I was wondering if anyone could give even a rough value of the Bachmann Canonball Express set (roughly 1996?). I guess a price for new in box, unopened. I might be interested in purchasing one I see for sale on my local Craigslist. The guy originally asked $35. Now he's saying he wants to up the price to $50 because it's considered a collectible. I'm not interested in paying more than $35 regardless. I was just curious as to what it might be worth. My Google searches are coming back inconsistent in price ranges.

Thanks in advance.

Quote from: J3a-614 on August 09, 2010, 08:31:08 PM
... including Southern's 2-8-2 4501 in black paint and B&O lettering!

Which is my favorite Steam Engine. Many many fond memories of her. And, hopefully on track to complete the full restoration for her 100th birthday next year.

I see. Thank you for the reply.

Another question....


At the stage where you laid your large blue foam piece (lower foam) you laid another layer of what looks to be 1/2 foam sections on top of that to cover the 4'x8' area. Can you please explain why? I am finally at the stage where I'm ready to lay my large sheet of blue foam but am trying to understand the need for the second layer. Thanks in advance!

Thank you Joe. That's what I thought they were, but was slightly worried that I'd pay in excess of $60 for track I couldn't use. Hopefully my local hobby shop will have them end at the end of the week.

Mr. Bach-mann,

One final question concerning your Sodor Island layout. The 3 turnouts on the lower level, are those the #44561 Remote Turnout-Left ones (which is what I think they are), or the #44565 #5 Turnout Left? Those are my final 3 items to purchase and I want to make sure I'm purchasing the correct ones.

Thank you for your assistance.

Not "flagged" - "flogged".

I'm not worried about responses. This thread is in response to my initial thread asking for some help and advice. Some people in that thread asked that I post pics/updates. Instead of burying them in that thread I started a new one in the same subject thread as the one I did originally. I'm aware of forum etiquette and such, believe me. We can argue all day long over which thread this belongs in. At the end of the day it really doesn't matter. My hope is that this thread topic will not get derailed any further. If I'm unwelcome to to make a post here where and how I choose, please let me know and I'll move along. Thank you.`

Will I get flogged for it being here? It's an HO layout, that happens to be themed around Thomas.. so it seems that it should fit in either, right? 

Not sure why it won't open for you. :/

Yes, I have no delusions that this project will be complete in the forseeable future. But, that's the beauty of it. We can just build it at our leisure and enjoy it along the way.

Chuck

I appreciate all the help and input in my other thread asking for help and guidance concerning the "Sodor Island" layout The Bach-mann constructed. I want to re-create this layout as best I can and think I have a good plan now and have gotten started. Some asked for updates on the progress, so I created a Picasa Photo Album for this purpose. I'll track my progress much like The Bach-mann did (though I'm sure mine won't turn out as nice as his  ) Right now there's not too much in the way of progress, other than I finally got a track plan that appears to be as close to what he has as I can tell. I have nearly all the track purchased for the lower level, except the LH turnouts (why does all this have to be so expensive?  ) Once I finish the track purchases it will start to take more shape. I will post back with updates as they come.

http://picasaweb.google.com/NAPA15/HOThomasSodorIslandLayout#

So far I only have Thomas, Annie, Clarabel, Edward, a Troublesome Truck car and the red/cream Express Brake Coach and Composite Coach... and I enjoy them all.

I can't decide which engine to buy next, Gordon or Spencer.. or a diesel.

Semper Fi young man. Good luck to you. Thanks for your service.

(USAF/SSgt Vet)

I'm in Birmingham, AL and out Hobby Lobby's stopped selling train items several months ago. I went there in June of last year (2009) and bought my son his first HO set - a Bachmann Thomas & Annie/Clarabel set. That's pretty much what got me into the hobby seriously. A few months back my boy and I were out one day so I decided we'd make a surprise visit to the Hobby Lobby store to get him a new freight car to go with his set. To my surprise they had nothing model railroad related at all. I asked the store manager what was up and he said they decided (Hobby Lobby) to start selling American Girl (I think that's right) stuff instead. I wish I had known they were going to stop selling it, as I would have cleaned up there before it was all gone. 

I've only got two hobby stores locally who sell model train items, and I only do business with one. I really prefer to buy my items online, as it's usually a lot cheaper. But, I've decided to support my local shop as much as I can by buying most of my items from them. (Including a recent order of Bachmann E-Z track he did not have in stock). 

Here are some pictures I took of the 'ole girl in may at the shop at TVRM.

The 2nd to last picture is the #630 tucked in the back of the shop, work in progress. I think they said she might be complete late this year (but don't quote me on that).

The last picture is the #610 out at the shop as well. In May when we visited the Conductor told me that it had 60 days left on it's boiler before it had to go in the shop.

I know than when and if this all does take place I'll be there.

OK - I am honestly trying to contain my excitement. I'm a 38 yr old grown man who feels like a 7 year old who just woke up Christmas morning to get every present he asked for. 

Thank you so much for posting this. I have a LONG history with the Southern #4501 that is presently in the midst of restoration at the Tennessee Valley RR Museum. Well, she's had a lot of work done on her and still needs a lot more. Last I heard (talking with someone at TVRM) they weren't very confident she'd ever get finished, let alone by 2011. I want so very badly to be able to ride behind her again. My first experience with her was when I was 4, 1975. It was an excursion trip from Calera, Alabama to Chatanooga, Tn and back. I went with my Grandfather and Grandmother. Of all the things I remember as a child, it is by far the most prominent and fond memory I have.

Anyway, sorry to get all sentimental.. but to me this is HUGE news.