Need Advice for beginner

[Anonymous]

My 4 year old turns 5 next month.  Being a train fanatic for 3 years, we are ready to move him from Thomas the Tank Engine to model trains (no offense, Thomas).  Can someone explain our options, such as scale, brands, durability, ease of assembly?  We plan on spending $150 for everything.  Should we start out small and have a basic layout?  Then add on later?  Would greatly appreciate any advice on construction.  Thanks!

[CSXect]

If he likes thomas get an O gauge lionel thomas set to start with and the expansion packs if you can afford them. This will keep his attention as well as getting him used to Ogauge, start small and add gradualy. Next step would be a polar express or one of lionels starter sets this should please both your son and you.

[jimhaleyscomet]

Classic Toy Trains Magazine (CTT) sponsors this web site.  I highly recomend getting the current edition at Border's, B&N or a hobby shop.  In general most of us on this forum prefer O gauge (that is the distance between the rails) which is about 1:48 scale.  O gauge is big enough for little hands to handle (unlike HO and N which are more fragile) but small enough to still fit inside a room.  In O gauge there is 027 "scale" which is not really to scale and length is sometimes even shorter for running 027 and 031 curves, there is semi-scale (approximately same "scale" as 027 but length, height, and width are all to the same scale (approximately 1:62?).  Finally there is scale where the entire engine is 1:48 scale and often requires larger curves.  For lower cost, kid friendly starter sets I prefer 027 units (although most contain curves that are 031 now). 

Get a Lionel and/or MTH catalog at a local hobby shop.  They explain scale (and other things) better than I can.   Usually it is best to start with a complete set (Train, transformer, and track).  For under $250 ignore all the fancy control systems for now (DCS and TMCC).  They have much better sounds but sets start at about $300 and go much higher. 

One way to start is with Lionel's Thomas series in O gauge.  You might be able to get it for close to $150 mail order.  Thomas is about $170 in the hobby shop but the support of a local dealer is probably worthwhile expecially for that first set.  BEWARE.....some Lionel sets have bad transformers.  Make sure you test run any new set WAY before the big day!   Most sets in hobby shops will be well over $200. 

If $150 is your absolute top and you do not want Thomas do a web search for JusTrains (888-453-9742).  They have an 027/O  K-line army set for about $100.  If army is not your gig, then call and see whatever else they have in that range.  Other mail order houses are listed in CTT but you will need to order soon.

Each set (Lionel, K-line, MTH Railking) contains different track that require converter piece(s) to connect to the other track systems.   K-line is now bankrupt so I would be sure to buy it from a dealer that will back the product or (like Hobby Lobby) take it back if there is a problem. 

Hobby :Lobby also carries sets..but the prices are high.  Check their website every week for the occaisonal 40% off coupon.  That brings the price in line and sometimes makes the set price lower than  mail order. 
 
To maximize play value consider the following progression:

1. Complete set.
2. Extra straights in multiples of two. 
3. Make tunnels from shoe boxes, lego's or whatever you have. 
4. Add Hopper(s) or flat car(s) for loading and unloading little figures, blocks, or whatever.  Near Christmas I use tiny Hobby Lobby "presents" ornaments for loading and unloading $1.50 for a package of several present boxes.
4.  Add a figure 8 track pack or siding switch pack (harder to find for K-line super snap track but snap track easily converts to O track). 
5.  Add more switches(some remote switches) and track.
6. Add another set
7.  Add a fancy control system ($300 or more).
7.  Add more and more!!!!!!!!

Hope this helps.

Jim H

[riverrailfan]

To make it simple, I would start off with the Lionel Thomas the Tank Engine starter set. Do a web search or pickup a CTT and check out the dealers specials. The thomas set is easy to use for a 5 year old. Engine and cars are easy to put on the track. Thomas is not over powering that it comes off on curves at full speed. I would suggest a floor layout as the couplers are not forgiving when dropped from a height. Maybe something you can push under his bed if there is room. My son has been running trains since he was 3. Was putting his own cars on at 4. Now at 5 he can put HO cars on the track.

[Anonymous]

Thanks Jim!  Great advice.  Happy Holidays!!

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the advice!  Happy Holidays!

[phillyreading]

kalebboy,

Just a word about K-Line track-most K-Line track is Lionel compatable to either 027 or O gauge tubular track, if the K-Line piece has an end on it you will have to cut it off before going to Lionel track. K-Line switches will work with Lionel track except Fastrac.

Lee F.

[poppyl]

Starting out in this hobby can be confusing but the guys have given you some good advice.  Another good idea would be to go to your nearest hobby or train store (what we refer to as LHS) -- preferably a train store -- and ask them to explain the basics of O gauge to you (manufacturers; types of track; starter sets; expansion possibilities; etc.).  Explain your budget and see what they can do for you.  Most of these folks want your business now and in the future and will work with you to get you in the hobby at your budget.

Poppyl

[Dave Farquhar]

Another good idea would be to go to your nearest hobby or train store (what we refer to as LHS) -- preferably a train store -- and ask them to explain the basics of O gauge to you (manufacturers; types of track; starter sets; expansion possibilities; etc.).  Explain your budget and see what they can do for you.  Most of these folks want your business now and in the future and will work with you to get you in the hobby at your budget.

That's excellent advice. The store I frequent the most would be able to get someone started at almost any budget, with used gear. He might have to make a couple of phone calls to run down some of the very lowest-price stuff (like if someone only had $100 to work with), but he'd be able to do something. And he would, since chances are you'll be back next year, at birthday and Christmas time, to get a couple more cars or some other add-on.