I need some help. I’m looking for information on starting a set for myself however, everything I’m seeing sounds like it’s a “starter” set. A “starter” set I’m assuming to mean that once you have more money or grow in this hobby you will trash it and start a better set. I would like information on starting THE best set, if money were no object.
So, my question…if money was no object which brand/scale/guage etc would you buy? Which is considered the top of top in collecting? That I can start on now and continually grow in…One that I won’t want to pack away in a few years and start over on something I really want.
Starter sets or Ready to Run sets include a locomotive, a few cars, a circle or oval of track and a transformer. Basically, you can open the box, set up the track, and run the train right away. Later you can add more track, cars, scenery… I have several RTR sets like the Polar Express and Hogwarts Express sets from Lionel. I just ordered an MTH RTR set for Christmas. You can also buy some sets that include just the locomotive and cars, like the Best Friend of Charleston and many others. If I were you, I’d go to a local hobby store that has a layout set up and see all the different size trains in person. Z, N, HO, S, O gauges are in different scales with O being about 1:48 scale, although some pieces are really 1:43 or 1:50 or just “toy” scale intended to remind you of the original but run on very tight curves of track.
I tried out HO first, since I had it when I was a young teenager, but as an adult I found it too small and switched quickly to O gauge, which seems just right to me.
when you are starting off, it is hard to know what you want. you have several questions to answer.
conventional transformer operation or a command(remote controlled type)
do you want to focus mainly on scale size trains or semi-scale
depending on how you answer #2 will also play into your decision on the type off track you want.
because most don’t know the answers to these questions, they have lower cost started sets to get you feet wet.
if you really wanted to “plunge in” and get a top of the line starter set. lionel makes an “empire builder” which i can not see you ever having to pack up for something of higher quality. of course you are looking between $2k and $3k.
you will find it on their web site in most of the recent catalogs.
Lucky for you, that’s not what happens with starter sets…a starter set just means that it comes with track and a a starter transformer (good for about 2 trains of power), and since most starter sets are in the $300-$500 range, they usually don’t include the maker’s top of the line trains. Still, they are fine for running on any layout now or in the future. They are nice trains, equipped with sounds and smoke, and good detail. Any of them will run on 3 rail 0 gauge track, especially because they all usually require 0-27 or 0-31 curves.
It’s better to get a set now that is of great quality, and build up from there. You will eventually replace the transformer, but they basically give you that for free anyhow.
If you have the space, Lionel makes a $2500 UP Big boy “starter” set. It should be released any time, but I bet you run into problems finding a place to put the 0-72 minimum curves. It has TMCC2, some switches and track, and one of the most detailed big boys out there.
A more realistic idea:
Buy an MTH Z-4000 or a Lionel ZW transformer
Buy the track that you want to use. Atlas and Tubular are favorites. I use MTH realtrax.
Get One of the MTH premier “sets”. They include everything but transformer and track. MTH has a $800 UP big boy that will negotiate 0-31 curves. Less detail. Less cost.
Well if you are saying money is no object I would thing you could get Lionel’s Empire Builder. It basicly comes with everything you need except for space to run it. It has O-72 track and switchs so you could run any other train they make on it. Only downside is it does need alot of room to run.
Ok, so saying I go with the Lionel Empire whatever you called it…what exactly do I get and what kind of room are we talking. I have a 3400 sq ft house so I’m assuming that I’ve got the room as long as we aren’t talking a ricky shroeder style train. Right???
Your at least need 72 inches in diamiter to make a complete circle with O-72 track. But if you go to Lionel.com go to product finder and just type in Empire Builder it will bring the set up and it lets you now everything that comes with it. It might even be a thing you run to the hobby shop to get cause its a big box item.
If the NEW Legacy Empire Builder Sets and $2699 sounds like a reasonable price to get started in trains, then you’ll have the latest and greatest transformer, engine technology, including sound, including a wireless remote control money can buy. This is currently the best steam engine ‘package’ offering from Lionel. If you look at the Lionel Site www.lionel.com and would like to start varying engines and cars, I’m sure that someone here can help you select a’la carte.
O-Scale means that the train is built to true 1/48 scale, and it should be as close to lifelike as possible. The other option is O-27 scale, that is not as true to life, in scale or detail.
88 - I didn’t think you could pick up that set yet, since Legacy isn’t out yet. Figured they were talking about what he could buy now.
AMason - Legacy is TMCC2, replacing the TMCC control system. Instead of just controlling direction and speed with the transformer, TMCC allows you to run your whole layout with a sort of remote control unit. You can have multiple TMCC locomotives running independently on the same track and also control various special functions on animated cars like crane cars that use TMCC and on separate accessories, switches, etc.
Ok, so this is my final dumb question…I hope!! laughing Where do you buy a train like this??? The Empire whatever you called it…where do I buy that? A hobby store or something of that nature???
Look for an Authorized Lionel Dealer. These will be the most knowlegeable, and If you have any problems they should be able to help you get things taken care of.
Ask all the questions you like! Everyone here loves toy trains! Seeing someone invest in this kind of system is very exciting!
If you can provide a city near you I’m sure you can get recommendations on good dealers.
Thanks…I appreciate all of the help!! I’m pretty excited myself. I just recently moved to Virginia…Charlottesville to be exact. I’m going to be doing my residency here…however, right now I’m working in Herndon. So, anywhere around Herndon/Fredericksburg/Charlottesville area I suppose.
Many would say that’s as good as it gets, with infinite possibilities for development and expansion. If you’ve got the time, money, space and a little patience you could hardly do better. You’d be the envy of almost everyone on this forum. As has been stated, you might have to wait a while to actually get your hands on such a set…
I check the Shipping Schedule regularly and the C&O Empire Builder Set is scheduled for Dec, 07 shipping. The UP Big Boy was the first Lionel Engine to be Legacy Equiped and it is shipping now, and Lionel is saying all other Legacy Equiped engines will ship in December, as well as Legacy equiped sets. They demoed the Legacy System at the Oct York meet and they wouldn’t have done that if they didn’t know Legacy would be shipping by year end, else they would have demoed Legacy at last Oct York or April York (IMHO).
Will be interesting to see what happens, but I would bet good money Legacy is in our hands by X-Mas.