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Brown Box Era HO-Scale Trains
Operating Layouts
Enjoying very limited appearances in TYCO's catalogs, the company
did feature a total of three different Operating Layouts in the early/mid 1970s. Certainly among the more rare and unique
examples of TYCO's product line. The Operating Layouts seem more like a dealer display or promotional piece given
the TYCO nameplates prominately display, than an offering aimed at the typical TYCO user. There is no reference available
for the missing 1002 and 1003 Operating Layouts, if they exist. The 1970-71 catalog featured the 1000 and 1001 models.
The 1975-76 and 1976 catalogs include the 1004 model.
Operating Layout
(3 1/2' x 5')
-No. 1000
Found in TYCO's 1970-71 catalog is the above image of the 3-1/2'
x 5' Operating Layout. This is one of two Operating Layouts found in that year's catalog. The top of the line
model featured the ability to run two trains; was fully decorated and included TYCO's Dual Pack (#898). The retail price
was $250 in 1970-71, making one wonder just how could have been produced and sold. Notice the Operating Layout features
TYCO's "Red Box Era" logo.
Operating Layout
(3 1/2' x 4')
-No. 1001
Not pictured, but also listed in TYCO's 1970-71 catalog is
the smaller Operating Layout (#1001) that featured single train operation. This fully decorated pike was 3-1/2' x 4'
in size and the catalog neglects to mention which power pack was included, if any. The retail on the smaller Operating
Layout is $150 in its only appearance in the 1970-71 catalog.
Operating Layout
(4' x 6')
-No. 1004
Making two appearances in TYCO catalogs (1975-76 and 1976) is the
4' x 6' Operating Layout (#1004). This fully decorated Operating Layout retailed for $280 in 1976 and appears to include
TYCO's three of the Lighted Buildings (Gas Station, Freight Station and Passenger Station), plus the Bridge from the
Bridge and Trestle Set. The Power Pack appears to be TYCO's standard 898 unit and this item looks to possibly include
some vehicles, a truck and trailer and a few signs. The catalog does not state the contents for this Operating Layout,
so this contents listing is only speculation.
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