My father had an old pre war American Flyer train that we set up each Christmas. It is one of my favorite memories of growing up. I would like to purchase the beginnings of a train set to do the same with my children. It is important to me that the quality of the parts is on the higher end. I don’t know where to even start looking but I do know where I would like to be after my initial purchase.
I want HO scale. I want to build my own set (as opposed to purchasing an all included, ready to run set). I would like good but common track that I can pack and unpack each year and that can be added to down the road. I want to start with the “” (orange and black freight and passenger engines) that are common in the Midwest landscape. I want a decent controller but does not have to have all the bells and whistles designed for the serious enthusiast. For now, I do not intend on “Modeling”. I just want a higher quality but simple set.
I don’t know any of the quality manufacturers, nor where to begin shopping. I live in Phoenix, AZ. Any help to get me started would be greatly appreciated.
First off welcome to the forum.
Here is a list of the enigne manufacturers.
Engine manufacturers:
Athearn:not so good unless you get thier Genesis line.
Bachmann: not so good unless you get thier Spectrum series.
Atlas:good qaulity.great detail, smooth drive.
Kato good quality smoother drives great detail.
Proto 2000: Good quality smooth drive good detail.
I would recommend getting a Atlas,kato or a Proto 2000.
I don’t know much about the track, or power packs but somebody else will.
-dekruif
Like always, there are difference experiences. I’ve been in the hobby nearly 40 years, and here’s my take on dekruif’s list:
Athearn: solid performer, but not spectacular. Genesis line is better. Older Blue Box Athearn (pre mid-90s) may have less-than-spectacular details and may run not-so-great.
Bachmann: mediocre, Spectrum series is better.
Atlas: older Atlas (pre-mid 90s) was about like Athearn, newer Atlas is excellent.
Kato: always an excellent performer, details may be less-than-spectacular.
Proto2000: Great detail, less-than-great performance. Diesel models are known to have drive train issues (cracked gears) and power pickup problems. As the Proto2000 locos age (and I work my locos hard) they are on my workbench more than any other maker’s locos needing maintenance work.
Many of my modeler friends steer clear of Proto2000 locos any more. They look great, and may run decent to start with, but they become a maintenance sink as they put on the miles. Most of my modeler friends have dumped their P2K stuff in favor of Atlas, Kato, or Athearn Genesis locos.
Welcome,
First off, on the issue of track, I would go with something like Atlas’ True-track, with comes with a simulated roadbed and is easy to put together and take apart. As for a controller, then an MRC Tech 4 Model 200. Simple, yet effective for a once a year setup. Here are a few online stores to search through to give you an idea of selection and price.
http://www.walthers.com/
http://www.empirenorthernmodels.com/index.htm
http://www.1stplacehobbies.com/
Have fun.
HD
I know you indicated you wanted HO, but if you still have your American Flyer, you might want to look at some of the new S-gauge items.
American Models and S Helper Service (The Showcase Line) make very good, high quality items. They both have a fair number of models of engines, freight and passenger cars, track, and accessories. They are more expensive than “regular” HO, but not that much more than your better HO. One LHS owner reffered to a couple of engines I ordered through him as “Proto-2000 on steriods.” Their websites are www.americanmodels.com and www.showcaseline.com respectively. There are other companies making s-gauge/scale itmes, but these two are the most similar to what you seem to be looking for in HO.
My signature shows an American Models FP-7 and a converted American Flyer steam engine. I use track and turnouts from both companies. I’m more accurately called a “semi-scaler,” because my track work and couplers allow me to run my AF along with my new, operating, rolling stock.
I hope this helps, and doesn’t confuse… [2c]
Already lots of good advice. I am doing the same thing for all my childern (except with G-scale). The thing to remember with HO track is that it is smaller and more delicate so it will not have the put-together-take-apart longevitiy that the American Flyer had. New rail joiners will be required often (like every other assembly). As such I recommend standard Atlas Code 100 snap track. The code 83 rail used on the TrueTrack is a bit light for the frequent assembly.
I have not seen anyone mention the Proto 1000 locomotives. They have a good drive system but don’t have all the tiny detail that is easily broken off. As such they are good for something children can deal with and still last a long time. One of their cousins, the Proto 2000, currently holds the worlds record for a non-stop run of a model train locomotive.
For a straight up DC controller, it is hard to beat MRC. I’ve got several that have served me well for over 35 years.
Another advantage of S for a Christmas layout is that you can use Dept 56 buildings with it. While they aren’t all the same scale, most of them seem to be more S scale than anything else. Also, I think you’ll find that the ruggedness of the S scale track to be a plus as well. There are also a lot of action accessories for S scale that your kids might enjoy.
Here’s the S Helper site http://www.showcaseline.com/
the Amercian Models http://www.americanmodels.com/
Lionel who currently makes American Flyer http://www.lionel.com/
This site has information and links on S scale http://www.trainweb.org/crocon/sscale.html
Enjoy
Paul
My take on this is that for a set up under the Xmas tree once a year is that I would use S or larger scale for the following reasons. Ruggedness to take the punishment of setting up-taking down and storage. Irregularities in carpet-floor will not present the problems in the track work that HO and smaller will. These larger scales will put up with dust and lint better than the smaller scales. Also the child use-abuse factor should be considered too. Having said this and HO is your choice, the above responses are right on the money. Ken
Oh man! Now you have me really considering S scale! With all the excellent help above I scoped out all the components on the HO scale. But now after reading some of the above responses, and after speaking to my father this weekend (he has a POST war (not pre-war) American Flyer (c. 1950)), I may really consider S. I think I will avoid any purchases this year as time is running short but will start buying for next year. I said HO initially, as I am most familiar with that scale, but S sounds good too.
Well, y’all really got my juices flowing on this, and I thank you all for all the help. I have some decisons to make. Any better-than-most S scale manufacturers? Oh boy, and around the mountain we go again.