Yet another Newb entering the tracks

[bobmcc81]

Hello

I have not bought my first train set yet as I've been spending the morning reading through this great forum on Newbie questions. I found alot of info but still scratching my head on a couple of things.

First is the Ready to Run kits a smart way to start off. I don't want to limit myself to future fun and expansion by getting into a proprietary type brand but I know I don't have the knowledge to start from scratch either.

Second my initial layout space is very limited to a tabletop about 24" by 50". So that limits my scale I'm sure. My biggest concern is getting too small a scale that my 6 year old son can't participate with due to the fragility of things that small. Second I want access to a decnt amount of track and layout extras in the guage I pick so expansion is easy.

My total lack of experience leans me to look at teh Lionel RTR kits but I'm reading more and more about Atlas, Bachmann and some of the other brands.

Thanks for the education

Bob




Thanks for any tips
Bob

 

[Selector]

Welcome! Six is a bit young for anything smaller than O gauge, but every child is different, and so is its doting parent. Naturally, O gauge will severely impact on the utility of the track system you could fit for a reasonable layout in the space you describe. It sounds like even HO is going to be a bit dull after a while with the track configuration you could lay in that space and still have room for other items to make it look reaslistic. N scale would be your best fit, but you would have to patiently supervise the youngster, and not make him feel bad if he mishandles a costly item.

Trains sets can have sufficient quality for good reliability and looks, particularly those with proven engines. The Bachmann HO Spectrum line, for example, generally has good engines, with a number of exceptions. One of those exceptions would be the Norfolk & Western J Class 4-8-4. A far better bet would be the Consolidation type engine, a 2-8-0.

I believe the Atlas Trainman sets are decent. I don't know if Kato offers a package deal (never looked to see), but if they do, it is bound to be good quality. With odd and rare exceptions, you are likely to have to spend at least $130 these days for a good quality kit with track, power pack, engine, and three or four cars.

Fact is, though, most of us don't take long to learn that the best way to run trains is to identify and acquire individual items of known quality when they come available at a sizeable discount. It requires patience, determination, and vigilance. With a few exceptions, I have managed to wait until things I desire show up discounted. Even so, whatever you buy is likely to have at least a year's warranty, and the importers are pretty good across the board at honouring them in a timely manner. Bachmann has a lifetime warranty.

 

[mnbaty]

Hi Bob,
I started with an Athearn Iron Horse set in HO. My son was 5 at that time he was able to "help" without hurting anything. It worked out as a great starting point for me. Since then I have gone quite crazy but I have not been limited when wanting to expand. I started with smaller than 4x6 and I am up to 4x8 now and looking to go further.
Matt

 

[rdemattio91]

Hey Bob, it was only about 14 years ago when I was 6. My dad got me a lionel starter set and my layout built from there. I can honestly say I beat the crap out of those trains. I had several freinds drive them off the table from going to fast and they still ran like champs. It is very hard to get a fun layout in the room though. My best bet would either find a bigger area for 0-27 gauge or go with HO and not let the little guy run it enless your there. As for sets, don't get bachmann. I bought them awhile back and they were crap. That was my first impression on HO and it took me away from the hobby. Now I am back but have done lots of research and know how to make HO fun, and plan on starting a layout soon!