When it comes to electric train sets, the old adage holds - you get what you pay for. A good engine, quality track and the proper power supply can make all the difference in whether your hobby is satisfying or will soon be taking up space and gathering dust, unused, in the garage. A few basic facts about train engines, track, and power supplies will show you why it's important to make that first investment in your new hobby pay off in fun, not frustration!
A good rule of thumb is to first shop at your local hobby store, not the toy store. Toy store train sets may be affordable and look attractive, but the manufacturers tend to sacrifice quality to keep those prices low. And you may find the trains and tracks difficult to expand if they're non-standard sizes. Also, too often toy store locomotives lack the necessary gears and wheels to get them smoothly around the track. Why not start right off with quality trains and track? The investment in good equipment will not only help your first train set perform better, but also last longer and need less replacement and maintenance.
What should you look for in electric train sets? First, if possible, find one with a locomotive made by a reputable manufacturer such as Athearn, Bachmann, Atlas and Walthers, to name some of the more noted ones. They may cost a little more, but they'll show you their value on the tracks. And what about cars? Starting with box cars is not a bad idea. In general, they get around the track with few mishaps. Passenger cars and some tankers tend to be longer - or to be slightly out of scale - and may be more suitable to an advanced hobbyist, as, with their length, they can be a little harder to keep on the rails.
Next, it might be better to invest in nickel-silver tracks rather than steel, right from the outset. Nickel-silver tracks need less maintenance than steel ones and conduct electricity more smoothly. And since you may find yourself wanting to replace steel rails eventually, it will save you money in the long run to start with the higher quality tracks. Choose tracks that you can expand, since most model train builders eventually will. Finally, it also pays to start with a good power supply. There are several good makes on the market, so you can choose one that has the features you want most - variable speeds, reverse, of course, a circuit breaker, as well as the power to drive the largest of your electric train sets effortlessly.
Reynolds Maxwell Mathes-Redd is a long-time model railroading enthusiast and enjoys helping others get started in this family enriching hobby. http://www.LovingModelTrains.com His newest book, Loving Model Trains: A Practical Guide to Railroading teaches hobbyist everything they need to know about starting and maintaining a fun-filled model train railroad. http://www.LovingModelTrains.com/ebook/Train.html
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