Advice for Newbies

There is nice Hobby shop off of Highway 59 in Porter TX called Mike's Hobby shop has been a few years since i have been there but they have trains from G to Ho scale and a Radio car race track

Are there various grades of HO track? In O, we have lower-cost tubular track that's hollow and more expensive options like Atlas' solid rail with built-in ties plus some with built-in roadbed like Lionel Fastrack.  What's a good option for family starting off in HO most likely building a Christmas-only layout?

I have N Scale KATO track and love it.  I know that they make it in HO and appears to be to the same standard.  There are several online dealers who have starter ovals for well less than $100 for them to get started.

This shop is pretty decent (from what I've heard) and I think it's in the Houston area. 

https://www.papabens.com/

If you ever get up Dallas, I can recommend several decent train shops.

@ David - I agree.  KATO makes great HO track.  It's similar to Lionel Fastrack and is very user friendly.  Once you click it together, it never comes apart like the old school HO track.  You don't have to screw it down etc...  I've got some and recommend it. 

I agree with M-SE-TX.....   Mike's Train House is a great place to go in the Houston area.  Although I no longer live in Houston, I started going to Mike's when it was a plumbing store in Humble, and always found the best in buys and service.  Check out Mike's, you'll be glad you did.

Jesse   TCA   12-68275

David Case posted:

I have N Scale KATO track and love it.  I know that they make it in HO and appears to be to the same standard.  There are several online dealers who have starter ovals for well less than $100 for them to get started.

I agree. Kato trains are top notch as well. My Kato GG1 "N" looks and runs great.