New member here with no model train experience but love them! This granny wants to buy the best electric train set without costing a fortune to run under my Christmas tree this year. Where can I read scale info to convert into inches? I need to know how high each of the train cars are and how long the track is in inches. I've scoured websites but most customer ratings advise that the trains I'm interested in buying run off the tracks too easily. I just want something to go around the tree in the oval without me having to put it back on the track all the time. I also need tracks that are easy to put together with my arthritic hands. I'd like something other than plastic tracks and I want the locomotive and caboose for sure. Bells and whistles and even music would be nice but they're not a deal breaker. I've seen the charts conversion charts showing HO, Z, etc. but it's all Greek to me. Recommendations welcome.
If you are looking for a train set to run under the Chtistmas tree, I think you´d be better of by looking into an O gauge set up. O gauge is 1/48 scale, which means 4 ft. in real life is 1 inch in the model "life"
HO scale or smaller are much more prone to derailments if the track is not permanently secured to a benchwork or at least a sheet of plywood.
O gaue Christmas train sets are a little more expensive, but in my personal view, there worth the extra cost.
Model Train Stuff is offeriing special deals at the moment - take a look here (click on the word).
They also might restock the Polar Express set in time for the holidays.
I agree with Sir Madog's suggestion of O gauge (1/4 inch to foot) as more dependable. The bigger and heavier rolling stock shrugs off minor bumps and irregularities that might derail a smaller HO train (HO is approx 1/8 inch to the foot, 3.5 mm per foot exactly). Be aware that they make two rail O gauge and 3 rail O gauge. Both sorts are fine. But 3 rail rolling stock won't run on 2 rail track, and vice versa. The bigger O gauge is easier to put on the track and couple up than HO. An O gauge train set will cost a bit more than an HO train set, say 20-30%. A train set should contain a locomotive, some cars, an oval of track, and a power pack, everything you need to start running.
David Starr www.newsnorthwoods.blogspot.com
Used to have a train around the tree at the yuletide, it was 60s & early 70s vintage O scale three-rail Lionel. But the noise emitted eventually became too much, even for my train loving ears. Maybe the newer equipment is quieter?
Some years ago I recall noticing a G scale train in a store display circling a Christmas tree and was amazed at how quiet and smooth it ran around the oval. A nicely decorated train too, with Santa as the engineer. Don't recall the price, might have been hefty.
Regards, Peter
I'm in the "G" scale camp. A caboose would be about 6 or 7 inches high(that's a guess) and about 17 inches long. The minimum size(radius) of a track circle would be 24"' so a complete circle would be 4 feet wide or so. Track can be larger if desired. Makes an ideal setup for an around the tree layout. Things can get pricey but google "g scale trains" and see what is available.
In terms of clearances, we have standards by scale (provided by our association called NMRA). However, it will depend on the rolling-stock you buy. For HO scale, minimum hight clearance would be about 3" and a quarter. O scale is twice the size, so about 6" and a half. For track, you probably want the diameter of a circle, which would be about 38" for HO (or 18" radius from the middle of the track).
I can't speak for O scale but 3 rail is probably what you would want. The main manufacturer would be Lionel.
Simon
If I were you I'd go with a G scale set. It runs off of batteries and has the bells and whistles and would be a lot cheaper than an O gauge set...
marksrailroad If I were you I'd go with a G scale set. It runs off of batteries and has the bells and whistles and would be a lot cheaper than an O gauge set...
If you are talking about a cheap set, which won´t last much longer than just one seasn, you may be right. Quality sets from LGB, Piko etc. are certainly not cheaper than a Lionel Christmas train set.
Judging by your user name, why not the Lionel Polar Express set?
.
It is high quality and easy to set up.
Perfect for around the tree.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
Hi Polar Express Fan!
Welcome to the forums!!
First, I would commend you on your decision to stay away from the plastic track, battery powered low priced sets.
As for scale, I would recommend O gauge. The trains are large enough to be seen from a distance and will stay on the track. HO scale needs to be viewed up close to appreciate the details. That's fine if everybody wants to get down on their knees around the Christmas tree. G scale looks great, but if you want a decent set like you suggested, be prepared to spend some money.
One of the largest suppliers of model train products is Walthers. Here is their listing for Christmas themed train sets:
https://www.walthers.com/products/trains/train-sets/holiday
However, before you plunk your money down you might want to look at some of the other model train dealers because they often have better pricing. Here are a couple:
https://www.trainworld.com/search/?bymanufacturer=&bycategory=46&byscale=37
These guys have a couple of O gauge Christmas sets.
http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/O-Gauge-Christmas-Trains-s/2326.htm
There are several sets here:
http://www.trainmastermodels.com/category-s/30.htm?searching=Y&sort=9&cat=30&show=150&page=1
Finally, consider yourself warned: The Christmas set may lead to bigger things! Before long your whole dining room and living room, and part of your kitchen will be full of trains!!!
Have fun! You will enjoy your train under the tree.
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
I don't know where you are but if it were me (is this where you put the "IMHO" thingy) I would call customerservice at Model Train Stuff (1-888-872-4675) and explain what you need and let them provide the answer. I've dealt with them several times and they are very helpful folks.
The only caution I would give about the lionel polar express set is this. And I have 2 of the exact same engines just in different paint schemes. The issue I had on both was that it stopped smoking. Well almost. You could see smoke but it was not puffing out. I had to take both apart and do a ton of filing to the plunger that puffs the smoke out of the stack. After I did this to both engines it has been great. Both my boys love them. The track is good and sturdy and has roadbed already so it gets the trains up off the carpet. Bad thing is they are a little tough to get together and take apart. Just my 2 cents. If you are an ebayer you can find the set fairly cheap. I got a New York Yankees berkshire like the polar express with 3 coaches, track and a controller for like $175 I think it was. Just a thought.
mike
alco's forever!!!!! Majoring in HO scale Minorig in O scale:)
G scale is the way to go if you want a quiet running train to enjoy. Look for a good second hand LGB starter set. Comes with a circle of solid brass rail track, power supply, a 0-4-0 engine and a couple cars. They offer a European passenger set, freight set and a couple Americanized sets of the same car offering. Yes the real train the European ones are modeled after are that colorfull in real life. The engine, named Stainz, is very quiet running, the passenger cars can be upgraded with metal wheel sets and lighting kits from the same brand. The local shop in Zionsville has a second hand European freight set in stock right now. These are made in Germany if you get a pre 2006 vintage set and not in China. Here is a pic of my LGB Stainz passenger set under our Christmas tree a few years ago. Mike the Aspie.
Silly NT's, I have Asperger's Syndrome