The absolute cheapest, would be to find an entry level set, had about half off discount from a big retailer. That would be a set reduced to around 120 dollars.
Cheapest realistically would be to look for an MTH starter set-visit MTH-railking.com, This would give you quality cars, a quality transformer and a quality locomotive. The set includes MTH track, but you'd probably want to switch/buy seperate lionel fastrack as it seems more popular for basic layouts.
The lionel sets all include the cw80, which doesn't work well with other brands of locomotives, among other problems.
Or look at dealer ads for the following: Oval of fast track, MTH Z1000 100 watt transformer, or K Line 120 watt variable transformer. Then pick various cars from MTH, Lionel or K line. Then pick your favorite locomotive. Williams.com has some good items, though these are basic and not command controlled(remote controlled). Going the command control route would require further money investment.
Welcome cool model trains!
First of all what are you trying to do; run model trains or are you looking for detail?
RMT has some really nice stuff for under $100.00 each even locomotives, a rail diesel car for about $80.00. Williams has some nice sets & very good quality for the money, but you may not get track with Williams. Lionel has starter sets that come with built-in frustration because the Lionel products break down in a couple of years, however the Lionel sets come with track & transformer, if it has the CW80 transformer you got a paper weight or you can replace the CW80 with a transformer from Williams or MTH.
Lee
Many times, you can let the word get out that you like "Lionel Trains", I say Lionel as most people don't know anything about gauge, but do recognize the name and associate it with the size. then, you might get some given to you, or sold at a low price from a relative or aquaintance that inherited them and hasn't used them. Also, check garage sales and even your local hobby shop for discounted items. Lastly, some good deals can be had on Ebay, but buyer beware, only go with someone who has a 100% satisfaction rating.
I would suggest getting a current copy of Greenburg's guide to Lionel trains, that will have the pricing of what trains are worth (Ballpark). Use this to help judge offers. If you do the auction route, remember to include shipping as that can be significant and make a good deal a bad one.
Another thing, a starter set is a good thing to begin with as it will have the transformer, some track, and the basics. You can get much more for your dollar with a set verses with the pieces individually. As your interest grows, you will find your own way and spend as much as you want or can. I would suggest keeping up on the forum here as it has lots of usefull information and you can ask questions as they come up along the way..
Lastly, welcome to the forum.
Dennis
TCA#09-63805
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