I'm looking for a tip from this group. If I'd like to set up a basic garden train that would run in a circle on some rough but sturdy Ozark dirt and rocks (our front yard is wooded and devoid of most undergrowth, just solid dirt and rocks), do you have a basic kit you'd recommend? This track will likely be near but not around a fire pit and chairs we're setting out front for a place to be in the evening for some train fun and cook-outs...
There are several MFG with starter kits, here a few.
Most robut/longest lasting in my opinion are the LGB sets.
Aristocraft (single Egg liner with simple remote control)
Bachmann (track is for indoors only) Thomas set available!!
HLW (Hartland)
LGB
Piko
USA Train
Here's my 2c - but you may want change.
LGB Stainz starter sets are a great value once you have one. Durable, run well, etc. OTOH they are usually priced pretty close to the 'ouch' line, and are European design. The best testament is that older version Stainz - with the metal siderods - are still in demand after 30+ years because most are still running strong. Their American outline 0-4-0 and 2-4-0, are Chinese built, not German. They are ok, but not bullet proof like the Stainz.
AristoCraft 0-4-0 starter sets CAN BE a good value - but it depends on the locomotive. I've had three that ran beautifully, and 4 total pigs over the years - and you can't tell the good from the bad until they are on the track. --- I do, however, love the Crest 5400 power pack that comes with the sets. I still use them on my layout. I've not had the chance (desire?) to flog an Aristo diesel yet.
Bachmann 4-6-0 starter sets, while attractive, still suffer from their really crappy track and marginal (at best) power pack. The loco is also notorious for pilot trucks that won't stay on the rails without modification. The current generation drive does run well, but another 'problem' for beginners is telling one generation from the others... especially on fleabay. A quick test is the 5th Gen/Annie (good) drives have a small, off center gear bump AND a rubber lubricating plug. Bachmann sets are pretty attractive price wise - right up to the point where you figure in the cost of replacing the track and power pack.
USA sets - The odd little switcher is not my cup of tea, so I haven't tried. But I've heard generally positive reviews
HLW Might Mack starter set. A very good value, with a fabulous little diesel, but pretty hard to find. I've had 4 HLW Macks over the years. Every one was good. - I gave most of them to folks just starting out to make certain their first experience was a positive one. The other I used to power a Holgate wooden trolley.
Final analysis. Sets can be your best value, or you could be flushing about half the money down the toilet. Here's some questions you really should ask yourself first.
1. Steam or diesel
2. American or European
3 Standard gauge or narrow gauge
4. How much do you, realistically have - or wish to - spend
Once you answer those questions, your choices become a bit clearer.
I'd also consider buying various pieces separately. Possibly used, but pass on anything that looks abused. But you also need to be aware that the different brands don't always work together perfectly - at least not right out of the box. AND that most other manufacturer's electronics do NOT like the Crest PWC power pack (I gut those locos to the basics - just motor and lights)
Perhaps this will help you in your quest: http://www.the-ashpit.com/mik/budget.html
If you have the money, I'd suggest thinking about broader curves. Unfortunately, the prices seem to increase exponentially as the R number goes up. Also an LGB mogul can be a good value if you plan to run longer trains often.... IF you have the patience to wait for a used one at a good price.
I'm going to be a bit contrary and suggest you do not get a starter set. A few reasons. First, the track is a very small (4' diameter) circle or maybe an oval at best. When you put that outside, it's going to vanish in the landscaping and you'll end up wanting to buy new track--preferably with a wider diameter--so you can actually build a reasonable-sized railroad. (And by "reasonable sized," I'm thinking along the lines of 10' x 10' or thereabouts as opposed to a measly 4' x 4'.)
Second, with starter sets, you're limited to what the manufacturers think you're going to want, which oftentimes is a far cry from what you personally find appealing. The majority of people I've known over the years who start with "starter sets" don't run them anymore, perhaps holding onto them for sentimental reasons, but that's about it.
Third, the power supplies that come with starter sets are often marginal for the task. You needn't spend on one of the $300 10-amp superduper power supplies for just running one train, but something mid-range (around $80) would work. MRC makes a few power supplies that are ample for running one or two large scale locos that won't break the bank.
Of course, steering away from starter sets means that you'll either have to go to a good hobby shop that has a fair selection of large scale stuff, or do some web surfing at the manufacturers' web pages to find models that you like and "build your own" starter set. It's a bit more work up front (and undoubtedly going to be a bit more expensive) but you get what you want, and you're not wasting money on something that you very well may quickly tire of, then spending your money on what you want.
Later,
K
Clint, one thing that would help would be just how big a layout your thinking of. 5'x5'?, 10'x10'?, 20'x20'?, or 100'x100'?. It makes a difference in offering suggestions. The starter sets out there can be good starting points but with caviets. Those are that you will still need extra track to create a layout beyond the basic 5'x6'or 7' oval most starters come with. Also will this be the fullest extant of your RR dreams or will expansion plans be in the offing. If not then the basic 4'dia curves could be fine, if you are thinking bigger some day those 4 footers will be a liability as it will severely limit your rolling stock choices down the line as most new offerings need 6.5' or 8' dia or even wider curves. So let us know what area you are thinking of. PS Bachmann track IS total crap good only for storage or display. So any Bmann sets will require separate track purchase for outdoor use.I like the Bmann trains but not their track
Have fun with your trains
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