Hello Jim. Thanks for the review. It is good to know that LGB has a cost-effective entry level starter set again. Like you, I have probably way too much G scale trains for my age. However, I'm frequently asked about what scale to start with for our younger up and coming train enthusiasts. So that looks good, keep enjoying all of your trains, and have a wonderful Holiday season up in the Northwest. Dave
Awesome video, Jim. I have a few Xmas G scale train sets i only put up every few years. Most of my stuff is the old Lionel trains. My trains are about 30 years old but they still look brand new and I have all the original box's with them. I keep saying this is the last year I'm putting them up. I'm 67, and I think it's time to sell them. Thanks, Jim...
We're the same age. I'm not quite ready to start selling off my trains, but I do think that day will be coming for me... sometime in the next 5-10 years.
Well, I'm 75 + and still have a lot of G scale. Haven't decided to sell yet. I also participate at a local train show every year at our fairgrounds. I have been trying to refrain from any more purchases. Hopefully, I plan to set up track like Jim does in back yard, and so the neighborhood kids should have fun watching it. I also have 1.5 inch scale RR equipment as well. So bigguy1403, get out and set them up and play with them. Have fun. Have a great holiday, too !
I have one of those mini excavators, along with a similar figure and signs. They came with a "road work" sort of (non train) set. A euro style dump truck where the gate and sides also unlock and fold down, has a little function where the fog lights blink and it makes little construction sounds. Also comes with a little lowside utility trailer with a working tailgate that carries the excavator. Not exactly a "road crew" though, like this it only has one guy. The doors open, you can sit him in the truck, if you are EXTREMELY patient you can get the excavator sticks into his hands while he sits in there. My truck/trailer looks to roughly scale with this train, I'll bet you could carry the excavator/the signs in that open gondola it comes with. Maybe the figure could even ride that little balcony if you could get him to hold onto something.
This is a great review! I have a verity of Model Train Scales. And most of them are affordable and or expensive they all are Nice Equipment, Trains, cars, rolling stock, track etc. some of them are Starter sets. I have a grand total of 11,340$ of various Model Trains and Scales. And a 15Ft HO layout, which is worth 5,000$ I’ve been collecting for 8 years started off at 210$ when I got my first Model Train set,Such a great hobby. -Jordan Marquez
Yeah, I'll talk more about that in my 2024 Year In Review video a few weeks from now. Thanks for noticing! I no longer need to frame all shots of me to exclude my belly. ha ha I'm down 45 pounds from where I was in the first few months of 2024. It's now somewhat painful for me to watch that video I made earlier this year where I flew to Las Vegas on frequent flyer miles and ate junk food for 5 days straight. I'm a slightly different guy now. After I had a TIA in March I had to make a decision about what the rest of my life was going to be like... either keep enjoying the junk food and end up having a full stroke, or make a few changes to my diet, buy a treadmill, and hopefully keep cruising in to my 70's 80's and 90's. I didn't have to think about that decision for very long before the proper course of action was obvious to me. This story will be in my Year In Review video, but you just got to read the first draft.
Hi Nigel I thought about going in to more details about DCC, but decided to keep it out of the video for simplicity's sake... since an explanation of DCC gets complicated. However, I can give you a little more information here, one on one. The $199 train set operates using the same method that model trains have been using for over a hundred years. This is where the speed of the train is controlled by the amount of voltage sent out to the train, from the power supply, through the tracks. To stop a train, just send no voltage to the tracks. To start a train, start sending some voltage out to the tracks. To make the train go faster, send more voltage. This is called an analog model train control system. If you put two locomotives on the layout and start sending voltage out to the tracks, both trains will go. In the 1990s, a totally new way of controlling trains was developed, and that was DCC. Voltage sent out to the tracks is constant. Locomotives that are equipped with DCC have electronics that allow you to program that locomotive with a unique number. So, for example, if you have two locomotives on your layout, you can assign one locomotive to be #1 and the other to be #2. On a DCC control system, before you tell a locomotive to do something, you have to specify which locomotive you want the command sent to. So, for example, you can command locomotive #1 to go forward at a slow speed. This command only goes to locomotive #1, so it will start moving but the other locomotive will not. Then you could tell locomotive #2 to go backwards at fast speed, and for the whistle to blow. The point is that with DCC you can control each locomotive on your layout independently. There are also ways with DCC that you can control your trains from your cell phone, tablet, or desktop computer. It opens up a whole world of possibilities. Analog trains like the $199 set can't do those things. To make DCC work, a locomotive must be equipped with DCC, and you must have a power supply and control system that are equipped with DCC. The power supply and red controller of the $199 train set are analog. They are not capable of powering or running DCC locomotives. Also, the yellow locomotive in the $199 system is analog, and is not equipped with DCC. So, even if you bought a DCC power supply and control system, you wouldn't be able to use that yellow locomotive with it. So, in the video when I was talking about how the $199 system was expandable, and I said that "you could add a DCC control system later, if you ever wanted to", I probably should have also said "but be aware that you would also have to add a locomotive that was equipped with DCC, too". In other words, the track can handle DCC and the gondola and dump cars would work with DCC, but if you owned this train set and wanted to upgrade to DCC it would require both a new locomotive and a new power supply & control system. See why I didn't explain all that in the video?!?! ha ha
I'm not exactly sure what you mean by that. I don't know if you're asking me if this yellow locomotive could be converted to DCC, or if you're asking about the terminology to look for when shopping for a locomotive to be used on a DCC system, or perhaps you're asking something else entirely.
Oh, now I understand. Here in the USA we would use the term "DCC Ready" to indicate that a locomotive does NOT have DCC installed but that you can purchase an additional component at any time that could be installed to make the locomotive capable of running on a DCC system. If the locomotive is fully capable of running on a DCC system without needing any further modification, we would say that it has DCC installed or we might just describe it as being a DCC locomotive.
All of my trains I have they are G gauge built by Lionel the cost that you showed on your polar Express review video that's about $100 or below price is about $50
Christmas 2014... I wanted a train set to go around the Christmas tree. I had made some good money from UA-cam, thanks to my first viral video. So I spent about $700 on some G scale LGB.
starting on december 19. 2024 my father are going on a vacation aboard msc cruiselines for the very first time this year so i was just wondering if you and yer wife would like to join us and meet us there on that day
I appreciate the offer, but I'll be an a different cruise ship that week... exploring the coastal cities of northern Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. Most of my cruises get planned out about a year in advance. Plus, MSC... let's just say that I'm not a fan of that line.
@JimZim oh I see I'm sorry you're not a fan of that cruise company but I'm glad you appreciate the offer I appreciate you saying that so good luck and merry Christmas to you sir hohoho.
I have thought about that MANY times. Given my tight relationship with the folks at the head office for American Cruise Lines, and the fact that ACL ships dock about a mile from my house, I do think it wouldn't be that hard to do. Those ships have a big outdoor sundeck on the top of the ship... the perfect place to set up a big layout. The drone shots of the layout would be awesome! I imagine a shot that starts fairly closeup to the trains running on the layout. In the initial stages of that shot, you can't tell that the layout is on the top of a cruise ship. Then the drone slowly pulls away to reveal that the layout is on top of a ship that is sailing down the Columbia River. It could be somewhat epic!
Hello Jim. Thanks for the review. It is good to know that LGB has a cost-effective entry level starter set again. Like you, I have probably way too much G scale trains for my age. However, I'm frequently asked about what scale to start with for our younger up and coming train enthusiasts. So that looks good, keep enjoying all of your trains, and have a wonderful Holiday season up in the Northwest. Dave
Hey Jim, I haven't been watching your videos in a while. Glad to see you're still going! Great video, by the way.
Awesome video, Jim. I have a few Xmas G scale train sets i only put up every few years. Most of my stuff is the old Lionel trains. My trains are about 30 years old but they still look brand new and I have all the original box's with them. I keep saying this is the last year I'm putting them up. I'm 67, and I think it's time to sell them. Thanks, Jim...
We're the same age. I'm not quite ready to start selling off my trains, but I do think that day will be coming for me...
sometime in the next 5-10 years.
@JimZim well if I had your set-up, I wouldn't be selling quite yet either.
Well, I'm 75 + and still have a lot of G scale. Haven't decided to sell yet. I also participate at a local train show every year at our fairgrounds. I have been trying to refrain from any more purchases. Hopefully, I plan to set up track like Jim does in back yard, and so the neighborhood kids should have fun watching it. I also have 1.5 inch scale RR equipment as well. So bigguy1403, get out and set them up and play with them. Have fun. Have a great holiday, too !
I have one of those mini excavators, along with a similar figure and signs. They came with a "road work" sort of (non train) set.
A euro style dump truck where the gate and sides also unlock and fold down, has a little function where the fog lights blink and it makes little construction sounds.
Also comes with a little lowside utility trailer with a working tailgate that carries the excavator. Not exactly a "road crew" though, like this it only has one guy.
The doors open, you can sit him in the truck, if you are EXTREMELY patient you can get the excavator sticks into his hands while he sits in there.
My truck/trailer looks to roughly scale with this train, I'll bet you could carry the excavator/the signs in that open gondola it comes with. Maybe the figure could even ride that little balcony if you could get him to hold onto something.
This is a great review! I have a verity of Model Train Scales. And most of them are affordable and or expensive they all are Nice Equipment, Trains, cars, rolling stock, track etc. some of them are Starter sets. I have a grand total of 11,340$ of various Model Trains and Scales. And a 15Ft HO layout, which is worth 5,000$ I’ve been collecting for 8 years started off at 210$ when I got my first Model Train set,Such a great hobby.
-Jordan Marquez
I’m more into HO trains myself but this one for 200 is pretty nuts
Very nice train set. I've no room for G Scale, but your model steamies are a joy to watch. What's on your Christmas wishlist?
Nice little set!
Slim Jim Zim has lost some weight.
Yeah, I'll talk more about that in my 2024 Year In Review video a few weeks from now. Thanks for noticing! I no longer need to frame all shots of me to exclude my belly. ha ha
I'm down 45 pounds from where I was in the first few months of 2024. It's now somewhat painful for me to watch that video I made earlier this year where I flew to Las Vegas on frequent flyer miles and ate junk food for 5 days straight. I'm a slightly different guy now.
After I had a TIA in March I had to make a decision about what the rest of my life was going to be like... either keep enjoying the junk food and end up having a full stroke, or make a few changes to my diet, buy a treadmill, and hopefully keep cruising in to my 70's 80's and 90's. I didn't have to think about that decision for very long before the proper course of action was obvious to me.
This story will be in my Year In Review video, but you just got to read the first draft.
Hello Jim from England, for newbies, explaining what DCC for model trains are and what it does,the sets look cool!
Hi Nigel
I thought about going in to more details about DCC, but decided to keep it out of the video for simplicity's sake... since an explanation of DCC gets complicated. However, I can give you a little more information here, one on one.
The $199 train set operates using the same method that model trains have been using for over a hundred years. This is where the speed of the train is controlled by the amount of voltage sent out to the train, from the power supply, through the tracks. To stop a train, just send no voltage to the tracks. To start a train, start sending some voltage out to the tracks. To make the train go faster, send more voltage. This is called an analog model train control system. If you put two locomotives on the layout and start sending voltage out to the tracks, both trains will go.
In the 1990s, a totally new way of controlling trains was developed, and that was DCC. Voltage sent out to the tracks is constant. Locomotives that are equipped with DCC have electronics that allow you to program that locomotive with a unique number. So, for example, if you have two locomotives on your layout, you can assign one locomotive to be #1 and the other to be #2. On a DCC control system, before you tell a locomotive to do something, you have to specify which locomotive you want the command sent to. So, for example, you can command locomotive #1 to go forward at a slow speed. This command only goes to locomotive #1, so it will start moving but the other locomotive will not. Then you could tell locomotive #2 to go backwards at fast speed, and for the whistle to blow.
The point is that with DCC you can control each locomotive on your layout independently. There are also ways with DCC that you can control your trains from your cell phone, tablet, or desktop computer. It opens up a whole world of possibilities. Analog trains like the $199 set can't do those things.
To make DCC work, a locomotive must be equipped with DCC, and you must have a power supply and control system that are equipped with DCC. The power supply and red controller of the $199 train set are analog. They are not capable of powering or running DCC locomotives. Also, the yellow locomotive in the $199 system is analog, and is not equipped with DCC. So, even if you bought a DCC power supply and control system, you wouldn't be able to use that yellow locomotive with it.
So, in the video when I was talking about how the $199 system was expandable, and I said that "you could add a DCC control system later, if you ever wanted to", I probably should have also said "but be aware that you would also have to add a locomotive that was equipped with DCC, too". In other words, the track can handle DCC and the gondola and dump cars would work with DCC, but if you owned this train set and wanted to upgrade to DCC it would require both a new locomotive and a new power supply & control system.
See why I didn't explain all that in the video?!?! ha ha
@JimZim so would the locomotive say dcc fitted?
I'm not exactly sure what you mean by that. I don't know if you're asking me if this yellow locomotive could be converted to DCC, or if you're asking about the terminology to look for when shopping for a locomotive to be used on a DCC system, or perhaps you're asking something else entirely.
@@JimZimho and 00 gauge locos say DCC ready or fitted, are the LGB locos the same?
Oh, now I understand.
Here in the USA we would use the term "DCC Ready" to indicate that a locomotive does NOT have DCC installed but that you can purchase an additional component at any time that could be installed to make the locomotive capable of running on a DCC system.
If the locomotive is fully capable of running on a DCC system without needing any further modification, we would say that it has DCC installed or we might just describe it as being a DCC locomotive.
its so cute🥰🥰
Just ordered ❤
Carli’s a big girl now. 0:31
I'm planning to get in to real G scale trains Either LGB or Bachmann big hauler with brass track not the bad steel track
Train world has a video of this.
All of my trains I have they are G gauge built by Lionel the cost that you showed on your polar Express review video that's about $100 or below price is about $50
Oh wow they finally put out a budget friendly kit....
The market has been void since newqida went belly up
How did u get into g scale?
Christmas 2014... I wanted a train set to go around the Christmas tree. I had made some good money from UA-cam, thanks to my first viral video. So I spent about $700 on some G scale LGB.
Can u get a caboose for this train?
It would be compatible with any G-scale caboose that uses a hook & loop coupler system.
starting on december 19. 2024 my father are going on a vacation aboard msc cruiselines for the very first time this year so i was just wondering if you and yer wife would like to join us and meet us there on that day
I appreciate the offer, but I'll be an a different cruise ship that week... exploring the coastal cities of northern Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. Most of my cruises get planned out about a year in advance. Plus, MSC... let's just say that I'm not a fan of that line.
@JimZim oh I see I'm sorry you're not a fan of that cruise company but I'm glad you appreciate the offer I appreciate you saying that so good luck and merry Christmas to you sir hohoho.
hey jim it's artie johnson again guess what i have good news
Have a race between 52 707 In the Coca-Cola train
Trains on a cruise ship
I have thought about that MANY times. Given my tight relationship with the folks at the head office for American Cruise Lines, and the fact that ACL ships dock about a mile from my house, I do think it wouldn't be that hard to do. Those ships have a big outdoor sundeck on the top of the ship... the perfect place to set up a big layout.
The drone shots of the layout would be awesome! I imagine a shot that starts fairly closeup to the trains running on the layout. In the initial stages of that shot, you can't tell that the layout is on the top of a cruise ship. Then the drone slowly pulls away to reveal that the layout is on top of a ship that is sailing down the Columbia River. It could be somewhat epic!
@@JimZim That would be cool.