LGB ToyTrain - What's the catch?

[Anonymous]

I've been hunting around some looking at prices and what-not. From my Playmobil post, you may know that I have a 2 year old son now and will have a 3 year old and a 1 year old when the garden RR goes in.

I'm looking for a durable kid-friendly #1 gauge train to start with and then move up to (probably) LGB locomotives and rolling stock. The LGB ToyTrain line looks like it fits the bill very well, with starter sets running between $100 and $200 - cheaper than both the regular LGB line and Playmobil. From the pictures, it looks more durable than the regular LGB, with less details to break and overall easier to handle by small hands.

What's the catch? For my purposes, it looks perfect.

-Mike
Future Garden Railroader

[Anonymous]

I've been hunting around some looking at prices and what-not. From my Playmobil post, you may know that I have a 2 year old son now and will have a 3 year old and a 1 year old when the garden RR goes in.

I'm looking for a durable kid-friendly #1 gauge train to start with and then move up to (probably) LGB locomotives and rolling stock. The LGB ToyTrain line looks like it fits the bill very well, with starter sets running between $100 and $200 - cheaper than both the regular LGB line and Playmobil. From the pictures, it looks more durable than the regular LGB, with less details to break and overall easier to handle by small hands.

What's the catch? For my purposes, it looks perfect.

-Mike
Future Garden Railroader

[vsmith]

In your last post I was under the impression that you already had Playmobile stuff and just wanted to pop it into the garden. As for LGB ToyTrain, They are the same as regular LGB, the only catch is a drop in the level of detail. I have been using ToyTrain for the core of my RR roster, they run great are durable and are terrific for adding your own detail onto. They would be a great way to start your own layout.

[vsmith]

In your last post I was under the impression that you already had Playmobile stuff and just wanted to pop it into the garden. As for LGB ToyTrain, They are the same as regular LGB, the only catch is a drop in the level of detail. I have been using ToyTrain for the core of my RR roster, they run great are durable and are terrific for adding your own detail onto. They would be a great way to start your own layout.

[Anonymous]

Sorry, I didn't make it clear that I would be purchasing everything new. Looks like ToyTrain is the way to go for me. Hopefully, Santa will bring a starter set around the tree this year, then the rails and garden get started in the Spring/Summer.

[Anonymous]

Sorry, I didn't make it clear that I would be purchasing everything new. Looks like ToyTrain is the way to go for me. Hopefully, Santa will bring a starter set around the tree this year, then the rails and garden get started in the Spring/Summer.

[Anonymous]

If you want somehting indistructible for kids at your age have you ever considered the "other" German Trainmaker, who actually invented the 1 gauge more then 100 years ago? Marklin makes "Maxi" trains in all metal with baked on enemal paint like on cars and you can get a starter set for less then $200.00! Check the net or give me a mail for help. Regards Peter By the way I'm German and since 50 yeasrs into trains.

[Anonymous]

If you want somehting indistructible for kids at your age have you ever considered the "other" German Trainmaker, who actually invented the 1 gauge more then 100 years ago? Marklin makes "Maxi" trains in all metal with baked on enemal paint like on cars and you can get a starter set for less then $200.00! Check the net or give me a mail for help. Regards Peter By the way I'm German and since 50 yeasrs into trains.

[Anonymous]

Hello! I'm using a few of the LGB Toy Train cars behind a live steam "Mimi" and they work fine. Along with them I intend to run regular LGB two axel passenger and frieght cars. As far as the Marklin product they are beautiful, but, not cheap. (not inexpensive!) I would love to see the address of Scarlets supplier of $200.00 U.S. "Maxi Starter Sets". BTW, Marklin has an excellant web site, take a visit and take a look....

[Anonymous]

Hello! I'm using a few of the LGB Toy Train cars behind a live steam "Mimi" and they work fine. Along with them I intend to run regular LGB two axel passenger and frieght cars. As far as the Marklin product they are beautiful, but, not cheap. (not inexpensive!) I would love to see the address of Scarlets supplier of $200.00 U.S. "Maxi Starter Sets". BTW, Marklin has an excellant web site, take a visit and take a look....

[Anonymous]

I had ruled out the Marklins. While they are beautiful, they are significantly more expensive than anything else (at least from what I've seen in the U.S.). They also seem to have very limited selection of North American prototypes. I think LGB offers a good balance of quality v. price v. availability of North American stock.

I went to a bricks-n-mortar store to look at some ToyTrain sets. I was impressed with the quality and think they will hold up well. Obviously, the next few years, the kids will have to have quite a bit of supervision.

We ended up leaving the store with the ToyTrain Safari set for about the same price I had seen on the internet, and was 25% off of MSRP. We also got a couple of extra pieces of track, a ToyTrain caboose to finish it off, and another $10 off the price of everything.

I will test it all out to make sure it works, then it's going back in the closet until Christmas. Next spring/summer, the work in the garden starts and its permanent tracks will be laid.

Thanks for the help, everyone!

[Anonymous]

I had ruled out the Marklins. While they are beautiful, they are significantly more expensive than anything else (at least from what I've seen in the U.S.). They also seem to have very limited selection of North American prototypes. I think LGB offers a good balance of quality v. price v. availability of North American stock.

I went to a bricks-n-mortar store to look at some ToyTrain sets. I was impressed with the quality and think they will hold up well. Obviously, the next few years, the kids will have to have quite a bit of supervision.

We ended up leaving the store with the ToyTrain Safari set for about the same price I had seen on the internet, and was 25% off of MSRP. We also got a couple of extra pieces of track, a ToyTrain caboose to finish it off, and another $10 off the price of everything.

I will test it all out to make sure it works, then it's going back in the closet until Christmas. Next spring/summer, the work in the garden starts and its permanent tracks will be laid.

Thanks for the help, everyone!

[Anonymous]

If you want really good prices on starter sets, check out the Aristo Craft starter sets. I like the track better, and some of the starter sets have very good quality engines. In any case, you will probably be adding other rolling stock or engines so I would get a set that has the track that you want. Once you take it outside you'll also want to use a different power supply (most of the starter sets don't have enough power to use on a large amount of track) and probably some kind of remote control funtionality. Check out some of the discount dealers such as St. Aubin's to see what kind of prices you can get. I know that there are many Aristocraft starter sets far under the $200 mark.

[Anonymous]

If you want really good prices on starter sets, check out the Aristo Craft starter sets. I like the track better, and some of the starter sets have very good quality engines. In any case, you will probably be adding other rolling stock or engines so I would get a set that has the track that you want. Once you take it outside you'll also want to use a different power supply (most of the starter sets don't have enough power to use on a large amount of track) and probably some kind of remote control funtionality. Check out some of the discount dealers such as St. Aubin's to see what kind of prices you can get. I know that there are many Aristocraft starter sets far under the $200 mark.

[Anonymous]

I'm still looking for those $200.00 Marklin starter sets.........

[Anonymous]

I'm still looking for those $200.00 Marklin starter sets.........

[vsmith]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Slick1

I'm still looking for those $200.00 Marklin starter sets.........

I think that was 200 Euros......[;)]

[vsmith]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Slick1

I'm still looking for those $200.00 Marklin starter sets.........

I think that was 200 Euros......[;)]

[Anonymous]

Slick1
RE: LGB ToyTrain - What's the catch?
Posted: 04 Sep 2003, 05:31:06 PM
Quote

Posts: 59
Joined: 13 Feb 2002

I'm still looking for those $200.00 Marklin starter sets.........

My prices start at $179.95 for a basic Marklin Maxi starter set,
Tom the RR Guy

members.cox.net/villagebigtrains/

[Anonymous]

Slick1
RE: LGB ToyTrain - What's the catch?
Posted: 04 Sep 2003, 05:31:06 PM
Quote

Posts: 59
Joined: 13 Feb 2002

I'm still looking for those $200.00 Marklin starter sets.........

My prices start at $179.95 for a basic Marklin Maxi starter set,
Tom the RR Guy

members.cox.net/villagebigtrains/

[Anonymous]

Tom:

If you open your site (listed above) and cut-and-paste the actual URL from the address bar into your message here, it will work as a hot link directly to the site so the reader does not have to cut-and-paste into a new window.

Also:
I see the only working links on the site as your e-mail and some AOL stuff. It would be nice if you could include some links to what it is you guys actully DO there for us MS types.

Regards,

LDH

[Anonymous]

Tom:

If you open your site (listed above) and cut-and-paste the actual URL from the address bar into your message here, it will work as a hot link directly to the site so the reader does not have to cut-and-paste into a new window.

Also:
I see the only working links on the site as your e-mail and some AOL stuff. It would be nice if you could include some links to what it is you guys actully DO there for us MS types.

Regards,

LDH

[Anonymous]

If the Maxi starter set can be had for 179.00 US I am very impressed..... it is beautiful work and should be considered...... not for nothing, but the UK pound is worth 1.59 US , what is one Euro worth? Okay, just checked 1 Euro today is worth 1.1, eh, $1.10 U.S. Not bad , not bad......[:)] Further investigation reveals a "live" web site, www.helmutshobbies.com which shows illustration and descriptions of the Maxi starters at a variety of prices, yes, they can be had at under $200.00 US! Mikey likes It!

[Anonymous]

If the Maxi starter set can be had for 179.00 US I am very impressed..... it is beautiful work and should be considered...... not for nothing, but the UK pound is worth 1.59 US , what is one Euro worth? Okay, just checked 1 Euro today is worth 1.1, eh, $1.10 U.S. Not bad , not bad......[:)] Further investigation reveals a "live" web site, www.helmutshobbies.com which shows illustration and descriptions of the Maxi starters at a variety of prices, yes, they can be had at under $200.00 US! Mikey likes It!

[vsmith]

I checked out Helmuts Hobbies and the lowest price MAXI set was $212.00. I cant even figure out the Village Big Trains listing above, is it incomplete? I've seen the MAXI line at The Big Train Show earlier this year and I would rather spend my cash on LGB or Bachman. Too close to tinplate to me and thier US type train doesn't do anything for me but hey, we all have different tastes. These should be a good choice for the guys complaining that they cant find Engli***ype locos, there were two of them offered by Marklin.

Question to Tom the MAXI salesman...
Those MAXI's, wont there be problems with metal corrosion over time, especially with outdoor garden running? What kind of warrenty does Marklin offer if you intend to run outdoors?

[vsmith]

I checked out Helmuts Hobbies and the lowest price MAXI set was $212.00. I cant even figure out the Village Big Trains listing above, is it incomplete? I've seen the MAXI line at The Big Train Show earlier this year and I would rather spend my cash on LGB or Bachman. Too close to tinplate to me and thier US type train doesn't do anything for me but hey, we all have different tastes. These should be a good choice for the guys complaining that they cant find Engli***ype locos, there were two of them offered by Marklin.

Question to Tom the MAXI salesman...
Those MAXI's, wont there be problems with metal corrosion over time, especially with outdoor garden running? What kind of warrenty does Marklin offer if you intend to run outdoors?

[vsmith]

Finally got to Village Big Trains website, didn't tell me a thing except that I had to leave message contact via email. I dunna know....

[vsmith]

Finally got to Village Big Trains website, didn't tell me a thing except that I had to leave message contact via email. I dunna know....

[Anonymous]

Yep, that's all I got also..... I'm a glutten for punishment, I get a kick out of the "Overseas " type trains and yes, I believe for the time being that I will be pulling LGB behind "Mimi" . The "Tin Plate" is interesting in it's own right, the prices regardless of the starter sets is murderous. (to my wallet anyway) It's good to see variety, the more choices the better..... That Christmas Starter set is nearly $500.00 but could be said to have "collectability" The theme for my "Garten Bahn" is along the lines of "The Marakesh Express" of Crosby, Stills &Nash (Young?) fame, no specific era, place time or whatnot, just good time and relaxation. (DAMN little screw, where it go?!) Oh yea, relaxation...... In close, just remember, "Rust Never Sleeps"

[Anonymous]

Yep, that's all I got also..... I'm a glutten for punishment, I get a kick out of the "Overseas " type trains and yes, I believe for the time being that I will be pulling LGB behind "Mimi" . The "Tin Plate" is interesting in it's own right, the prices regardless of the starter sets is murderous. (to my wallet anyway) It's good to see variety, the more choices the better..... That Christmas Starter set is nearly $500.00 but could be said to have "collectability" The theme for my "Garten Bahn" is along the lines of "The Marakesh Express" of Crosby, Stills &Nash (Young?) fame, no specific era, place time or whatnot, just good time and relaxation. (DAMN little screw, where it go?!) Oh yea, relaxation...... In close, just remember, "Rust Never Sleeps"