How to Buy a Train Set

Apr 5, 2013 by     Comments Off    Posted under: Rails, Roads & Rails Blog

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Buying a Train Set can be confusing to the beginner: so many scales, gauges, power and control systems are available. This is a cornucopia to the experienced model railroader but a daunting jungle to those entering the hobby or just looking for something under the tree. Let’s clear some ground by talking about what you are aiming to accomplish.

Who is the set for?

If there will be adult supervision and direction, any set is appropriate. Child-oriented sets like Lionel Little Lines or the battery powered G-Scale sets are safer for the under 8 children, since there is nothing plugged into the wall that might shock them.

For adults entering the hobby a complete train set is appropriate in any scale. HO scale sets are less expensive that the O scale and smaller, although both take about the same amount of space due to the unrealistically tight curves of 3-rail Lionel-style O scale. HO is the king of scales, followed by N scale. N scale layouts are perfect for the apartment dweller or modeling truly large scenes.

What is the set for?

A permanent installation may not be your aim. Perhaps you just want something to go around the tree. The O scale model railroad is pretty good for that, but you might want to try out one of our battery powered G Scale trains. This will save the trouble of wiring and some of these kits even allow you to recharge appropriate batteries inside the engine. They have sounds and remote controls that can be kept away from toddlers. These require nothing but a carpet or bare floor beneath the track.

How far do you plan to go with model trains?

We would like to create new model railroaders with every visit, but we know that for many families this is a holiday tradition and not a regular hobby. The battery powered sets provide a satisfying and inexpensive way to carry on this tradition. They will not last as long as O Scale trains run from a transformer, however. If you want a set that you can pass down to the next generation, buy an O scale train set. HO and O are both good for permanent installations that can form the basis of a lifetime hobby.

I hope this little essay has cleared up the inevitable confusion that faces the new train set buyer.

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