Thinking of becoming a Model Train Collector

[jefelectric]

I knew there was alot to this hobby, but my god, where does one begin. I've always had a fascination with model trains, but never really went with it. I remember as a kid, I'm now 31, my father had a set with a bridge and the old school metal tracks. Unfortunately, we really never developed this hobby due to sports. I also remember that a kid I grew up with in my neighborhood, his father had an awesome collection that included a train with a whistle sound and smoke representing steam. That is what I'm interested in. I would love to collect old train locomotives and rail cars. I love the old steam trains and I love the first generation of the diesel trains. As you can see, I need to go in a certain direction and I would like some advice. I want to have a scene with bridges, trees, people, etc. Any help would be appreciated.

 Chris

I just reread your post and I don't think it is clear, but it looks to me that you are saying you like trains based on an older prototype, not model trains that are old themselves.  If that is the case than you may be happier with the new stuff.  Runs better and looks better than the post war stuff. IMHO.

[alton6]

You can do a lot of perusing, imagining and formulating on a certain online auction website.  Just remember:  most of the time the "unique" or "rare" item you come to covet actually has many twin siblings.  And, they will also appear shortly after the listing ends.  One doesn't have to be in as big of a hurry as I was early on...

Carl

[Dave Farquhar]

But it's much easier to find trains in New England than in SoCal. A lot of them were made there, and the distribution channel was a lot better there.

[CJBurbank]

I wish that I were living in So. Cal with that nice weather and I really wish I was related to the owner of Burbank studios, but sadly, I live on the East Coast here in Massachussets. I do prefer the O gauge since that was my first experience with trains. Not sure on the budget, but I do remember that I liked the details of the scene. I appreciate all the help. I've got a lot to figure out obviously.

[3railguy]

The best thing to do is to buy a sampling of trains and let it take off from there. You say you like old trains. Moderately priced postwar Lionel is all over. You can put together a decent set for around $200 or $300. Even $100 if you're savy. Mid size steamers such as 2055's or 2037's or diesels such as 2023 UP Alcos or 624 C&O switchers are fairly common and real bargains.

 The new stuff is nice but it just isn't old stuff if that's what you like. The old stuff is robust, easy to maintain, and easy to get parts for. Plus it gives you that old school feeling. New stuff is not-so robust and has factory sealed components such as can motors and electronic boards that in most cases must be replaced entirely. Finding replacements isn't so easy and they are often expensive. Oh yea, those miserable rubber band wheels that break off and crawl up switch frogs. Some are inclined with it all so you will hear different experiences.

[dwiemer]

I would echo many of the thoughts already espoused.  After you get a "feel" for what scale you want.....after visiting some clubs and hobby shops (plural as you don't want to get where you only see one or two scales), make a list of advantages/disadvantages of each scale and how each suits your interests.  For me, Oscale/gauge is better as I enjoy having fun with them, they are more durable than the smaller ones and don't take up the room of the larger, G scale.  They have a lot of accessories and things that you can add to the "play" value which is good to keep the interest and also for those of us with children, keeps their interest as well.

As others have eluded to, don't buy right away (unless you want a starter set to have fun with).  You are better off taking your time.  A few good resources are "Getting Started with Lionel Trains" a book, "Building an O Gauge Layout" a DVD, and others.  These will help you with the basics, and then, if O is your scale, then I would get copies of Classic Toy Trains and O Gauge Railroading, both magazines.  Read a few issues and subscribe to either or both.  After you have read a lot, checked out the offerings and made your mind up regarding your likes, then you can start building your collection and building your layout.

Good Luck,

dennis

[dougdagrump]

I will make the same assumption as Don that you are possibly in the Burbank area. If this is true and you are not sure as to the gauge(scale) of interest make a visit to the San Diego Model RR Museum. You will be able to see some amazing operating layouts in three different 2 rail gauges( O, HO, N) as well as my preference 3 rail "O", the Toy Train Gallery.

And as you have already heard do lots and lots of looking as well as asking questions, remember there are NO dumb questions although sometimes there are dumb answers.

Click on the link below and it will take you to the SD3Railers site and from there we have links to the musuem itself.

Forgot to add that at various times of the year you can find visiting modular groups at the museum as well. Every Christmas the Lego group is there and last month an "S" gauge group set-up. 

[Dave Farquhar]

Sounds like you already have an idea what you like, which is good. I agree with the others, try to see as much as you can before you buy much. When I started out, I fell into the trap of buying everything I saw that I could afford, and I ended up with a mismash of stuff. Some of it worked well together and some of it didn't. I've unfortunately seen some people get into the hobby, spend a ton of money buying stuff because they initially liked it, then a couple of months later they decided they liked something else better and they ended up selling 90% of what they'd bought, most of it at a loss.

If you can see stuff in person, that helps. Visit train shows. If there's an O or S gauge club near you, visit those. Don't join immediately--make sure you fit the culture of your club. I didn't fit in well with my local club. Most of the people there were nice enough, but I couldn't find anyone there with similar interests to mine. If there's a local hobby shop that sells trains, spend some time hanging out there. Spend some time talking trains. In my experience most shop owners don't mind their shops being hangouts, as long as you're not keeping them from helping paying customers.

Ask lots of questions and view the Sunday Photo Fun, where lots of people post pictures of their layouts. That'll help you figure out what you like.

[Sturgeon-Phish]

Welocome!!!!!

Don has a lot of good points.  I might add from the onset have fun and be patient.  Set yourself a budget and stick to it.  I'm not too good at this

When collecting, go for quality not quanity.  Read all you can on the direction you head.

For me I stayed focused on postwar American Flyer Steamers / cars / accesories.  On my layout, I do not adhere so much to realism as to what a layout would of looked like in the '50's or '60's with a lot of leeway.

Have fun

Jim

[Bob Keller]

It has been said before - but can't be repeated enough - don't buy something with the thought of it being an investment - or even being able to get what you pay out of it.

Buy it because you like it.

[Anonymous]

 

Chris:

I started back in model trains just this past January 2007. So I know where you are coming from. I had not ran model trains since my "Tyco" days 40 years ago. Here are my recommendations:

1. Do not buy anything until you look, look, and look some more at whats out there today!

2. Just take your time, do not rush out and buy the first train set you see.

There is so much it is really overwhelming. You may decide later you like something better. Vist you local hobby shops, get some catalogs from different manufacturers, and if you can go to a model train show. Research different products.

3. Look at the different scales and decide which is best for you, depending on how much room you have to build a layout.

4. Talk to other model railroaders in person and in forums is a great place to start.

5. Ask lots of questions, we love to talk trains.

It is a lot of fun relearning about model trains today.

Good Luck!

Wayray 

[traindaddy1]

Chris: Hi! So far, looks like everyone is on track with their advice. I really have to agree with Don's comments.  If I may add just one little note....If you can, go for quality over quantity and purchase items that you really like especially if you are going for the "hobby" end vs "buy and sell" end.  AND, go slow.    All the best.

[dbaker48]

Chris - I'm going to make a major assumption that your located in So. Cal. (Burbank from your login).  Regardless there are a number of good hobby shops and if your fortunate possibly a local train club.  Most of these clubs encourage visitors.  If your in Burbank, I belong to a club in San Pedro.

Regardless, the initial decision you make is very important.  Before you select a scale I would suggest visiting a hobby shop to see what impresses you the most.  There are advantages and disadvantages to each!  Since your on this forum which is dedicated to O scale, definetly pick up a copy of Classic Toy Trains magazine, the information is invaluable.  Again, many magazines are available at the hobby stores.

Some questions you may want to think about....

1. Do you want to Operate or Collect? (Nothing wrong with either)  I wouldn't suggest looking at trains as a potential for investment however.  Very seldom do they appreciate in value, usually the opposite.

2. How much space do you have available? Again a primary factor in selecting scale or "gauge"

3. What type of budget do you want to spennd?

4. Do you enjoy craft type work?  Various levels of detail can be done at each gauge, some are more intensive than others.

5. Try to see demonstrations of various gauges.  There are many alternatives to purchasing at hobby stores as well, usually less support but significant cost savings.

If you can spend some time on these considerations, then the fun will begin.  And this will probably be the most valuable and  effective use of your time.

Finally, Please come back to the forum often,  The information is flowing constantly and its free.  Remember there is NOT any dumb question.

Welcome to the hobby, it will last a lifetime, and Welcome to the forum. !!!! 

 

[Smoke Stack Lightnin']

Welcome Chris!  I've just gotten back into 3-rail train operating for about six years now.  I dropped a lot of money in that short time span, but in my opinion worth every penny!  Not to get hung on terminology, but it sounds as if you want to collect and operate your aquisitions?  Some people collect trains like some folks collect die cast, in that they never actually take them out of the box and risk a loss in potential resale value.  I collect trains that I love to operate, and think most of us do.  We take our best to care for our trains but are willing to gamble the dings and scratches from the sometimes inevitable mishaps.  Particularly starting out, do as much background reserch on the hobby as you can.  Know what roads and era you want to model to help decide your purchases.  You may want to check out Williams Trains for good running reasonably priced trains, although they are somewhat modest in features and detail than the digitals, they are very sturdy performers.  More sophisticated digital control, smoke, and sound system features on the newer engines can be pricey and the circuit boards can be costly to replace and easily damaged, but, they are very fun and more realistic to operate.  As you will see in the forums, us folks have many opinions on what is best, but that is for each of us to determine on our own, and all part of the fun.  The best saying about this hobby that stuck with me is "It's your railroad, you can run it your way"!

There is so much out there, never been a better time for model trains.  Good luck in your pursuits and happy railroading!

Stack   

[Anonymous]

This is a fun place to talk about trains!!  If there is anything you want to know, someone will always answer. I got started collecting trains a few years ago (2004) when Lionel released a "Polar Express" starter set. This is a GREAT set. Nice lookin' steam engine!

I buy new Lionel and I am also collecting trains from my childhood era...The 70's!

Take your time and read. There is alot to learn.

[kpolak]

First of all Welcome!

Also try How To / FAQ / Newbie Index

Start thinking about how much you want to spend.  Trains, accessories, people...Add up!  Quickly.

Do you want to collect (hang trains on the walls and enjoy looking at them) or do you enjoy playing with trains?  Is ther a specific era, location, or type of train you're interested in?

There a lot of trains track systems, and manufacturers out there and it can all get confusing.  The people here probably have experience with all of the above, and can provide sage advice.

If you have time stop in at the coffee pot.

First and foremost, enjoy yourself, and your trains, pick things you enjoy.

Kurt

[Anonymous]

  I actually recomend a good quality postwar Lionel set (1946-1969). You can usually find them for equal price or sometimes less than a new starter set. The reason I suggest this is twofold. I they look better (imho) than the moderd sets and they are easier to fix. A good starter engine could be the 2037, 2025, 2055 and there are many more. These have all the featured you are looking for such as smoke, whistle, light. Not to say that Lionel isn't making good trains, but I for one am not impressed with their starter sets.

Just a thought

[magicman710]

First of all CJBurbank ------ to the forum!

Now, first of all, you need to make sure what scale of trains you want to get into. I asume you want to go with O gauge since you posted it on this forum, if you dont, please post this on the forum "General Discussion (Model Railroader)" if you want to go with smaller scales such as HO or N. You can also go with Garden Railroads, post on the "Garden Railways" forum.

Now, if you want to go with O gauge(three rail track), you have 2 popular companies to choose from, MTH, and Lionel. Since I dont know anything about MTH(Im a Lionel guy), Ill tell you about Lionel.

The best thing to get started in the hobby is to buy a simple starter set. They average around $200-$300. Their a good investement, they will give you a engine, cars, track, and transformer. To build a beginners layout, paint 8x4 plywood board green. You can add ground foam, trees, ballast, bridges and other items for your layout at: www.woodlandscenics.com

Please let us know if you have any questions, we are like family here, and new members are always welcome.

 

Grayson

[CJBurbank]

I knew there was alot to this hobby, but my god, where does one begin. I've always had a fascination with model trains, but never really went with it. I remember as a kid, I'm now 31, my father had a set with a bridge and the old school metal tracks. Unfortunately, we really never developed this hobby due to sports. I also remember that a kid I grew up with in my neighborhood, his father had an awesome collection that included a train with a whistle sound and smoke representing steam. That is what I'm interested in. I would love to collect old train locomotives and rail cars. I love the old steam trains and I love the first generation of the diesel trains. As you can see, I need to go in a certain direction and I would like some advice. I want to have a scene with bridges, trees, people, etc. Any help would be appreciated.

 Chris