[GNfan]

Is it a bad idea to buy a locomotive if you don't have a working layout? This does seem to be a "buy it now because it may be gone tomorrow" business, but my concern would be discovering you have a lemon after the warranty has expired.

 

[DonR]

You might consider buying a couple lengths of
flex track in your scale. You could then try out
your purchase to make sure it runs the way
you expect. Get, also, a used power pack to
provide the test voltage. Both of these extra
buys would be useful in any layout you later build.

Don

 

[GNfan]

I've got the two circles of Bachmann EZ-track and power packs from Plywood Prairie - I just don't have anywhere to set it up but the kitchen floor. And my house is infested with cats.

 

[prrfan]

I’d go for it. There’s plenty of people who collect trains and don’t have a layout. An inspiration for looking ahead at things to come.

 

[clovissangrail01]

A Kato M1 track set includes, among other pieces, enough 12 3/8 inch radius track to make a circle, a 2 7/16 inch feeder track, a 2 7/17 inch straight track, and a Kato power pack. This will make a small oval that will fit on a standard folding-leg card table.

Take this into the bedroom, shoo the cats out, shut the door, and test your new locomotive.

And the beauty part is that it all hides nicely in a closet.