hey guy’s name’s zach im thinking about sarting in nsclae switchigno ver from ho but want to just get a basic set to play with for now what are some good one’s to look at or should i piece one toghter what are my option’s thank’s zach.
Go with the Atlas/Trainman train set…
Anything Kato is great, here is a link to there starter sets: http://www.katousa.com/N/SS-F7/index.html - Peter
Kato and Atlas are both great names in the hobby. You can also try Athearn as well, they make an N scale set.
If you have a local Hobby Shop , head that way and with thier help build your own starter set. One of the biggest needs in starting is a good power pack. All the above sets point out really good companies and the engines from these companies are really good , so I would stick with them for motive power, And you can then pick out which line you want , along with the various frieght cars. have Fun
Atlas, Athearn and Kato all make good quality locomotives and rolling stock. The difference will be in the track. Kato and Atlas use their own brand of “snap together” track; Athearn uses Bachmann.
My preference is for the Kato uni track. It is the most expensive, but it looks great and it is easy to put together and to take down. I have been using it for my small (but growing) stash of n scale equipment. it still works great 12 years after purchase.
I do use the Atlas tru track for HO, and it also looks great and works well after many years of service.
Welcome to N-scale!
I’d honestly recommend that you’d piece a set together. I think the track & power pack are the things that will make the difference. If you purchase a set and want to expand, then you are sort of stuck with the snap style track and small power pack. Keep in mind that most people in N-scale don’t use the snap style track and purchase a more elaborate power system (like DCC).
Atlas, Athearn, and Kato are safe bets. There are others as well. It’s important to do your homework. This forum is a good start, but there are other places to visit as well (like Trainboard and Atlas). Ask lots of questions and take your time.
I’d go with the Atlas set. It’s a great value compared to the Kato, and the c55 Tru Track they use looks leaps and bounds better than Unitrack, although there aren’t as many components available (yet!)
The atlas set comes with a very nicely done GP15 diesel, and very good quality cars. You won’t be disappointed!
Lee
Well, I started off with a Kato F7 in C&O colors about four years ago… Kato sets seem to be pretty future-proof as you can simply change out the DC power pack for a DCC command box without changing the track. Their Unitrack offering is more expensive, but when you figure in the cost to mount standard track to roadbed, and ballast it - your close in costs. You can generally get more bang for your buck buying the track in packs than individual pieces unless you are only looking to purchase something like a four switch crossover or a certain type of bridge crossing.
I am not familiar with the other offerings - so I can’t really speak to their quality. If you have the money, piece-mealing it out gets you the exact items you want, but there will be a premium on price that way - who knows, you might be able to find a shop that can bundle stuff together in a make-your-own-bundle sort of deal.
thank’s guy’s for all the help think im gonna look into the atlast set look’s good and i like the code 55 track and there is a set in my road name as well ns. if kato had a set in ns id jump on that though cause im not really a passenger train fan if it was southern passenger set id jump on it though as well that was the only passenger train or how much am i looking at building my own set i already have a powersupply digitax dcc system the zepher i think that’s how it is spelled but with the kato track a nice norfolk souther semi modern loco and osme car’s thank’s zach.
I also would like to echo the Atlas Trainman sets. I just bought one to use when I go on travel for work, and it has a lot of good detail for the price. The best price I’ve seen is at www.modeltrainstuff.com for $90 for a decent power pack, good track, and five freight cars.
I added grab irons to the engine and caboose, MU hoses, air hoses, and other assorted details, and painted the track. Now it looks awesome.