O Gauge Trains don't have to be expensive.

[@patrickspan1912]

You are right about the Marx 666. I’ve picked one at a garage sale in 91. I recently restored it the e-unit was surprisingly easy to take apart and clean. It’s a great runner and puller. Mine is the older single reduction motor from the mid ‘50’s. Great smoker too! I gained a new respect for Marx locomotives and tempted to add more to my collection. They will literally run forever. A lot of thought into creating a simple locomotives that are easy to repair yet are great pullers and speed demons.

[@chicagolandrailroader]

Absolutely. It's not hard to get a 666 running, no matter what condition it's in!

[@kurtporath9878]

You’re attention to detail in the whole set is amazing, I especially like the track it’s self. Also thank you for this video I’m a newbie and I have been trying to do o or g in my garage. BUT THE PRICE, I was about to give up but now will look for these trains

[@chicagolandrailroader]

@@kurtporath9878 yea! Try to find a train show in your area and look around! Talk to people! Make connections, and you will have a wonderful time in this hobby. Thanks for watching!

[@genemanno1533]

Nice to see a video that show trains that a hobbyist can afford without a wall full of engines on display. So many other videos are cost and time prohibitive to a guy like me. The typical video on the internet spends way more on a rail car than I’m willing to shell out for a postwar engine. Your comment of 75 dollars is a nice reasonable engine ceiling. I get the feeling that toy trains is the only thing some guys do and spend $$$ on. Good to see others have similar economical practices. Very nice presentation😊😊

[@chicagolandrailroader]

Generally, I won't spend much more than $100 on a locomotive I want. Thanks for the kind words!

[@robertashlock5607]

Really nice. Good to see someone using live catenary. The overhead wire looks great!

[@tableseven8133]

To the first time train buyer or user: Anything that works well and is not a bunch of money will hold your model train interest better. As your interest grows, and hopefully your money; then you can invest in a train with more sounds and actions. I also have heard recently how sad it is for a person that has passed then their extensive worm on their train layout will be destroyed by the people having the job of cleaning out your house. the train they will keep or sell but all of the delicate work on the train set up is often thrown out. So I have what I have to run the train and if the scenery thing works out OK but I'm not forcing it. I am a fixer so I have bought several things in need of repair and can often fix them, or make them work some how. However I am also curious about the modern stuff and have been delighted often and disappointed some too. PS the Marx train all have a sliding shoe for the center rail, so it is a great way to clean that rail for other engines. Also don't make that sliding shoe to strong on the spring side or your train engine will just float on the track and not move.

[@curtismarean6963]

I got into o scale with marx trains, and just a short time ago got my first lionel engine at a local show for $20. Yes you can do this on a budget! Someone once told me: if you want to get into o scale, you can't be afraid to get your hands dirty! I love working on my older trains! I even have o gauge wind up trains in tin! Best of luck to you!

[@chicagolandrailroader]

Yes! I love working on this stuff too. Thank you for the kind words!

[@josephschuster1494]

Marx trains are terrific! I “discovered” them in 2023 with the purchase of a Marx 666 Steam Loco set for $17 at a local flea market. It runs flawlessly! Since then, I purchased a Marx 999 Steam Loco/tender & two Santa Fe passenger diesels (powered and non-powered) and they, too, run flawlessly! The 999 was $20 and the SF diesels were $40 for the pair! Fantastic! 🚂

[@floppaeditz123]

i was so suprised when i got my first O gauge set for 40 bucks. I've been a lifelong HO collector, but always having a dream of having O gauge. I personally am lucky and blessed enough to have acquired an absolutely massive HO Scale collection. If I had ever known how cheap O gauge can be imagine how much I could have acquired by now in O as well. HO & N will always be my absolute favorite, but O gauge is incredible in its own way. I feel a big factor the cheaper stuff isn't recognized because the general focus of train collection seems to be on realism. And the "toy" like designs can scare people off, they underestimate how fun these things are. Love your channel and your content, please keep it up my friend!!!

[@chicagolandrailroader]

Thanks! The less than scale proportions on some of the models don't really bother me that much. There are ways to get more scale-like O gauge models for cheap too! Have a great day.

[@floppaeditz123]

@@chicagolandrailroader Thanks! Williams is the key for those scale models!

[@TheCreativeMind]

Great deals on great locomotives. These oldies will last a long time if cared for properly

[@chicagolandrailroader]

It's pretty amazing how far regular maintenance can go to keep them running

[@richardsobieck9660]

Swap Meets are a great place to find the smaller Locos. I got my 736 for $120.00, Didn't think I would ever own one. I got my first set of F3 Santa Fe 2343s at a loco hobby shop. I did well but you did better. Along with the FAs, don't overlook the NW2 switchers. They are made very similar the Alco's and can be found at Shows for between $35 and $50.

[@chicagolandrailroader]

Exactly!

[@OldLow1361]

The K line MP15s usually pop up for a good price, and are fantastic runners

[@colestrains1]

What id recommend for budget is the Lionel #675/2025/2035. They offer a very quality appearance and will probably still run after 70 years. You can find them for as low as $50👍

[@slow_decay]

Great video! Layout is looking great!

[@chicagolandrailroader]

Thanks!

[@slow_decay]

@@chicagolandrailroader take a look at the Williams GG1 scale train. It can take 054 turns and is about $200.00.

[@chicagolandrailroader]

I was heavily considering one. Thanks!​@@slow_decay

[@slow_decay]

@@chicagolandrailroader I bought one NIB for $200. While the detail is not of my Lionel JLC, it is a very good looker! And it was able to pull my 9 K-Line heavyweight cars with ease. I'm very happy with it. The downside is the bad sounds. 😆 but for the price, I'm not really complaining.

[@johnknippenberg-LandmarkYards]

Nice video spotlighting some good Lionel deals. Most MPC engines and sets fit this category, but watch out for the DC versions.

[@colestrains1]

I made the mistake of getting an mpc “James gang” set because I thought it was nice looking. I put it on the layout and it’s just a static buzz, smh.

[@johnknippenberg-LandmarkYards]

​@@colestrains1 Just seeing your reply, sorry! I did a short video about using a bridge rectifier a few months back. It would cure the buzz. 😉👍

[@carldebellis7310]

Your layout looks amazing! Love the video!

[@chicagolandrailroader]

Thanks. I really appreciate it!

[@johnandrus3901]

Great prices, for sure. $75 for a nice 2343 AA, is an excellent deal. It's a good deal, just for the powered unit alone. I don't think that I've ever seen that price, even for roached out engines. These are all great deals. An excellent video, as always.

[@chicagolandrailroader]

Even so, around $100 for a powered unit in decent shape is still a good deal. I've also found a modified single engine F3 for $50. It needed a little work but now runs fine. Thanks for the comment!

[@johnandrus3901]

@@chicagolandrailroader Very true. They are good runners, for sure. The problem with single motor units is that they don't pull big passenger trains very well. They look good, though and pull a four or five car passenger train OK. I just can't see them pulling one of my big, full-sized AMT or Lionel 20th Century Limited sets. Either way, they are nice looking units.

[@TwistedMacGyversTrains]

Fantastic choices to example! Great reliable models!👍

[@JerryTheTankYank1776]

I definitely entered a good time period with postwar and mpc. I notice the prices are way less than they used to be 10 years ago, and none of my engines are above 200. I’ll also like a shout out to the Williams engines. I got an fp45 for 75 bucks. It has more modern electric components, but no sound gimmicks (sometimes sold separately), and is conventional only. Edit: I’m surprised you never mentioned the Gp7. I think it looks good with any consist, a good switcher, and I think it’s the best diesel to start with.

[@chicagolandrailroader]

The GP-7 is a fantastic budget diesel as well!

[@JerryTheTankYank1776]

@@chicagolandrailroaderyes, I’m actually servicing one right now.

[@bobsworkshop5181]

Great video. I also really like your taste in trains. 👍🏻😀

[@DRCRailroard]

Pretty much anything Marx is a great deal. I would recommend the 999 diecast steam engine the Commodore Vanderbilts The Mercury, the 333 Pacific, Marx made the 1666 plastic shell steam engine, the first steam engine with steam chest smoke and the gray 1666, the first tender with sound of steam that sounds better tham Lionels first try. The 1998 alco S-2 switchers are fantastic switchers and the E7's are a great deal. Especially the latter versions with traction tires. Some of the rarer models of the 1998 and E7's are highly prized by collectors.

[@billintex001]

Marx diecast steamers were every bit as good as Lionel. And the great thing beyond price about postwar and MPC is that they'll be running after all the computer boards on the high dollar locos have crashed and burned. I know some railroadrers who have actually gutted their computer locos that gave "died" and rebuilt them as good old "postwar" style runners just to keep them goung!

[@railbaron9]

Older units are some of best made products. If you want sound there are sound cars still avaiable. Most of the features on the newest locomotives you will find you really won't use. Plus the relability of the old units is beyond conpare. Also detail parts break very easy. I will give a thumbs to the lionchief stuff, horn, bell, motor sounds are great, the announcement part no one cares about. Some even have remote coupler operation and they run very well and always work. Other brands are way over the top and expensive to repair when they fail.

[@chicagolandrailroader]

Agreed. I forgot about sound cars! I don't care too much about sound, so I don't own any sound cars, at least not yet. The few sound equipped locos I have keep me happy.

[@trainroomgary]

Hi from Michigan: Very well done review - "Like" 🚂

[@Machia52612]

The Lionel 2018 Hudson is a nice affordable engine.

[@glendenig9962]

That layout is cool!

[@markhellman-pn3hn]

i have the MTH New York City Subway Set .... the basic set comes with FOUR cars - the power car & three others ... the cost is about $600 a set ($150 each) ....it comes with sounds for added realism ... its not cheap, but i get a TON of compliments

[@chicagolandrailroader]

I've wanted to get a set of CTA cars, but I can't see to find any, and the costs are prohibitive for me. Thanks for commenting!

[@OgaugeTrainsplusslotCars]

Great prices on those engines

[@Shipwright1918]

Can't be said enough in my opinion, along with "you don't need a giant layout to enjoy O gauge". All good engine recs, would add that K-Line and MTH's Railking stuff can be reasonable for modern power.

[@chicagolandrailroader]

Agreed! Railking has a pretty great variety for lower prices than super modern stuff. It's budget, but the locos I included in this video are what I consider "Ultra budget" which is

[@stevesoscaletrainchannel.1901]

Nice choices.

[@krtrains123]

Sets like the Amtrak Lake Shore Limited are easy to find and inexpensive

[@chicagolandrailroader]

Yes! I have managed to put together that set, plus a B unit, diner, and baggage. I'm definitely a fan!

[@frankbruno9499]

Very informative.New sub Where did you get the cantanary? I have two Lionel Gs, it would perfect for my layout.

[@chicagolandrailroader]

Well, I made it myself. I detail a little bit about how in earlier videos. Although there are definitely better ways to do it. Thank you very much!

[@SteveRenon]

They say the 666 is fantastic.

[@chicagolandrailroader]

Anyone that has owned one can attest to that!

[@mollycaz1]

What is a good starter set I'm looking for a passenger training

[@chicagolandrailroader]

Go to a train swap meet and ask around there! If you want something new, the Lionel lioncheif sets are a little pricey but are great. if you want a passenger train, the Texas special and super chief are good options. Thanks!

[@christsogaugetrains]

Nothing wrong with older trains the run and run and run and don’t break down like all the newer Chinese made stuff

[@chicagolandrailroader]

I've found that the newer stuff doesn't really break down that much, it's just harder to fix when it has problems.

[@glf001]

What do you mean by "MPC" version?

[@chicagolandrailroader]

The version of that model produced under the MPC era of Lionel

[@glf001]

@@chicagolandrailroader Thank During that period was there anything different about the Lionel products that made them unique?

[@chicagolandrailroader]

​@@glf001they are generally cheaper and easier to find than earlier and later counterparts. I recommend doing some research on it through the web. Thanks!

[@glf001]

@@chicagolandrailroader Thank

[@glf001]

@@chicagolandrailroader Thank you I have been but it is not easy figuring out the details. It seems that a lot of assumed. I work in IT and I have learned more from KZbin than any websites so far. Wikipedia had a history of Lionel, but it really did not go into that many details. Lionel's website is all over the place. and it is really more flash than substance. I did see a video on control systems for Lionel that was interesting. I understand the gauges pretty well. The scales not so much especially as it relates to descriptions such as Post War, Traditional etc. Quite a long list even just for triains that run on "O" gauge track. G Gauge seemed simpler, but maybe it isn't. Suggestions on places to ready up would be helpful or KZbin videos to watch. Thank You.

[@mollycaz1]

7:12

[@paulsevers7740]

They do if you want them to look like proper scale models and not CHEAP TOYS like these

[@chicagolandrailroader]

There are cheaper actually scale models available by williams, MTH, and some Lionel stuff. I can assure you the majority of people are NEVER dropping 2 grand on a fancy "model" (They're all freakin' toys). Scale is cool, and I have some budget scale stuff, but honestly it's overrated for what it is. Thanks for the engagement.

[@chicagolandrailroader]

And by the way, I noticed you are from the UK, so you might not get the context of US O gauge models railroads. Sorry if you don't get it.