Best hobby train sets according to redditors

The price is $224, the same price it was when I bought this set over Christmas. Also, it's a shit set. I had to have Amazon replace it due to problems with both locomotives, and guess what, both locos in the replacment were also broken. Problems ranged from spontaneous failure to respond until powered down for several minutes, to super loud bearing/bushing screams making it sound like a 7 year old CPU fan about to go out, to the hand rails being broken in the packaging. Imagine your soundtrax module loaded up with this engine note and you get the idea of what it's like to drive these

I repaired the two least broken ones and they are still the worst engines in my collection.

I found a nice starter kit for you - its on sale!! https://www.amazon.com/Kato-USA-Model-Train-Products/dp/B00FXS4I5C/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=train+starter+kit&qid=1556490659&s=gateway&sr=8-3


Here's some scenery too - https://www.amazon.com/Woodland-Scenics-Landscape-Kit/dp/B00CEHCCK8/ref=sr_1_24?keywords=starter+kit+train&qid=1556490670&s=gateway&sr=8-24

I can't recommend a Bachmann HO Starter Set enough. I got this particular one for my four year old son and truth be told I probably have more fun playing with it. The size is perfect IMO as it looks the part of a model train but won't take up half your basement like an O scale.

The Bachmann EZ track is very easy to assemble/disassemble and we set it up on the carpet in our family room. It's also very easy to build upon. We go to model train shows a few times a year where we buy extra track pieces and train cars for about $40 bucks total. We now have a huge layout with tons of cars.

When my son gets older I've got a crate of O scale trains and track that I'd like to restore. In the meantime though, this Bachmann HO fits the bill perfectly.

Hope this helps.

I'd advise sticking to one of the scales used by model railroaders because it means you'll be able to easily add to it year after year. I also recommend avoiding battery powered trains because they're kinda meh whereas trains powered through the rails typically last longer if cared for. So for scales look into O and HO and decide what you think would look best around your Christmas tree.

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For the traditional O scale train from the likes of Lionel:

here's one for $99.99 but it's a smaller diesel train.

here's a steam version but it's $109.99

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O scale doesn't really come cheap so if you wanted you could opt for the smaller HO scale:

here's a Bachmann set for $85

here's another Bachmann at $92

and another Bachmann at $81

the cheapest Christmas train I could find is from the British company Hornby for $65 this one is OO scale but is compatible with American HO scale as the track gauge (size between rails) is the same. Apparently there's two versions of this and this one is $60.

You should be able to find reviews for all of these products very easily on YouTube.

Thomas & Friends G-Scale to put around the Christmas tree. It's expensive, but hey....kids love watching them.

http://www.amazon.com/Bachmann-Trains-Thomas-Clarabel-Ready/dp/B001RG0NAS


I bought my nephew the HO scale Bachmann Thomas & Friends set for his 3rd birthday. Everyone thought I was crazy going with HO scale, but he manages to run his set just fine.

I wouldn't mess around with any other brands until your son realizes that scale trains are delicate. The last thing you want is to plop 300 bucks down on an engine and have them play destruction derby with it.

Bachmann sets are good value, especially what you're wanting to do. Here's the one on Amazon I think you were looking at...

https://www.amazon.com/Bachmann-Spirit-Christmas-Ready-Electric/dp/B0038LJS9C/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=bachmann+N+scale+christmas+train+set&qid=1567614521&s=gateway&sr=8-1

Walthers sells everything at list or a little bit less.

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For the price, it's a good deal. I model HO trains and have plenty of Bachmann engines and freight cars on my layout. No issues!

Good luck!

If you're ok with On30 (That's O scale narrow gauge, running on HO gauge track), Bachmann has a trolley set almost identical to that, but specifically Christmas themed:

http://shop.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=487_672&products_id=5213

I highly recommend shopping around. For whatever reason, Bachmann's equipment tends to retail for lower prices than listed on their site. I often see companies selling their equipment at as much as 50% lower without calling it a sale.

For example, here's Amazon with prices ranging from 100-150:

http://www.amazon.com/Bachmann-Trains-Village-Street-Ready-/dp/B000EHH3HC/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1413225292&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=Bachmann+Christmas+Streetcar+Set

Here's a Williams GP-38

http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/Williams-O-21220-Penn-Central-GP-38-Diesel-Locom-p/wil-21220.htm

GP7

http://www.wholesaletrains.com/Detail.asp?ID=200465977

F3 A/A

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0013PPJ02/ref=asc_df_B0013PPJ021820859?smid=A2I0P9EJOSCHF5&tag=shopzilla_mp_1568-20&linkCode=asn&creative=395105&creativeASIN=B0013PPJ02

RSD7/15

http://www.hobbylinc.com/htm/ato/ato20030013.htm

C-628

http://shop.modelstructuresinc.com/product.sc;jsessionid=7B5B647E0E760C639D55AED2CC04C3A6.qscstrfrnt01?productId=98&categoryId=18

That's all I could find in about 10 minutes looking. Let me know if you want some more.

Doubling your budget can get you a Lionel metal shell locomotive with LionChief remote, sound, smoke, Remote and Bluetooth set. Lionel Pennsylvania Flyer Electric O Gauge Model Train Set LionChief w/ Remote and Bluetooth https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N1A3JS4/ or look for sales soon on BF/CM. Maybe even the Polar Express set for around $230 which is a quintessential under the Christmas tree train. Lionel The Polar Express Electric O Gauge Model Train Set w/ Remote and Bluetooth Capability https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N3D2VTC/

If you are looking for a HO scale 4-4-0 American the Civil War sets by Bachmann are a good place to start.

Good score! Now all you need is the tender that goes with it. You will need the tender, because it's part of the electrical pickup for this model.

Alternatively, you could adapt another tender.

This is one of the train sets this model comes from: https://www.amazon.ca/Bachmann-Trains-Durango-Silverton-Electric/dp/B007923CBG/ref=asc_df_B007923CBG/?tag=googleshopc0c-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=292965456384&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=18359523241816481068&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9001444&hvtargid=pla-435387396451&psc=1

Nah, more like a train set, here I'll start you off; this one is only 70$.

You can even get this spiffing conductor's hat for another 10$.

Could you use Amazon. Im not a steam person so I dont know exactly what your looking for or what "cheap" is for you but I found some if you wanna check them out.

Bachmann Trains - Chattanooga Ready To Run 155 Piece Electric Train Set - HO Scale https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00000ISI1/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_IObkDbAAW8W6E

Bachmann Trains - Durango & Silverton Ready To Run Electric Train Set - HO Scale https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004NHEQWY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_yPbkDb778QMPP

Bachmann Trains - Pacific Flyer Ready To Run Electric Train Set - HO Scale https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001RG0LLE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_uQbkDbMTKK635

Bachmann Trains - The General Ready To Run Electric Train Set - HO Scale https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NUA2RA8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_pRbkDbBBZ0K1P

Bachmann Trains - Overland Limited Ready To Run Electric Train Set - HO Scale https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006KQGF2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_HTbkDbGYCDSFV

Here are links to the train set. There are multiple versions of this.

First of all, the one above is O gauge sized, and is the most popular size and the size of the original Lionel trains that your dad and grandpa played with when they were kids. They are heavy duty and meant more for older kids and adults. There are also multiple add-on cars and accessories to go along with this, including characters from the movie, the boy's house, etc.

From newest to old:

link1
This one is controlled by both the remote and BlueTooth. It also has snow on the roofs. It also has the lettering on the cars in the correct place to match the movie.


link2
Contains only the remote, no snow on roofs, and lettering on the cars not prototypical to what is shown in the movie.


link3
This was the first set released back when the movie was released. It's only controlled by the wired transformer. Does not have any included movie sounds, but you can buy an add-on tender and add-on car to get more of the sounds.


link4G-Gauge version
This is the cheaper version that you see sold at Costco, etc for around $70. This is a true toy for smaller kids and is really designed as a toy.

I bought Lionel's Pennsylvania Flyer set last year as a black Friday special, believe it was only $180. Fantastic value, and more surprising, the engine is actually damn nice (for its size anyway). It's no Big Boy of course, but it ran around the tree just fine. Hell, for that price you could buy 3 of them and tripple head them, and still have change left over compared to the price of a Big Boy. (Of course, if you want a BB, get that, just realize you're looking at more like $1300 not $300).

If you go used, be careful, Lionel has used that name for decades across multiple sets and price points, so it can be hard to tell them apart.

[There are plenty of examples for sale] (https://www.amazon.com/Intermountain-HO-Scale-Double-Door-Boxcar-Freight/dp/B01BLWTMQI/ref=mp_s_a_1_8?keywords=ho+scale+burlington+northern&qid=1572388452&sr=8-8)

The three most popular scales in the US are N, HO, and O.

Basically N is small, HO is medium, and O is large size.

The best thing to do is see if there is a local store that specializes in trains. That way you can see the size differences and decide on what size you want to get.

To answer your questions:

1. Amazon for N or HO scale, ebay for anything, and modeltrainstuff.com for anything.
   
   
2. A good quality basic train set runs from $150ish to $450ish depending on scale.
   
   
3. If $300 is the absolute max I would recommend N or HO scale. An O scale set will set you back more like $400 if you want something of good quality.
   
   If you plan on getting a starter set these are my recommendations.
   
   N Scale- Kato
   
   http://www.amazon.com/Kato-USA-Model-Train-Products/dp/B005NMH1FM
   
   HO scale- Athearn
   
   http://www.amazon.com/Athearn-Iron-Horse-Train-BNSF/dp/B00LMJO7E8/ref=sr_1_4?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1415991149&sr=1-4&keywords=Athearn
   
   O scale - MTH
   
   http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/MTH-Rail-King-O-SD70ACe-Train-Set-p/mth-30-4231-1.htm

Set this up over your entire house.
Tape your phone to it.
Profit!

https://www.amazon.com/Bachmann-Chief-Ready-Electric-Train/dp/B004NHDW1K/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1468163532&sr=8-5&keywords=electric+train

https://www.amazon.com/Bachmann-Trains-Village-Street-Ready/dp/B000EHH3HC

Kitbash for your pleasure.

https://www.amazon.com/Bachmann-Trains-Thoroughbred-Ready--Scale/dp/B001RG7LDU/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1468465621&sr=8-13&keywords=train+set this is cheaper

The one you linked is one that I was looking at, this is the other(they look very similar identical other than cosmetics)
https://www.amazon.com/Merry-Christmas-Express-Ready-Electric/dp/B07GR9BTDZ/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=merry+christmas+express&qid=1567615270&s=gateway&sr=8-1

I think I will end up ordering some straight pieces to make it an oval.

Looks like that amazon has same price on polar express, what is difference between these two models, other than the price obviously?


Lionel Polar Express Remote Train Set - O-Gauge https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BK5MXQ8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_QjT-BbZ4GAMXQ. $330


Lionel The Polar Express LionChief Train Set with Bluetooth Train Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N3D2VTC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_nkT-Bb2M8XBVW. $250

Thank you very much!

I guess at this point I know enough about scales, power source and current to know what to choose from.

Knowing my husband he would prefer steam train.

I had quite a look at what you could buy right here, it's not even nearly as impressive as US/EU options.

While researching myself I found Bachmann/Lionel Trains, they are actually very attractive, electric, H0 and you probably could plug them here with adapter (gonna check) not sure about AC/DC thing yet, have to check too...

Christmas Bachmann one https://www.amazon.com/Bachmann-Trains-Before-Christmas-Electric/dp/B0006MZN7C/ref=sr_1_28?keywords=Bachmann&qid=1573035232&sr=8-28

Penny https://www.amazon.com/Lionel-Pennsylvania-LionChief-Freight-Bluetooth/dp/B01N1A3JS4/ref=sxin_0_ac_d_rm?ac_md=2-2-bGlvbmVsIHRyYWluIHNldA%3D%3D-ac_d_rm&keywords=Bachmann&pd_rd_i=B01N1A3JS4&pd_rd_r=308bf438-5fcf-40a0-ba89-22df7c818209&pd_rd_w=6gcYs&pd_rd_wg=rXUiF&pf_rd_p=ed481207-4bea-4e19-bbad-73ed40fdc292&pf_rd_r=HT2XTHB8V41CFAXFSMWC&psc=1&qid=1573035232

Christmas Lionel https://www.amazon.com/Lionel-Christmas-Express-Scale-Train/dp/B07BDZVT1H/ref=sr_1_97_sspa?keywords=Bachmann&qid=1573035663&sr=8-97-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFWUjVZSlVGOUU4RkQmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTAzNjQ1OTFHTVU5RU1JQzhJSTcmZW5jcnlwdGVkQWRJZD1BMDE5NzkzNzNKTkk5REJIVlJJNVImd2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGZfbmV4dCZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

This is the set I was talking about. Anything similar to it in HO?
https://www.amazon.com/Kato-USA-Model-Train-Products/dp/B00FXS4I5C

Might be here?

https://www.amazon.com/Bachmann-Trains-Digital-Commander-Ready/dp/B000BPPNWE

I would try looking at some of the not as popular scales such as HOn3 and On30. These are narrow gauge scales that model a lot of the locomotives that were used in the old west because a lot of the old west trains were narrow gauge. Here is an On30 set that you might be looking for