Can you guys recommend a complete N-scale train set, with track, for someone interested in dipping his toe in the waters? Been doing HO scale all this time, but need something that takes far less space. I know I can buy things separately to get better quality, but prefer a complete set just to try things out. I like passenger operations but am also interested in doing industrial freight switching. Prefer sets that have small radius requirements. (And yes, I know about trolleys and such, but for N-scale, want to stick to multiple-car consists.) Thanks. Aurelio
Atlas has a train set that I would recomend. It comes with a GP 15 for a loco, a caboose, and I think 3 or 4 cars. Whatever you do, stay away from Bachmann and Life-Like sets as these are basically junk!
I would avoid MOST train sets in N scale as they're mostly garbage, but there are a few good ones. Passenger - get a Kato Amtrak or Super Chief set with the track and the controller. The curves are 12 3/8" radius tracks. That will easily fit on most kitchen tables and may even fit on your coffee table. N-Gauge UNITRACK - KATO USA : Precision Railroad Models Freight - get an Atlas Trainman set with the GP15-1. Atlas' own website says it's a 24"x30" loop, so it would work on any kitchen table and many coffee tables. Hope this helps, Adam
If you want a train set and like passenger cars, I would recommend either the Kato Amtrak Superliner (part number is 106-0015) starter set that includes track and a power pack. As another option, you could buy a Kato UP or ATSF loco and some passenger cars along with an oval of Unitrack.
I would "second" the recommendation of the Kato passenger set and "Unitrack"........you'll get top notch quality in train & track both, and a fine intro to "N" scale. Welcome to the "small side". :tb-cool:
I recently bought myself the Highballer Train set by Bachmann. It is freight, but I did seen one that has old time passenger cars. The one I bought came with an EMD F9 (DC) diesel. I have since bought some DCC G7's and the heavy F9 can drag one of those G7's backwards, with the G7 under power in the opposite direction. So far I am staying with the kind of track that came with it - Bachmann EZ track. Hack
N scale Rule #1: If you see it, buy it, because you'll never see it again in your lifetime. N Scale Rule #2: Online you buy 2 get 1 free, vs. a hobby shop. N Scale Rule #3: There are good running locomotives and there are very bad running locomotives. They are not labeled as such.
I would repeat the recommendation for either Atlas or Kato, depending on your budget (Atlas set is cheaper) and wants. Bachmann is certainly improving, I'd be tempted to include it beside the Atlas set as a budget value but I don't think it's there yet. Kato also has an alternative, their F7 and Amtrack 'starter' sets which include just a reasonably price train, no track or power pack. You say you want small radius - these sets will generally be 12" radius, the only 9" radius starters are terrible.
Trouble & Strife wanted a small set to run around the coffee pot. She saw a B-mann 4-4-0 set, just the ticket. Not a great set, but for around the coffee pot, just fine. 4-4-0 & tender, combine & 2 passenger cars, an oval of snap track (24 x 30 aprox) & power source. Of course she also has a B-mann Big Hauler Ringmaster Circus set....
These are great suggestions, guys, thank you. Keep 'em coming, but I'll take a look at them. 12-inch radius is probably fine for my purposes. Aurelio
The added bonus of the Kato and Atlas sets is going to be the quality and longevity of the locomotives and rolling stock. Otherwise I don't think you will enjoy your introduction, as these are the brands that will give you the reliability and quality you are probably used to with HO. Welcome!
I'd have to say the Kato starter kit. It has a P-42 & passenger cars. Superliners or Amtubes. With track & a power pack. Kato track is bullet proof.
http://www.fiferhobby.com/html/n_scale_train_sets.html The Atlas ones look pretty nice, but I don't have any experience with Atlas' Trainman line of locos, but their Master line is excellent. I haven't used their True-Track either. I do own some Kato Unitrack though and it works very well, goes together and comes apart pretty easy. Kato locos run great, though some of my older locos need a coupler upgrade. If it were me, I'd just buy a loop of Kato Unitrack, then buy an Atlas or Kato loco separately and pick out a few freight cars, but that might be more costly, I donno.
To build on this, the Kato Unitrack M1 set is a basic oval with power pack and the M2 is the basic oval with a passing siding and a power pack. Trains not included but that way you aren't locked into anything and can get what you like. Andy Tetsu Uma
