Newbie with Questions

[Anonymous]

Hi All,
I'm about to get involved in this great hobby of Model Rail Roading and since my last first hand experience was as a kid I have some basic questions. I have decided on Lionel O Gauge and would like to start with a Ready to Run set of recent vintage, here are my questions
1. Is there a significant difference in quality between the Engines of the various R2R sets (Priced $299 - $499 MSRP) or are they just cosmetic differences.
2. Is there a notable difference between Trainsounds and Rail Sounds?
3. Diesel or Steam Locomotive?

[Anonymous]

Look at MTH sets too.

[Roger Bielen]

Welcome to the forum.

The differences, cost and appearance, are most noticable between scale and traditional. Scale is 1:48 with as much detail as reasonable, for some, so called rivet counters, its never good enough. Traditional is selectively compressed to better negotiate the tighter curves.

As to sounds, there is quite a bit of discussion as to who's is better, Lionel or MTH. With Lionel you would need the command control system (TMCC) to take advantage of all the sounds in a command engine, I'm not familiar with MTH. Some of the traditional sized, non-TMCC, Lionel have a limited sound system.

The price range covers the traditional, i.e. conventional, transformer only engines up to the command control engines with all the goodies.

The choice of diesel or steam is up to you and what era you plan on modeling. Steam could still be found in use into the 50's.

[jimhaleyscomet]

I prefer listenig to the the chuff of steam engines and their whistles. In comparison the constant drone of diesels is fairly boring and the horns on lower priced sets are boring.

On the lower end of the price scale you get a "traditional size", transformer operation train set with only a whistle or horn. On the higher end of the price sale the size of the train grows a tad (scale) and you get an operating dump car, more sounds (like chuffing and crew talk), slightly more details and a command control engine.

If I were just starting out I would go with a MTH Railking set with PS2 (protosound 2.0, not just protosound or protosound 1). The MTH railking sets (with PS2) usually retail over $300 but can be found under $300 mail order. They have great sound and can run command control (remote) if you spend another $250 on DCS

If I did not care for the expensive sounds and command control , I would go with a lower priced Lionel set with just a whistle. Hobby Lobby (hobbylobby.com) often has these sets on sale but when they are not they are slightly overpriced. Watch the hobby lobby website for sale anouncements. If you start with the less expensive set that leaves money to add a Lionel expansion pack (4 straights, 2 regular cars, one dump car and a few more goodies) for about $100.

Visit your local hobby shop so you can actually feel the difference in the various sets. Get a few catalogs (MTH Ready to Run, and Lionel) if at all possible. Unless you go with a bare bones simple set (transformer controlled, horn or whistle only), you probably want to get that first set at a hobby shop for the assistance (even though mail order can be cheaper) especially if you are not handy with trouble shooting quality problems.


Jim H

[IronHoarse]

Something to consider... I got into this less than a year ago with the thoughts of just getting a starter set. My first train was a Traditional TMCC steamer. My next one was a Lionmaster set that also has speed control. My next one will be a high end standard o engine and cars. When you get started you may think you want a starter set but you never know things sometimes change. I am not trying to talk you out of a starter set by any means, but I just thought I would pass my experience on for your consideration. What ever you choose just remember to have fun! And welcome to the forum.

[jimhaleyscomet]

I would like to second Iron Horse and add a bit. What ever you choose have fun. All the trains are fun from your basic Steamer set with whistle up to the most fancy scale command controlled engine. Take your time and have fun. Look at this first set as a start and build from there. I currently run one layout with DCS, TMCC command control and engines and another 027 layout with just remote switches, remote uncouplers and transformer control. Both are great fun!

Jim H

[Anonymous]

I started a little over a year ago with very little research, I just went out and got a Lionel starter set. I wish I would have found this and the other forums before I got that first set.

Now if you think you will never ever want to get into command control then it doesn't matter as much, but I warn you once you learn about the two systems available and see them in action you may change your mind. Especially when your engine without speed control flys off the tracks out of control down a grade.

[2c] and only my opinion; If i were to do it again I would get an MTH RTR set, sell the track or try to get credit at the shop toward either Lionel FasTrack or even Atlas track. Again only my opinion buy the MTH sets have the most bang for the buck when it comes to the PS2 engines as all of them have speed control. But not all TMCC engines have speed control. If you get into command control remember that DCS runs both MTH PS2 equipped engines and TMCC engines. But TMCC cannot run PS2 engines in command mode. However both systems can coexist on layout.

Now I have four PS2 engines and that little Lionel 4-4-2 steamer from the first starter set just sits on a shelf. Except for one thing; my 2yr old son insists I put that little engine on the layout every time he comes in the train room[%-)]

[thor]

Trainsets almost always represent the best bang for your buck, they don't usually contain the higher end products but you have what you need to get running and frankly I think thats the most important thing, especially if any kids are going to be involved.

I was given a Lionel 'collectors' set (this term is grossly misused) with their bog standard 4-4-2 and three coaches and the weak link was the controller which has been nothing but trouble due to dry soldered joints but I finally found all of them and it now works fine.

The train's tender has an electric motor driven whistle which to my ears sounds very good and the engine runs very well at all speeds from a crawl to land speed record velocity!

The set came with FastTrack which I was very impressed with and so my impression is to stick with Lionel. I went to a local hobby shop to get some more Lionel track and he did everything he could to convince me to buy MTH which may very well be better but I dislike high pressure salesmen so he did Lionel a favour as it made me dig my heels in and go elsewhere (I'm stubborn as a mule).

However that aside, I'm sure some MTH is in my future but to be honest the Lionel range is far more attractive to me in the choices available and what Lionel has going for it that MTH doesnt, is the name.

[Jumijo]

You can get good sound from Lionel starter sets. The NYC Flyer comes with Trainsounds and it sounds great. The El Capitan Diesel passenger set also has great sounds in its Trainsounds package. The horn is fantastic and can be modulated. It's not the same sound every time. You control what it sounds like. Same goes for the NYC Flyer's whistle.

Jim

[ED WHITFORD]

[2c]Here's another suggestion.

Take a look in your local paper or any of the model train mags & see if there is a upcomming trian show in your area. Some times you can find a reasonably priced set & end up with something better than what you had expected or look around & make up your own starter set.

For me there is nothing like steam, there is somthing to be said about the old air chime whistle & puffing smoke from an old smoker.

The more tech the more the headache some times.

What ever you decide on make sure it is something that will bring you enjoyment not headachs. figure out what tech level you want to be in. we have both the older post/pre war & some of the new. for simple operation you can't beat the old. If you like the station sounds, electonic whistle, bell & such you will want to go newer.

I don't know how much room you have or if you plan on a layout any time soon, but when you do. Take a look at it & figure out what your curve space can acommidate. Most of the newer more realistic trains require a min of 042-054 raidious. Make sure you check that before you buy so you are not dissapointed.

Some of this might sound a little discouraging but think about what i have here & about what your goals are. I know in the past I have bought engines on what I wanted instead of what is workable on the layout. Same goes for some of the rolling stock, but mostly the engines. Ask questions.

Take your time & most importantly just have fun & think about the time when you where a kid & just enjoyed watching your train run.

[Anonymous]

What is the recommended incline for the trestle set on page 55 of the Feb. issue ?

[CSXect]

A starter set from lionel or MTH is a good start. you have two chocies to make

1.steam or desiel

2 passennger or freight.


Lionel has expansion packs for some of their sets and this is a good deal as well.

Once you are setteled in further expansion I would recomend Willaims Electric trains and their collectors club is a good value.[8D]

[dbaker48]

Bob,
[#welcome] [#welcome] To the Forum. Be cautious of all the fllying snowballs and grits going back and forth from all those easteners.

I was looking at your profile and your website reference. Since you are in So. Cal., we have the benefit of practically everything available in the world is also available within a 50 mile radius.

I would strongly recommend you visiting two train shops, (easily done in one day).

In Anahiem, the Toy Train shop or 38th Station in Anahiem Hills both have very good Lionel displays, and demos.

Then visit Arnies Trains in Westminster, they have a great display of MTH. And really know what they are talking about.

Both shops are exclusively trains and very informative. At Arnies I was able to take two starter sets and compare them side-to-side, (both $250-$300) it was really interesting.

As you can see I to am from So. Cal., and if you want you can contact me via the website I have referrenced below. Will be glad to share more information.

Also, Check out the coffee pot thread it is interesting.

[dougdagrump]

Hey !!!! Another Southern Californian. Welcome aboard.
You have been given some good info, and as others have said spend some time looking and investigating then decide on what you like and what you hope to achieve. Just remember it doesn't have to go from start to completion overnite. And the most important part just have fun. [^]
P.S. Almost forgot to say, there are a few "O" gauge clubs in SoCal so you mite wabt to check as to when they have open houses. Ours is in the San Diego Model RR Museum so if you are close enuff stop in for a visit sometime. [:D]
P.P.S Based on your screen id you must be a Steve McQueen fan. [8D]