Locomotive choices for a newbie

You need to figuire out what time frame you want to model, like the 1960's or 70's, and what railroad. MTH has many choices, more PS-2 then PS-3 as they are switching over to PS-3.

For track, I prefer the old tubular style track rather then the newer roadbed installed versions. At least with tubular you can cut and fit to make a custom layout and not spend three month's pay for special track pieces. 3R Plastics makes plastic ties to install under the tracks in 031 and similar track, so that it looks better.

I have some of the older EMD diesel engines for the Reading railroad, GP-9's and GP-38's by Williams, not correctly numbered by Williams. I have a Reading T-1 steam engine(4-8-4 northern) by MTH, runs great. Also running some postwar steam engines from Lionel.

Lee F.

It kinda depends on if you want "scale" or are alright with semi-scale. Having 0-72 curves kinda give you the option of either.

The Railking Imperial Engines are great for the price. Both the steamers and the diesels.

 The MTH Railking IMperial SD70's can be had for less than $200 and look great and sound great(just not quite as long as the "scale" versions).

Since you are considering running DCS, you don't need three separate loops to run three trains. The can all run on one line at the same speed!

Go to a lot of Hobby stores and train shows and see what you like!

First, track: Lionel Fastrack is the fastest and best overall way to get a layout with "complete" looking track built and running but it is noisy.   I would strongly advise going with Atlas or a solid-rail track if you are in it for the long haul and not adverse to a bit more work.    

You did not say the size of the layout.  That matters a lot in picking locos.  Large scale locos, like scale Big Boys and such - and just about anything that requires 72" curves by the way, look wonderful but often don't really look good even if they will run.  My layout can run scale Big Boys, Centipedes, and the big MTH GTELs, etc., but is really not big enough for them.  I have around 370 feet of track on in three loops that run on five levels on 290 square feet of layout.  My largest loop, like you plan yours, is 72" curves or bigger: I can run scale Big Boys, etc., but smaller steamers like O-8-0s or Pacifics and such look better and are more fun to run: in fact maybe the most fun loco is an 0-4-0 Lionel "Shifter."  with diesels, A-A pairs of F3s and such look good whether actual scale or traidtional size (there really isn't much difference usually). 

These sets are the best buy around  30-4213-1  SD70ACe Diesel R-T-R Deluxe Freight Train Set w/Proto-Sound 2.0

passenger- golden age of steam or diesel luxury streamliner.

railroad specific engines or freelance.

and the most important question- What do you like...

Lots of new and used stuff is available. Just pick a set that suits your fancy and run it a while. See how you like it. You could also get a locomotive and cars and make your own set.

Don't make a big investment right away. Then you'll feel that you have to enjoy it.That's no fun. Ease into the hobby and see where it takes you.

Don't write off PS2 locos. Some threads claim they have better sounds. They should be less expensive than new PS3 models.

Ding, Ding!

In fact, I'd prefer to have PS2 locomotives. Every single PS3 locomotive I have heard (or have) sounds terrible compared to a PS2 engine. I have two GP9s, a Railking with PS3 and a Premier with PS2. The Premier is hands down better in sound then the Railking. It is much more clear, full, and overall "in your face" and VERY loud. Both are very nice locomotives but I'll take a PS2 hands down. The only real benefit, for me, to PS3 is the lack of battery. 

I have a MTH Imperial PS3 6-8-6 S2 turbine on order from my dealer who will hopefully pick it up from MTH in the next week or two. I heard one at the store a few months ago and while it is a bit different for a steamer with no chuffing, only the "wooshing" but even then I felt it was missing "something" when compared with the PS2 steamer sitting on the adjacent track. 

I've found prices for PS2 and PS3 to be comparable. If I'm not mistaken, MTH has implemented a small price increase. Nothing through the roof but, IMO, PS2 is superior to PS3 for sounds. 

I run both Lionel Legacy and DCS. It sounds like you have decided on DCS, both are good and it is a tough choice. I'm glad you made a choice, it's a big part of the battle.

Fastrack or MTH Real Trax are both great choices to start with. Both have many switch sizes and turn sizes available.

Both PS2 and PS3 are great choices. The MTH Rail King Imperial line of engines offers some nice features and are a super value. Go with PS3 for your steam engine and you will not have the wire from engine to caboose that is on the PS2 steam. 

As statedd above if you can pick a time period to start with it will save lots of future frustration. Also the point of choosing rail lines you favor for whatever reasonsiis agreat idea. I stay mostly with lines that were in Pennsylvania. 

As far as specific diesels and a steam engine; buy from the heart. Your first few engines have a way of becoming very special as time passes and your roster expands. 

Best of luck Reading as much as you can here on the forum and doing searches for past posts if you have questions will make your learning a very positive experience. This is THE place to learn and build friendships. 

My opinion is that rather than decide on which track to use upfront, design your layout first.  Then, depending on what curve diameter and type of switches you need to match your designed, this might guide your choice of track. 

Jim