Well, where do I start?

[Anonymous]

I know y'all get inquiries from newbies all the time, so I apologize in advance for asking what I assume is an often-asked question. If someone could link me to the info I'm looking for and save themselves or someone else the trouble of typing a response, so much the better...Having said that, here goes the question(s)...

Or maybe a little background first....I received as a gift, a complete train set, one of the boxed deals made by Model Power, from their Metaltrain line. Everything seems to be nice quality, all the pieces (both the locomotives and the freight cars) are made from die cast metal. Very solid looking stuff to the untrained eye. Now for the actual questions.

Since I'd like to expand my capabilities by adding additional cars, track and eventually buildings, etc., where's the best place to start? I know there's tons of stuff to learn about the hobby and have already done some research. But how do I know if the stuff I'm thinking about buying is solid, durable, well-made equipment or if it's junk? Are there brand names to avoid? Are there brand names that are must-haves? What about track? My kit came with Bachmann EZ-Track. Is that any good?

My objective is first to enjoy messing around with what I have. I'd like to have some switches and sidings on my layout--something that'll give me some variety and keep things interesting. To begin with, I'd like to have a set that operates on a 4x8 piece of plywood. Right now it's sitting on the dining room table and my wife is getting ready for me to move it, which is understandable, it's been there for nearly a month. Also, I have a three year old son who enjoys trains...he's a big Thomas the Tank Engine fan so he's naturally attracted to my "real" train. So I'd like to add on to my existing set in a way that will be interesting for him to watch, even though he won't actually get his hands on it for a few more years.

What say ye?

Over and out©,
Bubba Mediocrates

[lionelsoni]

Your train seems to be in HO scale. You will probably have better luck on the Model Railroader forum, since this forum is mostly concerned with O and S scale trains. It's okay if you want to hang out here; but we'll be obliged to try to convert you to the true faith.

[Buckeye Riveter]

[#welcome] to the Classic Toy Train Forum [:D]

I believe your set is HO, but many of us have done that scale before we found the big trains.

Did you know that there is a forum, Model Railroader that caters more to HO scale? Click on the forum index link at the top of this page. Those guys for the most part have much more experience in HO and discuss it extensively compared to the CTT forum.

Most importantly....HAVE FUN!
BTW, I had my hands on my first Marx Train at age 4 1/2 and it is still running.[:)]

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the info about the forums, I wasn't sure if I should have posted it here or in the other one mentioned. I'm definitely in the HO scale, thanks for directing me to the right place. I'll repost my qestion over there.

Over and out©,
Bubba Mediocrates

[dwiemer]

Bubba,
I was at Hobby Lobby tonight, they have the set that you mention. If you don't have a regular train store location in Dothan, try Hobby Lobby as they have additional track, switches, etc. If you look at the web site, you can find when they have 50% off on train sets. This would be a good time to purchase a few additional items. Also, you can download a coupon for 40% off that can save you some. They don't have a large selection, but they do have mostly HO and some books on layouts and scene building. I would also subscribe to a magazine that caters to HO and see what equipment the guys who have been in the hobby for some time are running. Beyond that, you will find some helpful people here and on the website mentioned in one of the above posts. Good luck and hope to see you in the big train section soon.