Need Help With Tinplate Selection

The MTH/Lionel 384e steam freight sets are real nice.  The gondola car offers some play value to haul whatever you/they desire.  Also, I recommend the steam because the smoke effect is more entertaining to kids than a electric style of engine.

 

Sunrise

I have the Christmas sets with passenger cars named after all of the reindeer along with Mrs. Claus.  There were 2 sets:an electric and steam.  They are red with green trim.

 

Norm

The 384 Standard Gauge set is a good set for under the tree, and I like the idea of the gondola as a place to put Christmasy things. You could also put a little Santa on the caboose platform. However, I would go with a regular set rather than a Christmas set. In later years, the kids will be bigger and probably prefer regular trains, and it would be more versatile if you wanted to set it up at some other time of the year. You could always add one Christmas car to the consist to make it more seasonal. In fact, I've got a Lionel Classics Christmas boxcar, NIB, that I'll sell you! 

I agree that it should be a steam engine. Kids will be fascinated with the smoke, chuffing sounds and the movement of the drive rods. Although I like electric engines they are no where near as entertaining to watch.

For rolling stock you could go either way. Passenger cars are neat because kids (young and old) like to turn the lights off and watch the train run in the dark. Freight is also fun with kids loading and unloading gondolas and box cars and the crane car is also an option and is a big hit with the kids.

If only getting one set I would probably not go with a Christmas themed set. I would want a train set versatile enough for year round play.

John.

 

 

    Have you considered an original set? The prices are the same. Ease of maintenance is a big plus too. When I was a kid, I loved the old trains that would come out at Christmas. Plus it will already have a few scratches! Nostalgic charm is a big part of Christmas after all!

One thing to remember - if you want the smoke and sound for the kids, you will have to get the PS/3 version, even if you're not going to use the DCS remote. The conventional versions don't have smoke units or sound. Some of them have an air whistle in the tender. 

Thanks all. Great ideas.  There's a lot to consider.  I like Hiawatha's idea and his offer!  A classic set is also a great idea and easy to maintain and a gondola is a must.  All good info and thanks again.  

I created my own Tin-plate Christmas Train from a 259E and some old cars I got on E-Bay.....My Grand Kids love it....