My wife and I are looking to get our first LGB train set for our home. Our initial goal is to get something for around the Xmas tree. 
I would like something nice looking, lights, and maybe smoke & sound.
What is a decent affordable set that everyone recommends for beginners?
Heres a good inexpensive LGB starter set
http://www.shopatron.com/product/part_number=94200/394.0.16740.0.0.0.0
About $150, which is pretty good for LGB
Can’t go wrong with LGB.
I bought this Christmas Coke set but it is a little pricey…but it is stock!
I know you stated “LGB”, but is there a reason for this particular brand? I mean to imply here there is nothing wrong with LGB, but there are other brands also. I am drawn to Bachmann starter sets because of the amount of train in there sets along with the relationship I have with them in HO scale. They have all the criteria your looking for in their sets. Please understand this is just a personal view, and not to elevate Bachmann above other brands and not trying to sway you away from LGB. My I also suggest that you shop around on the different discount train sites for what ever you decide on. As an example, a Bachmann set that sells for $390 I found for $199 for the exact same set. Ken
Is it just for Christmas?
Initially this is going to be for around the Xmas tree but I eventually plan to build a layout outdoors. Obviously I would like something esthetically pleasing around the tree for everyone to enjoy but to be ultimately be used outdoors as well.
I chose LGB for its durability, craftsmanship, and longevity from what I seen and heard from various sources. Not to say I can’t try anything else I just want to start off on the right foot. I come from a background of HO and N in model railroading and 4 ¾ & 7 ½ for live steam.
Like anything this hobby isn’t cheap, but I’m trying to budget myself initially as I know I’m going to build my collection over time.
Your input and advice is greatly appreciated.
After looking at several sets myself for others who wanted a Christmas train I came up with this one: http://www.historicrail.com/historicrail/product_info.po?ID=12820&product=Models+and+Kits&category=activities&subcategory=Toy%20Trains
So far all the people I have sugested it to has liked it. Many fun features built in but not LGB.
Has the Majic of Christmas feel IMHO.
Toad in da Swamp
Thanks for the advice but the reviews look skeptical over at Amazon even though these aren’t collectors perse.
[#welcome]You dont show where you are IE us or australia uk? we can advise more if we know where lay out will be running out doors
Well, sorry I could not help. Think those people are the ones that never get into G scale and just want a train for Christmas tree.
Toad
Nothing wronge with buying LGB!
Here are my choices from least expensive to most:
92400 value set
72302 Stainz passenger set for Euro fans
72324 D&RGW set for fans of North American trains
72427 for Charles Schulz fans
72120 for PRR fans with a bit more to spend. I really like this one!
Hi, I’m from Southern California in the USA
The Bachmann Big Hauler sets are nice too same size as LGB and most of the sets can be had for $150 or less, There are a few diffrent christmas sets.
There are a few of us Californians on here, you from N, S, E, or W. I’m in San Diego county and there is another forumite on here who is a loooong stones throw out closer to the coast.
Personally I am also new to “G”, and our first set was one of the Bachmann 4-6-0 sets for around the Christmas tree. They are ok if that is your one and only goal, but if you are going to be taking this hobby outside than I would opt for one of the other brands that comes with track that will work outdoors. The Bachmann loco’s and rolling stock are useable out of doors but their track is not. Yes you will save a little up front but when it comes time to move outside you will end up possibly spending well in excess of your initial savings by having to purchase track that is suitable for the great outdoors.
Yeah but reguardless of what he gets chances are he wont be using any of the track later on for outside, even if he got an LGB set those come with R1 curves.
dont base your decision on the track that comes with the set because its only going to be used for around teh tree, pick what you like best for a price your comfortable spending and worry about track for outside down the road
Believe it or not there are folks out there with limited space who build layouts using R1 curves. I don’t think the track is the issue here.
Not to mention the fact that an R1 circle is perfect for under the Christmas tree!
Yeah I’m one of them, R1 ia all I can plan for on my layout. My Xmas layout is a bit different, I bent down some track to 36" diameter, but I’m using that for a portable layout now, so I got some circle snap-track from HLW that is also 36" diameter. It cant be mixed with other brand but since its a dedicated Xmas circle its no problem.
Heres the handbent track and the Xmas train.
I also have limited space as I model indoors in a city apartment. I consider myself lucky that I can fit the Aristo-Craft SS 39" radius track in my small place. I wish I had one of those big basements that I remember from back East but these are extremely rare here in California.
I also use R1 curves under my tree along with many other people I know in the area around here (Pittsburgh, PA). Also the inside track out on my patio is built with straights and R1 curves.
I think that you should go with a LGB set to start in G scale, the products made by LGB will out last any other out there as far as for outdoor use. I have had many different brands of G scale and I sold them all to just to go to LGB because of it’s quality. You can find a good new LGB set for around $289.00 Buy-it-Now on ebay…