Looking for our first LGB starter set

[tomas]

My wife and I are looking to get our first LGB train set for our home. Our initial goal is to get something for around the Xmas tree. :) I would like something nice looking, lights, and maybe smoke & sound.

What is a decent affordable set that everyone recommends for beginners? 

[vsmith]

Heres a good inexpensive LGB starter set

http://www.shopatron.com/product/part_number=94200/394.0.16740.0.0.0.0

About $150, which is pretty good for LGB

[Coogler Rail Line]

Can't go wrong with LGB.

I bought this Christmas Coke set but it is a little pricey...but it is stock!

http://www.onlytrains.com/Merchant5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=OT&Product_Code=72510&Category_Code=BS-S

[Eriediamond]

My wife and I are looking to get our first LGB train set for our home. Our initial goal is to get something for around the Xmas tree. :) I would like something nice looking, lights, and maybe smoke & sound.

What is a decent affordable set that everyone recommends for beginners? 

I know you stated "LGB", but is there a reason for this particular brand? I mean to imply here there is nothing wrong with LGB, but there are other brands also. I am drawn to Bachmann starter sets because of the amount of train in there sets along with the relationship I have with them in HO scale. They have all the criteria your looking for in their sets. Please understand this is just a personal view, and not to elevate Bachmann above other brands and not trying to sway you away from LGB. My I also suggest that you shop around on the different discount train sites for what ever you decide on. As an example, a Bachmann set that sells for $390 I found for $199 for the exact same set. Ken

[Anonymous]

Is it just for Christmas?

[tomas]

Initially this is going to be for around the Xmas tree but I eventually plan to build a layout outdoors. Obviously I would like something esthetically pleasing around the tree for everyone to enjoy but to be ultimately be used outdoors as well.

I chose LGB for its durability, craftsmanship, and longevity from what I seen and heard from various sources. Not to say I can’t try anything else I just want to start off on the right foot. I come from a background of HO and N in model railroading and 4 ¾ & 7 ½ for live steam.

Like anything this hobby isn't cheap, but I'm trying to budget myself initially as I know I'm going to build my collection over time.

Your input and advice is greatly appreciated.

[Anonymous]

After looking at several sets myself for others who wanted a Christmas train I came up with this one: http://www.historicrail.com/historicrail/product_info.po?ID=12820&product=Models+and+Kits&category=activities&subcategory=Toy%20Trains

So far all the people I have sugested it to has liked it. Many fun features built in but not LGB.

Has the Majic of Christmas feel IMHO.

Toad in da Swamp

[tomas]

Thanks for the advice but the reviews look skeptical over at Amazon even though these aren't collectors perse.

[two tone]

You dont show where you are IE us or australia  uk?   we can advise more if we know where lay out will be running out doors

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the advice but the reviews look skeptical over at Amazon even though these aren't collectors perse.

Well, sorry I could not help. Think those people are the ones that never get into G scale and just want a train for Christmas tree.

Toad

[Bucksco]

Nothing wronge with buying LGB!

Here are my choices from least expensive to most:

92400 value set

72302 Stainz passenger set for Euro fans

72324 D&RGW set for fans of North American trains

72427 for Charles Schulz fans

 

 72120 for PRR fans with a bit more to spend. I really like this one!

[tomas]

You dont show where you are IE us or australia  uk?   we can advise more if we know where lay out will be running out doors

 Hi, I'm from Southern California in the USA

[Mr_Ash]

The Bachmann Big Hauler sets are nice too same size as LGB and most of the sets can be had for $150 or less, There are a few diffrent christmas sets.

[dougdagrump]

There are a few of us Californians on here, you from N, S, E, or W. I'm in San Diego county and there is another forumite on here who is a loooong stones throw out closer to the coast.

Personally I am also new to "G", and our first set was one of the Bachmann 4-6-0 sets for around the Christmas tree. They are ok if that is your one and only goal, but if you are going to be taking this hobby outside than I would opt for one of the other brands that comes with track that will work outdoors. The Bachmann loco's and rolling stock are useable out of doors but their track is not. Yes you will save a little up front but when it comes time to move outside you will end up possibly spending well in excess of your initial savings by having to purchase track that is suitable for the great outdoors.

[Mr_Ash]

Yeah but reguardless of what he gets chances are he wont be using any of the track later on for outside, even if he got an LGB set those come with R1 curves.

dont base your decision on the track that comes with the set because its only going to be used for around teh tree, pick what you like best for a price your comfortable spending and worry about track for outside down the road

[Bucksco]

Believe it or not there are folks out there with limited space who build layouts using R1 curves. I don't think the track is the issue here.

Not to mention the fact that an R1 circle is perfect for under the Christmas tree!

[vsmith]

Yeah I'm one of them, R1 ia all I can plan for on my layout. My Xmas layout is a bit different, I bent down some track to 36" diameter, but I'm using that for a portable layout now, so I got some circle snap-track from HLW that is also 36" diameter. It cant be mixed with other brand but since its a dedicated Xmas circle its no problem.

Heres the handbent track and the Xmas train.

[on30francisco]

Yeah I'm one of them, R1 ia all I can plan for on my layout. My Xmas layout is a bit different, I bent down some track to 36" diameter, but I'm using that for a portable layout now, so I got some circle snap-track from HLW that is also 36" diameter. It cant be mixed with other brand but since its a dedicated Xmas circle its no problem.

Heres the handbent track and the Xmas train.

I also have limited space as I model indoors in a city apartment. I consider myself lucky that I can fit the Aristo-Craft SS 39" radius track in my small place. I wish I had one of those big  basements that I remember from back East but these are extremely rare here in California.

[gtrainman1]

I also use R1 curves under my tree along with many other people I know in the area around here (Pittsburgh, PA). Also the inside track out on my patio is built with straights and R1 curves.

[LGBtrains1963]

I think that you should go with a LGB set to start in G scale, the products made by LGB will out last any other out there as far as for outdoor use. I have had many different brands of G scale and I sold them all to just to go to LGB because of it's quality. You can find a good new LGB set for around $289.00 Buy-it-Now on ebay...

[climaxpwr]

I myself just picked up a NOS older LGB Euro passenger set with the little Stainz loco at Watts Train Shop in Zionsville, IN while at my folks for Thanksgiving.  You just cannot go wrong with the LGB starter sets, if you price each piece seperatly, it will amount to much more than you pay for the set.  About the only upgrades I plan to do is lights in the passenger cars, metal wheels, lighted tail lantern, and of coarse people in the seats.  There are several of these sets on ebay and Watts has two of the freight train versions of this set in stock for a keen price.  Like others have said, Bachmann is ok, but the track isnt worth much and cannot be used outdoors.  Most of thier starter set locos use the cheaper drive train in the locomotive.  Over on another forum, a guy did a really nice layout on his appartment balcony in custom plant boxes that sat on the railings.  It was a point to point with return loops at each end thru a sprung switch so you could just run trains all day if you wanted to.  He used LGB's Fieldbahn or field railway locos which are even smaller than the Stainz locomotive.  In time I am considering doing the same thing around our deck as yard space is quite short at my house. Let us all know what you decide to get.    Cheers   Mike and Michele T

[on30francisco]

Although I only have three locos, two Bachmann Porters and an LGB Porter, and they are all of good quality, the LGB is definitely the most robust, durable, and dependable of the three. I'd recommend LGB for this reason. I wish their porter was still available as the one I have is my workhorse. As far as prices, check out Ridge Road Station or Trainworld (especially Trainworld's blowout sales") as their pricing is sometimes close to 50% off MSRP.

[LGBtrains1963]

There is a LGB Canadian National Starter set on ebay right now for $269.00 at buy-it-now and $20.00 shipping.. new in box... that is a great deal.. it cames with a 2-4-0 steam engine with tender, a tank car, and a caboose, it also has a circlr of track (R1) and a power pack, a bottle of smoke fluid, and couple of figures...  there is also more sets than that on there to look at and good prices....

[climaxpwr]

Here is a pic of our LGB Euro passenger set under our tree, just got it all up and running this morning.  I have a bit more to do with the village yet.  The train runs nice and quiet, I have it set so when you turn on the power strip for the tree, the train starts up automaticly at a nice slow speed.  Watts had 2 of the same era sets but with freight cars instead of passenger cars, instock as of black friday.  They are cheaper than the newest sets and are the same quality.  Everything is made in Germany on the older sets, not sure on the newest ones.  Cheers   Mike and Michele

[tomas]

Unless I find something I like on eBay soon I will probably go with the Bachmann, 90044 G Scale 4-6-0 Steam Locomotive Passenger Train Set, North Pole Special. Reasonable, 1:22.5 scale, and not overbearing Xmas theme.

Eventually I'll look to get more LGB sets like the LGB UP freight starter set 72432

 

 

[S&G Rute of the Silver River]

If you have the money try to get an annie (aniverary eddition). Its a better product. The Big haulers are good but these are much better in dietal. The annie and last stage hauler have the same running gear so no problems there.

[tomas]

 

Is this true?

Annie’s are not included in sets, for the most part. These engines are sold individually. The exception being that this year in the 2007 catalogue Bachmann lists two sets that contain the Annie engine. The sets are #90059 White Pass & Yukon and #90047 Wonderland Flyer Christmas Set. Also, up until this year sets sold by Sam’s Club contained the Annie. This year the Sam’s Club set contain the standard 10-Wheeler.

If so the 90047 is the one for me

[Anonymous]

 

Is this true?

Annie’s are not included in sets, for the most part. These engines are sold individually. The exception being that this year in the 2007 catalogue Bachmann lists two sets that contain the Annie engine. The sets are #90059 White Pass & Yukon and #90047 Wonderland Flyer Christmas Set. Also, up until this year sets sold by Sam’s Club contained the Annie. This year the Sam’s Club set contain the standard 10-Wheeler.

If so the 90047 is the one for me

Seems to be and it is what I have from Sams Club from last year. Shows same bump and has "steel" side rods too! Just needs a black coat of paint to get the green Christmas paint gone

Toad

[S&G Rute of the Silver River]

nice, a frog after my my own heart. Can't by yours intil its differnt. really any Hauler is good as long as its not the green and silver santa fe one. thats the first stage and its not unlike a trial and error loco, its ok but became so much better over its lifespan. hmmmm have we found something other than wine that get better with age?