Introduction

Fun With O Gauge, 3-Rail Trains

Have you ever thought about getting started with O gauge three-rail toy and model trains but thought they were too expensive? Today's offerings from Lionel, MTH, Atlas O and others feature amazing advances over the traditional trains we think of from the 1950's and 1960's, but the price tag can be equally impressive as well. Sometimes a single high-end locomotive can rival the cost of a typical mortgage payment! However, if you are interested in trains that are fun and durable, but not necessarily high-tech you can still have a fun, affordable O gauge layout.

A Great Time For Traditional Operators

While the high-tech, high-detail segment of the O gauge market has been the focus of most manufacturers in recent years, there has rarely been a better time for operators of "traditional" or "conventional" 3-rail trains in terms of variety, quality, and budget. While the high-tech digital command control systems are amazing, they come with the disadvantages of cost and compatibility. One manufacturers' trains may operate on another's operating system, but often not with with the full complement of features without costly and complicated system upgrades and fixes. Meanwhile, with conventional control the trains are not only (usually) less expensive, but a train built by Lionel in the 1930's can run on the same layout as a train built by Marx in the 1950's and Lionel MPC in the 1970's. Meanwhile, when a command control locomotive malfunctions it usually requires an expensive trip to the local dealer or back to the manufacturer for repairs. Conventional locomotives can generally be maintained and repaired by anyone with a basic knowledge of how electricity works.

Variety, Variety, Variety

The name everyone associates with 3-rail trains is Lionel. This is for good reason as Lionel has represented high-quality and highly-desirable toy and model trains for over a century. With few exceptions other than coupler types, every O gauge Lionel train made is compatible with every 3 rail other O gauge Lionel train. Lionel's "Postwar" trains (1946 - 1969) were once the most coveted by both operators and collectors for their high quality and the nostalgia of the Baby Boomers who were the main collectors of these items and in previous years commanded equally high prices. Today, as many high quality new trains are available and the Boomers are liquidating their collections for retirement cash, Postwar prices are more affordable than ever and even operators of modest means can acquire these well-built models. 

Likewise, trains of Lionel's MPC era (1970 - 1986), though generally of lesser quality than Postwar trains, commanded high prices because, at that time, Lionel was the only mass manufacturer of 3-rail trains. Today, with many manufacturers making quality new trains and the reputation of poorer quality has made Lionel MPC prices plummet. However, there are still some gems to be found in the MPC line for operators to acquire and enjoy at bargain basement prices.

Another name to know for 3-rail trains in Marx. The Louis Marx Co. made many inexpensive but durable trains from the 1920's to the 1970's and they are all compatible with one another. Also, with the proper choice of track systems and accommodations for different coupler types, Marx trains and Lionel trains can run on the same layout. Better yet, Marx trains are inexpensive, durable, and easy to repair. I used Marx as the first trains my young boys operated as they were simple, durable and inexpensive - in short, PERFECT for kids to play with!

Other names to know in the 3-rail train world include Auburn Models (AMT), Kusan, K-Line, RMT, Williams (and Williams by Bachmann), American Flyer (pre-WWII) and others. In short, there is a whole WORLD of O gauge fun out there!

The goal of this blog is to provide inspiration, information, tips, tricks and strategies to making your journey into 3-rail O gauge railroading a success. I hope you enjoy it and come back often!