What should I buy as a gift for somebody who is new to the hobby?
The cheap packaged sets make by Bachman and Life-Like are not a good way to get started in the hobby. The equipment is cheaply made and as a consequence will tend to stall and derail frequently, and
is also likely to break early. While you'll spend slightly more by buying individual items, you can assemble a starter set from better equipment and still spend under $100. The following list is a
suggestion of specific items which will make a nice set for somebody new to the hobby, either adult or 8+ year old child.
Athearn diesel locomotive with "superpower" drive. They make a wide range of locomotives, so pick whatever looks good. The "superpower" drive means it has flywheels and a heavy weight, both of which
make it run better, and it only runs about $5 more than the base models. $26-33
Several Athearn car kits [very easy to assemble]. They make both freight and passenger, so pick whatever interests you (or the recipient). Freight cars are $4-5, passenger $7.
MRC Tech II Railpower 1400 power pack. You'll need a few feet of wire and an Atlas terminal track section to attach it to the track. $41 (+ $2 for the terminal)
Enough Atlas Nickel-silver track to make an oval. 4 packs of 18" curves and 2 packs of straight will do. $2.80/pack
A copy of Model Railroader magazine. The December issue always has articles aimed at newcomers, but most issues will have introductory-level articles. $2.95
The stuff above will make the minimum starter set, for just over $100, depending on the engine and cars purchased. If you want to go for something slightly more advanced consider adding some of the
following items:
2 or so Atlas Snap turnouts (track switches), $6 each unpowered. Get both left and right handed.
An Atlas pier set combined with one of their bridge kits. To make an over-under figure-8 layout you'll also need another package of curved track. $10 for the pier set, bridges are $4-10.
Some building kits. The Atlas passenger station kit is a classic kit which is well manufactured and can be built into a nice looking kit with a little time. Probably not too good for a young child
since it has lots of parts. Kits run $5-15 for simpler ones, much more in some cases. Include some Testor's liquid glue [in a cubical glass bottle. The thicker version in a orange/white tube is junk]
(also not great around young children; for that matter, it give me a headache sometimes) and an X-Acto knife.
I have picked these items from personal experience - there are undoubtedly equally good choices from other manufacturers. Everything listed here should be available at most hobby stores which carry
train equipment. Your best bet is to find a hobby store which specializes in model railroads and tell them you want to assemble something like this. They should be able to show you the items listed
here as well as alternatives which you might prefer.
What should I buy if I'm willing to spend more money?
Higher quality locomotives can be purchased from Atlas, Stewart, and KATO (who make the mechanisms for some other brands as well). These models run very well, have more accurate and refined details,
and will cost about $100 for a single locomotive. Life-Like has a premium line called "Proto 2000" and Bachman has one called "Spectrum" which offer medium level products in the $50-75 range.
In addition to Athearn, MDC (Model Die Casting, also known as Roundhouse) makes good quality kits in the $5-10 range, and they are about as easy to find as Athearn. They make more of the modern
equipment than does Athearn.
Peco makes better quality track switches, for about $15 unpowered. They have a spring which keeps the switch rails firmly in the selected position and an under-table power unit which is easy to
install (although you have to cut a hole in the table). They come in "Electrofrog" and "Insulfrog" versions - the Insulfrog ones are "power routing," which means that the track power only flows in
the direction the switch is set. This can make it much easier to wire stub sidings in a block scheme, since you don't need a separate block for the siding. Electrofrog switches have a live metal frog
(hence the name) and are not electrically interchangable with the Insulfrog version.
What if I just won the lottery?
Brass models are regularly imported by a small collection of companies based in Japan and South Korea. These are limited run (~100 units) models of specific prototypes, hand-made from brass. They are
usually delivered unpainted but some runs offer factory painted units at an extra cost. The majority of these models are of locomotives, with steam more abundant than diesel or electric. Passenger
cars and cabooses are also fairly common, with occasional freight and maintenance-of-way cars offered. The main appeal of these models is that well-made ones will be exact models of particular
prototypes with a high level of detail. They also come with high quality drives, something quite difficult to find in cheaper steam locomotives.
The cheapest brass locomotives in HO are offered by Sunset Ltd., with most models in the $200-300 range. They are reportedly good runners with a fairly low level of detail. Highly detailed models are
offered by the other importers, with steam prices in the $450-1000+ range, diesels in the $200-400+ range. O scale models can run twice as much as these prices. The best bet is to find either a local
dealer or a reputable mail-order importer who can advise you on what looks good for the money.
Most of these items are sold by advance reservation, so by the time the model actually arrives there may not be any left for sale. The models are advertised in advance of production so that you can
place an order in time. Relying on the advertisements can be risky, though. Often the lead time is fairly slim, and not everything made gets well-advertised. For example, if you are interested in
future brass items, you would be advised to consult your local hobby shop to keep abreast of upcoming releases. Some hobby shops will take note of your interests and keep you advised when model can
be reserved.
Used models can be purchased and can be a good value if purchased from a reputable dealer who is honest about the quality.
How come the affordable suggestions only include diesel engines?!?
In general, steam engines are more expensive than their diesel counterparts. For example, the cheapest HO "ready-to-run" steam engines cost about $100. If you are the type who likes to build kits,
the cheapest steam engine kit costs about $70 dollars. Below is a short description of several popular steam engine brands. The prices in square brackets are mail order prices provided by a second
contributor, so may not be for the exact same models.
Bachman: Sold as "ready-to-run" units, these engines usually cost about $100 [$25 - $55 (RTR)]. The bodies are plastic. The running characteristics of these engines vary a lot. If possible, see it
run before buying. Bowser (Cary Logo. Works) sells a conversion kit for these engines providing a new drive train, however this upgrade will cost nearly as much as the original engine.
MDC/Roundhouse: Sold as kits, these engines usually cost anywhere from $70 to $100 [$60 - $80 (kit)]. The boilers are metal, the cabs and tender are plastic. MDC makes smaller (and earlier-era) steam
engines (4-4-2, 2-8-0, Shay, etc.).
Bowser: Sold as kits, these engines usually cost anywhere from $80 to $150 [$70 - $155 (kit), $120 - $170 (RTR)]. The kits are all metal very heavy. The casts usually require a fair amount of filing
to remove any flash. Running characteristics are good and the pulling power is very good. Bowser provides a number of PRR steam era engines as well as a Challenger and a Big Boy.
Rivarossi: Formerly imported by AHM, these engines are sold "ready-to-run". They cost anywhere from $150 to $500 [$120 - $250 (RTR)]. The engines are all plastic. One or more of the drivers has a
"traction tire" (rubber band) to keep the lighter weight engine from slipping. Running characteristics are good. Rivarrossi makes a wide variety of steam engines.
Mantua: [This is based somewhat on hearsay] They seem to offer two grades of equipment - the older designs such as the 0-4-0 switch engine which are quite inexpensive ($20) but which run poorly, and
newer models such as the 4-4-0 Atlantic which seems like a very nice model for about $120. Some of the models come in kit form for less money.