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 Posted - October 21 2019 : 9:24:48 PM
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Is the question I am now asking. Please recall that I have been considering transforming RETRO TYCO I into a "Tyco Speedway" aka Tyco slot car track. Here's a photo of what RETRO TYCO I looked like, before RETRO TYCO II was constructed.
Lately, however, I have been getting inspiration from playing the Loco-Commotion computer game, to instead turn RETRO TYCO I into an N-Scale fictitious paradise layout that will allow me to use up the rest of my remaining N-Scale track & tunnel, trees, locomotives, and train cars....while also investing in some European (Minitrix, Arnold, Lima etc) trains to complete the layout.
There are several bonuses to this:
Besides breathing life into my N-Scale collection again, I also can....
- Get decent prices on N-Scale European locomotives compared to HO-Scale European locomotives
- N-Scale European locomotives almost all feature horn-hook couplers (unlike their HO counterparts) which will make them easily compatible with all of my present rolling stock.
Ultimately, the main goal of this project would be to create a permanent N-Scale layout, and also begin dabbling in European Railroading, drawing upon inspiration from Chops' layout "Henley" as well as the Loco-Commotion game.
What do you all think? Any advice would be appreciated. 
 
Above Photos Credit to Original Owner & Loco-Commotion
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven." - Matthew 5:16
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Posted - October 21 2019 : 10:20:06 PM
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All kidding aside, I wasn't aware European locomotives were a bargain. Least
ways the stuff I buy overseas costs as much to ship as to buy.
On the other hand, reconstructing a layout is always interesting. One get's
tired of the same old circle.
Edited by - Chops124 on October 21 2019 10:22:16 PM
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Posted - October 22 2019 : 08:04:19 AM
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Well, the N-Scale European locomotives are "sometimes" cheaper than their HO counterparts....but the main benefit of the N-Scale European locomotives is that they have horn-hook couplers, while the HO trains made by the same companies, have completely different style couplers.
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven." - Matthew 5:16
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Posted - October 22 2019 : 12:47:35 PM
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| High Ball!
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Posted - October 22 2019 : 7:32:15 PM
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So...I'll get started then. I've already purchased my first European-style N-Scale diesel off of Ebay. 
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven." - Matthew 5:16
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Posted - October 25 2019 : 5:25:39 PM
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So I did start to disassemble RETRO TYCO I...to prepare to assemble an N-Scale layout......
However, I found something on OfferUp that may be a true game-changer, so stay tuned!
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven." - Matthew 5:16
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Posted - October 27 2019 : 4:31:26 PM
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Remember when I said "game-changer." This is what I meant --
  
Earlier this week I found this N-Scale layout listed on OfferUp for $500, from someone local to me. It turned out that the seller lived literally a few houses down my street, so this afternoon my Dad and I went to pick-up my new layout, which in the end I only paid $350 for.
Upon wiring everything up at home, all the track and electric switch tracks work - which is a major plus! Also, there are quite a few "lights" on the layout which all appear to work. In addition, the 2 included locomotives light up at least (one is a Bachmann Santa Fe F9 while the other is an intact Lima Burlington Route GP30.) My plan is to restore this N-Scale layout to perfect operation (layout cleaning, track cleaning, etc) and then I'll proceed to modify it as I like!!! Can't wait to get started.
While I was at his house, the seller and his wife stated that his father (who was the original owner of the N-Scale layout) had stored a lot of his train collection upstairs, and inquired if I would be at all interested in checking it out. Long story short, I returned home with a container full of HO-Scale and N-Scale gems, including some Tyco, and a train display case, all for a bargain price!! The fact that this massive haul was all thanks to OfferUp is incredible, and demonstrates the power of neighbors and good old-fashioned selling.
  
The N-Scale layout, which I am currently naming "Paradise," will soon see some updates, so stay tuned!
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven." - Matthew 5:16
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Posted - October 27 2019 : 7:44:56 PM
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do I see a Tyco Car Lot kit in the bunch?
if all complete GIMMIES!!!
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 Posted - October 27 2019 : 9:30:06 PM
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Nice purchase of that N scale layout Robert.
Many possibilities for improvement to the layout.
Definitely will give you many years of entertainment.
I have enjoyed my two N scale layouts for many years.
Many benefits of operating equipment in very small areas.
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Posted - October 27 2019 : 10:27:17 PM
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Thanks WKS and busss!
Sorry, though "grabby paws" - that Tyco Auto Lot is destined for RETRO TYCO.
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven." - Matthew 5:16
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Posted - October 27 2019 : 11:33:49 PM
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Quite the haul! Looking forward to what you will do with
that N layout. Creativity is the core of our hobby.
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Posted - October 28 2019 : 12:49:44 AM
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Nice RP ! Grabby Paws sounds a lot like my 15 year old daughter... Every sentence has "I want" or "gimme"
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Posted - October 28 2019 : 4:24:13 PM
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RP - Great haul. I'm sure you will get a lot of enjoyment out of it. I'm sure the previous owner would be happy the layout and the rest of it went to a good home.
Master Of Plasticville
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Posted - October 28 2019 : 6:28:16 PM
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Ditto to that Gary, nice to see
a nifty layout salvaged from the
dumpster. It's a really interesting
concept going on there. Can't wait
to see what RP does with it.
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