Hello everyone! Sorry if my posts get long (and I do mean looooooong), I tend to over-explain myself... a lot. Anyway, I kind of need some help. A few years ago, my mother gave me a Lionel General (1862) that she heavily hinted at wanting to see run again. The train and cars have been heavily neglected, so I'm going to be sending it off for a good cleaning and (for now) minor cosmetic repairs, just the minimum to get it up and running and looking decent. However, I've been trying to research this thing for a couple weeks now, but I'm reading from sites that contradict each other. I was told it was made for O track. Then I read that it was actually made O27. Then I read it can run on O and O27 track. Then I see in the Brasseur's website so many accessories that I get more and more confused. I am 100% new, and have only seen trains running only a few times in my life, even though I have entertained the idea of building my own layout myself when I was younger.
I want to start off with a small loop, so it can run around my mom's Christmas tree and because it seems to be preferred when starting out, as it's easy to troubleshoot issues. But I know almost nothing about all this. So I was wondering if someone could point me to the right direction, please? I read some newbie guides, but all they explain are things from differences in track gauges, the difference between pre-war, post-war and more modern sets, adding grades and the like. I'm really wanting to know what is the minimum items I need (as far as the track is concerned) to get this thing running while on an extremely tight budget? Are there any "kits" available that would have everything I need (track that would run a loop, transformer, etc)? What is the smallest that the loop of track can be that will allow the train to safely run without derailing when running at full speed? What power transformer would I need? I am looking to expand, but upgrading transformers and track can come later. Thanks for any and all info and advice.
bell_d
Hello and Welcome to the Forum!
What a nice locomotive to start with! I agree with your Mothers' hint about seeing it run again.
Click these link's for info about your locomotive.
http://www.tandem-associates.com/lionel/lionel_trains_1862_loco.htmhttp://www.postwarlionel.com/cgi-bin/postwar?ITEM=1862The 1862 locomotive was issued with O27 set's, first released in the #1800 the General Frontier Pack in 1959.
It will run on O track as well as O27. Originally it would have came with tubular track. It would be your choice to go with the original track or modern track. A used transformer should serve your purpose, I'm not sure where you're located or if you have a local hobby shop available. If you do have a LHS check with them for used track and transformers, also check Craigslist, local papers, etc. I don't recommend ebay or other online auction sites, the shipping/handling may make the used items cost as much or more than new.
Many people buy starter sets, then replace/upgrade the track/transformers that came with the sets, so keep your eyes open for them.
IF you have difficulty locating used track or transformer, contact me at the email address listed in my profile.
Happy Rails!
Dave
Thank you so much! It's actually exciting to actually see the box and learn about the origins of the set. I wouldn't mind if I were able to get my hands on the original owner's manual, even if it were a photocopy. Maybe someday. Anyway, I recently sent the train and cars off to Brasseur Electric Trains in Michigan (I'm actually in the state of Ohio) to be serviced. I hope it comes out looking as good as in the picture you posted. But, while looking around the Lionel site and other sites, I came across things I had questions about as well. The first is "Fastrack". What exactly is that? The second is track labeled "O72" and similar numbers. What do those numbers mean?
Welcome to the forum.
Fastrack is a track system by Lionel that incorporates a molded roadbed and ballast. It looks more realistic than the old style tubular track.
'072' and other similar designations refer to the diameter of a circle that the track makes, ie. '027','031', '072' etc.
Larry