Beginner

[mene]

Hi, I am new in the hobby fascinated with locomotives, just bought a Fleishmann starter set and I want to expand and create my own layout, should I also use Fleishmann tracks or is there an alternative tracks. Thank you hope someone can assist me.

[lionelsoni]

If yours is an HO- or N-scale set, you will have better luck on the Model Railroader Magazine forum.

[Major]

My son models European trains and any HO track with the exception of Marklin can be used. However stick with code 100 rail as the European flanges are deeper. We did a loop of code 83 rail on his layout and many locomotives and some cars bounce along on the ties. I like the English made PECO track and turnouts because they have either small gaps at the frog or the frog is powered preventing hesitation or stopping of locomotives with limited power pick up ability. Atlas track and even Bachman track is also suitable.

[mene]

Hi Bob,

Thank you very much and I will try my best.

[mene]

Thank you very much, as you can understand we dont have any train store here so everything would be mail ordered but I will take your advice. What is better a tracks with roadbed or without. To be honest I have a lot to learn on my own

[Firelock76]

Fleischmann trains?  I thought Fleischmann made margarine?

Or whiskey?

Or something.

[mene]

Hi Major, Hope you can help out and understand more

[Major]

My son and I used standard 3 foot flexible nickle silver flex track on his layout and PECO and Atlas switches. I don't like the way the track with roadbed included looks. He has a small 5 x 9 layout in a second bedroom where he lives. You can see by the attached photos what the track looks like when ballasted." alt="" />

[mene]

Thats nice, I am planning a 5X10 layout. So you suggest that I use Peco tracks. What store would you suggest to me so I can try to look it up on the net. Thank you

[cwburfle]

Take a look at Kato HO Unitrack.
I have used their "N" gauge Unitrack, if the HO is made the same way, its great stuff.

[Major]

Most of the track we got came from M.B. Klien outside of Baltimore, MD and other local hobby stores in the MD and PA area. M.B. Klien has a nice web site and their prices are very competitive. The buildings we got at train shows, TCA York, Timonium etc. Trains came from dealers such as Euro Rail Hobbies, and stores in Europe.