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rcar, You might want to consider getting a track pack from Kato, Atlas or Bachmann. Each of them sells their own version of the WGH (World's Greatest Hobby) track plan. It comes with all the necessary track to build the layout in the plan, which should be a pretty good place to start. I believe all three offer track with a built in roadbed, so you don't have to lay cork or foam down to put your track onto. For starting out, this is a good way to go. As for the train (assuming that you're interested in steam locomotives), Bachmann Spectrum steam locomotives seem to be pretty highly rated, and are fairly affordable. LifeLike Proto 2000 Heritage steam locomotives are also highly rated, but cost a little more. Broadway Limited sells sound and DCC (digital command control) locomotives that are really great models, but they cost still more money. For the most part, any of these three brands should serve you well, and would be an easy way to get started in the hobby. As for rolling stock, you may want to start with a freight train, since the cars are generally shorter, and thus run better on smaller (4x8) layouts. Recommended brands are MDC Roundhouse, Athearn, Accurail, Red Caboose, Atlas, and Proto 2000. All are decent models for starting out, but prices vary widely. Some early passenger trains also have shorter cars, but the later ones are much longer and like wider radius turns. Bachmann Spectrum sells several sets, which would likely serve you well. Next, you will need a controller. For that you will need to choose DC (direct current) or DCC (digital command control). DC basically allows you to run only one train per controller. DCC allows more sophisticated control with more features, allowing multiple trains in different directions, if your layout permits. DC is less expensive, and almost all locomotives are DC compatible. DCC costs more, and many locomotives are not DCC ready, but they can be modified for DCC use. Your hobby shop should be able to fill you in on the advantages and disadvantages of each. For DC control, MRC is the most often recommended brand of controller. For DCC, you can start with very inexpensive (Bachmann EZ Command, MRC Prodigy), low to mid grade (Atlas Commander, MRC Prodigy Advance, Digitrax Zephyr, etc.) or go to the upper mid to high grade (expensive) systems (Digitrax Super Empire Builder or Super Chief, NCE Power House Pro, etc.). Obviously, the more you're willing to spend, the greater the number of features. In each of the areas I've mentioned above, there are tons of choices to be made. First of all, you need to consider how much you're willing to spend. Next, you need to decide what era, geographical area, railroad name and so on you want to model. You should also think about how you want to run your trains, along with what type of trains you want to run. A local freight is great for a small layout, because it can make many stops along the way, keeping things interesting. A streamlined passenger train is neat on a large layout with wide turns, where it has room to operate, but does not really look right on a small layout. There is also the possibility of a single function train like one that runs from a lumber camp to a mill or from a coal mine to a loading dock on a pier. The possibilities are endless, but having an idea of what you want to do before you buy stuff will help you decide what to buy. Last but not least, is the number one rule of model railroading: Have Fun! -Joe
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