Update September 2023
Yup , the TinMan crew is alive and well. Enjoyed our summer and have been working on some big-time changes for the next season. So it’s time to get back to work with lots of new stuff! Here is a capsule of what’s coming!
- Cables: We are changing all our cables to a larger size for all our cables. The new cables will work fine for lengths up to 50’lemgths. Done a lot of homework on this issue and will be adding these cables for purchase. Theres a new tech tip which discusses different types of cables to use in your layouts.
- Transformers: our circuit breaker kits have been hugely successful and will now be included with our ZW and KW refurbished transformers. The question of why did Lionel not offer manual reset breakers for their transformers to begin with instead of the auto reset? Simple, at the time of their producing their transformers they did not exist in a size that would fit in their transformers. So from here on out on all of the smaller single train controlled, (under 125 watts units). We will be changing the circuit breakers to fast acting manual resets with exposed push button models. Why? To give us the time to find what caused the problem on our layouts, fix it, then reset the breaker. Only exceptions will be those units that are too small to fit inside.
- Whistle diodes: We have found some top-quality ones that will be available to folks that want to upgrade from the original rectifiers and are very easy to install. By the way don’t fix it if it ain’t broke.
- Spur controllers are discontinued in favor of a new control which includes a spur control at a very reasonable price.
- We are re-doing our site to make it easier to find both the items and complete descriptions of the items.
- We are now able to accept credit card payments for phone purchases. We really enjoy chatting with you guys anyway.
- Pricing. Inflation is hitting all of us hard. The paint we use to treat our tracks has gone from $30 a gallon to almost $70! We are very much aware that most of our customers are struggling with fixed incomes that do not come close to inflation increases. We are doing our best to keep prices as reasonable as possible.
- We are re-doing many of our instruction sheets, unfortunately our computer skills are very limited. Our abilities for drawing, adding more descriptive pictures are very limited. Anybody out there that can help us with that?
- New O27 remote control switch. Our supply of nice 1122’s and the brown K Line/Lionel switches is getting really thin, but we do have a bunch of the original what we call Lionel “humpback switches” Only problem is the direction indicators are terrible, and they do not have the no derail feature. On the positive side they are very durable and almost all metal. We are just about done with a new design which will have a very large Top mounted multi-color LED, with an internal switching circuit and will have a no derail feature. Yup to the purists out there you are right, We just can’t leave well enough alone.’
- O22 switch LED’s problems of a sturdy mounting solved. New design for installing them. Much stronger.
- 1122 switches, no more light bulbs to burn out. Are changing to super brite LED
- New design “Rob Nelson” cd control. Can now park a train on the switch without overheating the controller, If you have an original design we will be happy to upgrade no charge. Just pay the shipping charges for the controller. Back and forth. Note, new design does have a slightly longer recharge time.
One note of sadness, Our O22 switch builder Curt has passed away due to cancer. I miss him terribly. He was a fantastic technician and a very good friend. On the positive side we are very lucky to have Walt. A terrific tech, the only problem he absolutely will not say “this damned thing is not worth fixing”!
Thanks for putting up with my long ranting here and just keep in mind
YOU DON’T GROW OLD FROM PLAYING WITH TRAINS. YOU GROW OLD WHEN YOU STOP PLAYING WITH TRAINS
TinMan AKA Rich 262-914-0057 or tinman@tinman3rail.com
Our shipping address is: TinMan N7555 Hoffman Lane Gresham WI 54128
YOU DON’T GROW OLD FROM PLAYING WITH TRAINS. YOU GROW OLD WHEN YOU STOP PLAYING WITH TRAINS
TinMan AKA Rich 262-914-0057 or tinman@tinman3rail.com
Our shipping address is: TinMan N7555 Hoffman Lane Gresham WI 54128