HELLLPPP! I know nothing and I need to get him a train....

[Anonymous]

Jeff,

Wonderful points.....Esspecially the last one....steering him in the direction of these forums....definitely going to do that....been printing interesting ones out myself as I read these learning from all of you wonderful train buffs.....There are definitely very nice people here. :-)

Tess

[Anonymous]

Whats the difference with power packs....I don't know anything about that stuff yet....I'm picking up on other things.....MRC power pack????

That's a good Idea Tom about getting something in Reading colors....a couple passenger coaches....etc.....

I'm thinking I might go the direction of a really good locomotive...and then maybe get him lots of ideas and a gift certificate for the cars and tracks....i don't know.....if i can get inexpensive cars.....maybe I will go with something like the IHC passenger set....even though I really don't like the detail...in which case he can pick out a new "real" set later.....don't know yet....still trying to surf through all this info.....

[Anonymous]

ok A mean a engine with a cab like this http://rr-fallenflags.org/rdg/rdg259s.jpg
B means a Booster unit without a cab like this, well http://rr-fallenflags.org/rdg/rdg259s.jpg (the engine behind the aunit) So ABBA would be cab engine Booster booster Cab engine

[Anonymous]

Gosh....adding sound....tom, you mentioned something about adding sound to the steward reading FT.....so it doesn't come with sound....for some reason I couldn't get that page you sent me to open up and I was having problems through work getting that page to work.....going to try again at home....so the stewart doesn't come with sound....how much do you think it would cost to get the decoder added? I guess thats not something a mechanically minded guy like keith could do himself is it?

Tess

[Anonymous]

Dear Wonderful Tom!!!!

You are a God Send!!!! Thank you.....i'm going to probably just ramble on trying to catch up here a bit....first that is the Temple Station. Looks very much like that. I can't tell if it's changed any. It's a beautiful pale yellow these days.

Thanks for the explanation of the "decoder" Yeah I'll probably stick to DC....and then let him read all this wonderful info later after christmas so he can then decide on DCC. :-) Future birthday and christmas presents. :-)

Nice to know that there are adapters between track. So if I bought some track locally....at a local flee market....etc....i could always get adapters as long as it's code 83 or 100 track....correct???

I looked at the IHC web site....very nice variety of passenger cars....but definitely doesn't look like it has very good detail.....very cheap looking.....I hate to say it but I have a bit of an eye for good quality....darn antique collecting....and photography hobby.....just don't think the IHC is lacking detail as you put it.

Did you see what James Mitich wrote? how the set isn't quite authentic and also that reading did not in fact have Dome cars. James made a very good point....if it's up to me I want to go historically accurate more then anything else.....even if that means me buying individual pieces....darn my perfectionist and historically accurate side!

What is ABBa Arrangement? Oh gosh all of you are tooo helpful....I'm researching everything everyone is saying now...it's going to take me quite a bit of time......you guys might have thrown tooo much at me....but i'm learning a lot!!!!

Only, six more pages of these posts to read, translate into English, and understand yet....thanks everyone!

Tess

[Anonymous]

Tess
I really think the advice on a locomotive and a gift certificate is a good one. What an inexperienced person thinks is good, could blow up in your face. Every man interested in trains has a different interest in them. Some will watch them run and run, others do just freight car switching, others only collect. In addition to that some love steam locomotives, and some love diesel. Some men run or collect freight cars, others run passenger cars or a mix of both. It sounds to me like you are trying to freeze a moment in time you would like to always remember, which nothing is wrong with that. If he chooses to move beyond the point you started, you can always help him. However it can be consuming in time, but most women have excellent skills to help on scenery and things, you can always be part of that.

[rolleiman]

QUOTE: Originally posted by TomDiehl

Keep it simple at first, an Athearn F7 in Reading colors, a couple passenger coaches, you can buy trackin a set to make a simple loop or loop with passing siding, and an MRC power pack.

Anniversary: buy a couple freight cars and a Reading caboose. A subscription to Model Railroader Magazine

Valentines Day: building kits, a couple small industries, a station, a house or two.

If he picks up the hobby after this, he'll be telling you what he wants. If not, you don't have a HUGE investment.

Tess,

A real flood of information already given to your questions and it looks like you are picking it up pretty fast.. A couple of comments to comment on.. You Will recognize quality when you see it.. As others have mentioned, it's probably a good idea to stay away from the pre-packaged train sets though there are a few good ones out there (talking HO scale here).. If your boyfriend's a techie as I thought I read, he would probably LOVE DCC but for a first purchase, I would steer clear of it until you (or he) knows if model trains are really going to become the passion you hope they will. There are good DCC systems and there are So-So DCC systems.. All will run trains that are equipped but some do it better than others. I think Tom Diehl's advice, reposted above, is pretty sound.. I know you said money is no object but you do want to be careful..

That Me Too advice reposted, here's my recommendations.. Based on personal experience only..

Bachman Spectrum makes some Very nice Steam locomotives but I would steer clear of the Diesels. I know there are people here who love them but my luck with the diesels has been sketchy at best.. Spectrum Steamers though, Big thumbs up.. If you want to go the diesel route stick with the Intermountain, Lifelike Proto2000 (Walthers), Stewart, and Athearn (both Genesis and whatever they are calling the others now), and for more modern types, Kato brand names.. I own 60 or 70 steam locomotives (lost count some time back) and without a doubt, the single best plastic ready to run loco I've ever taken out of the box is my Broadway Limited Imports (BLI) engine.. I've yet to hook up a train to it that iit Wouldn't pull. The Proto2000 Heritage steam engines are also quite nice.. I'm sure I've missed a few that are probably mentioned elsewhere..

Regarding passenger cars, IHCs (that I saw mentioned earlier) are okay but are extreemly underweight.. They (as will most other train cars) will have to have weight added to run reliably.. If you can find Rivarossi passenger cars, I think they are a little bit nicer (but still need to have weight added).. The Bethlehem Car Works that Tstage mentioned are also quite nice but I think require some modeling skill to assemble (could be wrong about that, never actually bought any).

Freight cars, most are pretty good to great these days.. Simple kits to hightly detailed RTR (ready to run) are available at most hobby shops and online.

One place I would recommend staying away from on your first train purchases, until you get a little more saavy about the subject, is Ebay.. Though some bargains can be had there, there's always the chance of being stuck with a lemon.. We wouldn't want that on Christmas Morning would we??

This is a little writeup, aimed at saving some money, that I did a little while ago.. Most of the questions I ask in it, you've already answered but it may offer some other advice..

http://www.rolleiman.com/trains/clinic2p1.html

Three other things to keep in mind..

First, You asked for it, Remember that when you can't pry him away from the trains.

Second, I think it would be great if you used your interest in old picture post cards to join him in the hobby.

Third, Model Railroading is Fun (regardless of how much we cuss and swear at it at times)

Finally, When you've made your purchase(s) and he opens them Christmas Morning, Steer him to these forums.. Lots of good information here and some pretty nice people too..

Good luck,
Jeff

[Anonymous]

Another thing that i suggest is to look at including some of the publications that are offered as a stocking stuffer. Maybe a magazine (Model Railroader (MR) is a very good one for beginners) or a book about scenery. It is one thing to give someone a single train or set and leave him or her to a simple oval on the floor, however it helps to spark the interest when they can see through pictures what can be achieved in this hobby even with little or no previous art or modeling skills (I am talking from first hand experience). I was always interested in trains, but when my parents got me my first subscription to MR when i was 14, my passion for the hobby took off. The nice thing about being "attached" to a RR geek is that gifts are NEVER a problem. You can always get them train cars. Even if they already have the car you got them, trains always have more than one of the same car. Good luck!!!!

[TomDiehl]

Keep it simple at first, an Athearn F7 in Reading colors, a couple passenger coaches, you can buy trackin a set to make a simple loop or loop with passing siding, and an MRC power pack.

Anniversary: buy a couple freight cars and a Reading caboose. A subscription to Model Railroader Magazine

Valentines Day: building kits, a couple small industries, a station, a house or two.

If he picks up the hobby after this, he'll be telling you what he wants. If not, you don't have a HUGE investment.

[tstage]

Tess,

Here's what I was able to find out about Bethlehm Car Works cars:

Web link to Bethlehem Car Works (BCW)
http://www.bethlehemcarworks.com/default.html

Info on Bethlehem Car Works kits (See top of page)
http://www.procustomhobbies.com/linescarried/bethlehem.html
Unless Keith is an experineced modeler, I'd steer away from getting him a kit right off the bat. Go for the Ready-to-run (RTR ) or pre-assembled cars

Web link for Intermountain Models (Producers of BCW RTR cars)
http://www.imrcmodels.com/distrib/bcw/bcw.html
Status: OUT OF STOCK on BCW Reading cars

Web link to Internet Hobbies (Ready-to-run cars)
http://www.internethobbies.com/internethobbies/betcarworhor.html
Status: Only RTR Combine car IN STOCK, Coach car OUT OF STOCK

Web link to Walthers
http://www.walthers.com/exec/search?quick=bethlehem+car+works&quicksrch_butt.x=0&quicksrch_butt.y=0
Status: All BCW Reading cars on BACK ORDER

I was also able to find out that Bachmann did manufacture a Reading 2-8-0 in their Spectrum line but they may have discontinued it. The only place I've been able to find it so far is on eBay. Bachmann's web site didn't have it listed.

Tess, the Stewart FT A-B diesel might make a VERY handsome present and fine alternative to the T1 steamer. Stewart locomotives are top notch mechanically and have good detailing. Here's a pic of the Stewart FT and link:




http://stewarthobbies.com/Loco%20Page/5042.htm

Well, there's a boat load of information you've gotten from everyone to mull over. IMHO, I think starting with a locomotive might be your best bet. If the locomotive is a hit, after Christmas, the two of you can them go out and look at track and operating systems together. Do think about the 4-8-4 T1 from PCM for a future gift idea.

Tess, PLEASE do keep us informed what you decide to do, and what Keith's response is. A blurred picture of euphoria will do in a pinch, too. [:)] Let us know if there is anything else we can help you on.

Tom

P.S. Tess, if you decide to go with the Stewart Reading FT and want to add sound, there's a terrific dealer in Webster, NY (Tim Smith) who can do that for you at a VERY reasonable price. He did a special decoder install in a locomotive I bought from him at did a VERY nice job of it.

P.P.S. I just took the liberty to contact Tim by e-mail about the availability and price of a Stewart FT A-B diesel in time for Christmas. Tim's prices are some of the best around. I'll let you know as what I find out.

[Anonymous]

I've always liked broadway limited. I have an Aethern Diesel and it cost about $80. If price is no object then get a ton of track, a Digitrax DCC, and cars, cars, cars. Seriously, you probably wont go wrong, but spend some $$ on a good locomotive.

[tstage]

Tess,

I e-mailed one of our resident experts, Randy Rinker, to get his input on the availabiltiy of Reading models in HO. Here's what he had to say: (BEWARE!: The following is kinda heavy on the RR jargon. I've underscored some pertinent info for you.)

QUOTE:
There are FP7's that were made by Roco and sold by Atlas, and more recenty by ER Models that are accurate. The Atlas Trainmaster (with and without QSI sound) is a Reading passenger unit, not a freight. The only Reading steam passenger locos I've ever seen are all brass, various G-class Pacifics. The Hudson is wrong, Reading never had any Hudsons. IHS has a Pacific done as Reading, similar but not identical to either a G1 or G3. It probably can be reworked (and there probably was an article in RMC on doing so at some point), but like I siad, the only truly correct Reading G's are brass and naturally not cheap.

Cars are tough to come by - as far as I know, the current IHC cars are prototypes of NOTHING, while the older ones made by Rivarossi usually had at least one prototype they matched, even though they put any name on them they wanted. Thre's a web site listing just about every passenger car model made (in plastic) and what roads they're good for, but I don't have it bookmarked. The cars sold by Bethlehem Car Works are correct Reading cars - they are available in assembled form from Intermountain. But they only offered the coach and combine in RTR. If you want a baggage you'd have to build the kit.

The really well-known Reading passenger train was the Crusader, with a streamlined Pacific. There is an old Penn Line kit for the loco, kinda crude but almost as rare and expensive as a brass piece. The 5 cars of the train are pretty much only in brass - I believe there's a set on eBay right now. Oh yeah, the older Rivarossi observation car (smoothside) is the Crusader observation! The train has 2 of them, one at each end, since there was no place to turn the entire train at the Jersey City terminal. And those were the only 2 cars like that ever on ANY railroad, yet that's what Rivarossi made. But the intermediate cars were never made by anyone other than brass, and the brass sets include all 5 cars anyway. After the end of steam, the same cars were pulled by the FP7's, until eventually the whole thing was replaced by RDCs and the cars sent to Canada, I forget if it was CP or CN. One of the observations still exists, now at the PA Railroad Museum in Strasburg.

By the end of the Reading, all passenger trains were RDCs. Life-Like has various RDCs in the Proto1000 line that come lettered for Reading and have correct numbers for the type of car.

No T-1 yet, last week they said 2 more weeks, so I'm hoping for a call from my guy next week.

--Randy

Tess, as I suspected, finding things in the Reading will not be an enviable task. The Reading 4-8-4 T1 from Precision Craft Models (PCM - link listed above) would make a VERY nice gift for Keith but it doesn't apprear that it will be here in time for Christmas. I'll see what I can find out on the Bethlehem Car Works cars from Intermountain.

Tom

[Anonymous]

Posts: 1
Joined: 19 Dec 2002
Location: US

Waited a LONG time to post, didnt you?

QUOTE: Originally posted by Cthetrains

Tips for starting out:

1. visit a local hobby retailer...HobbyTown, USA is fairly reasonable..proto2000 series steam locos are good quality, and won't kill the bank account, if you want to spend a bit more, Rivarossi has always been my preference...as for track code, ARTHILL is right, just 'tease him' a bit with the loco, and let him decide the detail work...and once again...remember..YOU got him addicted...hehehe

[Cthetrains]

Tips for starting out:

1. visit a local hobby retailer...HobbyTown, USA is fairly reasonable..proto2000 series steam locos are good quality, and won't kill the bank account, if you want to spend a bit more, Rivarossi has always been my preference...as for track code, ARTHILL is right, just 'tease him' a bit with the loco, and let him decide the detail work...and once again...remember..YOU got him addicted...hehehe

[james saunders]

what about the Athearn RTR sets arent they of decent QUALITY? i dont know about getting a Reading Train Set, though i would say build it yourself with good quality products from Proto or a better brand like that.

[tstage]

Tess,

I'm going to have to second what Darrell just said. I was thinking the same thing earlier: Buying Keith a good, quality locomoitve would both prime the pump and make buying a Christmas present a lot more easy on you. Then on those subsequent special occasions you mentioned (e.g. your anniversary, Valentine's Day, Birthington's Wash Day, etc.), you can pick out additional gifts to compliment the locomotive.

Tess, James suggestion about the PCMs 4-8-4 T1 is also a good one:

http://www.precisioncraftmodels.com/products/readingt1.htm

The last that I heard was that the T1 was supposed to be out anytime now. Maybe this is one that you could order now and present at a later date. I think it's worth considering...

Tom, not Darrell...for now

[dgwinup]

Tess,

A few quick comments: buy him a nice locomotive, Reading if possible, and a gift certificate. Wrap them together and call it his "new layout". If he is interested in more, he has the gift certificate to get him started. By Valentine's Day, you will know if your gift should be more trains or something else. By his birthday, you will know what else he wants and needs.

Don't be afraid to make this your hobby, too. Nothing in the rule book that says you can't enjoy the same hobby. (Actually, there is no rule book, so whatever you want is fine!) Quite often, women have better perceptions of what looks good and what looks right.

I hope he appreciates all the trouble you are going through for him. I am sure he will.

Darrell, quiet...for now

[Anonymous]

http://www.internettrains.com/
http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/index.html
http://www.trainworld1.com/index.html
http://www.readingrailroad.org/

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by piccolotess
i want this to be keiths hobby........not mine!!!! GRRR! :-)

Why not? The best part of model railroading is its social aspect and sharing the fun with family and freinds. It can also be good Boyfriend Girlfriend Bonding time.

OK I did some quick digging on your behalf.

That walters website you refer to has listed when I checked the following in stock

International Hobby Corporation Pulman Standard Streamlined Fluted Side Passenger Cars 8-Car set $79.99. Item # 348-47918

The 8 Car set includes the following.

Baccage,
Coach
DIner
Observation
Combine
Railroad Post Office
Sleeper
Vista Dome.

The only car that is in this set that wouldn't match a real reading car is the Vista Dome as due to Dome Cars being my specialty or sorts I can say with certainty they never owned any. The rest would be reasonably acceptable matches for cars Reading would have had.

As for Motive Power While I do not think it is authentic Reading Passenger power. (I model Great Northern so Reading doesn't show up on my radar very often) It would look pretty cool just the same. Walthers Showed "FT" (Pronounce each latter individually) Locomotives in stock from Steward Hobbies.

They are listed as

Diesel EMD FT A (Powered) B (Dummy) Set -- Reading #1 Item # 691-5041

Diesel EMD FT A (Powered) B (Dummy) Set -- Reading #2 Item #691-5042.

Are listed at $185.00. Ordering both sets will yeald a a complete set of locos known as an ABBA Arrangement. One set will be sufficient however.

I don't know if Blowing $400.00 on a christmas present is what you had in mind. But I give you my honor that these Items are of good quality and if treated with care, will last long eneugh to be passed down to any interested model train nut grandchildren you two may one day have.

I hope this helps your dillema.

Oh Almost forgot. Walthers Toll Free order hotline [phone] (or 1-800-4-TRAINS)

I hope I have been a big help. Also if you want to get him a spectacular Birthday Present. (Because they arn't in yet) Reserve yourself a Precicion Craft Models Reading T-1 Class 4-8-4 Particularly Item #588-589. (399.99)It is for #2102 as it was painted for special excursion service. And the locomotive traveled far and wide beyond Reading Rails on various trips. It still exists and To my knowledge as We sit here and discuss this, it is being moved to a new home Near Tacoma Washington.

I am sure if you give them a call first thing in the morning, THey can have it shipped out to you and have it in your hands soon eneugh to get it wrapped up for christmas.

Yours Truely

James Mitich

[twcenterprises]

IHC steam engines and passenger cars are good. Same thing as the latest Rivarossi's, I mean same molds and everything. I have 3 of the IHC engines, too.

Brad

[tstage]

Tess,

Found an entire set of Reading passenger cars on the IHC web site:

http://www.ihc-hobby.com/cgi-bin/bsc.cgi?sn=528

I'll see if I can't get others to chime in on how good these are.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ATTENTION! Anyone have an idea or opinion on the quality of the IHC passenger cars? $80 for an 8-car set. I'm familar with their locomotives: Good runners but detail is lacking.

Thanks.

Tom

[twcenterprises]

QUOTE: I don't know really what is meant by steam or diesel??? does the steam ones look like the one from the polar express? diesel more like the newer modern looking engines???

Yes, and yes. Real steam locomotives were powered by a fire boiling water to produce pressurized steam and using it to drive the wheels. They are the ones that have side rods connecting the driving wheels. Diesels came around in the late '30's and the basic design hasn't changed. They use a diesel generator to provide electricity to drive electric motors (usually one per axle) which turn the wheels.

I have about 60 locomotives, 6 of which are steam. I think in your case you can't go wrong buying a steamer, even if your boyfriend takes up a modern time period, he could still run a steamer as an "excursion" train.

QUOTE: DCC is when you can program an engine via wireless remote correct or something so that multiple trains can use the same track....Keith is very high tech.....so I think I read up on that sometime back....not sure....

Not quite wireless per se, but yes, you can run multiple trains on same track. Each engine has a "decoder" installed (sometimes from the factory, other times installed by the hobbyist), and responds to commands sent to its "address" by the system. For a beginner, I'd recommend using DC (direct current) and not worry about DCC for now.

QUOTE: I guess track codes would be dependent upon what type of train i would get???? again clueless about that....

Not really, just that code 83 is more realistic. Code 100 and 83 are both about equally as common as far as track by itself. All newer model trains will run on code 83 as well as 100. If buying a set, then I would buy any additional track in the same code unless you buy an adapter piece(s) to go from code 100 to 83 (or vice-versa).

We will be happy to give more advice on this as needed. How much information do you need, there's a plentiful supply here....

Brad (Co-Moderator on Yahoo group HOtrains)

[tstage]

Tess,

Is this a picture of the Temple station?:



I was trying to find some info on the Santa train and ran across it.

Tom

[Anonymous]

Tom, Well thank you so much for your help.......i'm going to be hanging out quite a bit on this site in the future....i'll be back at a later date....please send any suggestions my way....you've already given me so much to think about.....well I must be off to bed....i need to be awake tomorrow while i'm teaching. ;-) Thanks and good night!

[Anonymous]

Jadormdrache,
Oh my gosh!!! That website is overwhelming......I'm gonna have to spend more time looking at later......go***rains are truly beautiful...........darn it........i want this to be keiths hobby........not mine!!!! GRRR! :-)

[tstage]

Tess,

We'll continue to give it a go. I've been scouring the Net for Reading items. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be a one-stop "set" available in Reading. I'm afraid it's looking that it might have to be piece-meal. Not such a bad thing. Don't panic. Christmas is 3 weeks. Still plenty of time to order if nothing is in a local hobby shop (LHS) in your area.

Tom

[Anonymous]

Here's the other thing............christmas is coming.........i want to give him a start then..........then about 2 weeks later is our anniversary............i want to give him maybe a bit more to add to it...............and then a month later we have valentines day........soooo Fellas...........i thank you for all this advice......I KNOW for a fact that he will like this.........it's come up sooo often with him.........and a fact about me........I love antique and more retro items......i collect more specifically antique postcards......that's my hobby where I like to blow lots of money........I prefer finding cards from early 1900's postmarked....real photos of towns they way they were 100 years ago.....so having in mind the long term with Keith I kind of hope for a very retro look.....so steer me that way!

[Anonymous]

http://www.rr-fallenflags.org/rdg/rdg.html

if you re looking for diesel for a passenger train it would either be E units, F units, Roadswitchers(RS) or GPs the first letter or 2 describes what class of loco it is.
scroll down and you ll hit the steam locomotives.

[ARTHILL]

There are a lot of those unfortunatly. I do business with Becker's in St Paul and he takes good care of me. He would do business by phone, but that is advertising and we don't do that here. Ordering direct from Walters also works, That is my daughters way of getting me stuff.

[Anonymous]

Actually, I'm in Reading, PA....you'd think it would be easy to find trains here....the last hobby shop I was in though didn't seem very interested in my business...and they had no trains from Reading...it was funny.....there's other hobby shops in the area and well I think I'll give it a shot again....doesn't mean the next shop will be like the last one.....I don't like it when shops don't take my business seriously....:::sigh:::