Okay..... I am trying to decide between HO and N scale and need help. I don't really think that I will ever do a full blown setup but I like quality and can't do anything half way. I was at my in laws this weekend and they had a Polar Express train in G or O..... Can't remember. It ran horrible and sounded bad with track noise. My wife does the same setup with a Christmas Village every year and my 6 year old loved the train and wants one in the village this year. I could go the Bmann route but I am afraid I would be disappointed with the quality. I have heard names like Kato and Atlas....... Lol. Question is this...... What scale would be best in terms of setup and quality / service in the long run. I will do a solid mounting of the track but will remove the board when the village comes down. The table is 4x8' and is a hand routed HO slot car table that I use to setup my Tjets for racing. I could use a train for a track cover...... Lol. What should I look for in a train set....... Name brands? I want to do steam loco and maybe the Polar Express style cars. I could start with the Chattanooga..... Since I live 30 minutes from there. Ideas.... Suggestions?
A few random thoughts... A six year old is right on the border between HO and N in terms of being able to work with the actual trains. I was six when I got my first N Scale, but I'd already been exposed to trains since birth. I would lean a little toward HO Scale on this. For one thing, there is more 'breakable' equipment in HO Scale than in N, and there's a lot more second hand material to choose from once you have your basic set purchased. (I would go new for the initial purchase.) On the other hand, if space is a consideration, then N Scale is a better choice. 4x8 feet is enough to do a modest HO setup -- there are any number of track plans out there to be used directly -- or a fairly complication N Scale setup. The availability of product is another factor. If you want to 'touch and feel' at a local hobby shop you will have a far wider selection in HO than in N. (Sorry, but it's true.) If you must go the mail order route, I think this is largely a wash. I am not aware of the Polar Express type cars in N Scale, and I'm not sure about HO either. It's very true that 'you get what you pay for' but be aware that some sets which are not all that good have extremely inflated MSRPs which are not necessarily discounted at some stores. Both Kato and Atlas (the latter via their 'Trainman' brand) have complete sets with train, track and power pack. If going with HO, there is Atlas again at least.
I also race T-jet and made parts for years, JW'S HO Speed Parts. IMO I would go with HO if it's only going to be a once a year thing. If your wanting a HO Steam Loco I'll have to pass on that, no idea who makes a solid runner.
Thanks guys for the help........ I will do some looking. At this point I just want a solid set to build on. I however hate buying a set and end up with scrap that won't help in a few months. I would rather buy a good controller than have three junky ones! Yes Jim..... I have the Tjet thing bad. I was in VA Beach this weekend for the holidays and hooked up with Tom Bowman for some playing on his house track. Great time and he may come down this weekend for the race on my track.......10 hours drive
+1 on the reco to go HO if you are setting up a Christmas village display and just letting it run. Bachmann quality has improved a lot - I never bought them before (just bought Kato, Athearn and FVM) but now I don't hesitate to buy a late model Bachmann steam engine...in fact their latest model in n scale (EM-1 2-8-8-4) is viewed as a great engine. You would want a 2-8-4 Berkshire (Pere Marquette #1225 model), and Bachmann makes that model. For the coaches, they are roughly modeled off a Pullman Heavyweight coach that is pretty available - if you want an exact match on color and naming, you will have to paint and decal them as I don't think anyone makes an HO scale Polar Express. I wouldn't bother with DCC. The only thing would be track...Kato HO track would be preferred to Bachmann as that is the one place where Bachmann has fallen down - their EZ Track has not been widely viewed as reliable. Kato Unitrack is bulletproof. If you want to go N scale, then the same brands and reco's apply. In fact, they are getting ready to release a new batch of Berkshire N scale engines shortly....but it can be hard to find one now. The older models were a bit more eccentric on being good runners when they were made by Life Like. John
Do you want this to go beyond the Holidays, and convert into a scale model railroad? If so, it would be hard to choose. Many youngsters do well with N, of course some adult supervision helps. As a decades long N scaler, I' love to see you join our ranks. But if HO feels better, then go that route. The boxed train set may not be your best option, as quality can be much less than adequate. You may be better off buying individual, quality pieces to assure best running. For a controller, definitely look at Model Rectifier Corporation. But, if more inclined toward a Holiday display train set, I would suggest you also look into Lionel O gauge trains. In fact, there is a fellow bulding a display right now, who has been sharing his progress with us. Check our O Gauge Forum, and his topic should be right near the top. I still have all the Aurora "Model Motoring" and T-Jet stuff from my childhood. Well used, yet neatly and safely packed in a box downstairs. Haven't taken it out in years.
You live close to Choo-Choo (Chatanooga)? Have you taken the kid(s) down the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum http://www.tvrail.com/ and taken a ride on the train? A fine place to say the least. Is there a Local Hobby Shop to go to? Maybe a local model railroad club around? Someplace to get you hands on the trains and see which scale would work for you. There are some very fine people on TRAINBOARD and they will post some GREAT advice, but you need HANDS ON to make your decision. If you can find a LHS, go see them and see what they have. Try to find a "Mom & Pop" owned store, not a HOBBYLAND STORE in the local Mall! They might even know a local club or modeller to help you.
Guys...... Okay.... Updates. Yes.... I have been to the Choo Choo several times as have the kids in the last few years. My 10 year old boy would have no use for this but my 6 year old daughter has my genes. She has the fine motor skills of a 10 year old..... You should see her coloring and hand writing! She would do well with N I think. I have no real local stores but have been to the local Hobby Lobby to look at the sets. I really think HO is just too big and I couldn't do it justice with the size I have in mind. I have always been a fine detailer and love my airbrushes and painting. I have found some decal sheets for the Polar Express in N scale and I personally just like the little stuff better...... N scale really appeals to me much more than HO. That said...... I would like suggestions on parts. The kits would be just a waste of money for long term and I might as well buy good track and controller now. So...... Looking for a 2-8-4 Berkshire? passenger cars?? Kato track? What controller would be great for up to two or three tracks on this layout? Can't have just one train, right?? Lol
For Christmas and kids, Id go O scale on the floor. What started as a loop around the tree is now 11 x 16, 4 tracks and dcs control. I have bought sets for 3 yr old nieces and nephews and they love them. Friends bring the little ones around to see our layout. If it's year round do some more HO v N research. For O, I like my Lionel Polar Express. I LOVE my MTH Rudolph set. Whisper quiet at slow speed and the rolling stock is head and shoulders more durable.
At the risk of violating our discussing retailers policy, let me strongly recommend comparing prices... I think you'll find that, ahem, big box craft stores, are not competitive on train sets, even with the ubiquitous 40% off coupons (which tend to disappear around this time of the year anyway). Also, I just recycled a BJ's Wholesale Club flyer that included a sale on a Lionel "Polar Express" train set. I don't have any of the details since I no longer have kids in that demographic, but it might be worth a bit of research.
No worries...... I have already done this math! Thanks again for your help. Any suggestions on where to buy Kato track online? Preferred sellers??
Please check out the businesses who advertise right here on Train Board. Many will have that track. Please email or PM any suggestions directly to him, which are outside of our supporters.
Okay, if you want to go n scale then here is some more specific feedback: - Engine: it is hard to buy a 2-8-4 Berkshire until Bachmann starts to ship their new production. It supposedly is shipping any day now...they are making the #1225 with DCC and sound for under $200 list. Good n scale steam locomotives can sell out within 3-6 months of release so you may not want to wait a lot. But it could be hard to get one before Christmas this year as the old Life Like models that come up on Ebay occasionally can be unreliable.. - Track: go with Kato Unitrack - easy to set up and maintain and very reliable. - Cars: Microtrain Pullman Heavyweight cars (not exactly sure what is the right model maybe something like these http://www.ebay.com/itm/MicroTrains...794547?pt=Model_RR_Trains&hash=item35e0fab973 ) - for power, if you want to run multiple trains on your track, then two choices: 1) go with a starter DCC system like Digitrax Zephyr or MRC Prodigy Express Squared or 2) wire your tracks in power blocks with separate DC controllers Here is a link to someone else on TB who did the Polar Express - reading thru it can help you with your project http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/showthread.php?154661-N-Scale-Polar-Express Good Luck John
Not affiliated with in any way...but do most of my online buying from Mike & Robin at http://www.fiferhobby.com/
Bachmannn Spectrum is releasing a 2-8-4 "Berkshire" with sound in the next month or so. In regards to Unitrack, it is available from most dealers at competitive pricing. Have fun with it. Shades
From a quick search and a phone call it seems that the Bmann #1225 2.8.4 is already available w/DCC installed. I have some Kato Unitrack on its way along with a Digitrax Zephyr controller. I will be in a rush to get this set up and running some my wife can setup up the Christmas Village around it. I plan to make the front and side of the table with the track and have the remaining track in a tunnel going under the stair step village scenery. If my youngest enjoys the experience I am sure a permanent setup will be in the near future and I hope this will be a great start to a quality train set. I am thinking that this track can be left un-attached and when I have done more research I can decide on a layout.
Yup. So just get things going and enjoy through the Holidays. Surf the 'Net, ask questions, see what catches your eyes. Don't rush, as that can cause frustrations and a few errors.
I'm not sure that the engine is shipping just yet. All the e-trailers have that engine on pre-order status. If it is available now, can you share where it is available? You will want to be careful if it is the LifeLike model as some versions of that engine were unreliable. good luck john
