First train set?

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I know some advise against getting a train SET, but I dont think I have the knowledge or patience to get everything individually and there isnt a hobby shop convenient for me to get to. I’m looking to get a set so I can start with everything I need before I really dive into the hobby.

So that being said, does anyone recommend the Bachmann Explorer train set for a newbie to break into the hobby with? Any reviews or recommendations?

Thanks
BSD

2

I think Life-Like has a proto 2000 set out, and it looks pretty good. It might just be a Canadian thing, though. If you can’t find it, I wouldn’t reccomend getting a set, but get some individual locos from manufacturers such as Kato, Proto, and Atlas.
trainboy

3

BSD,

If you end up getting a set, make sure it comes with a quality locomotive - e.g. Proto 2000 or Bachmann “Sprectrum”. Stay away from the cheapo sets. What are you interested in, steam or diesel?

Tom

4

Preferably steam, or early deisel.

5

Knowledge can be remedied. There are many beginner books out on the market–most you can check out of your public library. There are also some really good bargains out there that if you trust the members of the forum, we can point you to so you can avoid set-itis. For instance, you can get an S1 switcher that originally came out for $110 for $29.99. It is one sweet little engine.

Most train sets are toys, and the reason for you to get one is to satisfy your cravings while you learn why the train set you got won’t work for what you really had in mind. There’s just no subsitute for learning.

You might check with your local hobby shop to see if there’s a train club in your area you can visit. If you see what others are doing, that might help you make intelligent choices.

6

My research shows the Bachmand Explorer —
Features 2-8-0 Baldwin Locomotive With Tender
Has One Combine, One Coach, And One Observation Car
Has 63 x 45" Oval Of E-Z Track
Also Has A Spectrum Power Pack (with accessory capability)
And VHS Instructions
And One Terminal Re-Railer

  1. I have several of the 2-8-0 locomotives. I have no problem recommending them.
  2. Passenger cars. These are excellent cars I have several in my fleet.
  3. E-Z Track. Selection of different types of pieces is getting better, but still very limited. The more track accumulated the more tied into the one brand you will be. If you decide to expand greatly beyond the simple oval, you might want to consider switching to generic track. This is the least costly thing to change.
  4. Spectrum Power Pack - My son has one of these. I love the huge dial. It turns really smooth and gives good train speed control.

In all after reading the contents of this set I can recommend it.

7

Spectrum or Regular Bachman?? Both (2-8-0) are out there…

Jeff
[swg]

8

What’s your budget and bench layout measurements?

I would think that the members can put together a piece by piece compliment &
good power pack that would be practical-simple and not too pricey.
Then upon your satisfaction put in a mail order and we can help there too.
Let us know your requirements.

Perhaps somebody would like to serve as a mentor.

9

Spectrum or Regular Bachman?? Both (2-8-0) are out there…

Jeff
[swg]

The Explorer came in both?

10

Don’t know… Haven’t bought or looked at a train set in over 30 years.

Jeff

11

But not in this set.

12

The Spectrum enjoys a good reputation and has been out for seven years.

No trouble running it on 18" and perhaps can handle 15" curve radius.
Nice MR June 98 review which is before your time.

13

BSDtrain,

Chip is correct. With a little reading and edumacation, you can purchase items (locomotives, power supplies, track, cars, etc.) and end up with a much better quality layout than you could get with a set.

As Chip also pointed out, bargains are out there - if you know where to look. I also have one of those Proto 2000 S1s (an early diesel) and she is SWEET! ($29.99, plus S&H. That’s 70% off list.) Again, if you do get a set, make sure it’s a quality one. Proto2000 and Bachmann Spectrum locomotives are much better qualiy engines than their regular lines. With that said, I’ve also heard nothing but good things about the Bachmann Spectrum 2-8-0 steamer.

And…if I can toss in another grenade: BSDtrain, you might want to look into what DCC (Digital Command Control) has to offer. That’s something you DON’T have to do now. but…it will had a whole new realm of realism to your layout and make certain aspects of the hobby much easier to accomplish.

Tom

14

i just got this for my son, it’s listed with the wrong price, it should be £149 as listed on in his Ebay shop but this one was up for £29.95, i e-mailed him to make sure it was right and he said yes, so i didn’t argue with him, like i said it’s for my 3 yr old son and includes a crane, engine, trucks, auto’s, a scenic base and static grass, in all over 50 items

Ebay Item number: 6000983839 Located in UK, will ship to USA for £29

Electric Train Set

MY FIRST TRAIN

with contoured layout

Mehano MY FIRST TRAIN Electric Train Set (HO Gauge)

The box contains 50 components for setting up the layout which can be assembled quickly and easily. The train layout can be placed on a table or the floor or fixed on a specially made board. The train set will make your dreams come true! Makes up a 1.3m oval track from the 5m of track supplied.
Supplied with an oval of track and siding with two points and mains transformer.

Diesel Loco
Container car
2 Containers
Log car
3 Logs
Car Transporter
8 Cars
Tower Crane
15 Curved tracks R18"/30°
2 6" Straight tracks
Terminal Rerailer track
1 left point switch
1 right point switch
2 Curved tracks R18"/10°
Bag with accessories, track connectors, easy set up, hook & connector clips
Contoured layout
Flat scenic layout
Bag, static grass
Row of houses
Railway station
Service station with repair shop
Cottage
Castle
Instructions booklet
Controller and adaptor: Input 230/240v AC 50Hz Output 16v AC 500mAh/8VA

BRAND NEW AND SUPPORTED BY A FULL UK WARRANTY

15

Thanks everyone.

The reason I was asking was there was a Bachmann Spectrum Explorer set on ebay for $119.00 that was ending soon. I couldnt find it anywhere else even close to that price online so I bought it. Well, here we go, my first train set.

Thanks
BSD

16

BSD,

Looks like list price is close to $300 for it so you gotta deal for $119. Do you know what RR line you ended up with?

Tom

17

Congradualtions.

Now, set it up and run it. Have fun. When you start to think about expanding think twice about track. The EZ track is easy to set up and run on the floor or table and can be put up quickly and taken down quickly. I bought an EZ track set. Then I expanded it. I spent several hundred dollars, bought a whole bunch of turnouts and set up a 4 x 8 layout. I spent several weeks getting those turnouts to run with all the rolling stock and engines I had aquired. I am now moving up to a larger layout and when I do, I will not be using EZ track

So before you nail something down, consider selling the EZ track and getting flex track.

18

the 2-8-0s a great loco but if ya add on with EZ track
BE sure to get 22" radius curves or aarger as the Pasdsenger cars (varnish) will operate poorly on anything smaller than 22" radius
Just a word of Advice for later on

19

Ever consider O gauge? MTH has great starter sets. www.mth-railking.com

20

Or S scale. SHelper has starter sets http://www.showcaseline.com/
Enjoy
Paul