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 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.