PlaymoFriends
General => Trains! => Topic started by: Tim_w on April 21, 2012, 18:07:00
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Hello Everyone,
I have always been interested in trains since I was a child and as a result started collecting OO gauge. The realms of G scale has always been out of reach for me, partly due to the cost and practicality. However Playmobil has made this more accessible as the years have gone by and seeing all of the pictures on this forum has helped to stir up an interest again. Unfortunately after much searching I am hitting a brick wall as most sets I like seem to be discontinued and any new releases appear to have dried up. So here are my questions:
1) Where in the UK can I buy suitable G scale track / Playmobil rolling stock and locomotives without getting into the realms of the dreaded EBay sniping / bidding war ?
2) I would like to make an engineers train to start off with, are there any suitable waggons still available ?
3) If I wanted to make custom rolling stock and locomotives is there anywhere I can get suitable chassis, motors and bogie's ? Could I use LGB chassis and custom Playmobil bodywork ?
4) Can anyone provide pictures and possibly measurements of the old Playmobil engineers train please ? Measurements would only need to be as basic as height, width and length.
5) What is the maximum width and height of a G scale locomotive because if I make anything I want it to be in proportion with current stock.
Kindest Regards Tim :wave:
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Here are some answers, Tim.
1) Where in the UK can I buy suitable G scale track / Playmobil rolling stock and locomotives without getting into the realms of the dreaded EBay sniping / bidding war ?
Prices on eBay are not too bad currently, although very variable. There have been some very low prices on, say, the 4018 ICE type set. Do an eBay search on completed items for Playmobil 4018 and you'll see.
2) I would like to make an engineers train to start off with, are there any suitable waggons still available ?
If you do a UK Google search, you may come up with some new stock still, but I got some of my rolling stock new by buying it through DS in bits, but it's very limited what you can get. The yellow P & M low sided wagon is a good one for a works train. You can see one in my Knaresborough and Kirkbean photos,
3) If I wanted to make custom rolling stock and locomotives is there anywhere I can get suitable chassis, motors and bogie's ? Could I use LGB chassis and custom Playmobil bodywork ?
See above. LGB chassis (anything LGB) is very expensive. In addition, some of the LGB stock is designed as narrow gauge rolling stock and so has one central buffer and maybe looks a bit odd with Playmobil stock with two buffers. I have a couple of short LGB wagons and find they easily uncouple from PM wagons and I get the inpression that this is because the loop coupling is a millimetre or two lower than the PM one.
4) Can anyone provide pictures and possibly measurements of the old Playmobil engineers train please ? Measurements would only need to be as basic as height, width and length.
5) What is the maximum width and height of a G scale locomotive because if I make anything I want it to be in proportion with current stock.
10.5cm is the maximum width of the steam RC loco and the 4018/4019 electrics. The 4010 I would guess is the same. For height, you're looking at about 15.5cm for the 4018/4019 and 16cm for the steam loco.
I hope this helps, Tim, and it's good to see you back.
Kindest Regards Tim :wave:
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Hello Gordon,
:wow: Thank you very much indeed for all your help. I was wondering how you had got hold of those flat waggons ! I think I am going to have to look at Ebay and also see what I can pick up from DS. I could do with a few rolling chassis and bogie's mainly. That should allow me to make a few of the projects I have in mind. I am struggling for a suitable locomotive at the moment but the new freight train is looking very promising indeed. I didn't realise Playmobil trains could be so tricky and I haven't done this much head scratching since I looked at getting into slot car drag racing 8} :lol:
Tim
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Glad to help, Tim.
The 4010 goods set is still available in the shops, although I don't find the loco particularly attractive, although it is based on an actual German loco called the Taurus (the Bull).
I forgot to mention, you can buy track from DS as spare parts. Last year when I inquired, a straight was £2.20. However, with careful shopping around on eBay you can buy cheaper than that. Possibly as low as £1.50 a straight. Curved track is very common and cheaper.
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Hello Tim,
I think, first you have to think about, what you want to do.
Look at our FAQ, points 1 to 3 [CLICK HERE] (http://www.playmofriends.com/forum/index.php?topic=8881.0), if you want RC-Locos or with transformer (older system, but with more locos).
For the old system you need brass LGB track (RC-Locos also could go there), for RC-locos allone the plastic track is a little cheaper.
The wagons/cars are for both systems.
What do you mean with »engineers train«?
A working train or a steam loco/train?
I also think, for customizing Playmobil trains/locos/wagons, LGB parts are too expensive and perhaps too sensitive.
You can build customs with Playmobil parts (of lorries, cars, doors of houses,...), plastic plates and other useful plastic parts (like plastic bottles,...).
@playmofire:
I think the 4010 loco is not a »Taurus« (the »Taurus« is an austrian loco, built at Siemens/Germany (http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siemens_ES64U2)), it's a little bit different from it (look at the lights, they are vertical, 4010 has horizontal lights).
The number is printed on the 4010 (BR 182 would be the same as the »Taurus«): 152 019-1 => it's a »Baureihe 152« [CLICK HERE!] (http://www.google.de/search?q=br+152&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:de:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hl=de&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=mV2TT9P7IMv44QSGuPnQDw&biw=1262&bih=884&sei=x12TT6H8CM_Ssga8-bGuBA)
zugpferdchen
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@playmofire:
I think the 4010 loco is not a »Taurus« (the »Taurus« is an austrian loco, built at Siemens/Germany (http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siemens_ES64U2)), it's a little bit different from it (look at the lights, they are vertical, 4010 has horizontal lights).
The number is printed on the 4010 (BR 182 would be the same as the »Taurus«): 152 019-1 => it's a »Baureihe 152« [CLICK HERE!] (http://www.google.de/search?q=br+152&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:de:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hl=de&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=mV2TT9P7IMv44QSGuPnQDw&biw=1262&bih=884&sei=x12TT6H8CM_Ssga8-bGuBA)
zugpferdchen
Ah, thank you for that link. :wave: You are quite right.
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the "engineers train" are you thinking of the "Work Train" 4053 & 4053a?
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The latest prices I have fro DS for Playmobil plastic track:-
Straight 30 03 5380 = £3.35
Curves 30 02 0130 = £2.40
Left Hand Point 30 66 8190 = £8.20
Right Hand Point 30 66 8200 = £8.25
Crossover 30 02 0140 = £5.55
Buffer 30 02 0150 = £1.45+ 30 02 0160 = £1.15
Short pieces 30 20 0970 = 50 p
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That's very useful information, Walter; thank you.
I'm particularly pleased at the low price of the cross-over; on eBay they go for much more.
And I hadn't realised that you could buy individual parts of the buffers.
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Hello Tim,
please say a word to the »engineers train«!
If you mean the working train 4053(a), you have to take LGB (or Piko or Aristocraft or USA trains or...) brass tracks (or better metals), perhaps used tracks, and a transformer, no plastic tracks.
Or you have to customize the working train with a Playmobil-RC-engine block, it's not easy with 4053 (cause the RC motor is bigger).
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Hello Everyone,
Thank you all for your advice, it is very much appreciated. When I was refering to the engineers train I was indeed meaning the old works train. I had slipped into UK terminology because we refere to them as engineers trains. I plan on making up an engineers train based on the old works train and would like some reference pictures of it if possible please because I don't think I am going to find one any time soon. I understand that I will probably need LGB track afterall, unless I go RC. Mind you the benefit of LGB track is that I can run electric trains and RC on the same layout.
Kindest Regards Tim
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Hello Everyone,
I understand that I will probably need LGB track afterall, unless I go RC. Mind you the benefit of LGB track is that I can run electric trains and RC on the same layout.
Yes that is a big plus, but you have to dig deep into you pocket book ;)
What pictures do you want of the work train?
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Hello Ras,
Cost could be a limiting factor but it all depends on how much the track is and what is available. I could stick with RC track based on the chances of me getting an old electric loco being very slim, it just depends. The one limiting factor at the moment is not track or anything else like that, it is being able to get hold of suitable waggons, wheels, bogie's and chassis for my 'train' as some of the Playmobil stuff has dried up outside Ebay. Track and a suitable locomotive is just a bonus at the moment as weird as that might sound :lol:. I would get more fun out of making special waggons and rolling stock in anticipation of the new freight locomotive.
As for the old works train I am after any pictures showing its unique details and possibly 4 pictures would do it (with a Klicky for scale). One of the cab interior, a front shot, side shot and one showing a close up of the chassis and wheels or how the body fits to them. I am not fussy really, I would just love to see the cab interior if that was all I could get !
Tim :wave: (singed into Emma's profile by mistake and can't delet post :-[)
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Wheel frame assemblies, axles complete with wheels and coupling hooks are all availablef rom DS, Tim. See here:
http://www.playmobil.co.uk/on/demandware.store/Sites-GB-Site/en_GB/Search-Show?cgid=Ds_Eisenbahn
Buffers and chassis should be available from DS. The parts you want are:
30 81 2580 - weight plate
30 20 8660 - black chassis (or there is a red one)
30 20 9140 - red buffer
30 25 7840 - holder for weight plate
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A very useful discussion indeed. :)
I am relatively new with trains and widely inexperienced. However having set three times outdoors LGB tracks with Playmobil transformer or the big analogue LGB JUMBO control unit in both cases i was impressed by the quality and performance of the playmobil trains and the LGB tracks make all the difference. I think some good prices can be found quite often on ebay for used LGB tracks. and they last for ever and look impressive , they must be indeed the very best of scaled train tracks . I think the playmobil electric trains are going up in value and there are quite a few of wagons to choose from, western , modern era and the 4050,4051,4052 are truly impressive engines by all accounts.
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I think some good prices can be found quite often on ebay for used LGB tracks.
There can indeed, George, but generally good for the seller! People regularly pay more for used LGB tracks on eBay than the new price! 8}
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There can indeed, George, but generally good for the seller! People regularly pay more for used LGB tracks on eBay than the new price! 8}
No kidding, be carefull. Check with sales in stores for price references
Tim.
I will get the pictures ASAP, my camera was left in a truck that is not home right now.
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Thank you all for your kind help ! Cheers for the offer of the pictures Ras, no rush for them though ! When ever suits you :) !
Tim :wave:
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Tim, you may find items on German eBay such as these helpful in your research:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Playmobil-LGB-Eisenbahn-Kippmulde-Arbeitslok-4053-/230776810352?pt=DE_Allesf%C3%BCrKind_Spielzeug_Playmobil&hash=item35bb5eab70
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Playmobil-LGB-Eisenbahn-Greifarm-Arbeitslok-4053-/330717159800?pt=DE_Allesf%C3%BCrKind_Spielzeug_Playmobil&hash=item4d00476178
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LGB-Eisenbahn-Greifarm-Arbeitslok-4053-ohne-Aufkleber-/230775453600?pt=DE_Allesf%C3%BCrKind_Spielzeug_Playmobil&hash=item35bb49f7a0
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Hello Gordon,
Thank you very much for the pictures ! They are a great help !
Tim :wave:
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Glad to be of assistance, Tim. :wave:
I've been doing a bit of work myself this week on my works train, nothing complicated as I hope to buy a small LGB crane like this:
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VMtREi45xNg/T4P5EqApcBI/AAAAAAAACxE/d6SKKwm6mvc/s1600/IMG_1489.JPG
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Hello Gordon,
That's a really nice crane ! I have been looking at making a breakdown crane after Ras discussed the project some time back. I haven't started work yet, its just an idea in my head and I have been gathering pictures off the net. I have always been interested in engineers trains as there is so much variation in equipment and they are always interesting.
Tim
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Glad to be of assistance, Tim. :wave:
I've been doing a bit of work myself this week on my works train, nothing complicated as I hope to buy a small LGB crane like this:
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VMtREi45xNg/T4P5EqApcBI/AAAAAAAACxE/d6SKKwm6mvc/s1600/IMG_1489.JPG
I see this LGB has the same problem I have with my crane, no outriggers. I doubt trains had outriggers but then the counter weight would have to be so heavy. I still have not solved my crane tipping problems of years ago
(http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc457/Koretsky/traincrane.jpg)
back from out trip so I will get you the pictures of the work train
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here are some pictures. Let me know what kinds you want and what measurements.
(http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc457/Koretsky/053.jpg)
(http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc457/Koretsky/052.jpg)
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more
(http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc457/Koretsky/050.jpg)
(http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc457/Koretsky/048.jpg)
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more
(http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc457/Koretsky/047.jpg)
(http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc457/Koretsky/046.jpg)
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sorry about the quality, tripod is very handy for close ups and it is not with me
(http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc457/Koretsky/010.jpg)
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8} :wow: Ras thank you very much indeed for your pictures, I couldn't have wished for better ! You have covered everything and more, I owe you one for that !
I have been researching a few UK breakdown cranes since you mentioned it and the key with the stabilisers is that they are intrgrated into the chassis like the old mobile crane and function in the same way. The idea being that they can be used in limited space enviroments. The support carriages on UK breakdown trains carry timber blocks and packing as well as chains and lifting equiment for the crane. I also believe they carry wheel skates for locomotives with seized wheel sets. I guess there are similar principals in the USA (with similar equipment) but there is a bit more room in the guaging for crane operation. I think the only way to beat the issue with the stabilisers is to make a custom chassis ;) :toot: :shhhh:
Tim :wave: