Just starting so which way is the best to go?

[Anonymous]

Ok, I am just starting to collect O-Guage again looking more at operating trains instead of having trains sit on a shelf so, which is the best way to start? I would like to have a 5x9 layout in the soon to be future and I already have some rolling stock and a set of F-3 engines from Williams. Right now I am considering buying the new Santa Fe Fast Freight set so here are a few questions I have...

Which track to go with? Atlas, Lionel 0 or Lionel FasTrack?
TMCC or not? Seems like a big investment to make for small layout.
Where can I find layout ideas?
Where can I find an online price guide for Lionel?

Another question I have is kinda dumb but, though someone might help me. I have noticed that the Nickle Plate set with the Berk is about 399 list price BUT, the Santa Fe Set comes with the SAME engine and an operating car (which the Nickle Plate set does not) and the list price is 319 so, the question is, why is the Santa Fe cheaper?

[brianel027]

As far as layout ideas go, check out this website:
www.thortrains.net

As far as the two Lionel sets, the NKP set was from last year's catalog when Bracy was still CEO at Lionel. The new ATSF Berk set is under Jerry Calabrese, who is making (so it seems) a more concerted effort to reach out to newcomers. Of course, any retail price is arbitrary - but set prices tend to be more economical over buying set components separately. Again, I think it is simply marketing on the part of current Lionel leadership. Consider the new Add-on packages for the PRR and NYC Flyer sets.

As far TMCC, it depends how you want to run your trains. I can live without TMCC and don't feel the least bit deprived. But others will tell you the exact opposite. It's all a matter of what you can afford. TMCC certainly isn't as essential on a small layout.

As far as track, Atlas0 is very nice, but very expensive. I personally like 027 track: as far as economic considerations, you can't do better. But if you are going to be buying a current Lionel set, they all come with FasTrack. So you will already have a start, unless you decide to relegate the FasTrack to just once-a-year use under the CHRISTmas tree. We've debated the pros and cons of FasTrack here on this forum with no real conclusive results. The large molded roadbed of the FasTrack does take up extra space on a small layout, but for a temporary or changing layout, FasTrack has some real advantages. And just as with TMCC, some like it and some don't.

Remember, you will be more likely to find either 027 or tubular 0 track in used condition also. For tubular 0, the switches can get expensive, so finding good condition used ones can save you some money for other things.

Ultimately, it all hinges on what you can afford to spend, and how long and hard you want to search for deals and blowouts. Keep in mind the summer months are nearly here, and this is traditionally a good time to find good prices.

And I personally know of no price guides available on line. And given the way the market is right now, price guides are really nothing more than that... just a guide. You see it on eBay, where the seller lists the Book price on an item - and the final bid comes nowhere close, especially on modern era pieces (1970 MPC/Lionel to current date). Though there are exceptions: uncommon postwar trains still in their original boxes in mint condition still bring good prices.

[dougdagrump]

[#ditto] to what was said above. Plan not only for today but keep in mind what you want for the future.

[jwse30]

Brianel027 said:

As far as layout ideas go, check out this website:
www.thortrains.net

At that point you really could have stopped reading (which would have been a shame, as the rest of his message had lots of good information as well), as that site is that good for newcomers to this hobby.

As far as track goes, there seems to be a type for everyone that has a layout. Your best bet is to check out a local hobby shop and compare them side by side. You'll know what you like better than any of us.

For TMCC, I've got 2 engines equipped with the electronics for it. I don't have the controller or other hardware, and don't plan on adding them anytime soon. I have a very simple "display" type of layout, I just like watching the trains and accessories. Since your Williams F3s presumably don't have TMCC, I'd start out by using the money required for TMCC (or MTH's DCS), on track or a better transformer.

Hope this helps,

J White

[Anonymous]

I have a small 5x8 layout, and for me, FasTrack has been the "perfect" choice. It looks great, and sits firmly on my carpet material top without having to be attached to the board. This has allowed me to move things around, add a siding, etc., all in a matter of minutes. I'm running 2 loops on it...a passenger steam on the outside, and a diesel freight on the inside. For a large layout, like most in this group probably have, FasTrack would not be the best choice...but I'm very happy with it. Joe

[Anonymous]

Another thing you'll need to consider for a small layout: do you wan't a "operating" layout, or a "scenic" layout? Most of the "small layout" track plans I've seen appear to cram-in as much track, sidings, and switches as possible. This is fine if you want to "operate". I decided to go the "scenic" route since I enjoy the creative aspect of scenery...it's a hobby in itself. Unfortunatly, with a small layout, it's hard to do both. Joe

[ChiefEagles]

I started with DCS and then added TMCC command module [all that is needed, I did buy a CAB1 but was not necessary]. No DCS problems like some want to claim. Both are easy to operate. I now run DCS PS2 engines, TMCC engines and conventional. Track, Fasttrack is noisy but good. Realtrax is not as noisy. You can add ballast to both and make the roadbed look real good. Good luck.

[Jumijo]

Lionel's Berkshire and tender with Rail Sounds can be bought for $200 or less if you just want the locomotive.

The Polar Express set sells for around $235 - $250 and also includes a Berk but with a whistle tender.

Jim

[FJ and G]

Mark,

Need a bit more information before you rush out to purchase trains. Do you want a classical toy train look or a hi-rail look? That may be a deciding factor in the types of trains and even track you wi***o purchase.

Instead of wasting your money on stuff you may not like down the road.

[eZAK]

jcmark611,
If you havn't already check the [stickey] topic 'New to toy trains?'

Now I'll answer your questions with some questions.

1) Where do you see your layout in 10yrs?
(i.e. Do you plan to expand? Will you possible be moving? Are you planing a floor, shelf, table top, or bench work layout?)

Answers here will effect your buying habits. (Track, Trains, & Acc's)

2) Where do you see you income level in 5 to 10yrs?
(Up, stable, or down)

An answer here will also effect your purchases. And it will effect materials you use as well as were you shop.

3) How much time are you willing to invest?

This will have an effect on your layout design.


Sets are a good way to started.
Just plan ahead and have fun!

I would also suggest subscribing to both CTT & OGR. Check their adds and search the internet for good prices.
Also check CTT's book store. They have a lot of godd books to get you started.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by eZAK

jcmark611,
If you havn't already check the [stickey] topic 'New to toy trains?'

Now I'll answer your questions with some questions.

1) Where do you see your layout in 10yrs?
(i.e. Do you plan to expand? Will you possible be moving? Are you planing a floor, shelf, table top, or bench work layout?)

Answers here will effect your buying habits. (Track, Trains, & Acc's)

2) Where do you see you income level in 5 to 10yrs?
(Up, stable, or down)

An answer here will also effect your purchases. And it will effect materials you use as well as were you shop.

3) How much time are you willing to invest?

This will have an effect on your layout design.


Sets are a good way to started.
Just plan ahead and have fun!

I would also suggest subscribing to both CTT & OGR. Check their adds and search the internet for good prices.
Also check CTT's book store. They have a lot of godd books to get you started.

Let's see...

1)Plan to move within the next 5 years so, this first one is just a practice run for the big one in a few years.

2)Up, about 70,000 in 10 years

3)An hour or two a day..plus a few hours on my days off when I get them.

For the previous poster I did like the look for Tublar track but recently saw a layout with FasTrack that was great looking so, it's tough to figure out. I must say that I do have the book "Classic Display Layouts you can Build" and really like layout D-164. This layout has two loops and the inner loop crosses over it's via a graduated trestle set. My only problem with it there is no way to take a train off one loop and onto the other. My other problem is how it is mentioned that you must be careful operating trains on the trestle set becuase you could derail. Honestly, I just want to sit back and watch them roll.
Here is a link to a guy that has built this layout http://www.homestead.com/ogauge/displaylayout.html

[FJ and G]

what about answering my question?[:(]

[Anonymous]

I like the look of the 50's era Lionel Trains. Love this new Postwar Celebration stuff just, cannot see putting out 899 for a train set, lol. That new Hudson set is just WAY too tempting

[FJ and G]

Mark,

That's great. Your selection will be a lot broader than if you just went hi-rail. Chk out Williams Golden Oldies repros too. Or even MTH's 3-rail O tinplates

[Dave Farquhar]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jcmark611
For the previous poster I did like the look for Tublar track but recently saw a layout with FasTrack that was great looking so, it's tough to figure out. I must say that I do have the book "Classic Display Layouts you can Build" and really like layout D-164. This layout has two loops and the inner loop crosses over it's via a graduated trestle set. My only problem with it there is no way to take a train off one loop and onto the other. My other problem is how it is mentioned that you must be careful operating trains on the trestle set becuase you could derail. Honestly, I just want to sit back and watch them roll.
Here is a link to a guy that has built this layout http://www.homestead.com/ogauge/displaylayout.html

That is a very nice layout. It's large enough to be interesting, yet small enough that it won't take you years to build and frustrate you. It also has lots of potential for customizing to your unique desires. I can see two different places where you potentially could replace a couple of sections with a pair of switches between the loops to allow you to move a train between them.

Also, if you have or can get the December 2004 issue of CTT that talks about running multiple trains on one loop, you could implement that on the outer loop and be able to run multiple trains on it.

I'd rather have someone with more experience than me comment on the trestle, but I wouldn't be too terribly worried about it--just keep the speed pretty low and don't try to run a massive train on it. The site you listed is running five cars plus a tender on it.

I definitely recommend plugging your transformers into a power strip and keep the power strip where it's readily accessible. That way if you see a problem about to happen you can very quickly kill the power to the entire layout.

[eZAK]

Given your answers I would go with;

Track > Fast Track by Lionel or Super Snap by K-line.

Layout > You can use two 4x8 folding tables, or
Build the benchwork in such a way as to allow it to be broken up into sections when the time comes.
Try to keep the track plan simple.

Trains > Buy what you like. Maybe pick 1 or 2 road names to start with.
Go to shows, watch ebay, and search the net.
Williams and K-line are good for starters.
(Williams for traditional look with no command system)
(K-line for reasonable prices on Conv. & Comm.)

And don't forget to keep us informed & ask a lot of questions! [^]

[Dr. John]

To throw in my 2 cents . . .
1. Spend some time reading. Kalmbach has some excellent books about layout design and planning, wiring, collecting, scenery, etc. (Go to the trains.com homepage to begin your search.) If you don't want to purchase the books you can probably find them in the library.

2. Look at layouts on the web. There are a lot of fine ones out there. I usually do a Google search for "small O gauge layouts" and come up with a long list. Thor's website has been mentioned and is one of the best for trackplans and other helpful tips.

3. Don't be afraid to experiment. Go ahead and try a trackplan, build it and see how it works for you. Add some accessories and see how they fit in. If you aren't happy, start over!

4. Above all, have fun!

[Anonymous]

I write as a graduate of the school of multiple errors.
Your first question should be space and budget. Other issues will more easily fall into place.

Aggressively seek alternative discussion and information sources. There are excellent books and internet resources. A Greenburg or other larger model train show always has local 3 rail clubs in attendance and many engine/rolling stock vendors. Your local train hobby shop, the chronic customers hanging around, and local 3 rail club can be invaluable.
You have already made one sound decision, 3 rail.
Welcome aboard.