Passenger trains running by

This was my first toy train engine: the Lionel 289E. I got it as a small boy in 1976. It was passed on to me as a heirloom item. The old crooked tracks that I got with it were misfits and it took me several years to figure out what it was and how to run it properly. I restored it in 2010 and this month it was time to run it again with some matching passenger cars.

 

The old American, Lionel 289E passenger train service runs smoothly by, while the new European Merkur passenger trains waits its turn.

This toy train is from 1937. It was the first I received and it is still one of the best running engines. It represents a time period when the US was producing quality consumer goods and these were then top of the line. And they are still great nowadays. A reminder of a time gone by.

The Merkur engine is from the Czech republic in the centre of Europe. After the iron curtain feel in 1989, many authentic, central-European industries slowly re-emerged. And so did Merkur. In a short period of time they manufacturerd quality, sturdy toy trains. This toy trains is from the 2010-2015 period. Unfortunately, they couldn't make it in the longer term and now these trains are sought after specialties. Time to let them run. 

Side by side, toy trains from different locations and eras. Both appreciated for what they represent and offer.

ETS diesel switcher 111

 On this cold and sunny winters' day a new diesel switcher joined the layout. It is an ETS diesel engine  no. 111, modelled after the CSD 704 engine, nicknamed "Lego". Since most of the ETS trains I originally obtained were 2-rail versions, I previously had to convert them to 3-rail operation. That was not necessary for this one. Unmodified, it skids on the Merkur tracks. The sun that returned and this joyful engine, just puts a smile on my face.

Toy trains enlighten overcast, weiry days

 For weeks the sky is grey and there is no proper sun in sight. The best remedy against a weiry mood is to fire up some trains and let them run. In this case a Lionel diesel with some Weaver cars. What a pleasure indeed.

Happy new 2025

During these overcast and weiry days, toy trains distract and give joy. So on this new years day there was heavy traffic on the layout. The Lionel 289E speeded by with some Paya passenger cars.

The Merkur freight service had a few heavy rocks to transport.

As a new years resolution, I will run the trains more often in the coming year. I do hope that all train enthusiasts will do the same. Lets run the trains and lay these "smart phones" aside.