I was browsing on eBay for HO train sets and I happened to see a set called 'Mountain Run'. Anyone heard of this brand in the past and if so, any opinions?
If it is the Mountain Run train set I just saw on ebay, it is a LifeLike trainset. Probably made with train set quality components.
It appears to be a Life-Like train set, as Maxman says, and if thats what you want, ok, but, it has a "pancake" style motor, only 2 axels drive, the other provide the electrical pick-up.
Basically, they only run "good" when you are at a fast speed.
I think you would do better by going to a site like Ebay, and looking for Athearn blue box locos, or Atlas locos. Much better performance than the train sets like Life-Like.
Mike
My You Tube
The Mountain Run train set was made by Lifelife which is now owned by Walthers. It is a toy train set which means that it includes a toy train locomotive and cars which are fine for beginners but more advanced hobbyists prefer finer detailed and higher performance locomotives and freight cars. The locomotives included in toy train sets are not as well designed or constructed as higher end models and they do have a much shorter life expectancy. On the plus side the Mountain Run train set includes many items which standard train sets do not include such as structures (buildings) and scenery elements like materials to build mountains, bushes and trees. It is all the elements needed to build a beginner level model railroad in a single box. It might be a good place to start to see if you truly like the hobby.
Mountain Run, run the other way if it has an engine with 2-axle drive.
The problem with those cheapy train sets is the quality is low and it would probably make for a discouraging experience and be a turn-off. You generally get what you pay for. Go cheap and probably the fun won't last very long.
Model Railroader used to (and may still do) an article in an issue leading up to Christmas on recommendations for a train set from Santa under the tree. The typical article would review train sets on the market and then give opinions about what they think but they would usually recommend as a better alternative to piece together a set by buying separate items such as an Atlas Trainman engine and freight cars, an MRC power pack and Atlas track.
The idea about buying separate pieces to make your own train set will cost more than a train set, but will still recommend modestly priced items of good proven quality to supply the beginner with better beginner set up. Hopefully by doing that, the budding model railroader will be encouraged to go farther in the hobby by starting out with decent quality trains, track and power pack.
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
I'd agree that it's best to avoid older 4wd pancake-drive train sets of which mountain run is certainly one. Looking at the accessories in the set, there's nothing there that couldn't be bought extremely cheaply at a train show.
Luckily train sets have come a long away and I'd suggest to new folks that today's train sets are generally a good bet. While they aren't up to modern super-detail standards, they tend to have 8 wheel pickup/drive locos with flywheels, metal wheels (or at least metal axles) on the rolling stock and knuckle couplers.
When you add up the cost of loco and rolling stock, you're generally getting a fair deal, even if all the EZ-Track ends up being used for is a christmas tree loop or running trains while you build your layout.
If you're willing to test before you buy, used might still be a good bet. I've bought two Athearn starter sets off craigslist for less than $50. Both almost unused and with transformers and EZ-Track. Both ran well with 8wd dual flywheel locos and nice rolling stock.
Visit the Chicago Valley Railroad for Chicago Trainspotting and Budget Model Railroading.