Choices...choices

"daender" (daender) 05/21/2014 at 11:37 • Filed to: None

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So I'm stuck between purchasing two awesome things and I'm not sure if I can afford both at the same time. On one hand, a local Miata racing shop has a lightly-used Roadster Sport 3 muffler and cat'd mid-pipe designed just for the NB for about 300$ cash. !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

It's possibly the best-sounding aftermarket muffler for a Miata that'll fit in without any modifications and give it that deeper-sounding throaty note versus the typical ricer fart can. I've been looking for an exhaust for a while after driving Big Kyle's Miata with an OBX muffler and it made the drive a lot more exciting.

I'll have just enough cash to afford both pieces and I'll finally be able to enjoy the exhaust note versus the ho-hum whirl of the engine itself.

On the other hand, I've been trying to restart my train collection and I found something awesome on eBay. It's a !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! ! DCC is a major bonus because this means the engine can run on community large-scale layouts with other trains that're impossible to recreate using traditional transformers/controller, which can only run one locomotive at a time. DCC also allows for the train to become remote controllable, no longer do I have to stay by the fixed controller to adjust its speed, and I could walk around freely to enjoy my train's trip while keeping it in control with a small remote. The Kadee style metal couplers are THE best because they won't fail under loads from pulling long trains, like plastic versions often do, and have a reputation of lasting through years of hard abuse.

Finally, there's the chassis itself. It's the Bachmann medium-length, this is the village bicycle of all model train locomotives, the Chessie look can be changed out for various F7/F9 bodies including the iconic Santa Fe passenger trains and the more modern GP-look of today's freight engines. It's on eBay for 48$.

I'm thinking I should spring for the exhaust first since that'll provide more immediate happiness once I install it next week. The locomotive will hopefully still be around once I have more funds to spend. What're you thoughts, Oppo?

Reigntastic > daender 05/21/2014 at 11:46

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One is a car exhaust, the other is a model train. To me, the choice is clear.

ly2v8-Brian > daender 05/21/2014 at 11:48

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Do you have a layout for said train? I always wanted to make one but I cant justify the spending right now. But I have a random collection of trains I've gotten since I was young.

RotaryLover > daender 05/21/2014 at 11:48

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Put a cash down on the exhaust. Say to the seller to reserve it for you until you get the rest of the money. Buy the train. Be happy.

crowmolly > Reigntastic 05/21/2014 at 11:48

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Same here. One is a half price custom car exhaust while the other is a model train.

Reigntastic > crowmolly 05/21/2014 at 11:51

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$300 for an almost full exhaust is really good, in my opinion. I would definitely jump on that opportunity, parts will only get rarer as the Miata ages.

Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > crowmolly 05/21/2014 at 11:52

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mhm.. Model train ALL the way :) hehe

daender > RotaryLover 05/21/2014 at 11:52

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The seller, the shop, has supposedly had that exhaust for weeks, possibly months now. No one else really knows about it and most of the customers bring their Miatas in as race cars or soon-to-be race cars.

Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > daender 05/21/2014 at 11:53

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Ohh.. I'd get the train actually, but I'm weird..

daender > ly2v8-Brian 05/21/2014 at 12:10

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I do have about 50+ pieces of track to make a decently sized layout but I run into a major issue, it's too big that I need to hook up a second (maybe a third) transformer/controller because the first can't run its current all the way around the track. However, I figured out the best way to enjoy the hobby in these tough economic times is to join a local model railroad community, especially one that has a DCC equipped layout, where you pay a small membership fee and can use their layout, locomotives, and rolling stock whenever you want.

offroadkarter > daender 05/21/2014 at 12:13

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wow fuck I used to have that exact Chessie train

but get the catback

ly2v8-Brian > daender 05/21/2014 at 12:14

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That is pretty neat. I know the kind of work it takes to set that up and the attention to detail. The last house my family lived in had a massive basement so my dad set up my Lionel stuff and filled almost half the basement. so having enough space can be difficult.

daender > Reigntastic 05/21/2014 at 12:14

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The exhaust is expensive but I'll be able to enjoy it every time I drive, and it'll make commutes a lot more enjoyable when I'm winding the engine up. The train won't make my wallet hurt as much and DCC-equipped locomotives sell anywhere between 100$ to 300$+ new depending on how many options it has (sounds, artificial smoke, etc).

Really leaning toward exhaust so Miata sounds less boring.

Reigntastic > daender 05/21/2014 at 12:26

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I really enjoy my Greddy SP exhaust on my MR2, it puts a smile on my face every time I drive the car.