How do or should I get started in n scale - I REALLY need advice
First off, welcome to the forum and the best scale in the world. My advice to you is 1st, decide what kind of railroad you want to model and when, then draw a track plan, then buy yourself some track (Atlas code 55 is a great brand), and then start collecting locomotives and rolling stock. As to buying equipment, remember, Atlas is the absolute KING of DC locos, but they use Lenz as their decoder supplier, so DCC-onboard ain’t worth the added price, just buy a DC and decoder and install it yourself. Kato is #2, Athearn #3, then Intermountain makes great locos if you want to pay up for them, and then there’s a host of others. Life-like proto series is worth the price though, and bachmann spectrum is ok. However, life-like standard line and bachmann’s standard line are absolute JUNK!!! Sticjk w/ Atlas, Kato, Athearn, and Intermountain, and you’ll be ok. Structures, I’m not sure. Any other questions, either email me or PM (private message) me. Also, I advise you do business w/ www.modeltrainstuff.com, they have the best prices, period, unless something is on sale from someone else.
Previous advertisement / sales pitch aside,
If you are really interested in N scale, Trainboard has some of the best, helpful, most informative, and most talented Nscale railroaders around. No question is too basic or complex for them.
this will get you there
thank you very much. I hope to get started very soon. Is there by chance any good-quality train set that is of reasonable price?
Unionpacific,
What ever you do stay away from the starter sets, they’re JUNK!!! I’m speaking from experience here. Though it’s more expensive, go with buying every thing separate like track loco’s, cars structure, or any thing else. Now If a freight car that your wanting comes in a multiple pack (like 2, 3, 4, etc.) that’s ok. This is [2c]
I don’t know if that is true BNSF, Kato makes starter sets as well.
As far as reasonably priced? That depends on your perspective. Longer you are in the hobby the cheaper things seem. 2 years ago I thought $40.00 was a OK prices for a HO engine and $60.00 was a lot. Today $150.00 seem cheap, $250.00 is mid range and $350.00 is still not bad. Nothing like your first $650.00 engine to make others seem more economical.[%-)]
Cuda Ken
Go to M B Klein’s website, www.modeltrainstuff.com, and look up the Atlas Trainman starter set. It includes their new GP-15 which is an outstanding model both in terms of performance and appearance, and also their new code 65 track with integrated roadbed.
You may have to buy a power supply, but you’re better off doing that than getting a Bachmann set with lousy trains and lousy power pack.
This new Atlas set is your best bet to start off in N scale… Atlas has the best selection of locomotives, track systems and rolling stock in N scale, and is the best value for the dollar. They also host an N scale forum that is very informative, and talks about all of N scale, not just Atlas products. You can really learn a lot there.
I also invite you to visit my website at www.wmrywesternlines.net.
And don’t be afraid to ask questions…
Lee
Just some notes from my experience with N –
My funds are tight so I went with the cheapest track – Atlas code 80 – and regretted it very quickly. Sectional is strong enough, but flextrack breaks very easily when twisted. Switch machines overheated easily and rolling stock other than Atlas’ “jumped” when crossing the frogs (wheelset flanges too big).
I suggest you get some recomendations before you buy and perhaps just buy a few pieces to start to test yourself.
First, flex track is designed to be flexed, not “twisted”… Second, the problem with cars “jumping” is due to the wheels being out of gauge. With code 80, the issue is not the flanges. This can be easily fixed with a couple of simple tools.
N scale requires a bit more patience and a bit more precision when doing your track work. It does take some practice, but once you have the hang of it, you’ll find to be as fun to work with as any other scale.
Lee
For a newbie your best bet is to make up your own set.
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Kato Unitrack is nearly bulletproof. Kato makes some very nice track sets.
Only use Bachmann EZtrack if you cannot get Unitrak in your area. Atlas new plastic track is too new but could be a good choice. -
Decide if you want DC or DCC. MRC makes the best DC packs.
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Atlas, Kato make the best locos, many DCC equipped. Lifelike/Walthers can be very good.
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Your choice of Atlas, MTL freight cars. No Crapido couplers for you from Bachmann, Model Power, or others. You will need to try swap meets/train shows to assemble a low cost fleet.