In my last post, I was asking about a set to buy as an introduction to the hobby.
Well, I’m looking through Model Railroader and see this Micro-Mark ad. It comes with Bachmann Track Pack, Bachmann E-Z Command Control with GP40 diesel locomotive and Bachmann Silver Series HO Scale Freight Train Set for 179.95. What do you think about this as an intro to the hobby?
It should be O.K. for getting started. If you really get into the hobby, you will eventually want to expand or upgrade. The Bachmann set has 9 DCC adresses available. The tenth address is for running DC locos. I’ve seen where they are selling a power booster if one feels it is needed. I think that soon you will be able to add another cab if you want to. So even though it is very basic, it is somewhat upgradable. The basic system you are considering should be fine for a small layout. If you are planning to build a basement empire, it won’t fit the bill. It should be super for just beginnig. It doesn’t make a lot of sense to shell out a fortune for the top of the line and then decide that maybe you don’t want to get into it that deep. It also doesn’t make sense to shell out a fortune until you have some experience to know what you like and don’t like. Even if you are going to build a basement empire, it just makes sense to start out with the basics and go from there. I would think it would be almost perfect for getting your feet wet. I have not made the jump to DCC, so I am no expert. However, anyone beginnig in the hobby should definately start out with a DCC system. You may want to get on Bachmann’s website and look at the particulars. If, heaven forbid, my house burnt down and I had to start over, I would definately start with DCC. It should make life a lot easier. December’s Model Railroader has a section about choosing the right DCC system for you. Good luck! I kind of envy you, being able to start out with a clean slate. Enjoy. Model railroading is the world’s greatest hobby. Have fun and as long as what you are doing/ building with your trains makes you happy, that’s all that counts. Don’t let someone who is overly critical spoil your fun! There are some guys out there who like to show their supposed superiority by knocking down everything you do. The guys to be around are those who don’t have to put your efforts down in an attempt to exalt themselves. Sorry for the sermon. Keep u
i agree. I have also thought about getting the same set. for my small layout. 6.5 by 7.5.
it would be good and bad for me because i have 8 dc engines. and im not ready to dcc
them yet. the good think though i could run a engine in the yard while running on the main.
One consideration I left out is support. I am so lucky to have a fantastic hobby shop near me with lots of support. If it were me in my circumstance, I’d probably buy it from my LHS because I would get all the help I needed. They also sell well below retail. Now if you are stuck with something like a Hobbytown, there shouldn’t be any disadvantage from buying from a vendor you can’t see face to face.