Cost to get into model trains?

[lakelover]

I've been wanting on and off for years to get into model trains. I was considering HO gauge; we had a basic larger scale layout when I was a kid, and it was a lot of fun. My brother and I ended gravitating toward the HO cars, and the train sat in a box in the attic for years.

Recently, my sister set that old train up in her basement and that got me thinking about it again. All we had were the tracks, cars & transformer; she built the rest. Edit: The video link I had up didn't work, so here's a picture that shows the engine, coal car & freight car.

I saw this thread: http://forums.iboats.com/non-boating-technical-topics/anyone-here-into-model-railroading-625375.html

No hobby is cheap, I know that. How much does it cost for a basic HO layout starting from scratch? And how is the price of gradually building it up? Any online good resources or tips? What's a good brand?

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Cost to get into model trains?

I would contact a local active club NMRA - National Model Railroad Association There might be someone giving up the hobby

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Cost to get into model trains?

My Dad had quite a bit of the Marklin train sets and related accessories (German stuff, pricey)way back when. I bought my first (cheapy) train set for $15 back in the day. As I recall Athearn is a good engine brand. They have a large flywheel on their engines, so they run very smoothly at lower speeds, etc. Today, I would think you could spend $1K on a detailed/authentic layout, but not really sure if it would be more . . .

Been wanting to do that sort of thing myself. Once the kids get through their 7-8 years of college & grad school, I may have a few pennies left and some time to spend on the hobby. Otherwise, I'll just do R/C model planes :noidea:

 

[lakelover]

Re: Cost to get into model trains?

Thanks, good info on the brands. I'll be checking around.

 

[DonHof]

Re: Cost to get into model trains?

I been into trains for 65 years, Lionel, HO,N, Now G scale. Don't start with something cheap! You will be disappointed right away.
Get in touch with a model train club in your area. They should be able to help you out.

Don

 

[Maclin]

Re: Cost to get into model trains?

What DonHof said. Get the heavy brass engines for traction, get fancy controller that can pulse for smooth action when starting and slow speeds, get ready for a learning curve also.

I had all N scale at one time, with roundhouse in a separate train yard, small yard engine and several overland engines, even a 4-6-4 Steamer, it was fun. N scale fits in smaller space but most engines needed a rubber band helper on a drive wheel for traction, and the couplings are a little looser than "scale" so you get some out-of-scale large-ess type action sometimes. The controller I had (still have it I think) had the pulsed DC plus a momentum switch that slowed the action of the controller down when you made quick movements on the dial, helped the engine react more like a real heavy loaded train. Like I said, be ready for a learning curve!

I had space considerations or I would have gone with HO. Now I would HAVE to start with HO due to stiff hands not being able to handle N scale precision, not as good eyesight, etc.

I would look for someone getting out of the hobby, the guy who bought mine was very happy he did that rather than start from scratch.

 

[DonHof]

Re: Cost to get into model trains?

You don't need a brass engine! I have about 10 G scale, and 25 N scale none are brass. I run Kato, Atlas, Intermountain in N.
LGB and USA trains in G.
If you are going HO, Kato, Athearn, and Atlas are all good units.
There is a lot more to choose from in HO.

Don

 

[lakelover]

Re: Cost to get into model trains?

Thanks for all the good info so far. We do have a very active club in our area.