american model shop.

[firefly9]

Hi guys. I've just bought some american models that need some tlc. They are Old Tyco ones. Now I realise they're old hat and there is more modern stuff but i'd like to tart them up a bit. I need to buy some wheel sets. The loco's are all co-co's and are all missing the middle axle on the unpowered bogie for some reason. I also need a new bogie side frame for one of them. Is there a shop in the UK that specialises in American models. I could also do with some new couplings which are the old American standard type. A sort of buckeye and also some wagon bogies. I can provide pics later but just wondered if anyone could suggest any shops.

 

Cheers

 

Rich

[PaulRhB]

Rich, I doubt you'll get these spares from any uk shop as they will only stock the latest super detail parts from the likes of kadee. Your best bet is probably eBay or registering on the Model Railroader (kalmbach) forum to see if there's anyone in the states who carries them.

Failing that replacing bogies with kadee ones or getting sideframes from one of the detail producers is the only solution I know of, but you'd probably have to replace all four for consistency as they will be finer than the Tyco ones.

[torikoos]

AS Paul RhB says, it might be very difficult to find parts for these. But if you're willing to invest some time in the research, I suggest to go and search the Walthers website (large US retailer and manufacturer) for parts, once you identified the Walthers partnumbers you need, you can order them via www.modeljunction.info in Slough.  They are able to order anything Walthers has in stock, and take the hassle out of it for you. It will take some time though. Be prepared that Tyco parts is very likely a no go, and you'll have to look for suitable alternatives. E-Bay US is probably another good option...

 

Alternatively, you can order from any US retailer usually (Walthers, Caboose Hobbies, and many more) and have it shipped directly to you, but you need to be prepared to handle the shipping and customs charges etc in that case.

 

Koos

[firefly9]

Cheers guys.

 

Rich

[298]

It would be hypocritical of me to say they are basically just toys from a past era, because there are a couple of Streetcars on my layout that started out as Tyco models and have been repowered and detailed to suit the prototypes, no other model being close or offering an easy starting point. However, you're in danger of having to cannibalize a better loco (in guessing an Athearn blue box F unit or C636) to repower the Tyco shell, which could be like scrapping a perfectly servicible old but executive car to put it's engine in an old banger. It's the same with the rolling stock, you could fit Kadee #58 couplers and new trucks, but it would still be the same low end model.

 

I'm not saying they don't have a use, either as a repowering exercise or something for ham-fisted visitors to play with, and any darkside purchase is a worthy one...

[bxmoore]

I agree with 298. 

 

Upgrading of these old models will end up costing you more time, money and hassle than will be worth it. And even if/when there are "made new", they won't really cut the mustard.  If they've made you catch the US-outline bug, I strongly recommend that you put them aside, and seek advice about where to pick up better, more accurate models.  As 298 also comments, really cheap Athearn blue-box stuff is more accurate and more reliable than the stuff you've got, and you can pick it up very cheaply at swapmeets and on UK eBay. 

 

Brian

[Glorious NSE]

Rich, I doubt you'll get these spares from any uk shop as they will only stock the latest super detail parts from the likes of kadee. 

 

I would suggest a UK analogy would be something like somebody in the US trying to find a local stockist of spare parts for a Playcraft class 22...your best chance really is buying a second machine and combining them (or I guess as an alternative combining the parts from the ones you have...)

 

I'd agree with Andy (298) and Brian though over the overall usefulness of kit that age!

[298]

They might be useful for practicing weathering and distressing techniques on, or to learn how to convert the couplings or trucks on and still managing to keep everything within the height standards. I wouldnt worry too much either about ending up with the wrong stock, when I was starting out I was told by a trader that Reefers from the Florida juice train would be seen in Washington State, and also brought some 40' and 50' Boxcars, the former being High-cubes and the latter for Automobile traffic, and neither really suitable for their intended purpose..

[PaulRhB]

I share the sentiments on Tyco but if budgets are tight and you have it then it's a start. Good blue box era Athearn are really cheap and reliable too if budgets are tight.

[CraigZ]

I would suggest a UK analogy would be something like somebody in the US trying to find a local stockist of spare parts for a Playcraft class 22...your best chance really is buying a second machine and combining them (or I guess as an alternative combining the parts from the ones you have...)

 

Pretty much spot on.  And the best source of parts sources for this old Tyco is a train show here in the US and combing the inevitable boxes of just plain stuff.  There's also a cult of Tyco collectors here...they have a web page if I recall...might be a source.

[firefly9]

I ought to make it clear as I haven't in my earlier post I'm not an american modeller as such I just had a chance to acquire some cheap models to add to a couple of others I had. I'm not building a layout but probably will do a diorama to display them on. I just need the spares to bring them up to a reasonable standard and to couple them together. I may run them on the generic layout at my club but that is all. It's the american couplings and unpowered wheel sets I could do with help getting. I have no intention of buying a walthers or athearn model and dismantling it for spares. These locos are purely a side project.

 

Thanks

 

Rich