Hello everyone! Not sure if this is where I need to ask this question or not, but my husband is wanting to get into the hobby and has asked for a started train set for Christmas. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what I need to purchase to get him started!
Thanks!
Leah 
For starter train sets, you may be tempted to go for the “cheap” (both in price and quality) as that is human nature and the lesser quality sets are also the ones most likely to show up in a big box store this time of year.
The position I’m in doesn’t really allow me to recommend a particular brand or set, and I apologize for that.
But I would stay away from sets that are less than 90 - 100 dollars. In N scale there are far fewer choices for sets. And in O… price and size gets to be an issue. You didn’t mention a scale that he might be interested in.
If you have a local hobby shop or local model train shop - disclaimer: I run one, bias noted - but I think that is the best place to go and purchase a starter set. They can direct you away from the cheap junk that is out there and toward a better value.
They may even suggest, that while it wouldn’t come in a convenient box as a set… often times you can buy all the components of a train set separately at a train shop. This allows you to select the locomotive and cars rather than settling for what comes in a pre-packaged set. And you can choose the track that you want. And get a better power pack.
It’s been my experience that generally doing it that way may cost another 40 dollars or so, but it is well worth it, especially if your husband wants to get “serious” about this hobby in the future.
Hope that helps some, and have a Merry Christmas!
Leah,
First off: [#welcome] to the forum! Good to have you aboard! [:)]
I will 2nd the motion above by One Track. Go inexpensive but do NOT go cheap! You don’t have to spend a mint to get a good quality set but you should be prepared to spend a little. Cheap sets will only lead to frustration because of poor and inconsistent running and quality. As my Aunt used to say to me: “Buy the best that you can afford”
Leah, a question for you. Did your husband mention a scale size that he was interested in? Here are most of scales that are available (from largest to smallest):
G - (22.5:1) You see these in outdoor/garden layouts
O - (48:1) Lionel would be the most familiar name in this size
S - (64:1) In between O and HO
HO - (87.1:1) The most popular. About 1/2 the size of O scale
N - (160:1) About 1/2 the size of HO.
Z - (220:1) The smallest of the scale.
[The ratios are how many inches or feet in that scale as compared to 1:1 scale. For example: 1’ in S-scale would be 64’ in actual size]
There a few other in-between scales but they are more eccletic.
The bottom line: The smaller the scale; the more you can get it the same amount of space. Conversely: The smaller the scale; the less detail you have and the harder to work on. The scale will determine the recommendations.
Leah, I hope that isn’t too much information all at once…
Tom
As tstage has said, before we can comment on certain sets we would need to know what size he is or might be most interested in. To add to his comments, S-scale is commonly known as “American Flyer” size.
Personally, I’ve modelled in all of them at one time or another. The big ones are really nice if one has the space (and money) for them. I always end up back with HO for my primary modeling purposes. However, I have been saying for years that I was starting out today from scratch I would go with the On30 size as in the link below. It runs on HO scale track but is O-scale trains. Way cool and fairly cheap equipment is available. The catch there is that one has to like the turn of the 20th century vintage look as there is no modern equipment for this size.
http://www.trainworld.com/bachmann/bachmann_0n30_sets.htm
I can recommend trainworld as I have been a customer of theirs for many years. They are in New York so they can be a bit surly (especially if you call their 800 order line and start asking questions).
I agree with what has been said thus far.
I would choose HO Scale because there is so much more available for HO than in any other scale. N would likely be my second choice but I find it a little small for my tastes. The great thing about N scale is you can fit a lot of layout into a relatively small space. The trade off is on size, availability of accessories and detail, in my opinion.
If possible stay away from the set alltogether. Buying individual components will be more expensive and a bit harder to get started but you will compromise quality to a degree with any set. I would avoid buying the “EZ-Track” type of track unless your modeler is only looking to “play” with trains. If he wants to get into the hobby seriously, I would advise buying sectional track.
Take a look at Atlas and Kato. I personnally think the new Atlas sets are the good ones for the buck. Too, there is another thread on this subject that was posted today. Merry Christmas!!
Hello Leah!
May I suggest ether a Atlas “Trainman” set?
http://www.firsthobby.com/store1/Product.asp?ProductID=ATL0032&SN=2007112913491300
Train sets is also made by Athearn and Walthers…
Athearn
http://www.firsthobby.com/store1/Category.asp?CategoryID=2006071913400156&SN=2007112913534172
Walthers
http://www.firsthobby.com/store1/Product.asp?ProductID=WALT855&SN=2007112914001826
All three are quality sets.
BTW…I DO NOT work for first hobby.
Look around for a Train Show. I don’t know where you live, but there might be one within driving distance of you in the next few weeks. (There’s one this weekend, both days, in Marlborough, Massachusetts, for example.) Put him in the car, put a blindfold on him and don’t take it off until you’re inside.
Most of these shows have multiple operating layouts in all different sizes. It will really help to get an idea of what’s on his mind. Beyond the gauge and scale issues, modellers need to decide on their era (when in time these trains are from) and location (where the trains are.) Some people do modern-day in the desert Southwest, while others go for old-time logging railroads along the north Pacific coast.
I usually just Google for “Train Show Massachusetts” to find ones near me.
And welcome aboard!
Thank y’all so much! This is a ton of information, and all of it is super helpful. My husband has not mentioned a scale size he is interested in, only that this is a hobby he would love to get started in. I’ll take everything y’all have said in to consideration and any more advice will be greatly appreciated. Also, is just the starter set or starter components enough to get him started or are there other accessories, etc. that I need to be looking at?
Thanks again!
Leah
The train set should include all the things (engine, cars, track, power pack, hookup wires) needed to run trains. Some buildings would be a nice addition especially a station. Atlas makes some easy kits that aren’t too expensive.
Enjoy
Paul
here is a good one
Item No: 01202 $246.79
Name: Acela Express
Roadname: Amtrak
Description: The high-speed passenger train that revolutionized rail travel comes to layouts everywhere courtesy of bachmann industries. As an official amtrak licensee of the acela express train, Bachmann is proud to present this model in our award-winning spectrum® line. Our acela express features the latest in Technology and tool making, and its powerful locomotive can reach scale speeds of 150 mph or more. The acela express set comes complete with: dual locomotives (one powered, oneNon-powered), a first class passenger car, business class passenger car, and cafe acela car. Also included are a 22" radius, 63" x 45" nickel silver e-z track® oval, spectrum® power pack, and vhs format video with assembly instructions.
Locomotive features:
· interior selector switch for choice between rail or pantograph operation
· die cast gear towers and chassis
· 5 pole, skew-wound, precision balanced motor
· working directional headlights, ditch lights and markers
· operating doors
· DCC ready
Passenger Car features:
· tilting chassis to travel smoothly around curves at high speeds
· flush windows
· lighted interiors
· blackened RP25 wheels
· photo etched, blackened brass inserts on air ducts
· finescale interior detail including passenger seats and tables
Leah,
Sets usually range in quality anywhere from poor to very good. You can usually find better quality by shopping for items separately. But a set has the advantage of having everything you need (i.e. locomotive, cars, track, transformer) in one box.
If you do decide to get a set, spend the money and get a good one. There’s another thread that’s been running simultaneous to yours since yesterday that may help out some:
http://www.trains.com/TRC/CS/forums/1278729/ShowPost.aspx
If there’s any way to subtly “broach” the topic of scale and types of locomotives (steamers or diesel) with your husband to narrow your field, that would really help. Maybe over a latte at Star Bucks. [:)]
Tom
| Look at the Bachmann Spectrum Sets. They in the $130.00 to $280.00 range. Probably the best I can think of. Or you can buy him a Engine, Freight and/or passenger cars, track and power pack. I would go for HO scale. Its the most popular in the world! |
|---|
I’ve got to second the Bachmann sets. Here’s 4 pages of them. Some are cheap and toy-like, but some of them are real nice for a starter set.
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/catalog/?cat_id=73&start=10&sortOrder=name
The only other things you might want to buy is extra track and turnouts. Most sets only come with a small oval of track. Not all track is the same. Make sure what you buy is compatible with what you have.
Perhaps a way to discover his preference for size and era (steam or deisel) is to take him shopping at a fairly well stocked hobby store on the premise that your are browsing for a remote control car present (or something that he might not consider an odd present) for a nephew or a friends son. While in the store walk the isles with him and every now and then remark about how this looks so real or that is neat. Pay close attention when you enter the train section of the store. See if he “gravitates” towards a certain scale or style.
Leah,One more thing…There are several beginers books to help the new modeler along.
May I suggest looking over the following books?
Home Layout Ideas
Model Railroading for Beginners
Scenery
Track Plans and Layout Planning
Wiring/Electronics
Those books along with this forum will assist your husband as he begins his new hobby.
Also…Why not enjoy this hobby with your hubby?? There are many husband and wife model railroaders…
Leah, you must keep your objectivity intact in all this discussion. Men are notorious for taking advantage when the opportunity presents itself, and with all the enthusiastic, if honest and heartfelt, advice you have encountered here, your husband may suspect that you are as intrigued and enthusiastic about model trains as he is. [:-,] You must keep the upper hand. Don’t let him put you in his pocket. Otherwise, there’s no telling where the both of you will end up…perhaps in arguments about who gets to run the steam engine that day. [(-D]
Woe to the vanquished!!
Seriously, though, these gentlemen have done a good thing with their various contributions.
Consider that, in my other hobby, Astronomy, many kids and eager adults have been dismayed with their Christmas telescopes that have stamped, cheap parts, poorly engineered optics with poor quality glass, and a tripod and aiming mount that is much more frustrating than useful. It isn’t quite so bad in this hobby, but the old adage, “You get what you pay for,” seems to be a solid truism in model trains. If you would like my advice, spend more now, and if nothing else it will be a first class opportunity for him to decide what the hobby has in store for him. It would be a shame for him to evaluate his potential with something that does a poor job of showing him because of limitations in quality.
Just food for thought.
Above, BRAKIE has given you the real scoop on the best three brands of train sets. I especially am impressed with the new Atlas Trainman sets. You just can’t miss with Atlas. Bachmann SPECTRUM was also suggested… and it is also good… just be sure the word SPECTRUM is on the box.
Check magazine racks in your area for a copy of Railroad Model Craftsman magazine’s December 2007 issue. They have a very detailed feature article entitled, “Train Set Gazette” in this issue that compares the various brands that are available, plus tips on how to make a more permanent layout using a train set.