OK…In about 2 years I will have 7’ 6" by 7’ to work with for an HO layout…yet…I have no plans…but I have a little bit of track, and 100 bucks plus a 20% off coupon to my hobby store, and I have the choice of an Engine( or 2) some freight cars, or track, and I don’t know what to go with…If anyone could help me that would be great, I can’t spend more than 98 bucks for tax reasons, so I was thinking about a SD40-2 and maybe a freight car or 2. First off I really like Locomotives =) and I’m into BNSF(BN & SF also)/Chicago & North Western/Mopac/also Chicago Metra…And I think I will need a yard locomotive, since I have a BN Executive SD70MAC, So I need something to take the empties to the loading, hence maybe an SW1500 or a GP-38, I have some trutrack, but only enough to make an oval, and I know for sure I’m going with trutrack all the way. And finally, the rolling stock, I have a good amount, Maybe need a CSX boxcar and a Mopac boxcar, but I was thinking about a Mopac SW1500 (if they have anything) or a Wisconsin Central SW1500.
I would personally go with the track because once you get track down you can start scenery and then collect all the rolling stock and engines.
Yes, but, I have about 2 years to wait, So I might go with a switching loco and some rolling stock
I agree with above , get track .What good is a engine and no track. Good luck ed
You probably already have room for a layout–even if it is only 1 ft x 4 ft. That’s enough to do some swithcing moves and have some fun. Make a small plan that you can incorporate into you layout two years from now. Start having fun while you wait–and start planning your big layout now.
Ditto on what spacemouse said.
Personally, I’d get track, not too much, maybe enough for a loop, and then I’d get a small locomotive if I was in your position.
yes i do agree with Hoople but i would sugest to get a pair of switches and maybe a GP38
OK, my birthday is on the 27th, so I’m expecting more money. I have $30 dollars right now, and i got this today.
And later this month, I’m getting more track =)
nice buy Did the boxcar come pre weathered?
Yes, I might get another or two =)
thats a nice BN. 
i see the box half in the background. is it an Athearn?
you bet your wallet it is [swg]
excellent. is it a regular line or genesis? what are your thoughts on it? tell us about it… i know youre excited. i would be!
and happy birthday.
Thanks =)
The loco runs smooth and the LEDs for the headlights look so real. The weight of the loco is maybe 3 - 5 pounds, (or more) and it seems it would be able to pull atleast 50 cars out of the box, it is the Ready To Run series. The only thing that is annoying is that theres a wee little hum in the motor.
nice
about the hum, some athearns do that. if it doesnt bother you then leave it be. real trains arent silent anyway!
yea, I love it, my birthdays tomorrow =D
yea! todays my birthday, and I’m expecting some cash. So hopefully I can get more than $100 to buy plenty of track with, and I know $100 goes a long way with sepreate pieces of true track
happy birthday
Thanks, I’m leaving to dinner now, And I will reveal What I get later tonight.
If you want a WC SW1500, give up looking. No company makes a WC one that I know. Athearn did but that is Discontuned(Good thing I got one!). You best shot would be on Ebay if you really want one. I would more go with a BN SW1500, They would be easer to find.