I’m new to the hobby and am asking my family for an N-scale Train Set for Christmas. I know that every manufacturer makes a plethora of different sets, only some of which can be considered decent and long-lasting. I plan on purchasing separately/asking for a decent power pack as well, so it’s ok if the train set doesn’t come with a pack. In your opinion, what are the best train sets out there? I know that cars with magnetic couplers are good, but other than that, I need some direction. Please give me your thoughts! Thanks and happy holidays.
Micro-Trains
You’re probably in a big ru***o get going with the purchase. Don’t do it yet!
If I had to do it over again, it would definitely be very different.
Sit down and think of what you’d like to accomplish BEFORE spending any money. Just want a 36" diameter loop? Something a little more sophisticated? How many trains do you want to run at a time? Power pack or DCC? Passenger or freight? Scenery can be added at a later time. If they want to get you something to put under the tree, ask for books that cover the basics – benchwork, electrical wiring, trackwork, etc. Santa may have a few hand tools in his bag, or even a multi-draw tool box to handle the many tools you’ll accumulate as you go along.
Do a little planning about the layout first! Then start building it. Once you have the primary trackwork almost completed, RU***o the Local Hobby Shop (LHS) or place that internet order to coincide with the time when you will need locomotives and rolling stock.
If the family wants to get you something for Christmas, ask them to open a Savings Account for you, IMHO preferably at a Credit Union, and START putting money into that for you. Ask them not to get a Gift Certificate at the LHS – they may not have what you need, and then you’ll spend the money just to use it.
Those dollars will be precious when you start this project – don’t waste a penny! Best of luck on the project – it is definitely a fun obsession, er, hobby! [:)]
I think that probably the only conscionable choice for N-scale would be one of the Kato F7 trainsets, but they’ll need to snag a power pack, too, as the Kato set doesn’t come with one. Top locomotive quality combined with best track quality.
Kato, Life Like and Micro Trains all make great starter sets. Each makes great engines and cars, so the running characteristics will be similar between the three (Kato makes the best engines, MT makes the best cars, and LL’s stuff is reliable and inexpensive).
Kato makes the best N scale track “system” on the market, but it’s proprietary and expensive. If you’re planning on making a temporary setup, rather than a traditional layout, it’s your best track choice. Otherwise, don’t spend the money on it, and go with regular sectional track and flex.
Welcome to this wonderful, creative hobby. I started a few years ago with a LifeLike set - I think it was called the Trainmaster - it is readily available in retail stores in our area like Hobby Lobby and Hobbytowne USA - it comes with everything you need to get started - track, transformer, engine, cars, and even a building or two (depending on the set) - they are also a good price. I had loads of fun with this - and quickly added a switch (turnout) and some more track for a passing siding and then another switch for another place to park a boxcar.
Micro-Trains offers sets with Kato, Atlas, and LifeLike engines as well as a new set with their own FT. Atlas locos are generally close to Kato in quality.
The Kato track system is excellent. The plastic clip rail joiners are easy to remove. It can then be mixed with “standard” track such as Atlas code 80, Peco code 80 and Peco code 55. I haven’t looked to be sure, but I think most of the Micro-Trains sets come with Kato track.