Help me spend some money

[Anonymous]

Awhile ago my wife gave me a $25 gift certificate to the LHS and I need some help figuring out how to spend it.

I started out a couple years ago with a Lifelike HO toy train set. Since then I have added some track and switches, upgraded and added rolling stock (everything has Kadee couplers), and now have a halfway decent MRC power supply (but I really like the idea of dcc). I still have only the Lifelike original loco. My layout is not permanent, but once I get done refinishing the basement I will have a space to set up a 12x12 layout. The shop generally sells for about MSRP less 10%. In other words, I can do better at wholesaletrains, but have the gift certificate.

Here are some thoughts that I have, but what would you suggest as a way to spend:

- Athearn blue box loco for about $40, meaning I'd kick in an extra $15.
- A few more switches
- More track

Help me out with some ideas here!

Thanks,
Tony

[Fergmiester]

Send it to me!!!!!!

Seriously, go for the best bang for the buck

a 12 x 12 needs a lot of track so if the LHS sells it at a reasonable price then buy up track. If you buy in bulk , you may get a really good rate.

Fergie

[bogp40]

Tony,
Welcome,
Sounds like your off to a good start with some track and a decent power supply. Why not pick up a good running loco- Athearn Blue box or try their ready to runs you won't be disappointed. At least this will keep you enjoying the hobby until you can start the permanant layout. Do keep the group posted as to your progress.

[Wdlgln005]

For your $25-40, I'd get some Athearn,MDC, Accurail freight car kits & put them together. About $5.00 for some KD #5's should convert 2 cars. I'd try to get 1 kit of the same roadname from each mfr so that you learn about each mfr's line. Then you can tell us whic one you prefer. Have fun shopping! This time of year the LHS may have some good bargains on the shelf waiting for you!

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the input, guys.

I ended up buying a P2K GP9-II. Since it was slightly more than the $25 gift cert, I don't really get it until Christmas. At least I know there will be ONE thing under the tree that I'll like!

[Fergmiester]

Though I told you track, I also said get the best bang for your buck and on this one I would say you did very well. P2K is a very nice line and a GP9 is a venerable engine.

What livery is it sporting?

[Anonymous]

Fergmiester - It's in B & O. Once I start to plan my layout I'll have to give some serious thought to roads names, time periods, etc. Right now, I was just happy to come with a decent loco.

[Hawks05]

i would have said either Athearn/Accurail kits or a loco. the GP9 is a solid choice of loco. i have 2 of them myself and they are great. i don't use them as much anymore as i'm trying to figure out what direction i want to base this layout on.

i wish my parents would give me a $25 GC. i will probably ask for a $100 GC at christmas. that way my mom won't screw up anything if i ask her to go and get something and i can pick my own stuff out that way.