First Model Train Set Arrives Today Yahoo! Need Advice

[Anonymous]

So the other day while in the LHS I saw some train stuff and it got me to thinking
what is the appeal oft Model Railroads? so I started researching on the net and
magazines and that was it ..I had to get a set...so I ordered one of the cheapo
Bachmann HO Sets with a Diesel Rig (EMD FT Diesel) to start off slow until I decide how far I want to get into it. I realize I will replace every part of it in time but I don't care if I get way into the hobby I can give it to my nephew If I don't
I spend 45 bucks My questions are:

1.The track I am getting is the EZ Track and before I start building a small
layout I just wanted to know if this is decent track to start off with or if I should get something else, I don't want to invest in a bunch of track and then find out it's a waste of money.

2. What other trains( ie time era) could I use with my set (Santa Fe Superchief)
and be correct. I have read a little and know how some stuff is in use for years
beyond it's prime.

3. I live in San Diego are there any good resources for Trains / Model trains
here. I know there is a model railroad museum which I plan on going but don't
know if there are any newbie friendly places to see layouts and ask questions.

Thanks
Bubba

[SpaceMouse]

QUOTE: Originally posted by bubbachilders

So the other day while in the LHS I saw some train stuff and it got me to thinking
what is the appeal oft Model Railroads? so I started researching on the net and
magazines and that was it ..I had to get a set...so I ordered one of the cheapo
Bachmann HO Sets with a Diesel Rig (EMD FT Diesel) to start off slow until I decide how far I want to get into it. I realize I will replace every part of it in time but I don't care if I get way into the hobby I can give it to my nephew If I don't
I spend 45 bucks My questions are:

1.The track I am getting is the EZ Track and before I start building a small
layout I just wanted to know if this is decent track to start off with or if I should get something else, I don't want to invest in a bunch of track and then find out it's a waste of money.

I'm only 3 months into this myself.

I spent a couple hundred on EZ track and now I'm going to scrap it. It is great for setting up and running on the floor, but it is limited in what you can do with it on a larger scale. Flex track is easy to work with and can bend in spaes not availible with EZ track. Use the EZ track on the floor to get yourself running, but as you start to design a layout think flex.

QUOTE: 2. What other trains( ie time era) could I use with my set (Santa Fe Superchief)
and be correct. I have read a little and know how some stuff is in use for years
beyond it's prime.

Check out trainworld.com They have some nice Proto 2000 locos that are the real deal--as opposed to the Bachman toy train you just bought. Again been there done that. You can get some really good quality for $30-50. You be amazed at the difference.

Read herre awhile before you buy anything more. Avoid the mistakes I made. You were right about what you aquired. You'll probably end up replacing it all. You might decide to upgrade the rolling stock, but if you give the set to you nephew, he might get the bug and help you work on and run your layout.

QUOTE: 3. I live in San Diego are there any good resources for Trains / Model trains
here. I know there is a model railroad museum which I plan on going but don't
know if there are any newbie friendly places to see layouts and ask questions.

Thanks
Bubba

Can't help you there.

[Anonymous]

Is flex track the stuff made by Atlas?

[SpaceMouse]

There are several manufacturers, but Atlas is decent. I'll probably go with them.

[Anonymous]

Bubba's been bitten by the bug! [#welcome] Bubba!

[Anonymous]

Just enjoy it

[Roadtrp]

I think EZ track is great for beginners. It is particularly good in 'N' scale where it is so easy to derail if your track isn't perfect.

Although I’ve been very happy with EZ track, I have not been impressed with the quality of EZ track turnouts. About 50% of them have worked fine straight from the package; the other half I've had to file the points, frog, or both to allow my trains to pass over them without derailing.

[Anonymous]

I suggest looking into a new engine. To put it simply, the engine you have isn't worth the box it comes in. It will be fine for awhile, but either look at Proto2000 (some of the best engines on the market, value price though) or athearn. Athearns will run forever and all they ask is the occasional drop of oil. My first engine was an athearn and I still run it. Athearns would be especially good for young people. They're pretty sturdily built. A Proto2000 has better detail and runs better, but all that fine detail will break off if you blow hard enough. Good luck!!!

[selector]

In HO, I second the critique of EZ track turnouts. They are hit and miss.

By all means, start with, and enjoy the set with the EZ track; you WILL have lots of fun as you experiment with curves, shapes of main line, even grades.

I agree strongly with the advice to spend time here reading-in. You'll learn tons, and what you learn will govern how your first layout will look...and run!

Welcome, Bubba!

[Anonymous]

Hello Bubba,

Welcome to the the amazing and captivating world of model trains. I have been in the hobby most of my life (since the age of 4.) and it is always nice to see people getting their fresh start.

The comments posted previously about EZ track I have to agree with. It is nice for quicky setting up a set and getting things running, but it is very limiting with what you can do with it. I would keep the EZ track reserved for running around the christmas tree, and purchase a "Snap Track Starter Kit" from Atlas. It comes with eneugh track to make a 36X63 oval of track and a passing siding. It comes in Code 100 and Code 83 options. (Code is a measure of the height of the rail in Hundrethds of an inch. Code 83 is closer to scale than code 100) This oval is then easily expanded with additional atlas snap and flex track.

I do have to disagree with JPM35's assessment of Bachmann's current FT locomotive. The FT that you have is a much improved version That was released a couple of years ago. It features die cast metal fram with a "Can" style motor. 8 wheel drive and 8 wheel electrical pick up. with proer lube and maintaince this loco will continue to run like a tank for years into the future.

As for the proper time period of your set. THe FT is painted in Santa Fe's Famous "Warbonnet" scheme for use on Passenger Trains. Santa Fe FTs were painted into this scheme shortly after WWII f (1945 or so) and used through the 1950s until the FTs were retired and traded in for newer "GP" type locomotives. For complimentery locomotives, Look for other F-series locomotives from Proto -1000 Athearn, and Stewart Hobbies. Proto 2000 makes GP-7s and GP-9s that were being made during the later portion of Santa Fe FT service. You can also run most Alco RS series locomotives as well with this time. Also if you like variety. Union Pacific and Santa Fe shared many miles of track in California. So having a couple of UP locomtoves, Predominatly F series, and GP series locomotives on your layout would not be too out of place.

As for local model railroad resources, I would not know. As I hail from Wyoming.

Glad I could help.

James