0 gauge set maybe? for child

[Ole Timer]

My opinion only ... the williams sets put the lionels to shame on detail . Excluding the new cab forwards ... lionel had too many molded in features. No death threats please lionel guys. Only the diesel lionels looked good. the steamers were'nt much better than Marx in looks .

[jimhaleyscomet]

You might want to tell us how much you would like to spend. 

For $200 - $400 retail you can pick up a complete set with track, transformer, conventional engine and/or tender, two cars, and a caboose.  For $300 - $600 retail you can get a set with command control engines and much better sound.  Some of the sets come with a "dump" car.  Add a few gondolas so the train can be loaded with cargo toy things.  If you purchase a freight set then look for the $100 add on passenger expansion set or vice-versa.  Hobby lobby often has a 40% off coupon for one item.   Their sets are priced high though so it usually brings the price down to near mail order price (or $30 - $50 less than a hobby shop).   Since the retail price of the expansion packs are marked on the box by Lionel  (abou $100) the 40% off coupon makes them an excellent deal!

K-line sets have more cars and are usually lower priced but they are now out of business.  When priced right I buy their sets just for the cars and track.   They are available at Hobby Lobby or mail order from JusTrains for very little (I just purchased a very nice Santa Set for $100 w/o tranformer, an army set with tranformer for about $100).   Then I also have the extra engine and/or  transformer in case I have a problem.  You need adapter piece(s) to connect K-line snap track to Lionel fastrack or MTH real track but the transitions are not difficult to create. 

Most of all...visit a local hobby shop.  They can be a great help when you purchase that first set and the service is usually worth the extra price some charge. 

Jim H

[thatboy37]

Please...just because she's a girl, don't assume she "needs" a pink train set! I'd try to find out if she would like a passenger or a freight set. Personally, I would choose the Lionel Polar Express, which I have seen at train shows for as little as $199. It comes with some figures from the movie, and this, along with the DVD (if you don't already have it), would make a wonderful "package". Joe

i guarantee if you put her if front of a polar express and the williams girl train she will pick the girl train. willing to bet a few trains on it.

[Joe Hohmann]

Please...just because she's a girl, don't assume she "needs" a pink train set! I'd try to find out if she would like a passenger or a freight set. Personally, I would choose the Lionel Polar Express, which I have seen at train shows for as little as $199. It comes with some figures from the movie, and this, along with the DVD (if you don't already have it), would make a wonderful "package". Joe

[92hatchattack]

I think the best deal i got was on my Lionel Polar express set. For a started set the engine is really dynamite! Looks reallys great and runs super smooth.

 

The set includes engine, tender, three passenger cars, cw80 transformer, and an oval fastrack setup.

 

WWW.justrains.com is still selling the set for $220, and i believe they ship for free on any orders over $200. They are really great people there and my transaction was super smooth  They also carry other started sets in the same price range so check out the site...

 

Another place i strongly recomend is http://www.nassauhobby.com/     .  The are on the east coast as am i, but all in all i have never witnessed faster shipping. I made my purchase, and 27 hours later it was at my door!!!

[thatboy37]

the girls train set made by williams. im going to get one for my daughter when she gets old enough if they are still available. this my suggestion, or the thomas train set. either will be a great choice

[marxalot]

Philip,

If you look down the topics list a bit you will see one titled: "Need Advice re: starter set for Christmas tree"..    There are some good recommendations therein. Welcome to the forum.

Jim

[Anonymous]

I am looking for a trian set for my daughter (5). I had one when I was a child and i was thinking of something similar. 8-10 cars, figure 8 track, good basic engine. Brand is unimportant to me but would prefer metal or diecast engine, or metal engine and cars (if I can afford that). I would like to find this as a set somewhere or get a shop to make a set for me. Can someone recommend something?....and give a general idea of the cost? Thank you in advance. Philip