Want to take one step into modern versus postwar

I'd consider either the MTH RailKing starter set or the Lionel LionChief + steamer models.  Either come with a basic remote so that you can have full control but not spend a ton of money on a command system, but you get something that will certainly be more attractive to the kids.

Jim Lawson,

   1st I hope all is well at your home and that you are feeling better.

I agree with Guns, either the Rail King or the LC+ would work out real well for your Grand children and you.  In fact the Grand Kids would love the Hallmark Toy Maker Santa Express Train.  Great sounds, beautiful Colors and very simple to operate, via the remote control, that comes with the Train. set.

PCRR/Dave

Recommend a used or NOS Lionel Mikado Jr.  Bought one from the 2008 and 2009 Signature catalogs on eBay for $145 and think it's as nice as any Standard O/Scale locomotive I own or have seen.  Also consider a Hudson Jr., K-4 or Pacific  from the Traditional steam selection in those catalogs if particular about a road name. 

What, me worry?

As a conventional operator I wouldn't dismiss the Williams by Bachmann 4-6-2 Pacific and the 4-6-0. Both great runners and rugged. Here is link to an Youtube review of the 4-6-2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pwscyihej5Q

+1 on the mikado Jr. I have one and I run it all the time. PRR 9631 https://youtu.be/Le3p7zVnw0w

gunrunnerjohn posted:

I'd consider either the MTH RailKing starter set or the Lionel LionChief + steamer models.  Either come with a basic remote so that you can have full control but not spend a ton of money on a command system, but you get something that will certainly be more attractive to the kids.

Plus many of the newer LC+ steamer models also come with Bluetooth, so you can run conventional, handheld remote or Bluetooth, which is easy to download and set up, and would probably also be more attractive to the kids.

Not sure about current availability, but check out the Hudsons and Pacifics on pages 64-65 of the Lionel 2017 Signature Catalogue.

Grampstrains posted:

The Lionchief Plus Berkshire will be perfect for you.  It is like having a postwar engine with all the great modern features.  I have been running the Santa Fe version for three months now and love it.  A great whistle and a good smoker.

Absolutely. 

Lionchief I have a  Hudson, Mikado & Berkshire are all terrific  each has their own sound .  My next one will be a Pacific. Fun to run. Great little pullers.

Railking is a good bet. Pretty robust stuff but with some older PS2 locomotives you have to be careful about the battery. If you can find one the older Railking Locosound steam locomotives have great smoke, chuffing, and conventional cruise control, but the whistle is lacking. You can see the chuf/smoke output of a Locosound locomotive in my for sale add: https://ogrforum.com/...and-6-passenger-cars

I too, was strictly postwar and wanted to take a step as you say, i made my first purchase of a LionChief plus Berkshire #726, due to it being diecast, its features and most important at the time was how closely it fits in with all my other postwar steamers, almost indistinguishable.

Super great loco that you can hand the remote to young ones without worry, you,ll love having sounds and the smoke is unbelievable plus remote coupling, i could go on... best step ive taken into the new stuff and im very happy. I followed it up with a LionChief + sd60, just so i could do some switching in the yard, lots of fun.