Hello here fellers an any ladies. Got my first train in 1956 an it was a lionel 027 steamer. Haven't got to much of it left anymore. Anyway, a friend of the wife had sent off for some junk from U.S. purchasing or something like that. 2 boxes were delivered to her with the stuff she had ordered an each box had a n scale train set in it... Don't get to excited, because they were dummy engines, but the tankers, flats, an log cars were actual n scale stuff. I even neasured the width with my digital calipers an it is 9mm. I don't know what to think, they are brand new an all say southern pacific. the wheels turn fine an the trucks also an the couplers seem to look like the regular n scale couplers. I've got a coupla pics here to look at. Looks like all I need is some track, loco, an a power supply. Thanx Guys Ronnie The Toolman
Good evening...these were cars that were given away by Readers Digest several years ago. My experience is that they don't roll very well on N scale track.
Well, I guess they would look good setting on a siding somewhere in the layout.... Don't know whether to get the bachmann explorer or the atlas trainman set to start with. Can't afford a high dollar one since I retired. Got a lotta RC planes I don't fly anymore, maybe I can do some trading
Your fotunate to have recieved anything free, although these TOY trains that are N scale size are most commonly listed on e-bay by sellers who have no knowledge of N scale. They think they are high quality useable trains and some times list them for prices that are laughable. These are TOYS that are N scale size, other than that, they are toekns much like Hallmark Ornaments. You will run across real N scale items as your interest grows with the hobby. Its at least a start, probably best to familiarize your self with the size of the BEST scale in model railroading. Noth-N" better than "N". fatalxsunrider43
I can remember back when these little trains were called treble-0 or some such name. I was into racing slot cars at that time
Yep. Back in the 1960s. You mentioned an Atlas Trainman set. That would be a very good starting point. Welcome to TrainBoard! Boxcab E50
I got a couple of those tank cars and drilled out the rivets holding the trucks in place, removed the SP logo & name, weather them and used then both for fuel dumps on my layout. That Reader Digest stuff works great for static model displays.
I would absolutely get the Atlas Trainman set with the GP15 for a great starter set. I believe it is much better than the Bacnmann sets. The Trainman sets can be had for about $100.
$102.00 would buy you much more in the way of some new/used items than a new trainset. Buy some 2nd hand track and some unused items on e-bay. Opinions may vary. fatalxsunrider43
The following is not opinion. It is a statement of fact that purchasing from a reputable trainboard advertiser might note - might - cost more but when starting out in this hobby: Buying new Buying from a known reliable source Is well worth the negligible cost difference. What price peace of mind? After all: How is a novice able to know how much to pay on ebay? How do they know what is quality? How do they know what they need? How do they choose a reputable dealer? I have seen you denigrate various products. How could a novice successfully avoid such products? I know nothing about fishing. If I decided to get into fishing ebay is the last, er, no, it is a place I would never go. What I have posted are either facts or legitimate questions.
Welcome to TrainBoard! I second the recommendation to buy an Atlas Trainman set. See how it goes, get a feel for the models then ask loads of questions. Then you may feel confident enough to try your hand a getting a deal on eBay. In the meantime, you haven't been burnt and discouraged but running and enjoying your first N Scale set. Whilst eBay has many great sellers, it pays to know what you are looking at before bidding. Steve amply sums it up with his 'peace of mind' statement.
Steve is absolutely correct! This is just what came to my mind when I read the posting. I do buy at ebay, but I do this based on my experience and knowledge about the model. Which means that I expect that the model might have some flaws that I have to fix. One example: once I bought a Kato RDC in NYC from someone here in Germany. The model looked good but did not run. When I checked it I found out that the contact strips for the trucks were mounted the wrong way. It could not work. I fixed it and now have a nice model that I got real cheap. But the seller had sold it as running model. So imagine the disappointment of a newbie with this. I admit I made some mistakes, too. Got a Röwa mallet that was royally screwed up by the previous owner, this was visible on the pictures but I had not noticed. I got a partial refund from the seller and will use the engine either for spare parts or rebuild it. Got a better model later. Just my 2 cents...
I have that exact set from Readers Digest glued down to some Code 55 and a piece of baseboard. I have it on display in my office on a book shelf. cool:
Is this track that comes with the trainman set something that I will be able to use when I expand, or will I hafta start all over on track? Also, does the atlas track have the fake plastic gravel bed or is it just plain bare track? An one final ? is the transformer that comes with the atlas set decent enough for a starter? whats the smalleat radius the engine an cars can get around?
Don't worry about the track or power supply that comes with the set. Yes, at some point you may have to replace them. While I don't know the minimum radius of the Atlas GP15, (which is what comes with the set), I have a tough time conceiving of a radius you would use that it won't negotiate. Power supply and track type are issues to consider when you begin to plan your layout.
I would also recommend starting with the Atlas Trainman set, good choice. Another option (oft-forgotten) would be a Walthers/LifeLike starter set, specifically if it contains the LifeLike GP-20 locomotive. That engine is on-par with Atlas (see Spookshow International and check Mark's locomotive encyclopedia for info on any locomotive). The Walthers set also generally includes a couple trees and buildings for somewhat less than the Atlas starter set Of course, the Atlas Trainman includes their own TrueTrack, which is a very nice looking and reliable track. See altasrr.com for details. Check out some of the vendors who sponsor this site, and you can't go wrong. Happy holidays! P.S. Have you got a local hobby store?
Well I ordered the atlas atl-2107 set just a few minutes ago. They said it should be here by next monday at the latest. Now I can kinda look around for some other stuff to go with it. Looks like the local craigs list always has some bargains.....
Best way to start, or get reacclimated to the hobby is a starter set. No matter what anyone says. It's the reason hobby shops still stock them, and maufacturers sell them. Everything you need in one box to get started. And it's cheaper than piecing stuff together. Especially if you aren't sure what to look for. You made a wise choice, and will be happy with the Trainman set.
Yes I agree you can't go wrong with the Atlas Trainman set, as stated all you need in one box. And with Trainman you can easily add to it in the future if desired. Atlas items are at most hobby shops and all online etailers.:thumbs_up: Happy Holidays and Railroading:tb-wink:
