Don't get discouraged!!!
Yes, don't get discouraged!
However, realize that your "bargain basket of trains" may have some lemons among them...especially if you don't know where they came from and what manufacturer (and when made).
For example, pre-90s Bachmann and Life-Like is junk, in my book. Its just like the old Tyco stuff. Having said that, some people are so patient and so resourceful that EVEN THAT STUFF may work with a little old TLC....namely, if you get metal wheelsets, Kadee couplers, and some weathering to those old "toyish" cars.
Your best bet is to purchase railroad stuff that has been made in the mid-90s or later (that's the mid 1990s or later...lol). Because, in 1995 , Bachmann and Life Like Trains both started to act proud of what they put out...and since then, just about every brand of major model train has gotten better and better.
The high-end is Kato, Atlas Goldline, Precision Craft, etc.
One of my favorite purchases are Athearn Ready to Roll items and I highly recommend them...its a great value. Hornby/Rivarossi engines are great runners and good price for a big loco.
Right now I am looking into Broadway Limited Blue Line (as that is some serious bang-for-buck, I just hope the quality control is good).
I stay away from Bachmann Spectrum Steam in HO...I have had too many engines mysteriously "shorting out" on me so I no longer buy them. And Bachmann never fixed them when I sent them in??? But they look gorgeous...yes, I know that!
Bachmann On30 are superb runners though.
Bachmann spectrum freight /passenger cars in any scale are great....I like some of those!
Your track---that is a very important part of the train! I suggest making sure you have NICKEL-SILVER rail for all your tracks. Also, if you have roadbed track, you can run on the carpet and make up different layouts....I recommend you "play" with temp layouts before you dive in for a permanent layout. Kato Unitrack is superb, but Bachmann EZ (nickel silver version) is okay too.
Transformers--for HO scale, lots of power packs will do the job for running 2 trains at once. Look for a pack that has at least 20VA output. Do NOT run anything that has higher than 15 volt DC output to the rails.
I recommend MRC power packs for HO trains--they come with a 5 year warranty and I personally have had "free" service from them before. The firm will be around for the long haul.
The MRC 280 Tech 4 pack comes with two knobs to run two tracks...at the same time. Good pack.
NOTE: Model railroading is a long-standing hobby and isn't just about "running trains in a loop". Thus, there are a wide range of interests and there is just about 1 of every type of railroader out there that you can possibly imagine! Which means, you will meet some great people, but you may also run into people that "have to have it a certain way". Lots of modelers try to run to specific terms and rules, "rivet counters", etc. and some of these people get really serious and think that you can't just take HO trains and enjoy them without a huge rail yard and 500 cars and a list of waybills in your lap.
But realize that its YOUR railroad and YOU SET YOUR RULES. Don't be intimidated by others who take certain aspects so seriously while you have your steam engine pulling TTX flat cars. I run LGB trains around tight curves and I love it. I have a temp HO layout on the carpet and buy whatever suits my fancy and just love to watch the trains run in ovals....if I had room, sure, I would build a monster layout but I still enjoy "running trains".
Having said the above, I have a great respect for those who try to model the prototype on their pikes. But I also acknowledge you don't need to be a rivet counter to enjoy running trains.
Cheers,
Tom M.