Newbie Needs Advice

[Anonymous]

Hi,
I want to build an outdoor railway this spring. Could you give me tips about good brands of large scale engines, rolling stock, and track? What about starter sets?

[Anonymous]

[#welcome]

QUOTE: Originally posted by ben1Oben

Hi,
I want to build an outdoor railway this spring. Could you give me tips about good brands of large scale engines, rolling stock, and track? What about starter sets?

First determine if you want to do narrow gauge or mainline railroad. This in it's self might be determined on the space allowed for the railroad.

Starter set is probably the way to go, bothe LGB and Aristocraft and USA have starter sets that have track that can be used outdoors. Bachmann track cannot be used outdoors and some even claim it's not worth anything indoors either[:D]. Bachmann engines and rolling stock are as nice as any but for a starter set because of the track no.

Other's will be along shortly to elaborate on what I have said.

Enjoy, and don't ever be affraid to ask questions!

[Anonymous]

Rene,the nice forum boss lady ,posted some stuff here for beginners,
I would try going here:
http://www.trains.com/Content/Dynamic/Articles/000/000/005/504lmywl.asp

Good luck,
Troy

[Anonymous]

Hi Ben1,
I would advise going down the starter set route mate, LGB is always a good alround bet. Everything is well made, usually reliable, the scale is in the middle of most other makes and it will never be wasted. If you use the power pack supplied with the set remember everything you have ever heard about mains voltage and outside, it's all true! The important thing is to get going, you can spend years sat around looking at mags, drawing elaborate track plans and you end up an armchair modeller. A starter set gets you out there./
Cheers,
Kim
[tup]

[TurboOne]

Ben, [#welcome] what are some things you want your layout to have? Do you have any garden clubs in your area? Don't see a location for you on your profile, so setting up may be a factor until better weather. Give us a little more info, and many on here can help you.

Take care

Tim

[Anonymous]

Ben I would not take a lot of notice of anyone on this forum except me as no one else really knows what they are doing except me.

Just go onto ebay by yourself an LGB starter set for about $100 put it down on the ground run a power lead out from from your house and run it round and round and if you like it more and more as it goes round expand on that and the rest will be history.

If you don't; pack it up advertise it for sale on ebay and you will have saved yopurself a lot of trouble and expense.


Rgds Ian

[cacole]

One thing to avoid is the track that comes in Bachmann Big Haulers sets. The crossties are not made for outdoor use, and the rail will rust. Get better track such as AristoCraft or LGB. Even though these two brands are rather expensive, it's a case of getting what you pay for. In this case, you get track that will last, and last, and last, just like the Energizer Bunny.

[markperr]

Take Matt's advice and determine which type of modeling you want to do. A basic piece of information you should know. LGB and Bachmann are your best way to go if you want to go narrow gauge. Aristocraft or USA are the best way to go if you're looking at mainline modeling. A starter set is good if you want to go roundy round like Ian suggests, but if you are definately into model railroading and are just finally graduating to garden railroading from one of the smaller scales, then you've probably already got "the bug" and I would suggest a good power pack, some good brass track either from Aristo or USA, as they are IMHO just as good as LGB track but about 1/2 the price. And a loco and a couple of cars. Most of what you'll get in a starter set, you'll eventually put aside and not use, so best to start buying the pieces right away.

Mark

P.S. if you have a specific question, just ask and we shall answer.