Not really new. I’ve bought a Bachmann Big Hauler G scale set (Tweetsie RR)this spring and love it. I got a Life-Like Union Pacific HO set for a gift 2 years ago. It was a cheap piece of junk that lasted literally 2 weeks.
Now, I want to build a layout. I think I’m going to go with HO scale and would like to go with a local train line. I’m in East Tennessee and see CSX trains(Kingsport area) quite a bit, am close to Clinchfield Va which I believe that there is a train line there. Now, comes the Union Pacific. I didn’t think they were in this area, but I’ve seen the UP engines in Johnson City (where I’m from) quite often and saw 3 UP engines this morning here in Morristown. So, I wouldn’t mind going with that either. I prefer steam, but diesel is ok.
I want a better quality engine than what I currently have. I want to be able to use DCC if I choose later. Should I go with a set or buy an Engine and start from there? I don’t want to spend a ton on the engine/set but am willing to pay extra to get better quality than say a Bachmann train. I don’t think I’d want to spend more than lets say $200-250 for an engine. Cheaper would be better if there are quality engnes for less. This will just be a hobby for me, to help with stress, etc… not something serious that’s gonna send my blood pressure even higher through the roof.
Also, I need to buy track. What is the cheapest online vendor(s) for track? What’s a good brand? Atlas?
Thanks.
For you I would reccomend a a Proto-2000 GP loco and the appropriate decoder. Then I would get a Digitrax Zephyr starter DCC set. You would spend roughly 300 for all of it.
If you feel up to the challenge, if you but new trucks and body mount the couplers, Life-Like train set cars are pretty good looking on a layout. I have several that I recieved in my earlydays in the hobby converted this way and they look just as good as something from Athearn, MDC, or Accurail.
Hope this helps.
James
As an alternative to the Proto GP (which is a great choice, just suggesting an alternative), Walthers offer a very nice B40-8 in their Trainline range - noticed you mentioned CSX, they use these on branchline runs. This loco is cheap, powerful, smooth-running and good looking as well - can add super-detailing at a later date to make it look even better. Walthers also offer decent fairly cheap modern freight cars that would be suitable to run with this.
I agree about adopting DCC from the start - it may make initial outlay higher, but it will be cheaper in the long run as you’ll be spreading the costs of kitting out locos with decoders over a longer period - better than having to convert a large existing fleet in one go later on.
transammanv8, It seems more and more people come to this forum, asking for this type of help. I think it is ill advised for anyone to make specific recommendations to questions such as this, as it deprives the person looking for the answers the process of educating themselves about the products and hobby and making educated selections based on their own criteria. As far as locomotives go, Athearn, Bachmann Spectrum, IHC, Stewart, Atlas, Roco and Life Like Proto 2000 all make products worthy of consideration. Track work is something worthy of much study and worth putting more money into for higher quality products! Most locomotives available are convertible to DCC, if you chose to go DCC. If you want ease of conversion, make sure the loco you buy states “DCC ready”. Mostly, educate yourself! Don’t be in a hurry to get going! Model railroading is one of those hobbies that can give a lifetime of fun and education.
You’re received some very good advice so far, including “don’t be in a hurry to get going.” Reminds me of the old Latin saying, “festina lente”–make haste slowly. Take a little time, search the forum (there are some GREAT threads on DCC–use the search function at the top of the page), read some magazines, ask a few more questions of the folks here (whose depth of knowledge amazes me), and, above all, HAVE FUN! You’ll be in this for the long haul, so there’s no rush. Oh, and [#welcome]
many people on thier first layout (I was this way too) just want to lay track and get thier trains running, but you will be much happier if you make a good track plan first, There are many books available with track plans, or you could design your own. A question for you: How big is the space you plan to build your layout in? Do you enjoy switching or just watching trains run? (Really 2 questions i know, but… eh)
-Joe
Well you should head the warnings,Take your time.Educate yourself there are as many options to motive power,as there are control dc dcc.Visit your local hobby shop find out if there are any clubs,or people in your area building or operating an exsiting layout,try to go and see them find out what you like the most.You might want to check the NMRA web search I know i have seen a couple really nice CSX layouts.I am pretty sure they were from around Morristown maybe Kingsport. The UP engines you see are probably leased power units operated by CSX.I may be wrong but I don’t think the UP has any trackage rights that far east.Anyhow welcome to the forum and the world of ho scale you could not pick a better place to look for information and help.
Thanks for the info guys.
Don’t worry. I am by no means jumping in. I’ve been reading magazines(MR) and watching this board for about two years now trying to decide if I want to pour money into this or my car. I lost all of the magazines when I moved this summer. 
I just don’t know yet. I grew up 20 minutes from Tweetsie RR and have thought about doing a project from their theme park with the G scale Tweetsie I have, but I’m scared that would take too much room. If you’ve never been there, it is a childrens theme park and there is a train ride with a cowboy and indians show set in the 1800’s. I think it would be a great layout, and I already have the train. Just not sure on the room. I’m stuck in this apartment for another year until I get my A&P, so I might wait until I move and have more space. I have visions of a fairly simple but LARGE layout with tons of scenery. (The real layout is kind of a figure 8 so the track would be pretty simple, just a lot of eye candy) I could use the spare bedroom, I guess, if I could convince the wife that there is no other use for the room. (storage room anyway)