Anyone play with HO model trains?

[hillslider]

Thanks for the repy. I was wondering what the DCC was all about.
So far I have very little invested and since I am more interested in playing than collecting I was directed to the plastic series by a guy I called from a web page he has. One of my biggest questions I had was what name brands to start with. He directed me to Athearn and Bachman. Each name brand has their high and low lines. Since I have the Athearn set I went out and bought some plastic rolliing stock that Athearn had but quickly found out that the Bachman was cheaper so I bought a few of each to see for myself. He also said that most use Atlas track. I went against advice and bought some more Bachman nickle silver track since this is the same track that was in my set. I only have about 150 invested so far but believe I am on the right "track".
Sounds like you are really in to trains and would like anymore info you are able to offer.

Thanks

 

[hillslider]

Thanks for the repy. I was wondering what the DCC was all about.
So far I have very little invested and since I am more interested in playing than collecting I was directed to the plastic series by a guy I called from a web page he has. One of my biggest questions I had was what name brands to start with. He directed me to Athearn and Bachman. Each name brand has their high and low lines. Since I have the Athearn set I went out and bought some plastic rolliing stock that Athearn had but quickly found out that the Bachman was cheaper so I bought a few of each to see for myself. He also said that most use Atlas track. I went against advice and bought some more Bachman nickle silver track since this is the same track that was in my set. I only have about 150 invested so far but believe I am on the right "track".
Sounds like you are really in to trains and would like anymore info you are able to offer.

Thanks

 

[Bob_Skurka]

If I may offer a suggestion before you get too deeply invested. Take a look at the different types of trains and the different eras. Steam, diesel, electric. American style or European style. There are so many different types that something will appeal to you more than others. Then continue to try some different brands, see what you like or even if you have any preference between brands.

I only buy European pattern cars and generally only buy limited production cars as opposed to stock production runs. But that is simply my preference. You will find something that you like. And if you can, indulge your kids with some things they like. My daughter has some Christmas cars and a Hello Kitty car. We have a limited edition Christmas car from each year since my daughter was born.

Have fun.

 

[Bob_Skurka]

If I may offer a suggestion before you get too deeply invested. Take a look at the different types of trains and the different eras. Steam, diesel, electric. American style or European style. There are so many different types that something will appeal to you more than others. Then continue to try some different brands, see what you like or even if you have any preference between brands.

I only buy European pattern cars and generally only buy limited production cars as opposed to stock production runs. But that is simply my preference. You will find something that you like. And if you can, indulge your kids with some things they like. My daughter has some Christmas cars and a Hello Kitty car. We have a limited edition Christmas car from each year since my daughter was born.

Have fun.

 

[midlf]

"Model Railroading, like any other hobby, is an hole which can absorb an endless amount of money"

Money is the easy part, it's the time that is the serious part of it.

 

[midlf]

"Model Railroading, like any other hobby, is an hole which can absorb an endless amount of money"

Money is the easy part, it's the time that is the serious part of it.

 

[GaryM]

hwp,

I've not "played" with any trains for years, but know a little, very little, about DCC. I was in a train shop recently with my BIL, who's been into it big time, and was suprised to find a DCC unit with remote throttle for around $100. I'm certain that it's not the best unit out there, but if a fellow had a DCC engine and this cheap unit he could at least get started, right?

It was this unit DCC Maybe it didn't have a remote.

The DCC engine would work with a better DCC controller later on. I think this unit had like 24 speed steps. Sounds like enough to me, at least for the price.

 

[GaryM]

hwp,

I've not "played" with any trains for years, but know a little, very little, about DCC. I was in a train shop recently with my BIL, who's been into it big time, and was suprised to find a DCC unit with remote throttle for around $100. I'm certain that it's not the best unit out there, but if a fellow had a DCC engine and this cheap unit he could at least get started, right?

It was this unit DCC Maybe it didn't have a remote.

The DCC engine would work with a better DCC controller later on. I think this unit had like 24 speed steps. Sounds like enough to me, at least for the price.

 

[Michigan_Mike]

Hillsider,
You might try yahoo groups.
They have quite a number of group on modle railroading.
(Careful, some of them might get a bit testy if you say "playing with trains" /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif)
I don't know much about Athearn (most of what they offer is more modern-day that what I use), but I think they have a pretty good reputation.
As far as expanding your set, a lot will be determined by how much space you have, or want, to devote to the trains.
If there is a local club, you might see if they have an open house. The members usually are more than willing to help you learn.
Good luck.
Mike S.

 

[Michigan_Mike]

Hillsider,
You might try yahoo groups.
They have quite a number of group on modle railroading.
(Careful, some of them might get a bit testy if you say "playing with trains" /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif)
I don't know much about Athearn (most of what they offer is more modern-day that what I use), but I think they have a pretty good reputation.
As far as expanding your set, a lot will be determined by how much space you have, or want, to devote to the trains.
If there is a local club, you might see if they have an open house. The members usually are more than willing to help you learn.
Good luck.
Mike S.