Hello...

[Anonymous]

Just wanted to say hello....just got my first real set (obvious by my user name which one)....I have it set up using TMCC. Right now it is just around the xmas tree in a 'square' shape layout with one crossing track ('X''s with blinking red lights and bell ringing)....I got a gift certificate for xmas for my local Lionel Dealer......any suggestions on what to get to add to the fun of the train...rolling stock, a tunnel (think everyone is out of them), some track side lighting, etc.?? I am looking at around $100....

[csxt30]

[#welcome] to the forum: Black Diamond & congratulations on your new set ! I know others here have that set or engine & reported they really like it ! I'm sure your gift certifcate will go fast ! Don't forget our Coffee Pot & Sunday Photo Fun !
Thanks for sharing & joining a great hobby, & this forum ! [:)] John

[Anonymous]

Welcome to the forum, and to the wonderful world of "playing" with trains. Let's see how many people can actually stay within the $100. limit, suggestion-wise. You've made a good start with the crossing signal. I think a must-have would be a block or a semafore signal. A block signal with the old fashion big red and green bulbs, not the wimpy semi-scale ones. Used Lionel or new MTH are about $25-$30. MTH semafore is about the same price. I love the new Lionel IR controller for running the block signal (I don't think isolated track works on these without a relay?), about $25.
OK, the rest of you can help spend the other $50.[:)] Joe

[tschmidt]

BDF,

How about a siding to go with that track. One of the add-on pieces of Fast Track would be nice. The inner passing loop is about $50. ( I think ) Or you could pick up a couple of remote switches and a few pieces of straight track for about $120. Most importantly, get something you like.

Tom S

[Anonymous]

If you think you may want to build a permanant layout in the future then you may want to think about what track you want to use before you start spending $$ on more FasTrack. Mine started like yours and I kept adding peices here and there and now I have an 8X14 FasTrack layout. Don't get me wrong, I like the track and it works great, but for the look I really want I would have probably used something different.

[ChiefEagles]

[#welcome][#welcome] BDF, you wouldn't be from Texas would you? [;)] Know a nice young man who fit your description. Welcome anyway. Drop in on the Coffee Pot. [:)]

[ChiefEagles]

WOW, lots of posting since the T'storms ran me off.

[tmcc man]

A very big welcome to the forum. As Tom S suggested, buy what you like, but I would lean to more track, so you can open the throttle on that baby more.

[Anonymous]

Yep....it's MCF from The Gauge....MCF was already taken on this forum. I want MORE track, but right now it is on the living room floor and I asked the wife this morning.....no more track in the living room...well, at least not outside the existing perimeter....I could do a remote switch and some track with an earthen bumper inside. With the existing layout (square using track that came with set) I can already fully open it up.....that things sticks like a magnet (well, per Lionel, some of the wheels are magnetized)....one of the rolling stocks does 'lean' a little at full speed, but no derailments yet. A question about remote switches...does it actually have a wireless remote to activate it? I want to eventually control the switches with my Cab1, but don't feel like getting the TMCC add-on required to control the switches at this time. I could get a left hand switch (train runs clockwise now in forward) and back down a short straight section in the middle of the track with an earthen bumper...any thoughts?

[Anonymous]

If I plan on doing what I describe above - 036 Remote Left Hand Switch, 036 curve track and then some straight with an earthen bumper, is there any need for an uncoupling track?