Recommendations

[Anonymous]

Eric i have read an article somewhere about how you can turn 2 curves into a single atraight as many other people have too many curves as well including me.

Rgds Ian

PS i think you cut the webbing, remove the rails and straighten them using a rail bender. Then you adjust the webbing to suit a straight track and then put the whole thing back together again.

[Anonymous]

My first was an Aristo 0-4-0 switcher starter set and I'm more that happy with the engine and and the two cars that came with it.  Piercedan1 is right though.  I now have a whole bunch of 4' curve track that came with the starter set that I don't have use for.  He is also right about the power supply.  The first thing I ordered was a Crest  5 amp power supply because the one that came with the starter set was simply inadequate.   But what the heck, it's only money. 

[Anonymous]

I am all for getting a starter set, don't worry too jmuch about the track its hardly worth having anyway.

I would not agree that they are low in quality either. My first engine was an LGB Stainz and i have worked it over some but it is still my favourite loco. I have added an LGB decoder and a sound powrered tender and it is still a very good little loco.The rest of the starter set is all still in use in onne way or another as it has been absorbed into the overall concern

Ian

[Mike Dorsch CJ&M r.r.]

They are all good sets but you might want to get the largest diameter track that will fit into your yard so later down the line when you see that Dash-9 or other large engine you want it wont look silly going around 4 foot curves .Just my two cents for what its worth .

[Anonymous]

personally i would look at Aristocraft starter sets as a mid point between  cost  and function - and are available at some very good prices

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the tips to each of you.  Two Tone, mind telling what type of equipment you have from Bachmann?  I want to do a passenger set first and while I like the prices of their starter sets I think I will buy track from someone else.  I'm looking at their "Mountaineer" E.T. & W.N.C. line.  Will purchase one additional car, a combind I think, and will ease into the hobby with that.

I have a special interest in this line as my Grandfather was a conductor with the railroad there operating from Hickory to Ashville.  Later I want to add a Southern Passenger Train to the layout as my father was a freight and passenger agent for SRS for 30 years.  I remember seeing my very first Diesel Locomotive at the station in Valdosta GA one day with my dad.  I was probably only about 7 or 8 at the time. 

Thanks again to everyone and I will keep the forum posted on my progress.

 

 

 

[piercedan]

I disagree with starter sets being low end.

LGB has some awesome starter sets.

Biggest drawback to a starter set is the following:

Track is minimum radius/diameter and larger engines obtained in the future will not  like the tight curves.
Sets have 4 foot diameter (2 foot radius) curves.  These curves have an outside diameter of approx. 51 inches and do not fit on a 4 foot piece of plywood.
Power packs are  small, but ok for the starter sets.  This pack can be used for becnh testing/repair in the future when you expand your track power.

I personally believe that the sets are a bargain and are a good start.  My first set was the LGB 30th anniversary set and the Stainz that came in this set is regarded as one of the best engines ever produced in large scale for price/repair/reliability.  It has been running for 7 years without a problem.

[Tom The Brat]

The transformer isn't a problem, just don't leave it out in the rain. The big problem is going to be track. Get LBG, Aristo or USA track to put outside.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for your input.  I was leaning towards a starter set from Bachmann but now I'm worried if these sets are suitable for outdoor installation.  I read in one hobby shop review the set I'm interested in requires a 120v AC plug in to operate.  Said the track it comes with is suitable for carpet or flooring and is all steel contruction. 

This doesn't sound like what I'm looking for as I am going to install outdoors.

I did send an e-mail to Bachmann to see if they would confirm the engine in the set I want is indeed one of their Big Hauler Engines.  Haven't heard back as yet.

 

 

[Ray Dunakin]

I'm no expert, but from what I've seen so far most starter sets contain the manufacturer's cheapest, lowest quality stuff. Which seems pretty counterproductive, to me.

[two tone]

Yes it`s a good idea to to buy a starter kit , I run Bachmann.  All of my track and turnouts are LGB,I have had no trouble running asorted rolling stock on my track and it`s been down for the beat part of 4 years. depending on how big a layout you are going to run IE track lenth 500 feet+ I would recomend the turn outs beelectric and I use the Train Engineer to control it all If you are going to run big haulers then use radius 3 for your curves as a minimum

[Anonymous]

Hello everyone:  I am new to the forum and new to garden railroading.  I am planning an outdoor display with a Spring 07 start date for construction.  I have the perfect place and feel like it won't be too much of a problem.

What I am having problems with is selecting my engines and rolling stock.  I've look at and read just about everything on the major manufactures and realize I need some advice.  Money is of course an issue so interested in getting the most for my doller but without breaking the bank.

Two sources I've been looking at.  1) Bachmann's "Big Hauler" engines and 2) USA Trains's military series with their GP7 locomotive.

Also, what do you think about buying a starter set first?  I've looked at Bachmann's ads and they have serveral that seem perty good.  Just wanted to be sure the engine that comes in the set is the same engine shown in their Big Hauler line.  Anyone had any experience with this?

One more thing, can you run rolling stock from one mfg. on track purchased from another?

Thanks for taking the time to send me your responce.  I have a lot to learn about equipment I know.

SRS 4501