Are you new and what set did you start with?

[NewbieLady]

I still am into both Hobbies and have many "priceless" aquisitions,but the one I value most is my wife of thirty-six years ,who puts up with all of this.She used to wait for me to grow up but now enjoys both hobbies with me.I now have children and grand-children who are happy that I never grew up.

That's beautiful. You and your wife are very lucky!

[YGBSM]

Thanks Kooljock!  I might have to investigate TMCC for the old engine.  :)

[Kooljock1]

YGBSM,

On the Lionel web site is the part number and installation instructions to up-grade your NY,NH,&H engine to AC operation. All you'll need is a modern era reverse/rectifyer board. It'll give you a three position reverse, plus you'll get to play with all your other trains!

Jon

[AKKevinT]

Great topic! Great accounts from everyone!

In 1958 my Dad gave me the Lionel plain jane freight outfit, The Coal King Set 1597S for Christmas. My Mom complained  that is was to exspensive (Catalog evidence says it was around $40 -$50!) for a kid to have. I guess that depends on how old the kids was who made the purchase (grin). Dad won out and I had a Lionel train set! It is still running and I have the entire set, with all the boxes (thanks to Mom). Since then I have purchased a second set so each of my kids will get one some day! Tricky huh!

In 1995 my good old Mom decided to mail my old train set to Alaska so my kids could see it and maybe I could get it running again. As soon as I opened the box "The hook was set". The next thing I know I was checking out Lionel trains on the web and ordered the 1997 Alaska set! Now it is my wife who is saying  "Hey that stuff is to expspensive to be considered a toy!" I truely marvel at the Lionel postwar stuff and buy some it from time to time– mostly I buy Alaska Railroad since I'm up North. From the old post war to current if it is ARR I can rationalize it.

Kevin T. 

[YGBSM]

I got a New Englander set for Christmas in 1980 or 1981.  Still have it, although because it is DC powered it mainly sits on the shelf.  I got back into trains about 8 months ago and found that I really like the Postwar Celebration series.  So far I've picked up the Santa Fe Super Chief set, the Super O steam freight set, and the Virginian Trainmaster set.  I think I'm done for a while . . . 

[wchrisyoung]

I reentered the hobby during the Christmas season of 2001 using my existing trains.   My first set was a Lionel SantaFe passenger set.   My first MTH set was the PS2.0 Alaska Set.  

Chris 

 

[otftch]

I received my first set the day I was born in 1950,Lionel 2-6-4,blk gondola,Baby Ruth reefer and caboose.I added a couple of cars when I was fifteen and dad finally let me play with my set.I purchased a Jersey central NW-2 set for $20.00 a few weeks later and sold it for $25.00.I was fifteen and what a great profit I thought I'd made.I went into HO about a year later.I ended up with a 45 foot by 27 foot basement full of trains.I also liked building plastic models at the time.When I met my wife in 1969 I gave all the HO's to my brothers and kept the model airplanes.After a few years of marriage I started again with Ho but just didn't enjoy it as I used to.I always liked building over running,so once again I gave my trains to my brothers and concentrated on my model airplanes.I was in ahobby shop in the early nineties and saw a Lionel Santa-Fe passenger set.I told my wife I always wanted a Lionel Passenger set and she bought it for me,Now I have a model room with over 3,000 model airplanes and the train bug bit me.I didn't have the nerve to ask for another room in the house so I purchased a shed and after a year of insulating and building the framework I now have five lines and a trolley and over 100 locomiotves and I'm afraid to think how many frieght cars.(The origional Lionel set included) I still am into both Hobbies and have many "priceless" aquisitions,but the one I value most is my wife of thirty-six years ,who puts up with all of this.She used to wait for me to grow up but now enjoys both hobbies with me.I now have children and grand-children who are happy that I never grew up.

                                                                                              Ed

                                                                                       

[Anonymous]

My husband bought me a Lionel Pennsy Flyer set two Christmases ago. Surprisingly, considering my gender, I thought it was the best present I'd ever gotten. I love to make a village around the tree, and this was the icing on the cake. We set it up around the tree and were a bit disappointed with the smoke output. The next day we went to our LHS to buy some more track, and the owner asked if it was Lionel or MTH. I said, "What's MTH?" Although he sells both, his opinion was that the MTH starter sets gave a little more value. We ended up buying the MTH Virginia and Truckee RTR set pictured below (with separately bought Overton cars.) We were thrilled with how it smoked, and it did seem nicer. Granted, it was more expensive than the Pennsy. Please, Lionel people, don't flame me; I think Lionel makes beautiful stuff in the higher price ranges, but in the "starter" range, I just prefer MTH.

As you all know, once you buy that first set, you're hooked. At least 99% of us here are I guess. :-) The funny thing is, I have developed much more of a passion for it than my husband. He keeps saying that he thought he'd just buy me one little set for around the tree, and look what it's turned into - he's created a monster, etc. We now have four sets, with an RMT Beep on order. This year he gave me a DCS system, which I love. We just built our first little layout to keep the trains up all year, and we're really enjoying it. Women love decorating, and to me, it's like a constantly moving, evolving decoration. Feel free to use this line on your wives!

NewbieLady,
Up until I started coming on the board back in Nov I probably would have flamed you! However, after spending some time on the board, reviewing some reviews, and visiting my LHS I have come to appreciate all manufacturers (actually just picked up some MTH and Williams rolling stock, and MTH Chessie F-3 A-B-A diesels!

I'm now of the mindset that you buy what you like within your budget!  Looks like I'll be making an investment in DCS soon too!

Brent

[Garfield]

I got a Bachmann Power House set (HO) for Christmas back in '84.  I LOVED it but it was hard to keep running (6 ppl in a 3 bed room trailer, not much space for a layout, old school HO track and shag carpet did not get along).  I lost it , and most evrything else in a house fire (No one was home , I am blessed no one got hurt).  I bought a Bachmann North Pole and western that year at Wal mart after Christmas, Never opend it. 

 

I moved and wound up at a church with a pastor and his brother who have a great postwar Lionel lay out.  They had me over to see it and it was amazing.  The trains actualy did stuff like my old Power House did.  Turns out most of the Power House accessories were ideas "borrowed" from Lionel.  Then His brother fired up his Cat MTH set, and it sounded Like a train, I didnt know toys could do that! 

Last Summer we were visiting familiy and stopped in a Gooodwill.  Found a Glaicer Route set for $9.95 and an Alaska spotlight car for $4.  Our car was almost full and it might have ment them riding in may lap for 5 or 6 states on the way home but I bough them any way.  I had always liked my dad's O Marx set for the simple resaon that it ran and did not derail.  The Lionel was the same way. 

Well a few train shows later I saw how high this stuff sold for and almost thought I could not aford to play this game.  Then Hobby Lobby did the %40 off coupon and I got a Santa Fe Fast Frieght set.  WOW what a change from the single motor RS-3 to the dual motor MP-15.  I kept watching the clearance Isle at HL and got a few swtiches and some bumpers and stuff, am now planing a 4 x 8 is lay out, thus fufling one of my child hood dreams : ) 

Its never to late to have a happy child hood. 

[laz 57]

My husband bought me a Lionel Pennsy Fyer set two Christmases ago. Surprisingly, considering my gender, I thought it was the best present I'd ever gotten. I love to make a village around the tree, and this was the icing on the cake. We set it up around the tree and were a bit disappointed with the smoke output. The next day we went to our LHS to buy some more track, and the owner asked if it was Lionel or MTH. I said, "What's MTH?" Although he sells both, his opinion was that the MTH starter sets gave a little more value. We ended up buying the MTH Virginia and Truckee RTR set pictured below (with separately bought Overton cars.) We were thrilled with how it smoked, and it did seem nicer. Granted, it was more expensive than the Pennsy. Please, Lionel people, don't flame me; I think Lionel makes beautiful stuff in the higher price ranges, but in the "starter" range, I just prefer MTH.

As you all know, once you buy that first set, you're hooked. At least 99% of us here are I guess. :-) The funny thing is, I have developed much more of a passion for it than my husband. He keeps saying that he thought he'd just buy me one little set for around the tree, and look what it's turned into - he's created a monster, etc. We now have four sets, with an RMT Beep on order. This year he gave me a DCS system, which I love. We just built our first little layout to keep the trains up all year, and we're really enjoying it. Women love decorating, and to me, it's like a constantly moving, evolving decoration. Feel free to try to use this line on your wives!

 

NEWBIELADY, thats how I started with one set (NYC FLYER) around the tree and WAMO the train bug got me.

laz57

[laz 57]

My husband bought me a Lionel Pennsy Fyer set two Christmases ago. Surprisingly, considering my gender, I thought it was the best present I'd ever gotten. I love to make a village around the tree, and this was the icing on the cake. We set it up around the tree and were a bit disappointed with the smoke output. The next day we went to our LHS to buy some more track, and the owner asked if it was Lionel or MTH. I said, "What's MTH?" Although he sells both, his opinion was that the MTH starter sets gave a little more value. We ended up buying the MTH Virginia and Truckee RTR set pictured below (with separately bought Overton cars.) We were thrilled with how it smoked, and it did seem nicer. Granted, it was more expensive than the Pennsy. Please, Lionel people, don't flame me; I think Lionel makes beautiful stuff in the higher price ranges, but in the "starter" range, I just prefer MTH.

As you all know, once you buy that first set, you're hooked. At least 99% of us here are I guess. :-) The funny thing is, I have developed much more of a passion for it than my husband. He keeps saying that he thought he'd just buy me one little set for around the tree, and look what it's turned into - he's created a monster, etc. We now have four sets, with an RMT Beep on order. This year he gave me a DCS system, which I love. We just built our first little layout to keep the trains up all year, and we're really enjoying it. Women love decorating, and to me, it's like a constantly moving, evolving decoration. Feel free to try to use this line on your wives!

 

NEWBIELADY, thats how I started with one set (NYC FLYER) around the tree and WAMO the train bug got me.

laz57

[darianj]

I started about 1 year ago with the Polar Express and the NYC Flyer sets.

[NewbieLady]

My husband bought me a Lionel Pennsy Flyer set two Christmases ago. Surprisingly, considering my gender, I thought it was the best present I'd ever gotten. I love to make a village around the tree, and this was the icing on the cake. We set it up around the tree and were a bit disappointed with the smoke output. The next day we went to our LHS to buy some more track, and the owner asked if it was Lionel or MTH. I said, "What's MTH?" Although he sells both, his opinion was that the MTH starter sets gave a little more value. We ended up buying the MTH Virginia and Truckee RTR set pictured below (with separately bought Overton cars.) We were thrilled with how it smoked, and it did seem nicer. Granted, it was more expensive than the Pennsy. Please, Lionel people, don't flame me; I think Lionel makes beautiful stuff in the higher price ranges, but in the "starter" range, I just prefer MTH.

As you all know, once you buy that first set, you're hooked. At least 99% of us here are I guess. :-) The funny thing is, I have developed much more of a passion for it than my husband. He keeps saying that he thought he'd just buy me one little set for around the tree, and look what it's turned into - he's created a monster, etc. We now have four sets, with an RMT Beep on order. This year he gave me a DCS system, which I love. We just built our first little layout to keep the trains up all year, and we're really enjoying it. Women love decorating, and to me, it's like a constantly moving, evolving decoration. Feel free to use this line on your wives!

[Kooljock1]

I got mine for Christmas 1969. By today's standards she's pretty simple: plastic 2-4-2, no whistle or sounds, plastic trucks and couplers.

But here she is 38 years later:



Sometimes I think we bring way too much "hobby baggage" to our reviews of starter sets. We expect them to be pulled by die-cast behemoths, digital sounds, command control. But you know what? I had a lot of fun with this little set from the time I was five, up until last night. And I will continue to do so!

Jon

[Dr. John]

Well, I'm definitely not new. My first set was a Marx clockwork (wind up) set I received for Christmas in 1962. My first electric train set was a Marx Allstate set in 1965 from Sears. I got into HO about 1969 and stayed there about 30 years before getting back into O (and dabbling in S) about 1999. The only set I have bought new since a kid was the Copper Range set.

I mostly collect and run postwar Lionel and prewar/postwar Marx but I also have modern Lionel, Williams and MTH in my collection too.

[BMRR]

I guess I'm still new to the hobby. I bought my first train set in 2004 (Lionel Southern Diesel). Then I got into N and HO, but it's getting to costly for three scales, so I'm going to stick with O scale and store the rest.

Stan.

[Anonymous]

For christmas I  received a 70s era HO and traded it in for a lionel Yard Boss days later...Yellow, plastic, JUNK.  25 years later, I just had a hankerin' for a set under the tree.  I bought an MTH Union Pacifid Ready to Run set.  I now have Lionels, but have found the MTH's technology and ease of set-up and expansion far superior (pre-fastrack).  Now I run some of both, but my wife and everyone else likes my tin litho Marx circa 1950s the best.  Go figure.

[Brutus]

My kids and I got into Harry Potter lego sets and got their train set.  Then we got thier motorized train set.  Then we found an HO Hogwart's Express and I added an HO Dewitt Clinton.  But, I didn't really like the little trains - they seem too fragile and frankly I have a little tremor in my hand sometimes.  I started watching some tv shows and remembering my Dad's old O gauge set from when I was a little kid, and the next thing you know I've got the Polar Express and a K-line handcar set, and then a docksider and some Postwar log cars, and on and on!  Really love the O Gauge!  As you can guess, the coming Lionel HP set will be a no-brainer for me!

[underworld]

Not new but my first set was the Marx Big Rail with the automated log car. I haven't stopped since!

underworld

[weldman87]

I started with a set that my uncle had when my parents bought it from him. Its a pennsylvania diesel with a liehigh valley coal car a flat car and a caboose. I have since bought a zw transformer, generator car and another flat car, caint wait to get some track and start a little layout while waiting to sell the house and find a bigger house with a bigger basement to get a bigger lay-out started. I look at every ones pictures of the very nice lay-out's they have, and got some good idea's from them and have thought about a big lay-out with plenty of room for structures and a yard for parking rolling stock, and unused trains.  

[Seaboard]

My wife bought me a Lionel Pennsylvania Flyer set this past Christmas.  Since then she said she created a monster.  The set and many accessories (most of which I have not yet purchased but will in the near future) remind her of her dad's Lionel layout when she was a little girl and not allowed to play with them.  She will definitely be allowed to play with this one - in fact, she may be the one who does the allowing.

Can't wait to start building a permanant layout in a couple of years after we get a place with a basement.  I've been asking all kinds of questions on various forums, from type of track, to K-line accessories, TMCC vs. MTH's version, and everything in between.  Began building my first Atlas train station and installed Radio Shack micro lights in it.  It's a start.

[kpolak]

"Just dad, and me."  He keeps telling his mom. 

You two will have a great time!!!  And your son will always remember the trip!

The Michigan Model Train Center is loaded to the roof!  Train shop in Dexter, just north of Ann Arbor off US23.  Might make for a great diversion.

Kurt

[IronHoarse]

Hi,

 

I started two years ago.  I did not buy until I researched what was available and asked a lot of questions on this forum.  I started out by piecing together a train rather than getting a starter set.  I went with a C&O 4-4-2 steamer with TMCC and RS.  I also bought some rolling stock, track, powermaster and TMCC command set to make up my first set.  My first actual set was my second train.  It is the Black Diamond set with a Lionmaster MS SD-80 with TMCC.  It is a very nice set for a good price too. 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the tip ATSJer!

The trains are running weekends Memorial Day-Labor Day.    Owasso is also on the east side of the state...We're headin' west...Nawth West!

Kurt

*sigh* Oh well.  We're planning a summer weekend trip just my son and I.  It's about 8 hours due north for us.  I would love to see that thing and my son is getting excited about the trip too.  "Just dad, and me."  He keeps telling his mom. 

[Anonymous]

I restarted after 20 years break with an MTH Ohio State University set for my Son's first Christmas.  It's pretty nice.  Since then, I have been designing layouts that I could never actually construct, drooled over trains I could never afford, and learned things that most people take for granted...

It's an awesome hobby.

 Wes

and met some very nice folks along the way... can't wait to meet in person too!

[Wes Whitmore]

I restarted after 20 years break with an MTH Ohio State University set for my Son's first Christmas.  It's pretty nice.  Since then, I have been designing layouts that I could never actually construct, drooled over trains I could never afford, and learned things that most people take for granted...

It's an awesome hobby.

 Wes

[kpolak]

Thanks for the tip ATSJer!

The trains are running weekends Memorial Day-Labor Day.    Owasso is also on the east side of the state...We're headin' west...Nawth West!

Kurt

[Bubba]

 Hi i am very new here just joined few minutes ago. Had a lionel set years ago A friend of mine gave me an old american flyer set. That was all it took. Now i have the bug. I must have at least thirty oscale engines. I am definatly hooked.

[Anonymous]

NYC Flyer set back in 2000.  Then the train bug bit.

laz57

 

Laz,
I knew we had something in common!  That was my first set after being out of the hobby for 13 years.  Still have it in its original box, it is going to be my son's first set as well!  After that I bought the NPCL Christmas Set for x-mas 2001 and then the Thomas set when it came out as well.  For some reason I can't seem to part with anything I have bought along the way... including boxes, which are starting to take up quite a bit of room... can't wait to move to the new house and get things started!!!