New to Garden Trains and need some advise

[Anonymous]

Hi, and thanks for your time.

I have long collected Lionel, K-Line and MTH O gauge trains (3 engins and about 45 various cars), mostly for under the Christmas tree.  I have, for a while, had a desire to have a garden train in my yard.  But I am not sure which mfg to buy.  I love steam locos, and have had many conversations with my local hobby store, who always turn me to LGB.  But thats also what they mostly stock.  I am interested in buying the LGB 72442 NYC Freight starter set w/sound, but I also like some of the Aristo Craft and Bachmann models.  My biggest concern is LGB claims thier locos will out last everyone else's.  SO my main questions are:

I have an area of about 15' x 20 - 25'

Is LGB that much better than the others?

Can I run LGB with Aristo Craft and/or Bachmann on the same line.

Is the Track compatible

And which MTS system should I use.

Any help you can give would be greatly appreciated.  I have not purchased anything yet, and have only started on analyzing the space I have in the yard.

Thanks,

plm-miamilakes

[kstrong]

... I have an area of about 15' x 20 - 25'

Is LGB that much better than the others?

Can I run LGB with Aristo Craft and/or Bachmann on the same line.

Is the Track compatible

And which MTS system should I use.

Not a ton of space, but not small, either. There's a lot you can do.

1) So far as quality goes, the playing field is pretty level now. LGB used to be the dominant force for longevity--and may still enjoy a slight edge in some arenas--but the rest have done a great job of catching up. If you're into diesels, then any of the USA or Aristo units will be up to the task. The detail on them are a bit more delicate, but there's also more of it.

Buy what appeals to you. There's no sense in running an ugly duck locomotive just because it's reputed to last longer than a Twinkie. If you don't like how something looks, you're not going to enjoy it. And if it runs forever, you're going to not enjoy it for a very long time.

2) So long as the wheels are 45mm apart, everything will run on the same track.

3) LGB, Aristo, and USA Trains track is completely compatible with each other.

4) MTS is LGB's proprietary DCC system. (How's that for alphabet soup?) DCC is Digital Command Control--which is a control system that allows you to run more than one train on a single track. There are a number of manufacturers with systems--some are compatible with others, some aren't. LGB's is one of the ones that isn't. It's actually not that big a deal, you just commit to buying their electronics. You're not limited to their locomotives.

All electrically powered trains in large scale can still be controlled via the old fashioned "analog" power supplies. There may be some tradeoffs in terms of functionality for some of the fancier locos, but beyond that you're not losing anything--especially if you don't intend to run more than one train on any one given track. Given the space you state, I don't see that as an issue. But if you want to go DCC--and there's certainly no reason not to--then do some on-line research about the various systems available and go with the one that you like best. Check out Model Railroader's forum, and ask about DCC systems there: http://www.trains.com/trccs/forums/11/ShowForum.aspx

Later,

K

[kimbrit]

As with all things, garden trains represent a substantial investment and that's one thing I do like about LGB, the value of their starter sets. I run a mixture of all of the major manufacturers and they are all very good, watch out for some of the bigger engines in both steam and diesel outline because they need at least 8' diameter curves - 10' is better. LGB's stock is all engineered to negotiate their tightest curves so if you are going to have tight curves then they are the way to go, broad curves, take your pick. It's a great hobby, including the back breaking civil engineering we all have to do, enjoy.

Cheers,

Kim

[MTCarpenter]

3) LGB, Aristo, and USA Trains track is completely compatible with each other.

Just watch the scale issue if and when mixing these.  USA and Ariso are 1/29 scale (not the buildings, though) and LGB is 1:22.5.  They all run on the same exact track, but sometimes some of the people, buildings, or vehicles can look a bit funky next to the engines if they are not in the same scale.  Some folks don't worry about it, but it's a valid point to consider.  It would stink (and I almost did this) to go spend a bunch of $$$ on engines and buildings only to find they are not in the same scale.

Most importantly, have FUN!

[ttrigg]

Buy what appeals to you. There's no sense in running an ugly duck locomotive just because it's reputed to last longer than a Twinkie. If you don't like how something looks, you're not going to enjoy it. And if it runs forever, you're going to not enjoy it for a very long time.
K

Just watch the scale issue if and when mixing these. USA and Ariso are 1/29 scale (not the buildings, though) and LGB is 1:22.5. They all run on the same exact track, but sometimes some of the people, buildings, or vehicles can look a bit funky next to the engines if they are not in the same scale. Some folks don't worry about it, but it's a valid point to consider. It would stink (and I almost did this) to go spend a bunch of $$$ on engines and buildings only to find they are not in the same scale.
Most importantly, have FUN!

Some strong words of wisdom there! I would like to add a couple of things.

1. PLEASE go through the previous postings to read all the discussions about track quality! You will see some rather violent answers to the question "which one is best?" Best is really what you like. Some of the track that comes in the starter kits is really only good for indoors. Folks, help out on this one as I use only LGB brass and keep forgetting which one it is that rusts out so quickly.

2. My advise would be to forgo "sectional" track for the "flex" track, be it brass, stainless, nickel silver, aluminum. There are advantage that each type has over the other, i.e. conductivity, "weathering", shine or not shine. Also avoid the slip-on rail joiners. Use what is referred to as rail clamps (either Split Jaw or Hillmans: again each will have their staunch advocates.) Some of the "flex" track out there will flex, most need a rail bender (don't worry, a good rail bender will also straighten it back out.)

Some advantages to "flex" track and rail clamps.

a. Longer rails mean fewer joints.
b. Rail clamps mean stronger and better aligned rail joints.
c. Allows you to form curves that better fit your needs, as opposed to the standardized curve sectional track. Makes it easier to miss hitting that tree that the wife will not let you remove, etc.

Add a & b up and you will have less chance of derailments caused by track joints and their associated alignment problems.

3. Start with a starter kit. Do not bother setting it up in the house, go straight outside and start playing in the dirt.

4. When all else fails, remember to have fun!

[devils]

kstrong gave some good advice, just one thing to clear up his quote "LGB's is one of the ones that isn't" not strictly correct as LGB's MTS will work with other manufacturers DCC systems BUT it's not fully compatible!

What this means is that you can use virtually any DCC decoder with MTS but you must re-program some things to get it to work properly ie changing it to 14 speed steps rather than the NMRA default of 28, I've used or run Zimo- ESU- Deitz and massoth decoders on MTS. LGB decoders will work on DCC systems but again need some re-programming so not advisable for a new start but you aren't burning bridges for the future.

When you choose a DCC system the main things to consider are, have you tried it so you know what it's like? A local shop or group where you can have a go is the best way to try it.

How big do you intend to go? If you want to run multiple locos from the likes of Aristocraft, USA or Bachmann then you are going to need more power than MTS can give as it is limited to 5 amps, if it'll all be LGB locos then no problem. LGB locos on average pull up to 1 amp, the others can pull up to 3 amps per loco!

I would be inclined to recommend you look at a 10amp DCC system from someone like digitrax or NCE, (and I'm happy with my MTS system), if you want to run multiple locos from anyone but LGB.

Have fun Paul

 

 

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks, everyone, great input. I have read different forums, with mixed reviews on the Aristo track.  Some say it rust out in less than a year, and others say they dont have problems at all after several years.  Being that I live in south S. FL, with lots of rain in the summer, I guess I will buy a couple of each and leave them out for the time it takes to start getting the area ready for a train. 

Peter

[Anonymous]

Aristo track is very long wearing due to its alloy being rich in zinc a fairly hard substance, it joiners aren't so good, even though they may appear to be. I just plain don't believe they would last only a year; unless there was some external reason. you rarely have trouble with the track itslef, more the joiners.

If you go to a DCC system and you are reasonably cashed up, i would insist if i can, on only having Lenz gold decoders. Much more expensive but you wil be smilingh down the track when you get the expertise to do some fancy stuff, as i just getting too now after 4 years.

Rgds Ian

[Mike Dorsch CJ&M r.r.]

I've had a mix of Aristocraft , USA and LGB track outside now going on 4 years and it is as good today as it was when we first put it down . The rails aren't shinny no more but its held up to the extreem weather changes of Chicago .

[Anonymous]

I am in a similar position Mike, i have a mixture of club track, LGB and Aristo down now for 4 years and no trouble with the track but i have had trouble with Aristo joiners. I have covered this matter many time previously.

Rgds Ian