I am New to Trains, Kinda.

[MultiplayerWorld]

Hi,

I am very new at this, although you can say this is my 2nd try at the hobby, hopefully, it will stick this time.

I have a Lionel O set, which I will be getting rid of, too big for the space I have.

I gave up on this hobby a while ago, but I am going to try and make it happen on HO scale.

I would like to start a layout on a 4x8 board.

I would like to use DCC trains and turn outs.

Would you guys give me some feedback? I am trying to put together a shopping list.

I need to get track, turn outs, Trains. I have been looking at a bachmann set that brings two DCC trains, but I don't know if I should buy a set.

I want to do this right, but also, don't want to spend $300 on a loco alone.

Any advise on what to get would be appreciated.

If anyone knows a good wholesale/discount place to buy train track/supplies around the miami area, let me know.

[T-Man]

I searched by Google and there are a few. I was told Florida was a hotbed of activity due to the retirees. I thought some of the biggest shops were down there?
Walters has a site to locate dealers, so you can differentiate between trains and other hobby shops.
Also you can purchase a copy of Model Railroader, they have an index by state.
Have Fun
Bob


HOLLYWOOD STATION
19301 SW 106 AVE. #9
MIAMI, FL 33157
(305) 278-1669
Fax:278-9942
hollywoodst76080@bellsouth.net
Authorized Dealer


READY TO ROLL
831 N.W. 143RD STREET
MIAMI, FL 33168
(305) 688-8868
Authorized Dealer

I added some Lionel Dealers. They may have other scales too.
Look for a local train show, this is the season.

[MultiplayerWorld]

I have been looking on the net all weekend, trying to find the right track to buy, and the right diesel loco.

I want DCC trains, but I read on the net that Bachmann models might not be so well detailed.

I am looking at different types of track for HO, but I would like to have one that is quiet as well.

Lionel's O track was so noisy.

I could just buy a good loco now, and cars later. but I need some helping picking which track to use, and don't want flex track right now.

[T-Man]

I would suggest that you take your time. Read up. You have a big selection of price ranges.You have to find out how much quality suits you. I can't suggest anything a this time, Good Luck.

[MultiplayerWorld]

I would like to get a low maintenance, high quality diesel loco, that is DCC, with lights, and maybe sound.

if it doesn't bring DCC sound, is that easy to install?

I am looking for a quality machine, probably 1 diesel and 1 steam.

I want it to be metal, at least the body and the wheels. any sugesstions?

[T-Man]

Die Cast steam and DCC are a tough combination. Today you get more detail with plastic. I did find one at MTH. The link is below. The company was started by a former Lionel employee. Well, the catalog is there.Beware, some engines only have a diecast chassis. MTH is well known in O scale so the company is getting a foothold in HO.
Europe has a lot of HO check out Marklin, dealers will lead you to many other companies.





http://www.mthhotrains.com/news.asp

[MultiplayerWorld]

I don't mind plastic as long as it is well detailed?

Anyone here have this?

BACHMANN SPECTRUM HO TRAIN DCC EMD SD45 SANTA FE 82719

Seen it on Ebay, for $42 tops

which are better quality/detail engines atlas or Bachmann? I am trying to get something that has already DCC, I dont have time to be taking the engine appart.

[Lester Perry]

For diesels I would say Atlas by far is the better quality. I don't know about detail as I have never looked closely at the newer Bachman diesels as I am more into steam. I do have some Proto 2000 diesels that I like a lot. they run good and look good. As far as a layout goes I would suggest not using track with plastic ballast attached. Also all brands of track without plastic ballast will work together as long as you stay with the same code. I will suggest using peco switches / turnouts. They are a little more $$$ than atlas but much better quality and well worth the extra money. Also start with a 4x8 plywood and sectional track. Build what you think you want not with a lot of detail and scenery. run it for a while (3-6 months) now take it apart start over with new layout. Make the changes you think you want do a little scenery. give it a little time and do it again from scratch. Remove scenery starting with bare plywood. You might note I have been saying "what you think you want" . That is because you probably don't really know. Doing it this way you learn what not to do and what you want in a layout. To many people jump into it with both feet, end up with a huge layout spending a lot of money and are disappointed with result because they didn't know what they actually want. When you figure out what you want in a layout throw away the sectional track and get flex track. Now that is another subject for later. Also find a local club and find other Model railroaders in your area. Most of us love to have our brains picked and show off our world. If you hang around a train shop for a while you will meet other modelers. Well that's enough for now.
Les