What trains do you use with your putz?

Post by **maria** » Wed Nov 30, 2011 3:30 pm

Alas, the Shoprite Can-Can "real" train set I got at a ridiculous 75 or 85% off last year turned out to be not much of a bargain at all. In fact it was a complete disaster and I was grateful to have spent only $20 or so--and would have been furious if I had paid full price. Where to begin:the connections on the track were not "crisp"--putting it together and making sure all the contacts were lined up was difficult at best--there were also a host of other problems--but the biggest one came when the wheels fell off the lead car, followed by the wheels falling off one of the connecting cars. That was the final straw. Fortunately I have at least 3 battery operated train sets in storage that have served me well throughout the years.

So what have I learned. It's time for a "real" train--I'll start looking for one in January or February--and will skip those end of season sales! I know just who to talk to when I make the final decision on what to purchase--and where to go--- www.bigindoortrains.com

Post by **paulrace** » Wed Nov 30, 2011 5:43 pm

Sorry your train didn't work out. Usually electric trains do work better than battery-powered ones. . . .

Post by **maria** » Wed Nov 30, 2011 6:23 pm

I'm sure they do but this was one was clearly shoddy--all sparkle and no craft. The track was so poorly made. It really turned out to be a mess. I'll be looking at the small Coca-Cola set you have on your site come January.

Post by **Howard** » Fri Dec 23, 2011 4:37 pm

let's take a step back in time...

this is my brother-in-law's lionel train set...he turned it over to me for safe keeping!...

...he got the train as a christmas present in either 1949 or 1950...i just oiled it a little and clean up the brushes...it runs like a top...

i thought a black and white version of the picture i just took was fitting...

my very best regards...

howard...from here in warm, sunny and a little humid north florida...

boxcar jack · Post by **boxcar jack** » Thu Mar 01, 2012 10:44 pm

I’m a down-to-earth sort of guy, who tends to complicate otherwise simple choices. The question of ‘what trains to place on my Putz’ presents an example of the dilemma I created in my mind, rather than adopting a relaxed attitude and trust in my instincts and emotions.
A standard I ‘intellectually’ adhere to is to place Pieces in their correct setting and time frame. Sooo, I constructed a small Putz with a rustic setting. I used crinkled wrapping paper dry brushed with basic earth colors. A sprinkling of dirt, trees and a trace of snow set the image of a blustery winter day. Most importantly, ten cardboard buildings rounded out my little world beautifully!
I had several pre-war train sets; the German made Marklin seemed a natural for a ‘Putz’ and a short 1920’s Lionel passenger set fit nicely on the small layout. But when placing either into that setting; neither seemed to look, or more importantly, feel ‘just right’. I ‘liked’ those trains…but not on this Putz.
I then realized; I was trying too hard…the project was loosing the ‘fun’. I then looked at my lithographed Lionel set still sitting a shelf. It was too long and too bright… but I tried it anyway. Yup, it looked way out of place…but surprisingly…I felt ‘comfortable’. I quickly decided that vintage Macy’s Special set would run ‘round this Putz!
Oh, I should mention; that seventy year old lithographed set* was especially special to me…as it was first seen by me, under our Christmas Tree…in 1942!
Suggested Lesson from my Tale…when choosing the train for your Putz…use your Heart…not your Head

*I replaced the original set when I dropped out of ‘scale’ and returned to my childhood love for Lionel.
Note; other photo’s, using the smaller Lionel set, can be seen at Papa Ted’s Place; 2010 Putz pages

Post by **paulrace** » Fri Mar 02, 2012 7:38 am

Howard, that Lionel set was top of the line in its day. Nice to see it still doing duty.

BoxcarJack, I resized your photo, made it 900px wide and it works fine. Love the old printies.
Great overall effect.

Paul

Post by **les** » Sat Mar 03, 2012 4:29 pm

Paul, I don't put it up every year, but when I do, it's a Gilbert American Flyer that my dad purchased for my sister and me in about 1949. It took the place of an old, red wind-up one, because we broke the spring racing it around the tree. Even broken wished we would have kept it!

Post by **maria** » Wed Mar 07, 2012 3:40 pm

I just love that photo!

ediceberg · Post by **ediceberg** » Sun Apr 08, 2012 11:35 am

I've been going back and reading old posts. Lots of very nice stuff here. Great pictures of terrific set-ups.

Clinton · Post by **Clinton** » Mon Oct 02, 2017 3:50 am

All I can say is WOW!! This is my very 1st time checking out this hidden gem of eye candy in the forum ever. I will be purchasing my very first train set this holiday season, but sadly- with little funds. I hope to have a budget of around $100. Is there anything out there for a newbie like me? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. BTW: Your set ups are super duper awesome Howard & Maria!