N Scale Hi Rail - Retro Hollow Core Door Layout

[MK]

I was able to DL the PDF brochure from the original link with no issues.

[DKS]

Yeah it was PEBCAK

[Point353]

I'm pretty jazzed, because I think I got an original release, complete with the green plastic case, track, connecting wires, instruction manual and, the coup de tat, the original corrugated board backing box (with the gold label!!) as well as the printed cardboard sleeve.  It's all in wonderful condition.  The only bit that's awol is the original Bachmann power pack.

Lee

I wonder if your set is indeed an original release, or not, because my set came in a larger cardboard outer box and each of the cars was packaged in a plastic clamshell box.
The set was purchased at Model Railroad Equipment Co. in New York City from the first shipment they received.





https://thumbs.worthpoint.com/zoom/images1/1/0113/28/vintage-bachmann-scale-united_1_b4b106184f838b80a8d8b680b99acdd6.jpg

https://thumbs.worthpoint.com/zoom/images2/1/0113/28/vintage-bachmann-scale-united_1_b4b106184f838b80a8d8b680b99acdd6.jpg

[wm3798]

That sounds a lot more original.  Those clamshell boxes were always pretty clumsy, and mine may well have been a later run that had done away with them.
Mine looks like the CN set you posted.  By the way, that's helpful to see that the power back had the brass looking jacket.  Now I know what to hunt down!

Here's the down low from the font of all N scale wisdom...
http://www.spookshow.net/loco/turbo.html

I guess at this stage of the game, you can lump me in with the collectors.  I rather enjoy that it's toy like, and I find the bogeys between the cars to be reliable and cleverly designed.  It navigates through my Peco c80 long turnouts without stalling or derailing.  As for spacing, keep in mind that the train set came with 9.75" radius curves, so close enough is good enough.  And just to be a bit salty, I'm guessing the spacing is at least as good, if not better, than those BLI P70s you just paid $40 a piece for...
Lee

[Point353]

I rather enjoy that it's toy like, and I find the bogeys between the cars to be reliable and cleverly designed.  It navigates through my Peco c80 long turnouts without stalling or derailing.  As for spacing, keep in mind that the train set came with 9.75" radius curves, so close enough is good enough.
Lee

A dab of grease (such as Labelle 106) on the little post on top of the single-wheel trucks, that the tab from the adjacent car rests on, will help operation.
Likewise for the pivot points for the 4-wheel truck on the unpowered/rear power dome car. You have to pop out the piece that holds truck assembly to lube it. Adding a bit of weight in there will help that car track around curves better, too.

[wm3798]

There doesn't appear to be a way to disassemble the passenger cars...  I'd love to be able to put light boards in them.  Plus the recommended bits of added weight.  Any thoughts?
Lee

[Point353]

There doesn't appear to be a way to disassemble the passenger cars...  I'd love to be able to put light boards in them.  Plus the recommended bits of added weight.  Any thoughts?
Lee

The cars are all glued together. The bottom part of the body that's painted silver is a separate piece.
You might be able to pry it apart, but I wouldn't attempt it.
The only car that seemed to benefit from adding some extra weight was the rear/unpowered power dome car.

Spookshow's photo shows the front powered truck/motor assembly removed from the shell.
There's a little tab at the bottom rear of the truck/motor assembly. near the middle of the car, that can be pried up with a screwdriver.
You can see a little indentation in the bottom of the body shell where the tab fits into.



The rear/unpowered power dome car has a similar truck assembly, but made of plastic.
That's the one I was suggesting removing to lube the pivots and to add some weight.
Here's poor photo of it:



Pull out the assembly - you don't have to remove the truck separately.
You'll see where it pivots - so give it some grease there.
Then add some weight inside.

[wm3798]

Be sure to turn up the sound!  There's also a Bachmann F9, and an Arnold GP 9 grinding their way around the loops!

Have a great weekend, everyone!  JFRTM!

[davefoxx]

I’m impressed by your Acela-like speeds, Rocket Man!   

DFF

[Philip H]

Who says you need DCC to run multiple trains at a time on a layout!

[wm3798]

Who says you need DCC to run multiple trains at a time on a layout!

You just need separate loops, no junctions, and lots and lots of power packs!!

 

[MK]

Phooey on prototypical scale speed!   

[Point353]

I’m impressed by your Acela-like speeds, Rocket Man!   

DFF

The TurboTrain did have a top speed of 170 mph.
http://streamlinermemories.info/Mfrs/TurboTrain.pdf

[peteski]

I love it!  Both, the layout and the video!  This layout would make a great display at a model train show (when we are past the pandemic).

[jpec]

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Glad you were able to make the dreams of your youth come true. Too often, they get set aside to come back to later and we never get back to them.

Jeff

It's fun to finally put this in the bucket.  I've literally wanted one since I was 10.

Lee