question from a newbie

[Anonymous]

i want to start a collection with my grandson, who loves trains . which scale , and what brands would be recommended as the best way to get started? thanks

[chuck]

How old is the grandchild?  Are the trains to be palyed with or just looked at on a shelf?  Is there an interest in a particular road name, area of the country, era?  How much space do you have either in terms of shelf space or floor space depending on what you want to do (i.e. collect vrs operate).

[traindaddy1]

Hi! I agree with Chuck. Also consider how much you would want to spend. All the best.

[jimhaleyscomet]

 You might want to check out these two columns

 

http://www.trains.com/trccs/forums/966566/ShowPost.aspx

 

http://www.trains.com/trccs/forums/966488/ShowPost.aspx 

 

Jim H 

 

 

[jimhaleyscomet]

On this forum you will find more folks interested in O gauge and S gauge.  We prefer them over HO, N, and Z because of the heft.  Some of us also model G scale (which is huge and more of a Garden Layout).    O stock stays on the track easier and is easier for young kids to play with. 

 In O Lionel has a very nice electric Thomas set and a more expensive Polar Express set.  Both are affordable and very basic.  Lionel and MTH both sell entry level sets for $120 - $250 (and some K-line sets are still out there) but Lionel probably is more readily available.  Lionel and MTH also sell more expensive starter sets with many more sounds (here MTH probably has more available) for $300 - $600.   All the units will run  on any track but a few conversion pieces may be required to go from one track system to another. 

 Hobby Lobby sometimes has (including this week) internet coupons good for 40% off one item.  That would be great for a train set.  Otherwise their prices are a tad high.  

 

ALWAYS TEST  OUT A SET AS SOON AS YOU RECIEVE IT!  Sometimes they come with a bad transformer (Lionel CW-80) or engine (Lionel or MTH).   MTH engines have a rechargeable battery inside that should have enough charge but if they do not will need to recharge on the track for one hour before they work.  TEST OUT YOUR SET as you do not want it to be dead on the big day!

 

Jim H

[jimhaleyscomet]

One other thing.  Target has an introductory Lionel set with a fair amount of stuff for $229 this week ($249 retail). Look for the target thread on this forum for more info. 

 

Jim H