Anyone collect model trains?

[56FordGuy]

Long story short, I ran across a few old model train pieces, and I want to learn more about them. There are a few cars, but the ones I'm interested in the most are track accessories, I guess. Crossing signs and such with old style screw in light bulb sockets and cloth wrapped wiring. The only letters I can find on them are 'Made in USA' stamped in the metal bases.

Where is the best place to learn about stuff like this? I did a google search, but found several pages of places selling model trains and track. Anyone here familiar with stuff like this?

[Guest 6.8 AR]

Any of it say "Lionel"? If it's the "O" or "O27" stuff you might have something. Lionel

even made some "HO" that's pretty desirable with collectors. There are other brands

that are collectable, too. Post some pics, if you don't mind.

[Capbyrd]

Can you give up some pictures and possibly sizes?

[peejman]

One of my great uncles (now deceased) was huge into model railroading. His layout (HO scale) took up the entire attic of his house... prolly 800 sqft or more. It had towns separated by mountains with tunnels, bridges, stores, restaurants... all kinds of stuff. He'd named all the stuff after all his neices and nephews. He corresponded with other model railroaders all around the world (pre-internet). They traded "passes" ... his was the Dixie Railway System. It was really cool to visit as a kid.

When he passed, I got one small section of track and a short train to make a static display for my son (which I've yet to do ). A few others got some small pieces and the rest went to a museum.

[56FordGuy]

Finally got some pictures. No names, just "Made in USA". There's an ink pen in the photos for scale.

[Guest ScottD]

Might check with some of the hobby shops around Nashville.

[hipower]

Check out the Dixie Model Railroad Club in Nashville. Maybe they can help you.

[Guest 6.8 AR]

I found this on eBay ANTIQUE RED & BLACK TOY TRAIN SIGNAL TOWER CIRCA 1930s - eBay (item 220527856258 end time Jun-14-10 08:56:19 PDT)

Don't let that price scare you. Yours looks to be in better condition. By the connectors on the pieces, and that's the only reason I say it, they appear to be made by the same manufacturer. You need to find someone with an antique collector's

reference guide. Anything made by Lionel, Marx or Gilbert(?) is worth hanging on to,

regardless of the age.

Do a google and step off into the abyss if you want to learn about model trains. You

will find all the resources you'll ever care to.

Is the grade crossing gate plastic or metal? Lionel, Marx, Gilbert and others made that stuff a long time. More than likely it all came from an old Lionel train "O" guage set.

[Patton]

It doesn't appear to be anything of great desire to me but I'm in to HO scale so I am not the person to get a final opinion from.

[56FordGuy]

Everything is all metal. I did a Google search and found a train site that seems helpful.

I mostly just want to know when it was made, then I'll put it up on the wall somewhere with some of my other old stuff.

[railfancwb]

Finally got some pictures. No names, just "Made in USA". There's an ink pen in the photos for scale.

These appear to be Marx brand. Marx made three rail trains which ran on Lionel "O" and "O27" track and was sold at lower price points. They also made their own track and switches. I suspect that the light tower at the left in the lower photo is the most valuable of the four pieces shown -- at least for someone who wants to operate trains.

Do an eBay search for Marx...

[56FordGuy]

These appear to be Marx brand. Marx made three rail trains which ran on Lionel "O" and "O27" track and was sold at lower price points. They also made their own track and switches. I suspect that the light tower at the left in the lower photo is the most valuable of the four pieces shown -- at least for someone who wants to operate trains.

Do an eBay search for Marx...

That's what I've found. I believe the tower is a 416A model. The others I haven't found model numbers for yet.