starting an HO setup

[pmwoodward]

Hello, 40 years after my first (Tyco) HO train set, I am looking to start another as I now have a son. I do have a bunch of HO track and a couple of transformers that someone recently gave me. I personally have a strong preference for steam. Can someone recommend what I should do next. I am thinking of just picking up an inexpensive Bachmann set to get started. I am on a very limited budget at the moment.

thanks,
Paul

 

[Trussrod]

Hello, 40 years after my first (Tyco) HO train set, I am looking to start another as I now have a son. I do have a bunch of HO track and a couple of transformers that someone recently gave me. I personally have a strong preference for steam. Can someone recommend what I should do next. I am thinking of just picking up an inexpensive Bachmann set to get started. I am on a very limited budget at the moment.

thanks,
Paul

Hi Paul & welcome to the forum,
A small Bachman set my not be a bad choice but I'd also look at what Athern has to offer in the way of what was formerly Roundhouse/Model Die Casting [MDC] as Steam is what they mainly produced until they brought a Diesel or two. In fact from that stand poiunt they have a very nice Old Time Box Cab Diesel but they also have several very nice Steam Loco's too. I also prefer steam myself and most of what I have were built from MDC kits. What Athern is adding is constant lighting with a reversing module so it's easy to tell the direction the loco is going to move.

I've just now got setup with a distributor who handles a very complete selection of different RR equipment and supplies so if I can be of help in getting of the engines or cars for you let me know. I'm setting up a website, Foothill Station by David Smith, to provide a link to it so the various items can be seen or at least a description of them.

Now, as far as the track you were given, most can be utilized but there is connecting problem due to different size rail webs [the base] and also possibly even the thickness of the center spline of the track depending if the manufacturerers are different? Hopefully that's not the case.

Also, be sure you stay with Nickel Silver Rail as it stays cleaner longer than Brass rail and stay away from steel rail.

So even if you don't get a set you at least can pick and choose the type of cars you want to pull around on your layout.

Btw, I don't know what type of track plan you had in mind but a fairly recent issue of Model Railroader Mag had a special book showing 4 rather unique designs and those can always be modified to suit yourself too. That's where the fun comes in.

Take care,

 

[pmwoodward]

thank you David for your advice. Another point worth considering is that Bachmann has a non standard easy track system that will not be compatible with my other track. I have a spare room that is 8x10 for dedicated use for my setup. thanks again, Paul