Any Model Train People on here? Need Help...

[Dr. Teeth]

My grandfather bought me a nice O scale Lionel train in 1971, and in turn my father bought my son one a few years back. I never was into trains much, but I have all the stuff and my son really enjoys it at 6 1/2. He is still a little rough on these, and I was wondering if I would be better off getting him into HO scale. We'd like to set up a board in the kid's playroom and it seems like we can do a more coplicated setup in HO than in O scale. I was thinking maybe 4x6 or 4x8 for the board size, and I am a little concerned that he'll overrun the turns and send the train flying. The trains we currently have are all metal, and I'd hate to damage them. Ideally I'd like to see if anyone is done playing with their trains and sell out their stuff.

Thanks.

 

[Syclone#1992]

My grandfather bought me a nice O scale Lionel train in 1971, and in turn my father bought my son one a few years back. I never was into trains much, but I have all the stuff and my son really enjoys it at 6 1/2. He is still a little rough on these, and I was wondering if I would be better off getting him into HO scale. We'd like to set up a board in the kid's playroom and it seems like we can do a more coplicated setup in HO than in O scale. I was thinking maybe 4x6 or 4x8 for the board size, and I am a little concerned that he'll overrun the turns and send the train flying. The trains we currently have are all metal, and I'd hate to damage them. Ideally I'd like to see if anyone is done playing with their trains and sell out their stuff.

Thanks.

I have collected Lionel Trains since I was young. I have some pieces that date back to the 1920's.

Most trains made after 1950's aren't too valuable, and you are better off letting him play and enjoy them unless you want to keep them mint because your dad got them for you. Anyways, I have never been a fan of HO gauge because it is so small. It is easier to build than O-gauge. On a positive note some of the HO stuff is cheaper though and there seems to be more out there.

 

[Swifster]

I got my first Lionel as a hand-me-down from the neighbor in '68. It was an HO set of the Texas Special passenger train. I still have the engines and cars. In '74, I got my first new train, a Lionel O gauge steam locomotive with a few frieght cars. My personal thought is that you are better off starting with the O gauge at 6/7 years old. These are sturdy and can take some abuse. I've found HO engines and cars are easier to break. The detailing on HO trains can work against them. Play with him with the O gauge and see if he's really into it. If so, then start with the detailed layout.

 

[bigg]

my mom retired from lionel , she has some train stuff she will sell ,
i know she has a few christmas cars only given to employee's
that she will sell

 

[Dr. Teeth]

Are there any HO sets that are less detailed? He's already broken the small plastic parts off some of the cars.

I realize that these are not valuable monetarily, but it's more of a family thing, and I htought hat maybe I could get a better layout with HO than with the O scale....

 

[Swifster]

Are there any HO sets that are less detailed? He's already broken the small plastic parts off some of the cars.

I realize that these are not valuable monetarily, but it's more of a family thing, and I htought hat maybe I could get a better layout with HO than with the O scale....

Let's be honest. If this is for YOU, build the HO train layout. If this is for him, use the KISS principle and build a simple O gauge set up.

 

[xracer82]

thanks for reminding me of one of my old expensive hobbies

*walking to basement to dig out boxes labeled "N scale" , "HO" and wondering what ever happened to dad's lionel stuff*

 

[CSXPAID]

I have only had H.O. scale since the day I was born I don't care for that 3-rail toy train stuff. If you just get a cheap set or two and teach him that they break easily he might not be so rough with it!!! My dad got me into trains and from the day he did I eat, sleep, and drink trains!!! even today I have H.O. stuff and I am even a train conductor for CSX.. My hobby is my work, and work is my hobby!!!

Later,

DEVLYN

 

[Dr. Teeth]

Let's be honest. If this is for YOU, build the HO train layout. If this is for him, use the KISS principle and build a simple O gauge set up.

What about the "N" scale stuff? Seems we could get a nice design on a smaller board yet. I'm thinking of starting small and teaching him to be a littel gentler with his things, and maybe this will be the way to do it...

 

[Sean]

I agree with swifster O guage is easier to keep on track. You can also limit the speed of the trains with resistors on the output of the power supply. If your concerned about flying trains.

What about the "N" scale stuff? Seems we could get a nice design on a smaller board yet. I'm thinking of starting small and teaching him to be a littel gentler with his things, and maybe this will be the way to do it...

 

[CSXPAID]

N scale is half the size of H.O. it would be harder to put on the tracks and they are very delicate!!!

 

[Dr. Teeth]

N scale is half the size of H.O. it would be harder to put on the tracks and they are very delicate!!!

Well the delicate part rules that out. I'll let him beat up this O scale set adn see where it goes. I suppose that as long as I put a small railing up around the board I'll avoid it flying off.