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Hi everyone, I've enjoy MSTS and would say that I most often do the freight activities. Now I'm looking at some model train sets and thinking that I will be limited to setting it up on a 4x8 foot sheet. I kind of like these:http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXBUK8&P=F http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXBUK9&P=Fand can purchase both within my starter budget. I am thinking of setting up something similar to a Pettycoat Junction senario (would be sweet if there was something like this for MSTS too! is there? and my apology to the young readers who might not know this show). Even though I've read up on model railroading and tried to inform myself, I though it better to ask advices, alternatives, brand, quality, price, size (scale) questions, ect... Any such commentary is appreciated.Regards, Brian K.
Bachmann is nice, but I would avoid their HO model sets. They are not the best quality for long term running (I know from experience). A better bet would be Bachmann's On30 sets. They are bigger, similarly priced, and use the same track as HO, so you can still use a 4x8 board. But the best thing is their quality. A vast improvement over their HO sets. It is also a very hot scale right now. Bachmann seems to always be coming out with fantastic new items for On30, wish I could say the same for large scale (but that is another story) Here is a picture of one of their On30 sets: Check out this link for a list of their products (check around the internet though for better deals pricewise) http://www.walthers.com/exec/search?category=&scale=On30&manu=160&item=&keywords=&instock=Q&split=300&Submit=Search Matt Doti
Hi Brian,If you want to look for something like this in MSTS, I suggest Andre Ming's NA and St. L. route available at V-creation; http://www.vscalecreations.com/ It's a payware and it might be close to what you're looking for. I like it and it's very good on the framerates. Otherwise, there is a quite a few of Narrow guage routes available in our file library and it's free. Just look around and you might find what you're looking for. As for the trainsets, They are nice but, I wish they would make a Spectrum version of it with better motor in the engines. Don't get discourage by what I said, they do make a fine running engines if you keep it lubricated. I have them in N scale but the engines don't run anymore cuz it burned out due to small size and they only last so long. If you decide to build the layout, I would like to see the pictures of your progress. Good Luck!Ken Plaza
Please don't buy a Bachmann trainset (or Life-Like for that matter). I know from experience as well how crappy they are. I would HIGHLY suggest that you get aftermarket stuff because it is way better. The trainsets are just crap. Believe me.If you're looking for the best bang-for-your-buck, you can't go wrong with an Athearn locomotive (blue-box). I would suggest the SD40-2, not because it is my favorite (I have 5, 3 of them with DigiTrax DCC decoders), but because they come with plastic handrails instead of the awful metal ones (well actually they come with both).Also get Athearn blue-box cars because they are very cheap (around $10 or less), and come as easy-to-put-together kits. Accurail also makes some pretty decent cheap cars.Atlas track is the absolute best out there, so you buy from them and you're on the right track. As for power packs, the absolute best DC ones available are the Tech-2 later by MRC. Sure, it'll cost you a little more than a complete trainset, but trust me, if you can afford it, please steer clear of the Bachmann or Life-Like trainsets.If you decide to stay in the hobby, you'll want to upgrade eventually. Most of my locomotives are from Athearn, Atlas, and Kato, and my cars are from Athearn Genesis, Atlas, and Walthers. The best prototype railroading & model railroading resource out there is http://www.trains.com/home.asp . Sign up, look through the forums, read the prototype articles at the TRAINS site, and read product reviews, tips, and ideas at the MODEL RAILROADER site.
SD40-2: the best locomotive EMD ever made! ______________________________________________ Fort Worth Locomotive Shops ENG & WAG Technician & Lighting Engineer
So it looks like if a guy was to go with Bachman you'd at least want On30 or Spectrum line. I'm greatful that you guys pointed me toward more durable items. I'm still looking at 4-4-0 Old-Tyme American but certainly have opened my eyes to other styles that might be just a suitable and still stay within my taste and theme. I see some 4-4-0 (and others) over at:http://www.ihc-hobby.com/But I can help but wonder if they're IHC branded Bachman. Anyone have any experience with IHC? Thanks again, BK
to be honest, I wouldn't buy a set offered today.My advice to a beginner would be to purchase an Athearn RTR, Genesis or blue box "kit" or Atlas or Kato or Proto 2000 or Stewart locomotive, some Athearn RTR or blue box kit, Atlas or Intermountain freight cars, Athearn RTR or Walthers passenger cars if you want some, and buy atlas track. Get a MRC tech II or IV power pack.Since you're putting it on a board, That's going to give you not only the best looks, but a lot better overall quality than any model set can give.I hate to see people buying these bachmann/lifelike regular sets, because when the locomotive dies after a few hours, I know they're going to be turned off from the hobby. I'd avoid IHC steamers at all costs, and get either Athearn Genesis or Bachmann Spectrum (Spectrum steamers are among the best out there. Anything from the Plus or regular lines I'd avoid like the plague)Atlas makes a track system with roadbed, IIRC. I do a lot of dealing with www.trainworld.com They have the best prices around on quality HO stuff. They advertise heavily in Model Railroader and Railroad Model Craftsman. From them, you can put an AThearn RTR loco, 3-4 cars and a caboose for ~$100Bradley Linda Waco, Texas
Check out this link for a list of their products (check around the internet though for better deals pricewise)
