Train set for child?

[rolleiman]

QUOTE: Originally posted by newbietrainmom

What do you all think of this set? It SEEMS like a deal......so far. No telling how high the price will go, I guess?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Bachmann-Big-Haulers-RED-COMET-G-

By the time I looked at it the auction had ended.. I know a friend of mine (with 4 young kids) sets one of these up around the tree every year and has been using the same one for about 12 years.. The $100 it ended at Looks like a decent price but I would be careful about buying from a seller who's feedback is over 900 and 98% positive (means he's upset quite a few people). Even though there's a LOT of play value with the G scale stuff, I would recommend sticking with the smaller HO scale.. Adding track to G scale can get Very expensive. As mentioned several times, the Athearn stuff is pretty solid and will take a lot of (light) abuse.. Even us fumble fingered veterans have accidents at times and I know my Athearn trains have survived a lot of "handling".. IF you have a decent hobby shop nearby, the train guy may put together a set For you.. Just tell him what you want.. At age 8, sonny can probably put together simple train cars.. The trains will run on ANY HO track but the EZ-Track components will probably work best for a "floor" based layout.

Which ever way you go, we all commend you for getting another model rail into the hobby.. Maybe mom will have some fun with it too... [:D].. Like others, I'll invite you to write offline and discuss whatever you need to talk about.. Just hit the email link below..

Good luck,
Jeff

[Rotorranch]

Mom...I think you are asking all the right questions, and getting good answers. If you need to, you can call or email me at the link in my sig, and Ill try to walk ya through whatever questions you have.

Rotor

[Texas Zepher]

QUOTE: Originally posted by newbietrainmom
But if I go with the G scale, won't the whole set up be a lot bigger than an HO?

While the G-scale and Lionel O-gauge are bigger size wise than HO, they are specifically engineered to negotiate much smaller curves. A "standard" HO curve is 18" radius so it takes 36" to make a complete circle. A "standard" O gauge curve makes a 27" or 32" circle! An LGB G-gauge small curve is 1200cm or umm about 47" circle (did that in my head so don't quote me).

As a result the G and O trains are much more toy like in apperance. Most model railroaders consider them Toy Trains rather than Scale models. Children won't notice the difference, until they really start getting into it. Some adults don't either. I think I was in 5th or 6th grade before I started noticing my HO plasticville buildings had doors that were different sizes.

[Texas Zepher]

QUOTE: Originally posted by newbietrainmom

What do you all think of this set? It SEEMS like a deal......so far.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Bachmann-Big-Haulers-RED-COMET-G-Scale-Train-Set-NICE_W0QQitemZ6014374164QQcategoryZ19152QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Without asking the person holding the auction a lot of questions - it is hard to tell. Some of the early versions of this locomotive had some serious problems (like wheels falling off - I have one like this). They have supposedly fixed that problem but one cannot tell by looking at the pictures. It would take research and finding out when this specific set was made.

The other problem with the Bachmann sets is their track is really poor quality. The Bachmann curve size makes a 5 foot circle.

I think you really, really, need to find a hobby store that has some of each size that you can go and look at. I believe it is very hard comprehending the information being given without at least seeing some in real life to get a frame of reference.

[John Busby]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Texas Zepher

QUOTE: Originally posted by newbietrainmom
But if I go with the G scale, won't the whole set up be a lot bigger than an HO?

While the G-scale and Lionel O-gauge are bigger size wise than HO, they are specifically engineered to negotiate much smaller curves. A "standard" HO curve is 18" radius so it takes 36" to make a complete circle. A "standard" O gauge curve makes a 27" or 32" circle! An LGB G-gauge small curve is 1200cm or umm about 47" circle (did that in my head so don't quote me).

As a result the G and O trains are much more toy like in appearance. Most model railroaders consider them Toy Trains rather than Scale models. Children won't notice the Difference, until they really start getting into it. Some adults don't either. I think I was in 5th or 6th grade before I started noticing my HO plastic ville buildings had doors that were different sizes.

Hi Texas Zepher
Try 4' diameter for the large scale trains.
Some do look toy like just the thing for a child others however are just as good in the model stakes and some are even better depending on what is bought and what bits and modifications are added just like the small scales.
I will not go into why the large scale garden boys and girls leave some things off
this is not the topic to do so.
MIS Quote "model trains a hobby for children from 9 to 99"
Miss quoted from an old Hornby add from before I was born.
That makes us all a big bunch of children that never quite grew up[:D] and long may it be so
I got my first train when I was 4 , 42 years later I am still playing with trains they just
got larger and in some cases more toy like[:D]
regards John

[SteelMonsters]

Seriously, who posts at 4AM?

[Texas Zepher]

QUOTE: Originally posted by SteelMonsters
Seriously, who posts at 4AM?

People in Austraila where it isn't 4 a.m.

[Texas Zepher]

QUOTE: Originally posted by John Busby
Some do look toy like just the thing for a child others however are just as good in the model stakes and some are even better depending on what is bought and what bits and modifications are added just like the small scales.

I don't disagree, that message has to be taken in context of all my prior posts. esp. As I was the one that suggesting G instead of HO.

[Anonymous]

Now, now, boys.....let's not fuss! ;)

Seriously, you guys are fabulous. All the wonderful information, kind words, and even offers to assist me in any way.......I truly appreciate each and every one of you!!!!

[John Busby]

QUOTE: Originally posted by newbietrainmom

Now, now, boys.....let's not fuss! ;)

Seriously, you guys are fabulous. All the wonderful information, kind words, and even offers to assist me in any way.......I truly appreciate each and every one of you!!!!

OOPs! sorry Mom[:D]
I saw your earlier post on the Bachmann "G"set with picture.
Looks good some one said the train controllers that come in sets are not that great true
but something to deal with at a later date after it is seen if your son takes to it the way I did.
However looking at it from my perspective as an adult the track in Bachmann "G" sets
is well I cannot use my usual terms for it addressing a lady.
that would need to be addressed quickly.
Cardboard cut out buildings mentioned from another post are buildings that are printed on
good quality card which have to be cut out folded up and glued together just the same as the geometric shapes you possibly did at school.
These can also be home made with cereal boxes and the like and poster paints
If you can find a Model Railroad Book from the 1950's or 60's.
Try your local library or second hand book store there will be in it how to make buildings from card and some very good ones at that.
Just be wary of some of the other things that may be found in those era books as some would not be allowed today.
regards John

[John Busby]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Texas Zepher

QUOTE: Originally posted by SteelMonsters
Seriously, who posts at 4AM?

People in Austraila where it isn't 4 a.m.

Hi guys
We dont just stand up side down here[swg]
We work on our own time lines as well[:D]
regards John