Wow what a great time it was! I was amazed by the large layout 3rd level downstairs. It really was a treat for me and my wife…she is actually excited about this and looks forward to seeing what will unfod in our backyard.
With the sounds that can be triggered and the stuff that can be built (over time) and the landscaping that she can be involvedas well. I can tell you we are hooked.
I did ask questions and it seems LGB was brought up alot and most people encouraged us to start off with a started kit and build from that. Makes sense so far but I did hear from a clerk at a train shop that Aristo Craft solid brass track is just as good, easily to obtain and less expensive than LGB Track. ANy thoughts on this?
It seem to be a theme that we did like the steam type loco’s will probaly start with that type for now. Even thoughI have a large back yard I only have room for a 4’ loop of each end of the yard and seems like a steam type loco is shorter than a diesel type.
I am curious about remote control but seems like this cost more than basic power from track but I think I will start off basic for now.
I look forward to visiting the niegborhood GR society soon and learn a bit more along the way.
Well I am off to surf for a decent starter kit, i am hesitant towards LGB still. Should I go this route or re-consider. I value your inputs a great degree.
LGB is reliable and runs good.
It also costs more for a given item.
As a general rule, it has less detail (and less to break).
However, there are fair representations.
I have…4 on battery RCS, but only 2 are currently in service (one recently returned).
ALL the rest is Bachmann.
Scale fidelity and detail.
But, you can get an LGB euro (or US) steam starter that will run, and when you go with 215 aluminum and on-board battery/radio, you can use it around the tree at Christmastime.
Hi rick q
My thoughts are get an LGB or Aristocraft start set and an oval of track with the largest radius curve you can fit in the garden space…
As TOC said the track in the set will do for around the christmass tree.
Not keen on Aristo points had the fail on me but the LGB ones havemt but they two can have thier problems.
But I would sugest geting a short train running as quick as you can this makes it easy to maintain the interest
regards John
I have both LGB and Arisot track. I like the Aristo 'cause you can screw it tight together but my switches are LGB as they hold up better than Aristo. I had LGB track from my Christmas tree layout…it is now outside[:)] but continued with Aristo because of the screws and the price.
To begin this I would buy a starter set too but look at the vendors on-line (add the shipping) to get prices to make sure you are not over-paying.[:0] I have gotten deals at a show (ECLSTS)…half price on buildings and an excellent price on a water tower…rolling stock was about the same (but no shipping). Bachman has some nice starter sets but the track is only good indoors (for around the tree during the holidays).
Then again…when I started I fell in love with an engine[^]…bought it at a Flower show as it was there in a layout and the gentleman running it took my order (at the best price I have ever seen) I later bought the Bachman Silverton Flyer set.
If you have the time look some more at the layouts and what is being offered by the vendors…you may just see an engine or a starter set that ‘you have to have’ and go from there.
Barbara
Rick,
Why are you hesitant about LGB starter sets? LGB has been in the toy business for 125 years .I can’t think of any other that’s been around that long! From what I’ve seen on various forums 9 out of 10 people will recommend them because of quality and durability.
Just curious.
LGB is an excellent company even after the sale. They sent me a replacement part for an engine with no questions asked, not even for money! I’m definitely going for LGB stuff again.
My experience is that many of those who migrate from the smaller scales have been model railroaders for years and years.
As you mentioned LGB has been building toys for close to 125 years, but toys aren’t necessarily what model railroaders are looking for. If, as Rick indicated, one paints and details a few cars, one could easily be “cautious” when looking at the LGB product line. Either that or fully prepared to do quite a bit of work to make the items look less toy-like. At which point one asks: “How much did that kit-bash/rebuild cost me?” This is especially true in the NG field where there are quite a few kit manufacturers producing to scale items, which all in all take about the same amount of time as kitbashing/rebuilding a LGB item to get close to prototype.
While there’s a company called “Toys are Us”, there are many modelers who say “Toys are not for Us”. [;)][:)][:D]
Oops, I should have mentioned that I use some of the LGB ToyTrain items for kitbashing. Alas they are no longer as inexpensive and also less often on the “Clearance” list, which is a shame, because they were realistic value.
The other good starter for kitbashing used to be the Bachmann kits, of course they have been off the market for some time, too.
ALL equipment from LGB has to run on R1 (600mm radius; 1200mm diameter = 2ft; 4ft), but some of it looks awful on R1. If you can fit R3 go with R3 (R3 is almost 4ft radius!), only the largest engines from any of the mfgs need more than that.
You can mix and match LGB and ARISTO track, however LGB track will tarni***o a nice brown much quicker than the ARISTO. I’ve had ARISTO test pieces outside for more than 3 years and it looks way too new.
When you mix and match track be prepared to cut some of the pieces to make them fit. The geometry is not the same!
I just went completely nuts at the Ozark display, felt like a bought 10 pounds of detail stuff there.[:D]
Rick, I’ve had very good luck mixing and matching LGB and Aristo track, best advice is use what ever track comes with the starter kit, and then buy Aristo for everything else if cost is a big deal. I have found myself using LGB for all the revisions and additions to my tiny layout. Mostly because they sell the little short makeup sections and I have to admit, it is easier to use, but I’m indoors with screwed down track, outdoors I would want Aristo’s set screws to help keep eveything tied together nicely. [;)]
Hello again,
I have been doing some research and am trying to narrow it down. Can someone give me thier take on this Aristo Craft Starter set. It does not seem to have smoke or sound but can this be easilt adding to it? And is it possible to add lights to the interior of Caboose?
Hi rick q
Dont know about adding extras to loco I would not think there is a lot of room inside it for them would sugest asking Aristocraft
However lighting the caboose should not be a drama as they make working marker lights see the spare parts list on the aristo web site also you will need a light fitting for inside the caboose and iether pick ups for the track or my prefered way for freight guards vans a battery box and switch.
regards John
