New to the game

[guilfordrr]

If it's HO you're interested in, you'll probably get better advice over at the Model Railroader forums. Those guys are into the smaller gauges, and they'll know more about HO than any of us. At any rate, welcome to the hobby!

[Anonymous]

My father had an old pre war American Flyer train that we set up each Christmas.  It is one of my favorite memories of growing up.  I would like to purchase the beginnings of a train set to do the same with my children.  It is important to me that the quality of the parts is on the higher end.  I don’t know where to even start looking but I do know where I would like to be after my initial purchase.

I want HO scale.  I want to build my own set (as opposed to purchasing an all included, ready to run set).  I would like good but common track that I can pack and unpack each year and that can be added to down the road.  I want to start with the "Milwaukee Road" (orange and black freight and passenger engines) that are common in the Midwest landscape.  I want a decent controller but does not have to have all the bells and whistles designed for the serious enthusiast.  For now, I do not intend on "Modeling".  I just want a higher quality but simple set.

I don't know any of the quality manufacturers, nor where to begin shopping.  I live in Phoenix, AZ.  Any help to get me started would be greatly appreciated.