model trains

[thesigmons]

I have 9 grandchildren and interested in starting a train collection. I don't know where to start but I want a set that is not too expensive, I can keep adding on to the set, & a collector. Can someone point me into the right direction? I have heard that I should focus on an O Gauge or a HO Gauge.

[overall]

I would suggest you gather more information and get a clearer picture of what you want to do. Why don't you buy a copy of Model Railroader  ( for HO )and Classic Toy Trains ( for O ) magaziines and read through both of them. This will give you a good idea of what both types of model trains are like and how other hobbyists interpret them. If you are just going to collect and display trains, O gauge would definitely be the way to go. HO models, other than brass models, do not really lend themselves to collecting like O gauge does. If you know a World's Greatest Hobby ambassador, that person could give you information on the different gauges and their strengths and weaknesses. You say you don't want to spend much money. I don't know what that means for you, but, as a general rule, HO is less expensive that O is.

Hope this helps,

George

[rtraincollector]

For handling I like the O gauge as its bigger and easier to handle. Ho acually stands for half of O.

I'm partial to O but HO is fine also. You can probably get HO for less than O. No which will hold up the best I can't say as it really depends on how they handle them.

Your average O gauge starter set which has a circle or small oval of track in O gauge you can find them as low as $125.00 to $ 150.00.

HO I think I've seen them as low $100.00

When it comes to repairing in my view its easier to repair bigger.

[cjmeyers]

Christmas time is an excellent time to learn about the wonderful world of toy trains. I ditto the suggestion of picking up a latest issue of 'Classic Toy Trains', or 'Model Railroader' and peruse. While reading either (or both), look for advertisements for toy train shows in your area, and make an effort on attending one.  You can look around, see plenty, and get a good idea of the wide range of prices and stuff available. Ask questions. Most in this hobby overall are very friendly and are willing to 'talk up' their passion.

Regards,

CJ Meyers
Member TCA

 

[phillyreading]

,

While H.O. is less expensive to buy for a starter set, there is also the size dedicated to a layout. In H.O. the smallest curve made is a 15 inch radius or 30 inch circle, in O gauge there is 027 track that makes a 27.5 inch circle, O gauge tubular makes a 31 inch circle.

Another thing to consider is do I want to go to remote control? For either size trains you will need to make an investment in a command base and remote receiver installed in each engine that you want to control.

In O gauge Williams by Bachmann is the least expensive trains on the market and Williams has very good quality for a low price! Williams is not sold in most hobby shops so go to www.bachmanntrains.com

Lee F.

[lionelsoni]

In HO, the radius is measured to the center of the track.  If you measure tubular track the same way, the radius of O27 is 12.5 inches and that of O31, 14.14 inches.  But, going by the traditional tubular measurement of the diameter to the ends of the ties, O27 is 27 inches, not 27.5; and O31 is about 30.53 inches, not 31.

[Penny Trains]

Picking up magazines is a great idea, but you can also peruse Ebay to get a good idea of the variety.  This is going to sound biased, because it is, but Lionel O gauge trains are great for small hands.  They're fairly hard to break.  None of the HO trains I had as a kid back in the 70's survived my childhood but the Lionel O27 set made in 1965 and all the cars made thereafter that I got did survive with only minor problems.

If I were you, I'd get those grandkids involved in the choosing.  Let them see the magazines, the pictures on Ebay and take them to train shows and let them decide what they like best.  I don't see how you could go wrong if you go that route.

However if you want them to have a starter set under their tree, I'd still recomend Lionel O.  The starter sets are a good value and at this time of the year you can find them in a lot of stores that don't carry Lionel year round.  S Gauge American Flyer is great too!  Can't forget them!

Becky

[challenger3980]

Don't fall for the HO is less expensive than O myth. On a piece for piece basis this is often true, BUT, where HO starts getting expensive is building a layout. Say you have room for an 8x12 layout, very doable, with a decent basement. In HO, you are going to use more buildings, trees automobiles, etc. Then to make that layout look "right" it is going to take more locomotives, cars, etc.

 HO, stands for Half-O, it is actually slightly larger than that, but reasonably close. so for the same size layout, in HO it is scale-wise twice as wide and twice as long, so effectively, you are filling close to FOUR times the real estate. When you triple or quadruple everything to fill out the same size layout, HO can actually be MORE expensive than O.

I HAVE BOTH HO&O, been there done that, bought the Tee-Shirt. They each have their strong points, but unless you are only going to X-Number of Locomotives, X-Number Cars and X-Number buildings regardless of which scale you model in, HO will not necessarily be "Cheaper".

Also, I have to ask, How old are the Grand-Children? and which scale do YOU like better? You are likely to be spending more time on the layout than your Grand-Kids, and if it is at your house, YOU will still have it when they get older, and may lose interest in it(seems hard to believe, I know, but Sadly it DOES happen)

Read the magazines, go to shows and shops, see if there are any clubs, or local modelers willing to show you their layouts. Hands on is the best way to evaluate what you will likely enjoy the most. Chances are, if YOU enjoy it, the Grandkids will too, after all, I wouldn't be surprised if spending time with GrandPa, isn't the biggest attraction any ways.

Good luck, it is a Great Hobby regardless of which scale you choose, HAVE FUN!!!

Doug

[Fox14120]

Another thing to consider is how old your grand kids are too. While O is suggested for 14+ younger (around 10) can handle it still i think. Plus O is built to take alittle more abuse then HO. Some HO's especially the steamers are real delicate even handeling them the wrong was you can break something detail wise on them. Happened to me last year and to this day still don't know how i did it.

[SkyArcher]

Best thing that you can do is go to a train show.  Then you can actually see the trains and see what makes your heart beat.

Next best thing is to find a train shop.

[fifedog]

Along the same lines as already mentioned, perhaps taking the grandkids to see trains at Open Houses (think firehouses and model train clubs).  Then afterwords plant the seed, soliciting the kids' opinion on what kind of layout Pop-pop should build.

For my worth, I like recommending the LIONEL Pennsy or SantaFe Flyer sets.

BTW..... to the forum.

[laz 57]

As everyone has mentioned some really good points here.  One more would be the track that starter set come with.  If you are running the trains on top of carpeting, go with the newer track systems that have the plastic roadbed.  It will keep your engines from picking up those tiny fibers.  I recently switched to all Fasttrack that Lionel sells.  Its great except for the little noise that comes with this system.  i can't hear anyway.  Hope this helps and like FIFE said to the forum.

laz57