I am getting back into trains after about a 20 year lapse. Growing up my dad had a train bench layout with an old Lionel Lines steam loco and tender and some various rolling stock cars and bunch of Plasticville houses and buildings.
I have wanted to get back into the hobby but just never really had the space or time. Now being 32 and having a house I finally have some room and I am sure I can make time. So today I purchased the NYC Flyer Set (Lionel 6-30103) . I realize it is only a starter set, but we all have to start somewhere right? I am so excited. Now I guess I need to clean the basement and clear a space for my layout. I think I am going to start by doing a simple 5X9 layout and then when the wife is not looking just keep expanding it.
Welcome back to the hobby. A couple of thoughts: First, starter sets are great for getting at least a loop of track and the trains running. A web site called Thor Trains has a good sampling of track plans that you can gain some information and ideas. A good DVD to get is “Building an O-Gauge Railroad” that has good information on building a layout as well as using Fastrack which is the track that would come with your set. Fastrack is expensive for building a good size layout, but with nice looks, to me it was worth it. Another point that I wish I had heard early on is that you shouldn’t try to build your railroad up too fast. I purchased a bunch of items to the point where I don’t have any idea how many trains I have. You will want to refine your collection in some manner…ie, scale size, or traditional, Modern or postwar… etc. Also, be sure to check in here with any questions you may have. Lots of guys here who know plenty on trains and just about any other topic (Off Topics, not having to do with trains should be dealt with on the Coffee Pot thread).
Lucky you, you have a great starter set with a good engine and nice cars with metal trucks. Set it up and enjoy. Yes I do have one of those and the engine runs great. Remember just a few drops of smoke fluid at a time. Oh and oil the moving parts on the engine.
Welcome to the forum. Great bunch of guys here. If you have any questions just ask. There are lots of knowledgeable people on this forum that are willing to help. Good luck expanding that 5x9 and remember shopping makes things less noticeable .
That’ll be a great set, I got the sister Santa Fe set from 2004 for my then 2 year old and it has help up fine to him. I really like the railsounds in those sets ( assuming your set has railsounds??) IMHO its a great way to start out. You can by fastrac expansion sets or you can find a lot lightly used stuff on Ebay for a good price. Last year I got a huge lot of fastrack 87 pieces for $162, I was a happy camper, its out there, you just gotta look. Oh and the up coming Christmas season is the perfect time to add some cars!!!
Welcome to a really great hobby! I just started my first REAL layout early this year after having a small 4x8 foot layout which my 4 kids and I enjoyed for 20+ years. It was built with Gargraves track and featured two ovals.
My new layout measures 8’6"x13’10" and is in a “C” shape. It runs 3 trains on two levels and I used Lionel Fastrack which was an expensive undertaking. I do like this track system alot though. It came with my Nickle Plate Road Berkshire Set and I just added alot of track to it. My advice is to use something to dampen the noise of toy train track on plywood!
Subscribe to Classic Toy Trains and OGR magazines where you will find a wealth of information. Good luck and I hope you enjoy this hobby as much as all of us do.
Glad you are bck in the hobby. I have left and come back a couple of times because of college and job change. I have always missed it while I was away from it and came back when I could. This time I am back to stay. As others have said, Fastrack is a fine product although a little on the expensive side. I too, beleive it is worth what you pay for it. I would encourage you to get the Fastrack Book which is available at most hobby shops or from Walthers. It goes into detail about Fastrack and how to use it. You might want to think about getting a really large modern transformer. The one that came with your set will become too small soon as you add accesories and other trains.
I agree with George, as soon as you can afford to, buy a larger transformer. MTH, Lionel, and other manufacturers all make excellent transformers. I am using my old Lionel KW on my new layout and it is showing its age. New transformers have seperate bell and whistle buttons and are much safer than old ones. In the next couple of months I plan on purchasing a new MTH 400 watt transformer. You will find that most train set transformers are meant just for that, the set. As you add cars, track and accesories to your layout you will need more power. You can never have to much power. Not enough is worse.
Cobrabob.
