I'm a mom, new to O Gauge - need setup help for my young boys

Hi Welcome aboard. The Lionel Lion Chef is a good starting point  but the 2025 wont work with the hand unit. You will need a conventional transformer for that.

Please post your location and we will direct you to a great hobby shop for personal advice.

Have fun, your a Great Mom!  and you came to the right place.

FWIW- I'd buy a starter set with everything you need to get them started.

The 2025 is a reliable locomotive, and worth keeping. It would need a conventional transformer to work though.

If you have a Hobby Shop in your area stop in and talk to the shop owner. They will point you in the right direction.

Good luck.

Under NO circumstances should you "scrap" your 2025. They are good engines, built to last. If I were in your place I would look enough Fastrack to build a good size loop on the floor and find a good post war transformer on ebay like a 1055 or an LW. They are rated at around 100 watts or so and should run your 2025 no problem. If you don't get a "power track section", you will have to solder the wires from the transformer to the track on the underside but this is not difficult. The Fastrack is readily available and easier to find than the older tubular track is now. If you don't already have one, you can get a good soldering gun at Radio Shack and some resin core solder (do not use acid core solder, that is for plumbing work) for not much money. You might want your son to run his 2025 and see how he likes it before investing in a LionChief set. You might also try to find out if there are any TCA members in your area. They could help you with set up. Good luck in your endeavors.

Welcome and congrats on getting ready to take the jump into O Gauge!

You have a good engine there, but by the time you buy a transformer, track, and some rolling stock to use with it, you would probably be looking at as much money as it would take to get a complete Lionchief starter set.

While the old 2025 has some nostalgia appeal, the new trains are arguably much more engaging for little ones to play with. My 6 year old loves the remotes, and he loves being able to run trains from the Lionchief app on my phone even more. But be careful as only the "Lionchief Plus with Bluetooth" sets have that capability, and of course they are more expensive. But the remotes are themselves a great place to start. 

Best of luck - would love to hear how it works out for you. And ask questions here - folks are always willing to help.

How exciting to have children interested in getting into this incredibly diverse and fun hobby!  If they stick with it there are so many valuable skills that can be learned. 

You didn't mention the age of your boys, but regardless the LionChief system has immense play value.  I really enjoy the simplicity of the remote and wish some of my higher end trains were that easy to operate.

There are some basic starter sets that are less expensive than others.  It also pays to shop around.  The beauty of any starter set is that you can expand it as your children's interests grow. 

On the 2025, I wouldn't scrap it.  As has already been stated, they are robust but really have more nostalgic value that financial value.  However, I think children would enjoy playing with the remote a little more.  Just my opinion.

Thank you so much! What quick responses!! I am in Carlsbad, CA (San Diego) if you know of any good resources in the area. Follow up question - if I do buy a transformer and track to get the 2025 running, how do I adapt the track to run a LionChief (not LC Plus)? 

I'll look for a hobby store!

Hello 1MARIPOSITA,

Without a fair amount of model train knowledge, I think you would be best off in buying a good train set or two for starters.  That way, you'll get everything you need to start running trains immediately, instead of trying to piece-meal together a bunch of various odds & ends to run your 2025 loco.

If you have a local hobby shop, they would be a good place to start looking.  If you have a Menard's store close by, they carry some train stuff during the holiday season.  A Hobby Lobby store usually also has some train sets year round, but it can be hit & miss as whether they might have some O-gauge sets.  Probably better odds during the holiday season, of course.

One thing to keep in mind, If you do get a modern train set, you still may wish to find an inexpensive AC transformer to run your 2025 loco.  A LionChief remote won't work on it.

Hope this helps.  I'm sure others will chime in also.  One thing I know, if all kids had a mom like you, this world would be a better place! 

Tom Tee - We have been there! I will go back with them soon to see what they think. Thank you!!

Well for starters, the older Lionel trains like your 2025 were robust, built to last and in most cases repairable. Finding someone in your area who works on older postwar trains would be a good start. Maybe another forum member would like to do a good deed, if there is one in your area.

For many years I did train shows with a traveling layout, built on a single hollow core door aimed solely at beginners and folks like you. It was kid friendly, yet detailed and done entirely on a budget. This sort of layout is one of the advantages of 027 tubular track - and though not currently being made - can be found used or sometimes as new old stock at a dealer.

FasTrack, which comes now as standard in all Lionel sets has some real advantages, but one of them is NOT fitting on a single hollow door type layout, unless you buy the 31 inch curves - which do not come with the train sets.

The new LionChief train sets also do have the advantage of being pretty easy to wire up with the LionChief system. Lionel's Plug-N-Play is aimed at people like you or folks who have floor train layouts. And if you shop around, you can find some deals on the LionChief train sets, but most will still be near the $200.00 point. Save for the LionChief "Junction" sets, which I've seen for $100.00, give or take. One of the forum sponsors, Crocodile Train Store has one of these sets, which is a good deal. It only comes with a circle of track, but you could easily buy 4 or 6 sections of straight track and be off to a good start. The engine won't pull a real long train, but you could easily add a couple more cars so long as they have the fast angle wheel sets.

https://crocodiletrainstore.co...esel-LIO82972-detail

You can certainly find 1990's period manufactured used sets from either K-Line or Lionel at $100.00 price point... sometimes you get lucky and they're still new. These sets will be transformer controlled sets with a basic transformer.

Here's a website you can check out to get some information and ideas. Just scroll down through all the various subject matter titles. There's sections on building small layouts, maintaining your trains, etc. You might find some useful pointers here:

http://www.thortrains.net/

There's so much more that could be said, but it might be a little overwhelming at this point. If you do see something you want to buy, ask about it here before you do so as you don't waste money purchasing something that isn't easily compatible.

Thank you Brianel! Super helpful!!!

In terms of expense, keep in mind that the MSRP is typically discounted by most hobby shops and the actual "street" price will be less.

I agree that you are probably best served by purchasing a LionChief starter set with engine, rolling stock, track, remote and dc transformer. The Polar Express and Hot Wheel sets may be of interest to you. Once that is set-up you can then add, as funds permit, more track to expand the size of your layout and also purchase independent Lionchief trains with another remote, which do not have to be part of a starter set.

As you acquire more LC trains, you could also purchase a universal remote which would allow running up to three LC trains on one remote.

As time and budget permits, you could add a small AC transformer, like the new Lionel CW-80, to power your entire layout in place of the DC unit, which would allow you to run both the Lionchief trains (with the remote(s)) and the old 2025 (using the CW-80 throttle) on the same layout, although generally not at the same time.

One note, lot of great ideas being thrown around. The lionchief starter sets come with a 'wall wart' for power, it basically delivers a set voltage to the tracks, with lionchief you control the speed via the remote control. With an older engine like the 2025, you control it by varying the voltage via a transformer (and I apologize if you already knew this, I never assume).  As others have pointed out, you won't be able to run the 2025 with the lionchief  at the same time. You could have the boys running their own engines at the same time, though I don't know if the wall wart has enough power for two engines running.  If you are thinking of the boys being able to control their own engines, then I would recommend getting a transformer with enough power to handle two engines. Plus if they wanted to run the 2025 , it could run that easily (you can get older transformers pretty cheaply, I would recommend one of the modern ones, like the CW80 or the MTH Z1000 or the like, they have much better power protection). 

If you use fast track you don't need to solder wires to the rails, fast track has a track designed for putting power to the tracks. If you find you need to have more than one "power drop", you can always substitute a straight track with a power track and connect the second one to the transformer directly or wire it off the input to the first track.  The reason for multiple drops is on layouts beyond a simple loop, the power drops the further you are from the power connection, so you could see engines slowing down, but with simple layout one drop should suffice. 

Lots of great information in this thread but one thing needs to be clarified.  There are many Lionchief sets (but not all) that have engines equipped with Bluetooth capabilities.  The engine does not have to be a Lionchief Plus version to be controlled from the Lionchief App.  I have two Lionchief sets, the Santa Fe Superchief and the Christmas Express, both of which are capable of (and have been) being run from the Lionchief App.  Look for the "Now equipped with Bluetooth" sticker on the box.

1mariposita posted:

Tom Tee - We have been there! I will go back with them soon to see what they think. Thank you!!

As a member of SD3R, Toy Train Gallery in the San Diego Model RR Museum we would be an excellent place to start. We sponsor a youth group that provides a learning experience for both the children and their parent(s). There are no dues or other costs, other than driving to the museum on meeting days, the only requirement is that Mom, Dad, Grandparent, at least one adult be there with the child. If they have their own trains or have none at all makes no difference. On days that we refer to as "Fun Runs" if they have no trains we provide trains that they can run.

Visit www.sd3r.org and you will see some of what we do and who to contact. We look forward to seeing you and the kiddos. 

Ok - so I talked to the Hobby Shop near me. And I bought the set that Brianel noted - what a deal at $85 - thank you! I will work with the Hobby Shop to get a transformer (they have new and used, both Lionel and MTH) and some additional Fastrack, including some power track to run extra power to. I have read that before on the power drops BigKid, so if I have to buy extra straights anyways, sounds like 1 or 2 should be a power track. Thank you also Greg for noting that bluetooth doesn't mean LC Plus - I did not get that yet. Thank you everyone!! I can see why this hobby is addicting! Santa has some work to do!!

Doug W! That is amazing! He will love the Kids Club there - I found the info to sign up. 

A lot of good advice shared so far and I'm sure you will get some good use out of the set you bought. 

First thing I would like to say is that I hope you and your family have fun with all of this!  Secondly, you cannot make a wrong decision in this hobby because there is always a secondary market to sell to if you interest change or you want to go in a different direction. It sounds like you have informed yourself quite a bit and are asking the right questions.  Buying a new starter sets is likely the “cleanest” way to get where you want to go, but as you mention, it is expensive at $300 ish per set x2 = 600!!!

You can get the 2025 up and running very economically.  Adding Lionchief is where you run into the cost.  If you do it all piecemeal, you can do it slightly cheaper, which is outlined below.  But ultimately, you may just want to find a few starter sets on sale for around $200-250.

Overall, the questions any one new to the hobby should ask themselves are which control style/power source is preferred and which track system will you go with.

1. Which control style/power source preferred?

It sounds like you would prefer to start with the 2025 loco controlled conventionally, then potentially change to Lionchief remote control when future purchases are made.  To be useful in both situations, you will need a transformer (power source) that will allow variable voltage control and has fast acting circuit breakers to protect electronic circuit boards in the Lionchief products.  If I were you, I would look at getting a modern transformer such as the Lionel CW-80 (approx. $50 on ebay) or MTH Z-1000 (approx. $75 on ebay) transformer to start.  It may be worth paying a little more at the hobby shop to ensure you have a working unit and a possible channel to fix or return a defective unit.  These transformers will allow variable control of the 2025, while also offering quick circuit breaker protection for the Lionchief products.  The CW-80 has 80 watts of power and offers and accessory voltage tap for when you add trackside accessories.  The Z-1000 has 100 watts of power (better) but does not have a dedicated accessory voltage tap.

1. Which track style is preferred?

There are high-end track types, but the three basic starter types are Lionel tubular track, Lionel Fastrack, and MTH Realtrax.  Lionel tubular can be obtained very economically (approx. $1 per piece) and has proven very durable over the years.  Lionel Fastrack has a very finished look to it, but it is probably $3-4 per piece.  Fastrack switches (turnouts) also tend to be very pricey, where tubular switches (turnouts) are generally much less expensive.  I don’t have any experience with MTH realtrax.  Any “O” gauge train will run on all types of “O” gauge track, however if you intend to buy Lionchief sets, they all come with Fastrack.  There are transition pieces that allow tubular to connect to fastrack. 

Tubular:

Fastrack:

MTH Realtrax:

Personally, I would approach the whole situation like this:

Phase I: Get 2025 Up and Running

Buy the following:

1. ($50-75) CW-80 or MTH Z-1000
2. ($20-75+) 20-75 pieces of tubular track. I would suggest a minimum of 20 pieces or so for a nice oval (in most cases at least 8 curves)  You will also need track “lock-ons” for tubular track wiring.
3. ($30+) Basic freight cars (boxcars, gondolas, tankers, hoppers, etc.) can be had for $10-20 each to go with the 2025. You can get the price nearer the lower end of the range if  you buy cars in a group.  If you put a Wanted Ad up in the “Wanted to Buy” section of this forum, you would likely get some very nice stuff for little money.  Also, Menards.com sells very reasonable interesting freight cars.

 Phase I total cost: low end about $100, high end about $200

Phase II: Integrate Lionchief

Since you can still use the CW-80 or Z-1000, track, and freight cars from Phase I, you are in a position that you only need to purchase the Lionchief engines. I’ve seen 0-8-0 Lionchief steam engines with Bluetooth as low as $150 on ebay.  Often many of the forum sponsors have sales where lionchief engines are offered at discounted prices.  If you buy two 0-8-0’s you’re in for $300.  Again, some sets will go on sale now and then for $200-250.  So if that’s the direction you want to go, you can make that jump then.

Again, with all of this, you can always resell items you no longer want.  Don hesitate to ask follow-up questions on this topic thread or start new topics with specific questions on the forum.  All these guys and gals are very helpful. 

JD2035RR - Wow - thank you SO much for the detailed response. This really helps support my thought to get the transformer next - - I am a bit worried about getting a lemon via used channel, so will probably go through the hobby shop. I will definitely check out the website resources you mention too. One question - can I mix track types?? Thank you again for your time and effort!!

Please contact me via my email ( click on my name and it will show up ) I might be able to help you out a lot. I have a older train set still wrapped in plastic that has a transformer that can run your 2026. that I will give you for your kids if you just pay actual shipping. I try to do this once a year around Christmas and would like to make this year your kids. As a little proof here is one I did about 2 years ago now I think https://ogrforum.com/...79#70974704512033679

Some advice, based on my experience with grandsons:

The old Lionel locos were pretty nearly bullet-proof. They were designed to be played with, hard. Stick with the loco you have. The command control equipment is snazzy, but inclined to be trouble prone.
At your sons age, one of their chief interests will be to see their train go FAST. Thus, treat rolling stock as expendable, therefore inexpensive. I have stocked my Christmas trains from ebay. Older stuff...not the newer all-plastic crap.
Thomas-type trains are highly interactive. You don't replace that with a loop of track. So, switches and operating accessories and operating cars, gotten (as in my case) at birthday and Christmas time.  My big winner was the operating milk car, the log loader, the coal loader. There are more. All can be found on ebay, but check the description & the seller's reputation. Also, older Plasticville snap-together buildings for scenery.

If you're going to set up on the floor, please consider Lionel O-31 track and switches.. Don't get destroyed as fast as the modern stuff.

Get a book on wiring & setup, e.g.https://www.amazon.com/Wiring-Your-Toy-Train-Layout/dp/0897785436/ref=pd_cp_14_2/134-5295860-3259644?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0897785436&pd_rd_r=f7aa51f9-4965-4a5c-8eb3-fdba589ffe57&pd_rd_w=XyeiZ&pd_rd_wg=xYAfv&pf_rd_p=0e5324e1-c848-4872-bbd5-5be6baedf80e&pf_rd_r=HF8FWQMG83X86CT975C0&psc=1&refRID=HF8FWQMG83X86CT975C0

I'm not going to argue the point that the 2025 is a good engine. However, since this is the first forelay into O Gauge, I would strongly suggest that you have it serviced before giving it to the boys. Runs now? Great, but how long after the boys start running it hard if it has not been serviced? 

Another other point is the motor. The old motors heat up after 30 minutes or so and the engine will begin to slow down. When we run these on the club layout, the prudent thing is to just shut them off for a while and let them cool off. Boys aren't always prudent. The new engines have can motors that will run nonstop from now until Christmas w/o issues.

Lionchief engines are fine. My two granddaughters (3 & 5) love running them. One is currently out of commission because the 3 yr old kept dropping the remote.  I want to throw out another consideration. Look at Williams by Bachmann. They run like the 2025 (no remote). While new/modern they are inexpensive and reliable. 

Thank you again everyone, including the latest adds to the posts. It is giving me a lot to consider - - wear and tear, fast trains and being able to interact. I know my son loves building the different layouts - - makes me think that the tubular 031 track may be the most economical and fun for him to play with. Those fastrack switches are expensive! I will place a Wanted to Buy add out there and also check in with rtraincollector (thank you!!!!). I'll update this post with what we end up getting setup. Thank you again everyone!! What a resource!!

Hope you catch the bug too!  Some of my fondest childhood memories go back to sharing the hobby with my family.  Yes, my dad and my grandfather were my primary influence in the hobby, but having a mom and grandparents that enjoyed it as well made it just that much better.  Just got off the phone with my dad tonight and yes, we talked trains as always.  It just helps forge a lifelong bond.  We don't even collect or operate the same trains anymore, but it just doesn't  matter. 

My two cents (having been in your shoes, oh, about 27 years ago If you have a modern set, let your boys get used to that first. The control system will be different, but setting on and taking off rolling stock, learning how to clean wheels and track, etc., won’t be. Once you can change cars, couple and uncouple and have everything on the rails, then think about switches, crossovers and all the other fun stuff.

While you’re learning,  get the 2025 cleaned and checked (this first time you probably won’t want to try it yourself,) and by the time you’re all used to how O gauge behaves, you’ll be ready to set it up. Old engines can be quirky and may decide to be more interesting than a beginner might like, but they sure are fun and every one of them has a history. We’ve often wondered how many times the ones Gabe has have been Christmas presents or done under the tree duty; a lot of them came home with tinsel or bits of wrapping paper in their boxes.

Good luck. Sometimes you’ll need it!

—Becky

As a grandfather and member of a modular train club, I have NEVER seen a child that doesn't like trains. Many cry and pitch a fit when it's time to go home. I have, however met parents that were not the least interested in interacting with their children. So many parents are quite satisfied to give their child a video game and plop them in front of a TV.

Boys (especially) learn tactilely. Model trains provide a great learning experience. I applaud your very well placed interest in your children's development.  

Tom Tee posted:

San Diego you say?  Well you are in the best location to have access to a great group of 3 rail model railroaders. 

ASAP ,  consider getting down to the train museum at Balboa Park.

You will find a group of folks of all ages running lionel and other 3 rail trains with a variety of power sources.  Let them know of your situation and you will soon be welcomed behind the lift gate and introduced to some wonderful gracious folks who would do anything possible to help young RRers get a grip in the hobby.

Not only that but in addition, there is an acre or two of really nice model trains  of all scales running on two floors.  Plan to spend some time there.....

Also, in the enter of Old Town there is a really nice o gauge layout open for all to freely walk in and enjoy.

BEST reply - she can't go wrong following it.

One place that is overlooked is craigslist, always seems to be starter sets used a few times and than boxed. Usually good prices and most people just want their old set to go somewhere to be appreciated. And will probably set up to show you the basics and that it works,

This one has some extra track and cars, along w a conventional transformer to run the engine you have.

https://sandiego.craigslist.or...ight/6996312547.html

Although the one above seems like a decent deal, don’t be afraid to negotiate if prices are a little high

1 mari.  The all gauge train club in San Diego. They have a meet Saturday October 19. .. 9am.1 pm. They sell there. 

You can get help there.

The meet is across from Patrick Henry high school.

The church on the corner..

CoastsideKevin posted:

 

You have a good engine there, but by the time you buy a transformer, track, and some rolling stock to use with it, you would probably be looking at as much money as it would take to get a complete Lionchief starter set.

 

I agree. 

I will add one more thing from my own experience. 

When I was 7, my dad and I built a modest layout that we used all the time. We had plans to build a much bigger layout but I grew up and moved away. Dad was always a little sad it didn’t happen. Decades later, I got those trains out of boxes and built a big layout, which he and I now enjoy together (he is 91).  It came full circle for us. 

However, with my own 6 year old, he likes the big layout but was absolutely thrilled and giddy when I put a simple loop of tubular track in his room, hooked up an old postwar transformer and ran an engine like your 2025 and a string of cars he could put things in (gondolas and hoppers).

He said, “Daddy, I like my layout better than yours because it is simple and doesn’t have all those switches and stuff.”

That was a good reminder to me that the ability to handle and actually play with trains is what sparks their imagination. Big and complicated was good for me but not necessarily the best for him.

Whatever you do, the fact that you are doing it is going to have lasting benefits in so many ways for your family. Best of luck!

1mariposita posted:

Thank you again everyone, including the latest adds to the posts. It is giving me a lot to consider - - wear and tear, fast trains and being able to interact. I know my son loves building the different layouts - - makes me think that the tubular 031 track may be the most economical and fun for him to play with. Those fastrack switches are expensive! I will place a Wanted to Buy add out there and also check in with rtraincollector (thank you!!!!). I'll update this post with what we end up getting setup. Thank you again everyone!! What a resource!!

 

Come to this free event on Saturday Oct 19, 2019 and ask around maybe even pick up some trains.

http://agtta.com/

As parent, I would follow up on the local invites and find someone to help you.  Many hobby shops are good, but some could care less about helping you, and some don't want kids anywhere around.  There's a lot of directions you can go in all of this, but having someone who can help is priceless.  Also what are your boy's ages, as that has a lot of impact and what types of toys to each generally gravitate towards?  Kids all play and enjoy things differently, my two have some similar interests but vary drastically in the way the interact and enjoy things.

1mariposita posted:

JD2035RR - Wow - thank you SO much for the detailed response. This really helps support my thought to get the transformer next - - I am a bit worried about getting a lemon via used channel, so will probably go through the hobby shop. I will definitely check out the website resources you mention too. One question - can I mix track types?? Thank you again for your time and effort!!

The transformer and track are the backbone of the whole operation.  The transformers suggested are very nice small transformers, however at some point in the future you may want to upgrade (to perhaps a MTH Z-4000), but the CW80 and Z1000 will provide a good start at a reasonable price and can still be used in the future or sold to help fund purchasing a bigger one.

They do make transition pieces so that you can mix track types.  Lionel makes some to transition from Fastrack to tubular and so does Menards. 

https://www.menards.com/main/g.../p-1477981296131.htm

Menards on right:

Lionel:

1mariposita posted:

Thank you again everyone, including the latest adds to the posts. It is giving me a lot to consider - - wear and tear, fast trains and being able to interact. I know my son loves building the different layouts - - makes me think that the tubular 031 track may be the most economical and fun for him to play with. Those fastrack switches are expensive! I will place a Wanted to Buy add out there and also check in with rtraincollector (thank you!!!!). I'll update this post with what we end up getting setup. Thank you again everyone!! What a resource!!

 What a nice offer by rtraincollector!  As a kid I really enjoyed changing track plans, moving things around, adding things, removing things, using lots of switches and crossovers, etc.  I agree the 031 is great for this.

I also agree with CoastSideKevin, that a nice simple design that runs is greater than a very complex design that takes too long to get running.  Start simple and branch off from there.  Please do keep us updated on you and your boys' progress.

 

JD2035RR - thank you! I feel much better getting a hodge podge of track seeing that link.

TRAINOFTHOUGHT - I've inquired on that Craigslist add! it has a CW80 in it but a great deal for all that track too at $150.

RTRAINCOLLECTOR has also been super helpful! SO nice what Bill does to help kids that love trains out. (Thank you Bill!)

I posted a Wanted to Buy add for accessories and power lock on track. I TOTALLY agree that the setup needs to still be interactive, but not too complex. 

FYI My sons are 4 and 6! The 6 year old pretty much sleeps with the 2025 - right next to him every night....

I don't believe that SF Flyer Freight Train set on Craig's list is a Lionchief set with remote. I believe it's also about 7 years old and the CW-80 is an older version.

I'm all for getting a good deal, but make sure you know exactly what you are getting. For a starter set, I'd still be looking for a NIB Lionchief set and then step up to more track, switches and the new and improved CW-80 (at least according to Lionel) or MTH Z-1000 for the 2025 as time and budget allows.

Richie C. posted:

I don't believe that SF Flyer Freight Train set on Craig's list is a Lionchief set with remote. I believe it's also about 7 years old and the CW-80 is an older version.

I'm all for getting a good deal, but make sure you know exactly what you are getting. For a starter set, I'd still be looking for a NIB Lionchief set and then step up to more track, switches and the new and improved CW-80 (at least according to Lionel) or MTH Z-1000 for the 2025 as time and budget allows.

 

Great point and well taken. Thank you!!

1mariposita, As someone who has personally helped a number of single mom's over the years with getting trains for their boys, I know many single mom's don't have a ton of money to spend. Nor are they going to dive into this hobby the way many adults will.

So as much as there is some good advice here, some of it also is probably a little over the top as far as what you may be prepared to spend in both money and time. Probably the best advice here so far is the connection to the local train club. Nothing beats actually seeing the trains and having some hands-on advice.

The worst comment above was the avoid "the newer all-plastic crap." I've been hearing that for the entire 30 years I've been back in the hobby. I buy only the traditional starter set types of trains, and have NEVER had a DOA, or any kind of problem out of the box. I still run the first set I bought 30 years ago. In my book, Lionel gets a 100% for quality, service, parts and customer satisfaction.

I've also seen more than my share of beaten, busted, and broken postwar Lionel trains: Right now I have a beater operating milk car where the entire shell is cracked in half... I bought it for parts though. So even the postwar trains are not indestructible. It suffices to say this is a hobby that should hopefully teach kids how to take care of an expensive toy. That was drilled into my head when I was a kid with Lionel trains.

Also as someone who has personally helped build layout for kids, it is important to let them be involved and make some decisions. A lot of adults forget that and assume kids will like the same trains they do, and want to run them the same way. IE: seeing how slow they can run. Or having everything be exactly as the real trains, instead of using their imaginations and pretending the way a child hopefully might be more inclined to do. Most adults wouldn't be happy with a cardboard box with holes cut in each end as a pretend mountain with a tunnel.

I've never lost my imagination and the air-whistle steam engine tenders I have sound just as realistic as any $1,500.00 Lionel Vision Line steam engine. Even better 'cause I didn't pay $1,500.00 for something far more likely to fail or not work out of the box, than the "plastic crap" I like, buy and operate.

There are lots of ways to do this hobby on a budget and I'm personally living proof of that. Take a look at my repaint page linked below. Everything there is all lower end budget types of trains. Everything  works, everything runs - but I also take care of everything too. For example, setting your engine down on carpeting when you take it off the track is a real no-no. That's a good way for dirt, lint or grit to get into the gears of the locomotive. Yet I see people do this, and then wonder why their engine gears break. If it's off the track on a floor layout, set it down on a magazine or a piece of clean paper.

That set on Craig's List pointed out above was certainly a VERY good deal for all that was included. But the set you've bought is a good starting point. Here's a video review of a very similar set to the one you'll be getting... only different in the engine road name, colors of the train cars and the sounds the engine will make. Maybe you saw this in your research already. If not, this will help you see what you will be getting. Congratulations and good luck.

"For example, setting your engine down on carpeting when you take it off the track is a real no-no. That's a good way for dirt, lint or grit to get into the gears of the locomotive. Yet I see people do this, and then wonder why their engine gears break. If it's off the track on a floor layout, set it down on a magazine or a piece of clean paper."

Not  to mention ruining a carpet with grease or oil.  Newspaper or anything to protect the carpet and the engine is essential.  I also agree that current starter sets with LionChief are pretty bulletproof (albeit not always childproof) and good value for money.  Not as robust as postwar perhaps but much more play value (sounds, digital command control, etc.).  I've bought some sets at Ollie's for as little as $60 after the Christmas holiday.  That's worth it for the track alone.

Mom:

If your boys haven't already discovered the Lionel models of the THOMAS series trains, they probably soon will: Thomas, James, Percy, and Diesel locomotives -- all with appropriate cars. Those locos respond to LionChief hand-held color-coded controllers. My two great grandsons, Matthew, (age 6) and Hudson (age 5), know how to run them around my L-shaped layout. Matthew's interest recently turned to DINOSAURS, so I purchased the Lionel Dinosaur Train Set for him. He moves the dinosaurs from the DINO PARK area to their "summer feeding grounds" and back.   That playtime adventure arose from his own imagination. Pix attached for reference.

 Mike M.    LCCA 12394