Lionel tracks and other made trains

[ml-cctrains]

 Hi All

I am this close to purchasing a G train for my sons. Cost is an issue , I had previously planned on buying an Aristocraft locomotive complete with the train engineer remote and stainless steel or aluminum tracks. Now I am seeing Lionel G sets for $100+ which I think cost wise is best for us now. Please anyone let me know if the Lionel Polar express will work well outdoors plus can other G models work on a Lionel track system since I am planning to add more trains later on maybe from different manufacturers.

[wjstix]

The G-gauge Lionel Polar Express train is battery powered so you'd want to take that into consideration. Lionel G track that comes with the set is not compatible with other G-gauge track lines, but I suspect the train would run OK on other brands of G track.

http://xmasexpress.com/lionel-polar-express-g-scale.html

[ttrigg]

mi-cctrains:

I’ve not seen that particular Lionel set, the ones I have seen have track that is not that durable especially for out door use.  Within large scale there are a large number of scales (G, F, 1/22.5 ~ 1/32) that all run on 45 mm gauge rails.  I would suggest investing in a higher quality rail, there are numerous discussions on these pages about each brand, pro’s and con’s.  Later on you can always get bigger and better trains to run on a solid foundation. 

 

[sfcgadget]

Lionel G scale is only good for around the Christmas tree or other very small indoor layouts. The track will not last a year without problems outside. I went that route years ago trying to save a couple of dollars and in the long run spent more time and money getting mad. The track is the basic Lionel design of pressed steel with pins. One winter will split the track and rust the pins. The end result was LGB track and a mix of Aristocraft, Bachmann, LGB and USA Trains equipment. Power is by 2 Aristocraft 10 amp power packs and Train Engineers so I have 2 trains running at the same time on a dual main line. The Lionel trains, themselves, tend to be toy like and under powered. If you want a pleasureable experiance for you and your children, spend a few more dollars and enjoy. When cost is an issue, start small and add as time and funds allow.

[altterrain]

 If cost is an issue consider starting with an Aristo Eggliner set. Kids of all ages love the eggliners and they are very durable. You get a circle of brass track and a power supply (the Basic Train Engineer I think). They can be found for around $150 at the bigger online stores (http://www.ridgeroadstation.com/istar.asp?a=6&id=25528601!255).

Eggliners are also fun to customize - 

 

 

-Brian

[ttrigg]

For the egg-liners, and I totally agree with Brian are a blast to watch running around the rails, have a look at Internet Trains.  They have them from $92.65 ~ $114.65 for the “Russian Jeweled” version.  Plus tax and shipping.  I am a loyal user of theirs due to my very good experiences with them, quick shipping, fast replacement of damage during shipment, and such.

http://www.internettrains.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGYA&Store_Code=IT&Category_Code=LSCLOC&IT_Category_All:per_page=100

There are many others out there that sell them.  My LHS has them for $70, do some online shopping, bargains are out there.  Take your copy of GR and dial up the websites for all the vendors listed, you’ll find someone with a “value” price.