I’ve noticed that almost all the train sets are either Bachmann, Life-Like or Model Power and those brands don’t seem to get good press on this forum.
Is there one of these brands that is better than the other? Any comments on these types of train sets (say $75-$150)? I read the post on the Bachmann Acela set and people seemed to say that it was OK?
Any other feedback on train sets?
Thanks in advance.
In HO scale:
Bachmann makes a set that has its Spectrum 2-8-0 locomotive in it. It comes in either passenger or freight.
I just saw an Athearn set at “Hobby Land” here in Denver the other day. Atlas also used to make a set. I believe Caboose Hobbies had a few on the shelf the other day. In addition Caboose Hobbies used to have a “build your own set” plan. They offered a discount on the purchase of separate items which were the equivalent of a set. Umm minimum of a locomotive, 3 cars, power supply, loop of track.
I would really stay away from the the Life-like and Model Power sets. While I like the Lifelike powerlock track, they don’t include their good Proto 1000 or Proto 2000 locomotives or cars in the sets.
In getting a set your going to get stuck with a certain type of track. Atlas has their “true track”, Bachmann has EZ-track, and Lifelike has the PowerLock. I have no idea what is included with model power sets. I think I’ve seen more different types of track in the Bachmann line, but in the long run you will probably eventually abandon this track anyway.
i would say buy a bachman, if possible a spectrum. spectrum is the more upscale bachman sort of like life-like’s proto 1000 and 2000. Spectrum models are high-quality and will give you years of great service
TZ makes good points. Stick with Athearn, it’s a bit more pricey, but well worth it, also I’ve seen Atlas and Kato sets advertised, but I’ve not seen them in stores. Bachmann Spectrum seems to get good forum reviews on steam, not so good on diesel, except the Acela set.
Good luck with your search!
I only am familiar with N scale, but of the three brands you mentioned I would go with Life Like. Life Like standard product is pretty decent in N scale. You get a locomotive with a 5 pole armature and dual flywheels.
I like Bachmann E-Z Track and rolling stock, but have NOT had good luck with their locomotives.
Many folks here would advise against a “train set”, but I think it can be an economical way to start. Buying stuff ala carte gets real expensive real fast. Just make sure that the “train set” has components that you feel are worth the money.
According to Athearn’s web site, they have 26 train sets and a handful are discontinued items. the price range is $99.99 to $199.99.All the $199.99 sets do not include track or power.I also checked the store locator for my state and all were sold at a LHS, no discount stores were listed.(i.e. Walmart, Target, Toys R Us.)
My experience is to buy individual componets that are of known quality. Although some of the good manufacturers have train sets, you get what they want you to have. I’ve purchased one train set for a friends son and that was the last, when folks ask know, I go the individual component route.
Is the Walthers Trainline set still available? These had a GP9 and a few cars, I know the GP9s to be fine runners having seen them at work on a friend’s layout. Bachmann really aren’t too bad depending on which loco the set has - if it’s one of their recent examples with 8 wheel drive these are pretty good locos for the money - about half the price of Athearn Blue Box, and quieter runners as well. They offer the locos with DCC decoders pre-installed for not much more than the DC version and they’re apparently able to run on DC as well.
Another set worth considering, that I’ve seen advertised in MR before now, is the Roco digital starter set - this has a DCC chipped GP40, loop of Roco track, three cars, and a basic Lenz-compatible DCC throttle/base unit setup that can address up to 99 locos. You can use the throttle from these as an add-on with more expensive Lenz sets later on, so it’s expandable.
I’d be careful on who the gift is for, YOU might like trains but the recipient may not, it’s kind of like buying a dog or a painting for someone else. If they are keenly interested, no problem.
The Lifelike Proto 1000 sets are nice and affordable. Another way is to by it ala carte. Plan on about $30 for a good MRC powerpack, $30 to $40 for a nice Athearn loco Look at a good Atlas track plan and buy the basic book they are in and get the parts listed in the book . Small plans are about $75 or less. Get a sheet of plywood and some road bed to start. It’s a great gift idea. What do you want for Christmas??? Trees, plaster cloth etc. Gift ideas for other people Athearn bluebox car kits. They are mostly under $10 and easy to assemble. Structures , telephone poles and paint. I got a set of HO cats one year! A couple of cars to start will be good. We have a HobbyLobby here in our area and every year the week after Christmas they run all model train accessories and supplies on sale, usually half off.
RMax