New, old man

[daveh]

Got parts for a 30 yr old layout. Rebuilding for g'kids, not sure what scale it is, track measures 3/4" outside to outside---ho? Power supply say tyco on it. Got about 25 pcs. Of track--no engine or cars. Is it worth the trouble? Or should buy all new. This is for 4 yrs & smaller, keeping it small & simple for now, may want expand later. Been looking at the "bachmann" stuff"? What is the "ez" track will it go my old stuff? Thanks for your help dave

 

[Mogul2-6-0]

Welcome I'm in same boat, still a noob. Listen to these guys they are great.
I dug up my 30 year old tyco supply etc that still works but gave up on it and the old brass track Tyco, Atlas and flex etc.
I'm reusing my old rolling stock and buildings though.
I'd suggest Bachmann EZ track nickle silver HO scale. Heavan compared to the old stuff, most hobby shops carry it.
May consider getting a bundle from thefavoritespot on ebay
http://stores.shop.ebay.com/THE-FAVORITE-SPOT
or
www.trainworldonline.com.
Other folks may have other suggestions.
F7 diesels seem to be best kid proof engines.
My 4 year old is great, my 2 year old needs watching LOL
I'm, running my 30 year old Tyco Santa Fe F7A too after alot of cleaning and lube.
I got a lifelike set from toys r us for $60 at xmas but switched to NS EZ track. I let the kids play with the Tyco and Lifelike stuff and only watch when I run the new Bachmann trains. (good bang for the buck)
Seems everyone ends up withh DCC, I'm still DC only but slowly expanding with DCC in mind.
It all gets way too expensive very fast so take your time. Lots of fun, lots of resaech, lots of mistakes LOL

http://www.nmra.org/beginner/


Cheers,
Richard

 

[UP2CSX]

Dave, it's HO scale track. If it's 30 year old brass track, I'd chuck them and start with new. If you are primarily building this as a kid proof layout, the Bachmann E-Z track would work fine although it wouldn't be my first choice if I was building a layout for myself. The Tyco powerpack may or may not work but I'm sure it's a very basic trainset powerpack and thsoe don't hold up too well. You might want to consider an inexpensive train set like the one at http://www.hobbylinc.com/htm/bac/bac00621.htm that comes with E-Z track and a new powerpack.

 

[Roadrashracing]

I have a life like set with snap together track that works well, and you can hang it on tghe wall when your done.

 

[jtudor]

Dave,

Where are you located?

If there is a hobby lobby close to you, you can get great deals on some Bachmann stuff there.

Check on their site and put in your zip code to find a store close to you.
http://www.hobbylobby.com/stores/stores.cfm?page=1

They have weekly specials, and quite often will offer a coupon you can print from thie website that will give you 40% off of one item at regular price. You can print several and go back several times during the week if you want.

Most of thier stores keep the Bachmann Digital Commander set which comes with the Easy DCC controller and two DCC locomotives soem rolling stock and the EZTrack.

They also keep some to the expander packs in stock. Just watch for the weekly coupons and you can get some great deals. The 40% off coupon is available this week.

 

[Roadrashracing]

sweet thanks for the coupon, I'll be making a few trips