I am thinking I need to start running a train around in my basement, but I am not sure the best route to go. I thought that getting a started set would allow me to get everything I need to run a train and gauge how badly I get bitten by the toy train bug.
What is a good beginner’s HO train set, ready-to-run from the box?
[#welcome]
Personally I would suggest one of the Bachmann Spectrum sets. From what I understand the Spectrum series is well detailed, and a reliable motor, for the money. I started with one of these sets, and I am still happy with it.
Have fun & be safe,
Karl.
I agree with ukguy, I bought one of the spectrum sets for my nephew a few years back, he was hard on it to. I was always fixing broken couplers or giving him some extra track here and there. It is a good starter set and not really to high in price! Wished I had a good starter set when I got into the hobby! Enjoy and have fun!!!
I would recommend an Athearn set to start with.
www.athearn.com
Athearn’s locomotives & rolling stock are durable & the power pack inside the box I believe is made by MRC.
This set would be ideal to anyone wanting to start out in HO scale.
Just my 2 cents
Gordon
A couple years ago I bought a Bachmann McKinley Explorer set for the kids. I liked it so much that I bought a second set. Combined it gave me two powered engines pulling eight passenger cars. I think the sets ran about $70.00 ea. So for $150 I got alot of track two engines and cars. Great buy, and they still run great. Highly recomended especially for a beginner.
If you are convinced you are going to get involved in this hobby, I would skip the starter set and buy one or two good quality locos with a half dozen cars of your own choosing. Then get an MRC power pack. Even their low end power packs should be good to get you going without a huge investment. Atlas would be my first choice of locomotive but Athearn wouldn’t be a bad choice. I would also go with Atlas track. Code 83 would be my choice but most of us started with Code 100 track and I’m sure a lot have stuck with it.
Generally starter sets are the lowest quality equipment around although I wasn’t aware Athearn made one. That would be my pick if you are committed to going with a starter set. If you think it might end up gathering dust on a closet shelf or sold at your next garage sale, a starter set is probably the cheapest way to get started.
I was going to say something like this, but I reconsidered when I looked back and realized that two gentlemen whom I regard highly had both mentioned the Spectrum sets. Spectrum has a very good reputation, and I am loath to counter what two knowledgeable modelers assert is good material.
You are right, as a general rule, stay away from the department store telescopes and model train sets. They are cheap lures that disappoint soon after encountering their limitations. Spend a few more dollars, after some careful research, and you won’t be disappointed. However, Spectrum locos, such as their prodigious 2-8-0 Consolidation, enjoy a rock solid and well-deserved reputation.
Thus my [2c]