel 20th Century Limited sets. Either way, they are nice looking units.
@@chicagolandrailroader I bought one NIB for $200. While the detail is not of my Lionel JLC, it is a very good looker! And it was able to pull my 9 K-Line heavyweight cars with ease. I'm very happy with it. The downside is the bad sounds. 😆 but for the price, I'm not really complaining.
What id recommend for budget is the Lionel #675/2025/2035. They offer a very quality appearance and will probably still run after 70 years. You can find them for as low as $50👍
i have the MTH New York City Subway Set .... the basic set comes with FOUR cars - the power car & three others ... the cost is about $600 a set ($150 each) ....it comes with sounds for added realism ... its not cheap, but i get a TON of compliments
Older units are some of best made products. If you want sound there are sound cars still avaiable. Most of the features on the newest locomotives you will find you really won't use. Plus the relability of the old units is beyond conpare. Also detail parts break very easy. I will give a thumbs to the lionchief stuff, horn, bell, motor sounds are great, the announcement part no one cares about. Some even have remote coupler operation and they run very well and always work. Other brands are way over the top and expensive to repair when they fail.
Agreed. I forgot about sound cars! I don't care too much about sound, so I don't own any sound cars, at least not yet. The few sound equipped locos I have keep me happy.
Can't be said enough in my opinion, along with "you don't need a giant layout to enjoy O gauge". All good engine recs, would add that K-Line and MTH's Railking stuff can be reasonable for modern power.
Agreed! Railking has a pretty great variety for lower prices than super modern stuff. It's budget, but the locos I included in this video are what I consider "Ultra budget" which is
Go to a train swap meet and ask around there! If you want something new, the Lionel lioncheif sets are a little pricey but are great. if you want a passenger train, the Texas special and super chief are good options. Thanks!
There are cheaper actually scale models available by williams, MTH, and some Lionel stuff. I can assure you the majority of people are NEVER dropping 2 grand on a fancy "model" (They're all freakin' toys). Scale is cool, and I have some budget scale stuff, but honestly it's overrated for what it is. Thanks for the engagement.
You are right about the Marx 666. I’ve picked one at a garage sale in 91. I recently restored it the e-unit was surprisingly easy to take apart and clean. It’s a great runner and puller. Mine is the older single reduction motor from the mid ‘50’s. Great smoker too! I gained a new respect for Marx locomotives and tempted to add more to my collection. They will literally run forever. A lot of thought into creating a simple locomotives that are easy to repair yet are great pullers and speed demons.
Absolutely. It's not hard to get a 666 running, no matter what condition it's in!
Pretty much anything Marx is a great deal. I would recommend the 999 diecast steam engine the Commodore Vanderbilts The Mercury, the 333 Pacific, Marx made the 1666 plastic shell steam engine, the first steam engine with steam chest smoke and the gray 1666, the first tender with sound of steam that sounds better tham Lionels first try. The 1998 alco S-2 switchers are fantastic switchers and the E7's are a great deal. Especially the latter versions with traction tires. Some of the rarer models of the 1998 and E7's are highly prized by collectors.
Nice to see a video that show trains that a hobbyist can afford without a wall full of engines on display. So many other videos are cost and time prohibitive to a guy like me. The typical video on the internet spends way more on a rail car than I’m willing to shell out for a postwar engine. Your comment of 75 dollars is a nice reasonable engine ceiling. I get the feeling that toy trains is the only thing some guys do and spend $$$ on. Good to see others have similar economical practices. Very nice presentation😊😊
Generally, I won't spend much more than $100 on a locomotive I want. Thanks for the kind words!
Great video. I also really like your taste in trains. 👍🏻😀
Your layout looks amazing! Love the video!
Thanks. I really appreciate it!
Nice video spotlighting some good Lionel deals. Most MPC engines and sets fit this category, but watch out for the DC versions.
I made the mistake of getting an mpc “James gang” set because I thought it was nice looking. I put it on the layout and it’s just a static buzz, smh.
i was so suprised when i got my first O gauge set for 40 bucks. I've been a lifelong HO collector, but always having a dream of having O gauge. I personally am lucky and blessed enough to have acquired an absolutely massive HO Scale collection. If I had ever known how cheap O gauge can be imagine how much I could have acquired by now in O as well. HO & N will always be my absolute favorite, but O gauge is incredible in its own way. I feel a big factor the cheaper stuff isn't recognized because the general focus of train collection seems to be on realism. And the "toy" like designs can scare people off, they underestimate how fun these things are. Love your channel and your content, please keep it up my friend!!!
Thanks! The less than scale proportions on some of the models don't really bother me that much. There are ways to get more scale-like O gauge models for cheap too! Have a great day.
@@chicagolandrailroader Thanks! Williams is the key for those scale models!
I definitely entered a good time period with postwar and mpc. I notice the prices are way less than they used to be 10 years ago, and none of my engines are above 200.
I’ll also like a shout out to the Williams engines. I got an fp45 for 75 bucks. It has more modern electric components, but no sound gimmicks (sometimes sold separately), and is conventional only.
Edit: I’m surprised you never mentioned the Gp7. I think it looks good with any consist, a good switcher, and I think it’s the best diesel to start with.
The GP-7 is a fantastic budget diesel as well!
@@chicagolandrailroaderyes, I’m actually servicing one right now.
Swap Meets are a great place to find the smaller Locos. I got my 736 for $120.00, Didn't think I would ever own one. I got my first set of F3 Santa Fe 2343s at a loco hobby shop. I did well but you did better. Along with the FAs, don't overlook the NW2 switchers. They are made very similar the Alco's and can be found at Shows for between $35 and $50.
Exactly!
Great prices, for sure. $75 for a nice 2343 AA, is an excellent deal. It's a good deal, just for the powered unit alone. I don't think that I've ever seen that price, even for roached out engines. These are all great deals. An excellent video, as always.
Even so, around $100 for a powered unit in decent shape is still a good deal. I've also found a modified single engine F3 for $50. It needed a little work but now runs fine. Thanks for the comment!
@@chicagolandrailroader Very true. They are good runners, for sure. The problem with single motor units is that they don't pull big passenger trains very well. They look good, though and pull a four or five car passenger train OK. I just can't see them pulling one of my big, full-sized AMT or Lionel 20th Century Limited sets. Either way, they are nice looking units.
Great deals on great locomotives. These oldies will last a long time if cared for properly
It's pretty amazing how far regular maintenance can go to keep them running
Hi from Michigan: Very well done review - "Like" 🚂
Great video! Layout is looking great!
Thanks!
@@chicagolandrailroader take a look at the Williams GG1 scale train. It can take 054 turns and is about $200.00.
I was heavily considering one. Thanks!@@slow_decay
@@chicagolandrailroader I bought one NIB for $200. While the detail is not of my Lionel JLC, it is a very good looker! And it was able to pull my 9 K-Line heavyweight cars with ease. I'm very happy with it. The downside is the bad sounds. 😆 but for the price, I'm not really complaining.
Fantastic choices to example! Great reliable models!👍
What id recommend for budget is the Lionel #675/2025/2035. They offer a very quality appearance and will probably still run after 70 years. You can find them for as low as $50👍
Great prices on those engines
i have the MTH New York City Subway Set .... the basic set comes with FOUR cars - the power car & three others ... the cost is about $600 a set ($150 each) ....it comes with sounds for added realism ... its not cheap, but i get a TON of compliments
I've wanted to get a set of CTA cars, but I can't see to find any, and the costs are prohibitive for me. Thanks for commenting!
Nice choices.
Older units are some of best made products. If you want sound there are sound cars still avaiable. Most of the features on the newest locomotives you will find you really won't use. Plus the relability of the old units is beyond conpare. Also detail parts break very easy. I will give a thumbs to the lionchief stuff, horn, bell, motor sounds are great, the announcement part no one cares about. Some even have remote coupler operation and they run very well and always work. Other brands are way over the top and expensive to repair when they fail.
Agreed. I forgot about sound cars! I don't care too much about sound, so I don't own any sound cars, at least not yet. The few sound equipped locos I have keep me happy.
Sets like the Amtrak Lake Shore Limited are easy to find and inexpensive
Yes! I have managed to put together that set, plus a B unit, diner, and baggage. I'm definitely a fan!
Very informative.New sub Where did you get the cantanary? I have two Lionel Gs, it would perfect for my layout.
Well, I made it myself. I detail a little bit about how in earlier videos. Although there are definitely better ways to do it. Thank you very much!
Can't be said enough in my opinion, along with "you don't need a giant layout to enjoy O gauge".
All good engine recs, would add that K-Line and MTH's Railking stuff can be reasonable for modern power.
Agreed! Railking has a pretty great variety for lower prices than super modern stuff. It's budget, but the locos I included in this video are what I consider "Ultra budget" which is
Nothing wrong with older trains the run and run and run and don’t break down like all the newer Chinese made stuff
I've found that the newer stuff doesn't really break down that much, it's just harder to fix when it has problems.
They say the 666 is fantastic.
Anyone that has owned one can attest to that!
What is a good starter set I'm looking for a passenger training
Go to a train swap meet and ask around there! If you want something new, the Lionel lioncheif sets are a little pricey but are great. if you want a passenger train, the Texas special and super chief are good options. Thanks!
7:12
They do if you want them to look like proper scale models and not CHEAP TOYS like these
There are cheaper actually scale models available by williams, MTH, and some Lionel stuff. I can assure you the majority of people are NEVER dropping 2 grand on a fancy "model" (They're all freakin' toys). Scale is cool, and I have some budget scale stuff, but honestly it's overrated for what it is. Thanks for the engagement.
And by the way, I noticed you are from the UK, so you might not get the context of US O gauge models railroads. Sorry if you don't get it.