Buying train set for grandchildren.

This Grandma would like any help you can give.

I am looking at a Lionel Pennsylvania Train set, O gauge. It has 40"x60" layout track, 80 watt transformer with programmable accessory voltage, and sells for about $165.00. I would like to continue adding onto the set through the next few years

What do you think of this as a beginning set? Any suggestions, comments welcome. Thanks!

I don’t know as I model HO. I would post this over in the Classic Toy Trains section.

Is it a freight train set? It sounds ideal to me. The Lionel set is infinitely expandable.
Check the Classic Toy Trains forum, as this has been discussed over there.

If this is the Pennsylvania Flyer set with die cast locomotive, smoke and whistle, then yes it would be a good starter set for your grandchildren. If you can afford it, the New York Central Flyer (about $60 more) offers more sound effects that younger children might like. Either way you can expand the set.
Enjoy
Paul