How Cheap Is Too Cheap?

[jacon12]

While in my LHS the other day, I noticed a little stack of Bachman HO train sets. The set included the usual loco, 3 or 4 cars, an oval of track and a small powerpack. They were marked $44.88 U.S. which seemed a bit on the cheap side to me, but not knowing much about any aspect of MR,.... well, I really didn't know. Are these any good at all? I realize the locos aren't any where near as detailed as a $400 locomotive and aren't dcc ready, but is that about it or is there a lot more to know?
Thanks for any and all education.

[mustanggt]

These sets arn't very good. around the X-mas tree and thats about it. Athearn and walthers sell much better starter sets. I sggest you look into them. The walthers passenger sets are especially nice. They have a B32-8 and 3 superliners. hope this helps[8D]

[simon1966]

During one of the threads a few months back concerning the future of the hobby and the number of people coming into it, it was suggested that these types of sets are of such poor quality that they actually put folks off! If you want a started set, I would build it yourself. Get a good Proto 2000 loco from Ebay or a discount web site, a few simple Athearn or accurail kits, some Atlas track with road bed attatched and a low cost MRC controller. Sure this will cost more than the set you looked at, but I think you could get a far superior setup for under $100 and you would end up keeping and using the better quality items long into the future. I have replaced all my cheap stuff and basically junked it!

[jacon12]

Thanks guys, that's pretty much what I figured. You get what you pay for.

[Anonymous]

I would say, if it cost less than 5 bucks, it's probably junk.

[Wdlgln005]

Too cheap is when you can't convert cheap NMRA or Rapido couplers to KD. The motors are too poor to convert to DCC. Contact is from one set of whhells, and the power is all in one truck.

[tstage]

You can try the eBay route but check out Trainworld.com for some blowout prices on Proto 2000 locos. Picked up an P2K S1 switcher for $29.99!!! A terrific running and looking switcher for 70% off list!!!

MRC makes a very good, no frills transformer (Model 1370). I got one on eBay for around $20.

Deals on quality trains and accessories are out there, if you know where to look. Avoid the temptation to buy strictly by price. You'll eventually get burned.

Tom

[Jetrock]

You get what you pay for, to an extent--but a $500 locomotive probably won't perform ten times as well as a $50 locomotive.

[CBQ_Guy]

Too cheap! [xx(]

[Anonymous]

I'd say it depends on how recent the sets are. If the locos are the latest ones with all wheel drive and full pilots (body mounted couplers) they might be worth a look. I have three of their standard GPs (two GP40s and a GP50) which are surprisingly good considering how cheap they were. The drive train is near-silent, the body detailing is good (very neat moulded handrails). I'll admit they could do with flywheels, and you may have to alter/add some details to get closer to the prototype, but considering the price I think they're worthwhile. Just figuring out how to go about fitting flywheels now!

If you decide to buy one of the sets, take a closer look at the loco before spending any money to check that it is one of the all-wheel-drive examples - their older truck-motored locos are not worth bothering with.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Wdlgln005

Too cheap is when you can't convert cheap NMRA or Rapido couplers to KD. The motors are too poor to convert to DCC. Contact is from one set of whhells, and the power is all in one truck.

Yep, I would say thats purty cheap[:D][:D][:D]

[Fergmiester]

How about......

When the wheels fall off!!!!

or

The smoke that pours out of the stack is not from the smoke generator[:0]

It happens!

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Fergmiester

How about......

When the wheels fall off!!!!

or

The smoke that pours out of the stack is not from the smoke generator[:0]

It happens!

Oh ya, thats good, very good[bow][bow]

[camarokid]

when you plug it in-start it up and nothing happens. been there-done that

[randybc2003]

"Cheap" implies poor quality. You seem to have found what I call Bachman's "Red Label". line. This is characterised by a "B" in a red, black and yellow (I think) logo. I have a poor opinion of their transformers for this line.

A better line is the "silver series" cars. Seem to have good quality trucks, wheels, and couplers. The bodies look a little plastic, but not too bad at 2.5' distance. They used to have a "PLUS" series of locos to go with this line of cars, but I think that is ended now. Their SPECTRUM line is the best, and in my opinion is really pretty good stuff. I have several locos, (steam & growlers both) and some cars from this line.

Best advice - get a Model RRer you know & trust to help you build your own set, as described above.

And have lots of FUN!! [^]

[Anonymous]

Life-Like Has train sets for like $19. They are not very detailed however.

[3railguy]

The $19.99 sets make great cat toys. i would go for an Athearn GP-35 set. for around $70 to $85. You don't get a transformer with it and a decent one will probably be $30 to $40. The sets include Bachman EZ track.

The problem with cheapy sets is the rolling stock has truck mounted horn hook couplers which derail easily when you start adding better cars made by Athearn, MDC, etc.

[Anonymous]

Almost everything I buy brand new I get at Mailorder Hobby Dealers;
Like; Some that were listed & the ones I buy from are; Standard Hobbies & Toy Train Heaven. You can contact all of these on the internet & buy from the internet if that's what you do. I raed what's on sale in MR for Standard & MRC for Toy Train Heaven.
When I call them on the 800 line on monday & order by credit card I usually get it by UPS on friday or Monday or sometimes sooner.
I have over 50 diesels that I have bought mailorder & 300 freight cars
that I have bought at train shows for less than $2.00 ea. w/Kadee cplrs. I also advertise in my local advertiser for free for H.O. Scale
running stock & get some real good buys that way. You have to know your best manufacturers to be able to know when to buy unless it's real cheap & you can sell it to someone else later.

Larry

[Anonymous]

"The bitterness of poor quality outlasts the sweetness of a cheap price" ..Adage.

[3railguy]

QUOTE: Originally posted by LightBender

"The bitterness of poor quality outlasts the sweetness of a cheap price" ..Adage.

To add to that statement, the enjoyment of quality wears off long after the price is forgotten.

[Anonymous]

Too Cheap is when the box says 'Life-Like'

[tatans]

cheap adj. 1. Obtainable at a low price in proportion to its value 2. Being of little value; poor; inferior.
cheapskate. U.S.Slang A miserly person (this is not a compliment)
Caveat Emptor: The axiom or principle in commerce that the buyer alone is responsible for assessing the quality of a purchase befor buying.

[Anonymous]

Personally, I have had bad experience with Bachmann and Athearn. I like Atlas Master and BLI. Proto 200 seems to be a premium also. If price is a concern, I have found many of these on eBay, it just might take a while to find exactly what you want.

[krump]

I have made freight car purchases on Ebay, but after shipping costs - the value is mostly in the hard to find category, rather than one of great savings.
I haven't (won't?) buy engines - or anything expensive on Ebay, because you never know... many items are used (to some degree) and even if you accept the description and price as value, if it is packed poorly it might not be in working order when it arrives. I check into details such as sellers reputation and familiarity with model r/r etc prior to making a purchase. I enjoy Ebay.
Regarding starter sets - determine what your goals are... a cheap set will get you started but may not last as long as anticipated, or may be inadequate for your needs. I guess that what I'm saying is, pay what you are willing, but perhaps buy engines particularly, from a knowledgeable source that is familiar with the item
-- better to spend twice as much on a great item, than to have a great deal on junk...