There is a limited selection and you will find there are some very good quality beginner sets. You need to spend a little time deciding what your goals may be before investing in these sets. Sets contain items from only one manufacture. Do you like everything in the set? If not, perhaps you’ll save money in the long run purchasing everything separate. The big downside of a set is its power supply. It is only enough for that train around a loop of track. As you expand you’ll need a better transformer soon.
How long does it take to build my railroad?
If you truly enjoy the hobby you will always want to improve your layout. You are fortunate in that you don’t have to complete a layout to start enjoying it. Keep in mind that as you build you may find that your first design is not your best plan. Also keep in mind that your favorite railroad item may not even have been made yet. As soon as you think you have the perfect railroad they come out with a new item that you just have to get. Your railroad will grow as most towns do in real live.
Will all these trains work together?
For the most part they will, however there are exceptions. The biggest challenge is the variety of couplers offered. To overcome this issue you simply select the coupler that works best for you and convert your equipment to the same coupler.
Will my AC train run on DC current?
Yes any AC train should run on DC but if it has any electronic circuit boards (sound etc.) find out from the manufacturer first. If in doubt check first. Also mechcanical reverse units or E-units will magnetize when running on DC and stick this will fix itself when the engine is run on AC again.
Will my DC train run on AC current?
No DON'T put a DC train on AC as it could damage the motor. If you do put one on AC it will sit and hum at you or move backwards and forwards on the same spot.
Where's the best place to find track plans?
There are books avalible that have track plans but if you're on a low budget like me then go to ThorTrains.net where there's hundreds of track plans avalible.
Whats the best brand to buy?
This depends on many things (your budget, favorite prototype, etc.) the best value for money is Marx trains but Lionel trains are more detailed. And in England the best brand (I think) is Hornby.
Can you buy spare parts for the older trains?
There are spare part dealers for most of the more popular brands. If you decide to collect Hornby I recomend you join the Hornby Railway Collectors Association to get access to their spares directory otherwais a search on the internet will bring up spares dealers for your brand.
How do you judge the value of a toy train?
I recomend you try surfing eBay otherwise try to pick up a price guide on Amazon.com
