starting off

[Anonymous]

Hi guys - I have a question that I hope someone will be able to help me with. My 6 year old is desperate for a train set - simple enough I hear you say but what is with all these guages?? what do you suggest I go for?

[SPFan]

I'd suggest the three gauges suitable for a 6 year old are G, O, and S in order of size large to smaller. Avoid the smaller HO and N gauges for now. Of the first three O gauge has the most to select from and you can get starter sets that are relatively inexpensive and rugged. Lionel, K-Line, and MTH are the biggest players with many other manufacturers offering equipment. They will all pretty much work with each others equipment. For a 6 year old the operating accessories can be as fascinating as running the trains and you can't beat O gauge for the selection here. Consider buying your first set, at least, from a local hobby store where you can get help setting it up and for any service problems. Train shows are an excellent venue for adding on to the set. The hobby shop most likely has flyers with details on these.

[hrin]

My son started off with O Lionel, the cheaper starter sets.
Then he got a good deal on an N gauge at a train show. Good for portability, but not all that fun apparently.

Last year he got a K-Line set for XMas, the FDNY set. NICE.
But we put it away so nothing would happen to it. He will now take over the 'mainline' around the Christmas tree this year.

He's been playing with his O Lionel trains for a few years with no problems. He has track all over his room and puts the engines on the shelf when not playing. He is 7 years old and wants some lighted passenger cars.
No problem, just stay out of my stuff. LOL.