Forums

[Anonymous]

Hi everyone,

I'm new here, so be gentle! [:D]

First, let me say that I know NOTHING about trains. My husband is wanting to get into collecting trains. We will probably start having kids soon, so he wants something the kids can just play with at first, but then help him collect as they get older.

I was thinking about surprising him with something for Christmas, but I have NO clue where to even begin! Any ideas???

Sherry

[billski]

GREAT Hobby to choose!!
First thing I recommend is to either go on line or look in the yellow pages for hobby shops that sell model trains. They will help yoo with all your questions and show you the variety of trains you can collect.
I started out in HO, got married and when my children were little - they were taught how to handle the cars and run the trains .Nothing was ever broken. So I would say scale doesn't matter - just make sure your layout doesn't grow too fast - sometimes people get disappointed - grow into the hobby slowly.
There are many books, videos, dvd's out there to help you in this wonderful hobby.
Also joining this forum will help you out as well.
Keep writing

[CSXrules4eva]

COOL BEANS!! Welcome to the forums. You couldn't of choose a more interesting and fasinating hobby, the kids will love it too. Just think sooner or later, in about three months or sooner you'll be a die heart trainjunkie just like the rest of us. LOL

[ben10ben]

If you want something that's easy to set up and wire, and is practically indestructable, 3-rail O gauge(like Lionel) is the way to go. There are a number of starter sets made by Lionel, K-line, and MTH that set up easily, run well, and aren't too terribly expensive. Most pieces that you will buy will be of the "throw them across the room and they survive and still run" quality, although it will probably be a while before your yet to be born children are able to do that to a 5lb.+ die-cast locomotive.