[ipribadi]

Hi all!
I'm posting on behalf of my inlaws which are trying to buy a model train set.
We don't know much and wanted to get some good inputs from here.

Wanted to go HO scale since it's most popular.
The long term plan is just to have a small set, so no big future plans to go all out or anything .. just need a nice small train set.

Some details on what I'm looking for:
Budget so far is $200-ish for the whole set. (for now)
Wanted to see if there are any HO scale locomotives which are mostly made out of metal or have a metal shell.
Passenger cars are preferred vs freight.
Just a small oval track is fine.
Probably with such low budget it won't be a DCC set.

Any input on brands, places to buy, etc ?

Thanks guys!
I live in Austin, TX.

 

[Big Ed]

Check out the thread that's posted here today.
He might sell you one of the sets?


>>>>>> http://www.modeltrainforum.com/showthread.php?t=4028

 

[Komodo]

I found this: which probably isn't the best deal but.. http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/Bachmann_HO_00689_Royal_Gorge_Starter_Set_p/bac-00689.htm no dcc tho

 

[full maxx]

look around on ebay you can get a dcc set for about that...new

 

[Komodo]

If you want a nice small set, with only one or two trains, you probably aren't goign to want dcc, only if you go alot bigger. Your first sets probably aren't going to be dcc.

 

[igmuska]

I'd recommend not using any layout having 18" radius curves, use 22" radius curves or 24" radius curves for a better selection of rolling stock and locomotives.

For a great start using a 4 foot by 8 foot plywood sheet, you might want to look at the Heart of Georgia bench work as your first layout. I wish I knew about this one before I set up my layout but the fun in HO model trains is that it is your train, you can run it the way you want or put it wherever you want with whatever type of scenery you want.

 

[full maxx]

my little boys first set was dcc but we didn't get the controller till some time later

 

[RR Man]

You Can get a bachman DCC set with 2 locos, track, power-pack and cars for about $225. You ould also go with a Atlas set.

 

[tjcruiser]

IPR,

One of our stalwart forum members "Stationmaster Bob" posted an excellent summary of his opinions on various diesel HO brands ... See post #14 in the thread below. (In my opinion, this is the voice of some experience, though Bob might shy away from pats on the back!)

http://www.modeltrainforum.com/showthread.php?t=3815

TJ