Starter sets with no tenders what gives?

[Anonymous]

Looking at starter sets really makes question marketing of sets. From what I have noticed while searching the web is that most come with no tenders. The other fact is they don't say narrow gauge or standard. I know most of you know
what locamotive was used where or even when but i need all the help that i can get! I look at all the pictures in garden railways but never see a set that looks as good as the pictures in the magazine(BAD MARKETING?) Any help on a decent starter sets would be appreciated. An the Gauge thing.

Thanks to all who post in this forum. your all a bunch of help. [:D]

carpenter matt

[bman36]

Hi Matt,
Best to check with the manufacturers web sites. The pictures are a lot better than some of the magazine ads. The reason you don't see tenders in a lot of the starter sets is probably due to them having switch engines in the sets. Some switchers were somewhat "self contained" to where they ran around the yard without the need of a tender. As for the scale/guage thing check again on the web sites of the ones you are interested in. Bachmann for instance is all Narrow Guage. My advice is to keep looking and asking questions. We have an Aristo Craft starter set that was our intro. to Large Scale. Like it very much. Came with an 0-4-0 loco, a boxcar, caboose and oh yes a tender! These sets are still around in hobby shops and on the internet. Scale is 1/29 for Aristo. Guage is standard. Hope this helps out a little. Main thing is keep on asking. That's is what forums are for. Let us know if you decide on something. Later eh...Brian.

[Rene Schweitzer]

Matt,

I recently compiled a starter set "roundup" article (Dec. 2003 GR) and can understand your frustration. The manufacturer's web sites don't always list the scale, or sometimes, not even the price. I actually had to call a couple of the manufacturers and ask for the scale since it was nowhere to be found. Brian is right, 1:29 for Aristo, 1:29 for USA Trains, Accucraft is 1:20.3, Marklin is 1:32, LGB has done several scales but the starter sets I had were unspecified.

You can check out the article for the most recent sets, visit manufacturer's web sites, or find a good hobby shop or club near you and ask lots of questions. It's better to research before you buy lest you get something you don't like/want.

Rene

[bman36]

Rene,
Now that you mention the article...is that you sizing up the SD-45's or a stunt double? Informative article by the way. Later eh...Brian.

[Rene Schweitzer]

Darn, thought I could stay low profile! Yep, that's me. (what you call a low-budget photo shoot!) The guy on the left is the art director of the magazine, and the guy who is my "husband" is an art designer.

[bman36]

Rene,
Ha Ha!! Sooooo...I was right. Thought there was something familiar about the "Secret Shopper". So now we all know. I'm just wondering was I the only one who figured this out? Don't worry, as I always say.."It's all good!". Later eh...Brian.

[Marty Cozad]

Now thats funny[:D]. I remember seeing your picture standing with Marc at the 20th anv cake cutting. looked like two totally different people.[;)] Must be the lighting[:I]

[Rene Schweitzer]

Marty,

That's my angle--to change my appearance enough so that no one will guess it's me! Guess it's not working anymore . .

[Anonymous]

Hi Matt,

Interesting subject you have brought up. Your reference to narrow gauge prompts me to respond, since that's what I'm into. In the way of rolling stock, there really isn't much out there yet. But, the manufacturers are starting to get the message. If you want to do 1:20.3 or narrow, then forget starter sets. They're for kids, not guys like you and I who are a bit more detail focused. Bachmann has made and continues to make a lovely variety of 1:20.3 steam engines from the out of production Shay and Climax to the Heisler and others. Their Spectrum series engines and cars are their best efforts and cost a fraction of what Brass would cost you. They even have rolling stock in that gauge. Go to the internet and do a search for Bachmann and take a look at what they offer. In addition, Berlyn out of Denver and Accucraft out of California offer Brass locos in 1:20.3 and they are quite good, if not expensive. Accucraft also builds a variety of cars for your narrow gauge RR and you can see most of them on their web site. One of the best retailers for Narrow G scale (1:20.3) is Southwest Narrow Gauge in AZ. Check them out. For rolling stock kits, check Hartford. Great stuff also a bit high priced. Good luck! Doug

[Anonymous]

Hi Matt,

Interesting subject you have brought up. Your reference to narrow gauge prompts me to respond, since that's what I'm into. In the way of rolling stock, there really isn't much out there yet. But, the manufacturers are starting to get the message. If you want to do 1:20.3 or narrow, then forget starter sets. They're for kids, not guys like you and I who are a bit more detail focused. Bachmann has made and continues to make a lovely variety of 1:20.3 steam engines from the out of production Shay and Climax to the Heisler and others. Their Spectrum series engines and cars are their best efforts and cost a fraction of what Brass would cost you. They even have rolling stock in that gauge. Go to the internet and do a search for Bachmann and take a look at what they offer. In addition, Berlyn out of Denver and Accucraft out of California offer Brass locos in 1:20.3 and they are quite good, if not expensive. Accucraft also builds a variety of cars for your narrow gauge RR and you can see most of them on their web site. One of the best retailers for Narrow G scale (1:20.3) is Southwest Narrow Gauge in AZ. Check them out. For rolling stock kits, check Hartford. Great stuff also a bit high priced. Good luck! Doug

[Anonymous]

Matt;

I am not interested in gauges or anything like that i just like to wach them go round and have a few drinks at sunset and then watch the lights go round.

However I have asked this question myself about tenders and was told as most of the distances involved were only small and they didn't need a tender but I didn't believe that. However I have recently gone on a trip in a train pulled by a 1952 vintage tanl loco and didn't have a tender and I was advised that it wasn't neccesaary as they were only going shot distances. However they did say they wished that hoad bought a gin with them, this Aussie slang for a black lady it is also slang for a water waggon. So maybe there is something in what they say.

My opinion was and still is that they do not include a tender for financial reasons; ie they want to make starters as cheap as theyc an to get your interest up and to get you goin in the pastime.

To cloud this matter further my pride and joy is a big DR Mallet engine tremendoud traction and can pull 4 litres of wine up a 5 % grade easily and this is definitley a minline engine and it doesn't have a tender and I don't know if you can even get one for it. If you think I am confused your right but i still think money is involved as it is in just about everything else.

Regards

Ian; Kawana Island Tropical Railway.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the imput all

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by iandor

Matt;

I am not interested in gauges or anything like that i just like to wach them go round and have a few drinks at sunset and then watch the lights go round.

However I have asked this question myself about tenders and was told as most of the distances involved were only small and they didn't need a tender but I didn't believe that. However I have recently gone on a trip in a train pulled by a 1952 vintage tanl loco and didn't have a tender and I was advised that it wasn't neccesaary as they were only going shot distances. However they did say they wished that hoad bought a gin with them, this Aussie slang for a black lady it is also slang for a water waggon. So maybe there is something in what they say.

My opinion was and still is that they do not include a tender for financial reasons; ie they want to make starters as cheap as theyc an to get your interest up and to get you goin in the pastime.

To cloud this matter further my pride and joy is a big DR Mallet engine tremendoud traction and can pull 4 litres of wine up a 5 % grade easily and this is definitley a minline engine and it doesn't have a tender and I don't know if you can even get one for it. If you think I am confused your right but i still think money is involved as it is in just about everything else.

Regards

Ian; Kawana Island Tropical Railway.

Hi Ian
If you are refering to the LGB mallet why would you want a tender for a locomotive that does not have one.
Water in side tanks and a coal bunker on the rear of the Cab
if a locomotive has on board water tank the chances are you will find a coal bunker
on the back or front of the cab.
I have noticed a couple of American manufactured train sets that I would not buy they have locomotive goods wagon and gaurds van and it is blatently obviouse to any one who looks at it properly.
That the locomotive should have a tender and it does not come as part of the set.
So cost cutting definatly but why not just manufacture a tank engine for the set
no need for tender..
Buying sets can be tricky but me if I bough one would like it to be a complete train
on bits missing
regards John