Worst Starter Model Train Sets - Which Should You Get Started With?

[@MMRails]

A starter set is how my brother and I started the hobby. After about a week of running the train in a circle, we got bored with that and expanded. Then expanded again. And never stopped. It consumed us. We put it away but it came back. And I started a KZbin channel. And I started following other people who like trains. Bachmann should have written in the fine print “This starter set may consume your life” Great video! Informative.

[@zacherymayer4847]

Thanks for the advices

[@TheOneCity1]

❤❤❤

[@KaidsTrains]

When I was about 3 years old I got a box of old garage sale trains. A few years later and I got my first actual train set. Fast forward to now and I have nearly 200 railcars and 15 locomotives. Once you get into the hobby your collection will never stop growing!

[@NotGavin]

Oh yeah tell me about it! Last year i had about 12 locomotives, and now i’m up to 26.. And i’m sure that number will never be stopping anytime soon haha

[@micoasters]

I get it. I only started 2 years ago, I now have too many cars and over 50 locomotives most I have repaired

[@Lord_Billy]

@@NotGavin i wish i only had 26 i am up to 100+ all scales i own. I cant walk in my basement lol

[@josefmd]

An't that the truth! A few months ago I bought a old Athearn Iron Horse train set off FB marketplace for $50. Fast fwd to today and now have a 8x4 layout with three DCC/sound loco's and four DC loco's plus three dummy loco's. It is definitely addicting once you get a decent layout going (building's, car's, etc.)

[@davidstrainsandlego]

There's something about simple ho starter sets that I'm fond of. Maybe it's the simplicity of them, or the nostalgia of starting the hobby.

[@tripwire3992]

have you seen the old hornby train sets in 00 gauge? Some of those have shitloads of features. One old one even had a girrafe car with its neck poking out and as it approaches an object over the line it ducks under it

[@Avrenac]

Agreed

[@davidstrainsandlego]

​@tripwire3992 some very nice sets. The giraffe car reminds me of a lionel car, which seems almost identical. They produced it in o gauge and ho

[@stewgy]

I hear what your saying. Back in the day Tyco and life like sets in toys r us catalogs... there's something special about it. I will say. Holy crap. The price of sets have gone through the roof. I mean I'm 40 now and going back like 30 years but, damn.. 200 for a starter bachman set??

[@Avrenac]

@stewgy if you are purchasing them for say Australia then the same sets can anywhere between $300 - $800 dollars each, postage and import charges really add up ☹️

[@dart157]

In my opinion train sets aren't the *best* option to start necessarily, but if you don't have a ton of money or aren't super sure if you want to get serious about the hobby, definitely get a train set. Also have a look at your local train shows for locomotives, freight cars and other fun stuff! You can find a lot for cheap at the train show. The way I started was with a Atlas/Kato GN GP7, some Bachman E-Z Track and a few cars. Expanded with some switches and eventually transitioned over to Kato Unitrack (the best preapplied roadbed track on the market). I'm now making the switch to Walthers Code 83 Flex Track for my newest layout (a stub-stub Rock Island branch line). That GP7 is still around, and runs great too!

[@SMTMainline]

If someone wants to be brave it's an option, I think it's just harder to figure out what they should get at a train show when they don't have an eye for it yet.

[@kcgrailgilbert8466]

​@@SMTMainlineI had a train set to start out wit them I started buying lots of locomotive n frieght cars

[@trekzilladmc]

One thing that's really nice is if parents want to see whether their kids are actually going to further advance to an actual layout, then the box set is it. I started out with a train set as a very little kid and although I grew up with peers who had train sets as well, they seemed to abandon it as they grew older and just ended up in a yard sale. A train set would be a cheaper investment if kids don't take interest in model railroading as they get older. Thankfully, I stayed interested and later upgraded into an actual layout.

[@Photoline1]

Agreed on the N scale equipment, but beware when adding to your collection. I've just spent 2 weeks going through every listing below $200 on ebay, and my impression is that for every person who knows what they'e got, there's 2 who don't. That means prices vary wildly, and there seems to be no shortage of bidders for items in unknown condition. Don't let a dud locomotive or incomplete cars get in your way. Look around, make a wishlist, compare prices, and be VERY selective. It's easy these days to spend $500-$1000 without blinking, so take it slow and easy.

[@richgreene7043]

Thanks for taking the time to educate us about basic train sets Rich

[@modelrailfan37]

I started with the Bachmann First Railroad Track Pack, and honestly, it was a pretty good start. Got it along with some cheap rolling stock and a Bachmann loco I found for a good deal, which gave me a odd-snapped circuit of track with a passing siding and two sidings to hold cars in to act as a "freight yard". Later on i added on a train set from Bachmann, as well as some extra points and a Walthers locomotive, which gave me two running lines, a passing siding, a yard, three locomotives and plenty of rolling stock. So honestly I'd say spend a little more on the first railroad track Pack, but a cheap loco and cars, and possibly add on Later, maybe even with a train set! It was lots of fun to have the extra passing siding and yard.

[@shaqtus3365]

4:37 The Santa Fe Flyer is the train set that got me into model railroading. Also that F-unit that’s in the set is an absolute beast of a locomotive, it may not look like it but that think has survived being dropped onto hardwood floors multiple times with the only damage being a bent horn and the couplers breaking which was an easy fix. I also put a few extra weights in the space inside the shell that isn’t being used and it can pull a 10 car train up a really steep hill and it can easily pull a 20 car train on straight and level track. I’ve had it for almost 10 years now and it’s still going strong with occasional maintenance. Also some of that track is now part of my current 8x8 foot layout.

[@mercuryoak2]

I have that same locomotive and the plastic on the driveline universal joints cracked so it slips on the worm gear I have another one just like it but a seaboard railroad scheme it to seem to have the similar problem I may try to fix it by using a different manufacturer type driveline universal if I can. Needless to say that brand the locomotives sit.. I'll take a Walthers, Atlas over bachmann

[@shaqtus3365]

@@mercuryoak2 I would take an atlas or a Walthers over mine as well but I haven’t had any of the gear cracking issues, I must have been one of the lucky ones. If it’s universal mounts don’t crack it’s amazing.

[@mercuryoak2]

@@shaqtus3365 yeah that's the one that goes to the long drive on the rear truck side. I haven't happened to one after I noticed it was clicking. Feeling like to check the Santa Fe one which I have to replace the gears and wheels because something's not right with that one either. I noticed that it has the same issues starting donuts from City a lot longer than the seaboard railroad one. Coincidentally on Facebook marketplace was saying a bunch of locomotives and I have to DCC on board bachmann FT locos one is a Norfolk southern and the other is a Burlington. I know they both work because I tested the motor with power but I don't have DCC controller yet. I plan on purchasing an nce controller to run these. But hopefully these don't have the same issues as the other two that I have that are DC models. The Santa Fe one that I have that I have to replace Wheels is because it has been dropped once and it made the wheels wobbly. But it is what it is at this point I still like my athearn and Walthers, and Atlas locos. Mantua is also my favorite

[@SMTMainline]

I'm amazed dropping it didn't bust it. These locomotives have a bit of a design flaw where if they land on their truck it will strip the screw holding it in.

[@shaqtus3365]

@@SMTMainline I’ve heard about that, thankfully it’s never happened to me, although my bachmann 44 ton does have one or two threads stripped out it’s not bad enough that the truck can’t stay attached to the chassis.

[@Mike__B]

If you're going to stay in N-scale I absolutely would recommend a Kato set, can't go wrong with that. HO-scale it's kind of hard to put a finger on that, my first one was about 25 years ago and was a Toys'R'Us discount for like $30 or something, at the time, for what it was it was not horrible, but the same kind of low end set these days easily will cost 5 times that amount.

[@SMTMainline]

I'm sure the Kato sets are well made. I the ones they sell on Amazon seem to cost a mint though.

[@jdenm8]

@@SMTMainline The American ones are. It's a pity they don't have the Japanese ones on US Amazon, Amazon Australia has the 10-011 set, which is a 3-Coach E5 Shinkansen train with an M1 track and controller set for AU$159 with free shipping from Japan.

[@lucasl2791]

@@SMTMainline They're expensive, but they're also high quality models and track that will fit seamlessly into any future, more advanced layout.

[@ChristopherORourke-s7g]

When I got back into the N scale model railroad hobby in December,2011, I bought the Kato Superliner starter set & 4 additional Superliner cars & Kato unitrack. I had it next to the Christmas tree or under it during December & the first week of January. I have expanded and I will be extending my layout in the garage to 6 feet wide by 12 feet long and will be adding a second level as well.

[@ianhaynes5898]

I went to Wales in June, to the Ffestiniog Railway. I bought a model of one of their curious engines, a single coach and a circuit of track with two sidings. Quite simple but good fun, and since then I have added some trees, bushes, a station and a cabbage garden!

[@LevelUpModelTrains]

I have the Bachmann Thunder Chief train set and I can tell you it is one of the best sets Bachmann sells! So I would recommend it to newcomers if DCC and Sound is their interest. And a loop of track isn't a problem because you have the sounds to make up for it. (In my opinion of course :D)

[@chrisdaniell2990]

The best way to get into the hobby is to buy used. Find someone getting out of the hobby, buy their layout and modify it to make it your own; save yourself multiple trips to Home Depot/hobby shop, no power tools required, and you're in the hobby right away. I've been in the hobby over 20 years, and unless the item you want is limited/exclusive/rare, then don't buy it new... there's a glut of train sets available at flea markets, swap meets, etc. If you simply MUST have new trains, then SMT is right... avoid Bachmann (it's overpriced junk). Buy yourself the entry level Walthers DC locomotive to start. You can always buy a cheap decoder later if you want to get into DCC. Also, avoid Bachmann EZ track cause you're eventually going to want to get rid of it (it's junk). Buy yourself some Kato UniTrack or cork roadbed and Peco Track. Basically, avoid anything Bachmann and you'll be fine, lol.

[@zacherymayer4847]

That's me. I bought a good Katy for $25

[@SMTMainline]

Seems like a good strategy to me

[@damntheman2]

I got the digital commander set on my 7th birthday, it was really awesome having a siding. As i would always switch between the locomotives to pull the train. Damn 9 years went by too fast huh.

[@motortowncuriosites7005]

Well done. That was a very positive review, far better than others I have watched . Budgets and space requirements can be a challenge. While purists may look down on somethings, others just want to have fun on a budget.

[@SMTMainline]

Thanks. Both are good options but I just wanna make that clear.

[@oldcarzrule2527]

Bachmann now sells these great train set additions for about $80. It is a long siding with either a warehouse or water tank and a piece of rolling stock to add some life and (limited) switching.

[@modelrailfan37]

Those are great too!

[@Seaking6464]

I can’t seem to find a link, could you maybe put one here?

[@GNF54]

That is really overpriced

[@ROBERTN-ut2il]

.Harrison, May I suggest you do an episode for newcomers on maintaining (cleaning, lubing, coupler height, wheel gauge, etc) their equipment, getting their track off the floor (a sheet of plywood on two saw horse in the basement in a spare room or basement as a starter), cleaning track and wheels, getting and using an NMRA standards gauge, periodical subscriptions to consider and web sites to visit

[@geraldratte9254]

Hello SMT,, you give a lot of great advice on how to get into the hobby since I have seen a lot of time newbies asking for advice on how to start getting a layout they will enjoy and love to build, yes You shared your opinion and appreciate it a lot on train sets and expansions you have evolved to help out the hobby keep it up, my friend. Cheers,

[@mikegrappone9078]

Great video - just purchased the basic Bachman with four cars off Amazon. So far so good. Thanks for making,

[@oskarvalance3041]

Very good information. Anyone wanting to get started in the hobby should definitely go this route. Get a feel of what it's like before spending the big bucks. BTW, I am not a big fan of Bachmann either. I'm a Athearn blue box kind of guy. Good video. Keep 'em coming. From Texas.

[@lovegamesandtrains3194]

im a athearn person to i have a dash 9 from the blue box line and i love the engine but im going to get rid of it because of couple problems. the couple boxes sit way to low. but i do like bachmann a bit but thats for their older stuff like my 90's spectrum steam loco

[@Ratkill9000]

My first train set I got with my own money at Toys R Us back in the early 2000s as a kid for like $80. Came with the Red and Silver Santa Fe engine, box car, log car and a few others. Also came with quite a bit of track. It was HO scale. I might get back into the hobby but at N scale, but make it a lot more grand in size. Maybe overboard.

[@thomasmoje5926]

After a long hiatus from model railroading; I got the bug again so a couple of years ago I purchased a Bachmann 'Rail Chief' HO scale train set and I'm quite satisfied with it. I stayed with Bachmann because I already have a Bachmann HO scale 'Harry Potter Hogwarts Express' set which I purchased for my kids some years ago and it still runs great and the tracks are compatible for expansion possibilities. I like the model GP40-2 locomotive included with the 'Rail Chief' set so much I bought another matching loco separately to make a 'double header' to better pull the many pieces of additional rolling stock I've acquired. I find the steel track in the 'Harry Potter' and 'Rail Chief' sets is fine..I keep it clean and it's held up fine so far. A fascinating hobby the better 'starter sets' are a great way to get into it without shelling out large amount of cash.

[@thomasmoje5926]

And since I acquired the Bachmann 'Rail Chief' set: I've painted the track beds a shade of gray to approximate the color of stone ballast, 'aged' the rails by painting them a color to approximate rust and aging, and painted the ties to look more realistic. Looks great. And naturally I've expanded my loco collection to include an Atlas Alco HH660, a Mantua GP20, and an old IHC SD24. Bought for cheap at train shows. One of those hobbies that can grow quickly.

[@kennethwilliams-dl9gi]

i just bought the walthers set because of the nickel silver track. walthers sells an adapter you can use to connect to bachmann track. i got the walthers for less than both the set you show on here and the bachmann set. shop around. my local hobby store sells loose bachmann track, even 3 footers, so im gonna go there and get my extra track. i need a bunch.

[@painter662]

Ok, I’ll go along with most of this guys advice. It’s decent… but before you get freaked out over CheapO starter sets being garbage… something I’d like to Pass along. Back when I was about 6 dad got Me a cheapo starter set made by a company named Tyco. At the time Bachman was considered a vast improvement over Tyco.😁 that said I enjoyed my little train set for a few years. It got packed away when we moved. About 23 years later, we got unpacking boxes 4 moves later, and son of a gun there was my Tyco train set… We decided to have some fun and my dad and I actually built a layout. The little Tyco engine was showing age a little do dad dug into it and cleaned out 23 years of accumulated crud… snd got the engine running again. It was still fun. Life called me out to California. I lost track of that little engine. Dad would talk at times about using it as his Guinness pig for practicing airbrush techniques on. But that’s all I knew for sure. Then somewhere around my 40th birthday, dad sent me a box with 2 engines in it. The little Tyco with a whole new look. He had painted it SP bloody nose scheme. We hooked it up and it still ran… by now we named it Willard. The little engine that never died. Today I am 61… Willard is still with me, and probably will be for the rest of my life. It still runs. And unless you are a rivet counter.. odds are it looks just fine. Not bad for a cheapo $35.00 starter kit engine that is currently going on 55years old.

[@SMTMainline]

This is an excellent story, thanks for sharing. Just to clarify something - cheap locomotives are not incapable of lasting a long time but the cheaper parts do increase the chances of failure. Two of the first locomotives I got were a Bachmann 2-6-0 and a Mehano (IHC) 4-8-2. I really liked the bachmann but it broke constantly and finally quit around two years ago. My Mehano which has had far more use is still running strong and has hardly had any maintenance done in the same timeframe . All I wanna do is set realistic expectations on what might happen if you choose a cheaper set.

[@TimsBitsnPieces]

I would suggest to anyone wanting to get into the hobby to buy a second-hand set NOT a NEW set as the set can already have a scene set up with several tracks laid down and multiple engines and carriages etc. and half the price of a new set.. You can get great second-hand bargains (at least what I've found here in Melbourne Australia)... this will confirm if you want to do it long-term or if it's just a passing phase...

[@jamesrequiem]

Everyone gotta start somewhere great reviews all in all It also made me remember that in a few weeks the Barrie Allendale railway modellers are having there open house tours on September 9th and 10th with alot of others railway modellers around the area as well

[@OklahomaRailfan_Productions]

I started HO scale with a Christmas present. Bachmann Trains - Coastliner Ready To Run Electric Train Set - HO Scale

[@edwarddavis507]

I got into the hobby with a tyco starter set. It was quite impressive at the time. It came with a steam locomotive and a trestle bridge and a bunch of other cool stuff.

[@SMTMainline]

Was it the Chattnooga set?

[@edwarddavis507]

@@SMTMainline Yes, and I still have it.

[@edwarddavis507]

@@SMTMainline Of my favorite parts are the box car with the tumbler that makes choo choo sounds and the billboard hidden steam whistle.

[@CharlesBarfield-de4zc]

Man it never gets old listening to smt talking about trains! Your so close to 100k subs!!!!! Keep up the good work man

[@SMTMainline]

Thanks. I should have a similar video coming out soon.

[@Detsteve]

Thanks for the info. Very helpful for starting the hobby and not a bad way to pick up some odds and ends for those who have already begun.

[@CRP7609]

Thanks for this I’m starting on an HO switching layout!

[@EdwardsEuropeantrains]

Love your video for people starting model railroading

[@JB-ud6vm]

Good video, I think the best advice one can give, and you certainly mentioned it, is to think about "what you want", most modelrailroaders kinda stick to their fave locations/locos/eras etc.

[@BillSchierbrock]

the first one, the rail chief also comes with a signal bridge, figures, telephone poles, and street and railroad signs

[@LedgemereHeritageFarm]

Mom got me a Bachmann Santa Fe set from a Sears catalog in the 70’s. It all came in little brown boxes with black letters on them packed into a larger brown box. No fancy packaging. I still have it and it still runs well. The cars are light and I’m going to put metal wheels on them with kadees

[@jamesanderson3088]

I enjoy the live streams and this format is cool too.I love watching you repair the eBay treasures. 😍

[@SMTMainline]

Thanks.

[@Syracuse_rail_product]

I remember when I got my first starter set and I lost and broke all the pieces good video SMT

[@jamessneed8789]

The two cheapest set to make one bigger set is good idea 💡

[@peterbuckley3877]

I’ve just purchased a Hornby starter set and the difference in quality and detail between that and the Bachman is far and above. The starter kit gives you enough to start a build by adding track.

[@LegoMan6619]

Love this video! My first real train set was the Life-Like Super Chief set from 1992. Before that my grandfather gave me his Christmas train he ran around the tree, but that was a hodgepodge of thongs. My favorite train set was a Tyco one my dad had from 1980, that one’s fun to run around from time to time, that old GP20 is great.

[@SMTMainline]

I started with a life-like set as well. Despite so many claiming they were total junk I sure had a lot of fun with it. The locomotive still runs too

[@1234mallard]

My very first set was a life-like oval, with a set of bridge risers. Being in Australia I got the Australian National loco (a repainted sd-40 I think) and 3 freight cars. It was steel track, and the cars had plastic wheels, but it was the perfect start. Life like was good in that way. Cheap and easy way to get in.

[@SMTMainline]

I had life like's Canadian counter part to that set and loved it. I was five years old at the time and my family couldn't afford the higher end sets so I'm glad they were still in production at the time.

[@robertoperezjr.1119]

As someone who wants to get onto the hobby, I like this video a lot.

[@RACaptialRegion]

I think Walthers actually bought out lifelike. Also I have to mention Kato Unitrack. I went from Steel EZ track, to the nickel silver stuff, and honestly just went for it with Kato and have never looked back. Worth the extra cost to me.

[@SMTMainline]

Kato has a very good reputation. Walthers did buy life like but discontinued their starter sets in 2016.

[@w.rustylane5650]

Very good information. I agree, NS flex track on cork roadbed & NS switches are the way to go. Cheers from eastern TN

[@4everdc302]

POI: If in Canada. There are many unopened HO President Choice sets available on the market. Locos, on the most part, are overbuilt Mahano's. $ 100 to $160CAD. Usually a little more track, too. Good job, Harrison👏 👍

[@SMTMainline]

Those are possibly the best train sets ever made, I wish they will still making them.

[@4everdc302]

@SMTMainline Agreed. Built my channel around that stuff😁 Harrison brings back the PC under the SMT Mainline brand. Food for thought.

[@Santaanacanyon]

Harris, I would enjoy a video of what items would be inside YOUR idea of the perfect train set.

[@SMTMainline]

I should try and make one.

[@YourLocalHistorian]

One of the best sets out, there is the Chattanooga by Bachman. It has three freight cars, a caboose and a steam locomotive, station, telephone poles and people all included.

[@Jeisr4207-bc5ui]

That was the set that got me back into the hobby for the 5th and final time

[@YourLocalHistorian]

@@Jeisr4207-bc5ui that set was my last birthday gift from my grandpa before he passed away. It also got me into HO.

[@edbateyjr.517]

I'm starting a Kato Unitram layout myself. I have a huge love for streetcars. I'm starting and continuing buying Kato and tomix/tomy-tec buildings in the meantime. Your brill trolley and PCC streetcar can also be used as interurbans since you can't expand a streetcar line. Keep up the good work!

[@SMTMainline]

I'm generally a pretty big fan of Kato, high quality and priced pretty well for Japanese made.

[@edbateyjr.517]

@@SMTMainline btw, your channel has won me over.

[@SMTMainline]

@@edbateyjr.517 That's great to hear. I try my best

[@cjdavis2684]

This was So Cool! And I had no idea that they had some starter sets priced as low as some of those were. I mean yeah you don't get a very long train. But it is a value for those who are on a budget. Nicely Done Harrison all together. enjoyed that very much.

[@SMTMainline]

They aren't too bad, hopefully they stay that way.

[@toonman361]

Thank you. I learned a few things from your video, mainly track materials and what to look for in expensive vs cheap. The Walters one did not have much color in the engine. The rials were the same as the body. I like variation.

[@Jigoku_Samurai]

this was a nice video to help those that are trying to get into the hobby, great job!

[@chasesrailwaylinesrr6447]

Sets are the best way to start I started with 3 sets. The rail chief. Chattanooga . and a civil war set all by bachmann. My personal go for is Chattanooga it came with a station telephone poles, signs, steam loco, five cars, and square of Track. Wish sets come back out like Tyco did train sets

[@SMTMainline]

Tyco was great at making exciting sets, the quality with the locomotives in particular wasn't great even compared to Bachmann and Life-Like.

[@modelrailfan37]

Wish more sets came with accessories and buildings, that would be awesome!

[@chasesrailwaylinesrr6447]

Tyco had more Playability then Quality with say the Chattanooga or Mammoth of the rails they came with lots of stuff

[@nathanieldaiken1064]

That's how I started in 2000. Three sets, bought More switches, few extra cars, passenger stuff and station. Added locomotives every few were.

[@apollosaturn5]

When I was a kid a couple of years after my family moved to the US my dad out of the blue took me to Toys'R Us and bought me a Like-Like train set. I knew money was tight, so to me that train set was like the Moon. I played with that train set like there was no tomorrow. But, eventually it gets a little boring because there's nothing new and I knew my parents couldn't afford another set (we had no idea about expansion sets). After my parents bought our first PC and I got my first train simulator my enthusiasm for the hobby began to dwindle. Now, as an adult I can afford to build a layout. But I'd rather drive a train through the Stevens Pass in my PC than watch a toy train go around and around the tracks. I chose to spend the money building a good PC to play my games.

[@typicaltylerrr]

Yet another great video. I really appreciate how you post these videos with tips. Keep up the good work!

[@SMTMainline]

Thank you!

[@theoddfish4376]

I started my collection when I fixed up an old athearn blue box engine and using some of my friends brass track I made a layout and I felt so proud of myself for making it and now I’m doing dcc and have a big collection of trains

[@SMTMainline]

That must have taken some effort to get going. Not many people would be willing to do so but I'm glad it worked out for you 👍

[@sernajrlouis]

Cool video. I still have my first locomotive I got from a Life like starter set. A 0-6-0 steam switcher. That was 23 years ago. It's on my layout but sitting abandoned on an out of service track. Been modeling N Scale since then . My locomotives now are Atlas, intermountain, Kato, and BLI. Lol. But that starter set really inspires you. Lol

[@stevesmodelbuilds5473]

Hi, Harrison! Nice to see you again. How's Nerf Cat? I got my first set last year -- the DC Rail Chief, and the GP40 loco is a great runner and puller. It's a good, basic starter set, especially if you're on a budget. The rolling stock is very good and the caboose is a fantasy type, but nice and heavy for the end of the train. The controller's okay, but there's no way to hook up AC accessories to it -- probably because it can't handle the power... My next loco was the Walthers GP9M; again, it's a great puller, and it's the pride of my little fleet. I'd recommend both to anyone. The biggest mistake I made was getting the Bachmann Overland Express set. The loco looks beautiful, but it's junk -- the smoke function only worked three times, then quit. The loco kept derailing even at slow speeds -- the pilot wheels wouldn't stay on, even with the higher radius curves, and pieces started falling apart after a few runs. The rolling stock was cheap, with plastic wheels and all the couplers broke after a short time. Other than to put the loco on the display shelf, it was a complete waste of money. As far as the stainless steel black-roadbed Snap Track goes, it's alright, and if you clean it with mineral spirits and apply NO-OX-ID A Special to the rails -- very sparingly, it's not a lubricant -- it's fine. It prevents and fills in the micro-scratches and greatly improves conductivity, while keeping the track clean. I also put a light bedsheet over my layout when not in use -- it keeps the dust off without damaging anything. Thanks for the video! 😀

[@SMTMainline]

Their lager steam locomotives seem to be prone to that. I've heard mixed things about that set.

[@modelrailfan37]

@@SMTMainline sam'strains did a video on the locomotive from That, and he found much the same. Bachmann and their large engines 😂. The embarasing thing is though that that loco is a 4-8-4 that can hardly Handel 22 inch curves and yet Riverossi and Broadway make big boys that work on 18 inch curves...

[@linuskorff4074]

I got into the hobby thanks to my grandpa and my father, i got my first set that was already older than me, but it worked super well and still does. I also got some trains later on, 1 steam engine a diesel train and another electric themed train. Well the shaft of the electric themed train sadly broke so it only has 1 drive left.

[@JoeyLovesTrains]

Got the exact set on the thumbnail for Christmas back in 2010

[@marcellinden7305]

After years of not having my Lima trains from 1978 I went and got myself the DCC commander set to kick off my DCC experience. A couple of those 50 piece bundles, one black bed expansion set and a few extra DCC turn outs soon had me lots of track on two 8ft x 4ft tables .... and it just grew from there....lol ... yeah, get the grey bed Bachmann track, it's far better.

[@KeachenAbing]

I just got a Bachman Starter set and I love it, because I LOVE Santa Fe trains (Diesel electric locomotive).

[@thebigengine]

Goodness me! Seeing that EZ track along with the EZ bridge supports really does give me some unpleasant memories. Let’s just say there is nothing easy about it. These things almost had a mind of their own, sometimes they’d go in, sometimes they wouldn’t. One time I was trying to insert the track piece into the riser clip, I ended up getting a huge gash on my hand. Since I was only a kid it kept me away from the hobby for a while. A few years later as a teenager, I got back into the hobby thanks to a set from Hornby called ‘The Night Mail’

[@STho205]

That four car Santa Fe Bachmann set in N scale was $45 in 2004 when I bought it for my 7yo daughter. I bought two pieces of flex track and we built a 2x3foot picturesque layout (California Coast) that she used to take to the annual train show that was held in her Kindergarten/1st grade school. She has a 4yo of her own and I cleaned the loco and we gave the layout to her (currently to watch). It still runs like new.

[@SMTMainline]

That's awesome, glad to hear it's still running 20 years later.

[@jamestown57]

I know a lot of people talk bad about Bachmann, but I've honestly never had a problem with them, decent enough detail and fair value these days

[@SMTMainline]

They are okay. I just feel the price is higher than it should be. In the 2000s they were an excellent make in that regard.

[@steamfan4014]

My starter set was a life-like train set with a Union Pacific fp40. I do agree that Bachmann is good for starting off in the hobby

[@robertcornelius3514]

You do a good job for a young guy who is in to a very old hobby.

[@SMTMainline]

Thank you!

[@Lindenify1010]

My first set was a Bachmann Pacific flyer

[@randydobson1863]

hello smt mainline it's is randy and i like and yours video is cool and my layout in basement building with 2-inch x 4 inch x 8 ft and i used foamular ngx 1- inch x 24 - inch -96 inch and in used 1/2 4x8 oriented strand board 15/32 and used lepage pl 300 foamboard and used tuck tape 2.4 - inch x 180 ft . and used wood screws 8x 2 -1/2 black and used gray thanks smt mainline thanks friends randy

[@williamsquires3070]

Also, don’t forget to invest in structures and scenery, like trees and cars/trucks! Start with a general passenger/freight station so your trains will have a place to stop. As you get time and money, get more structures like restaurants, shops, and warehouses, and more trees and shrubs. Also, don’t forget ordinary items we see every day, but don’t think much about, like trash cans, fire hydrants, traffic signs, random dogs and cats, pedestrians, etc… These extra details will breathe some life into what started out as a sheet of plywood! 😅

[@SMTMainline]

That's a great point!

[@christopherjohnson5236]

My first ones was Life-Like back then. Bought more sets and tracks overtime and made it bigger. Then my parents bought me the Bachmann Overland Limited and overtime started moving over to Bachmann more. Started buying more tracks, other sets, rolling stock, etc and now I have the Nickle Silver tracks and only use some steel tracks for sidings and slowly converting to DCC

[@SMTMainline]

My first set was a life like as well. Not the highest quality but I’m glad they were around because they were super budget friendly. My parents might not have been able to afford it back then if the prices were what they are today.

[@jasonthomsen4349]

Thank you for your input SMT

[@prussia1557]

What I did to get started after I got my first job was buy a locomotive, some passenger cars, a cheap power supply, and that Ez track worlds greatest hobby track set on Ebay. Granted I had some prior experience with model railroads so for a new person a train set may be the way to go.

[@user-MotoTrains1974]

Thank you for your input it worth having a look well done again SMT

[@OldIronVideo]

I got the bachmann union pacific greyhound 0-6-0 set at hobby lobby on sale for $50

[@PeggyDez]

Such a well made video and very informative for those starting out. As I reside in India sourcing American stuff is far more expensive than British stuff. The shipping rates from the US to India are just as high as the products themselves. And then we have corrupt Custom officials who will plonk any Customs Tax on it

[@SMTMainline]

That's unfortunate. Is there anything produced domestically?

[@PeggyDez]

@@SMTMainline I had started a company with my friend. But after 2 years he cheated me out of the business

[@mailstorminurbox]

i started the hobby in 2021 (hornby flying scotsman train set) right now, i have 5 locomotives (the scotsman isn’t functional), 12 pieces of rolling stock and two loops of track once you start you cant stop

[@paulschab8152]

Just Bought the DCC Commander. Got a really good deal on it. I really just wanted it for the DCC controller. I like that the track is nickel silver. Just going to mount to it to plywood and stick our Christmas tree in the middle come Christmas. Also bought a new Walthers Mainline GE ES44AH CSX unit #960 and some Walthers Proto Rolling stock to go with it.

[@SMTMainline]

I had one for many years and it served me well. I wouldn't have changed it but the fact that it only accepts numbers 1-10 started to get in my way.

[@Blue_Dev13]

Wow is this your first time that you showed your room it looks nice

[@mercuryoak2]

these are actually really good suggestions Harrison. I know one brand that stopped making ready to run sets which was Athearn. I bought a set years ago for lesser money than a bachmann set and the locomotive is still running and had brass flywheels versus the bachmann one and the price was cheaper. Also they use the same steel EZ track lol. The bachmann one needs work because of the poor quality plastic they used on the universal driveline. I don't know there's certain die-hard bachmann fans that would argue till the cows come home that the company is very good but the price point is extremely high and their quality suffers as well. There's one suggestion for those that want to get into model railroading. Go to your local flea market if they have any HO scale or any type scale trains and you may be able to haggle with the dealer for prices. Also yard sales are good way to find stuff Facebook marketplace to name a few things. I have found it also that if you do that most likely the prices that you find are cheaper than what somebody sells on eBay because they're either looking to get rid of it or they have no information on it no way to test it out . Sometimes the risk of using used locomotive or rolling stock you might have to replace parts or fix them. An example is most of my used things I have done maintenance or replace parts. Along coil of mine gave me some HO scale locomotives which a few of them need work or upgrades on couplers or whatever and watching videos like yours is one way to actually give you an education on how to repair something. But that's my two cents lol

[@OriginalBongoliath]

"I don't know there's certain die-hard bachmann fans that would argue till the cows come home that the company is very good but the price point is extremely high and their quality suffers as well." It depends on what line of Bachmann product you are talking about since they have a range of products for the beginner and advanced modeler. Of course their train sets won't have the best quality locos because they are train-set quality i.e. made to be as cheap as possible. If you want quality Bachmann you go with their Spectrum line. Also if you like steam engines like I do, Bachmann is one of two companies left that actually put out steam on a regular basis (the other is Broadway Limited but their prices are in the stratosphere). So I guess if you are only in to diesels you have plenty of options other than Bachmann. If you like steam or electrics for that matter then Bachmann is really your only option (from a North American market perspective, way more options if you are in Europe or in to European trains). Also never go off of the MSRP to determine how much something will go for. I never pay MSRP for anything including Bachmann stuff. Plenty of places for way less.

[@mercuryoak2]

@@OriginalBongoliath nah I'll stick with Athearn, Atlas, Walthers.... I even have Mantua which were far better then a bachmann. I had a steam engine by bachmann and the drivers came undone. Never had that issue with ANYTHING else. So sorry bachmann always will and always will be crap quality with crap price

[@mrrailfan95]

I always love these videos

[@TheKurtsPlaceChannel]

Very nice video. Thanks for posting and have a nice day too.

[@popcat2214]

I was just going to ask about this

[@Mrtitanosaur]

This man deserves more subs

[@SMTMainline]

Thank you!

[@gregco0621]

Great video. So many others jump to the assumption that since you're buying a starter set, you have the intention of getting into the hobby, and you should just jump to DCC w/sound to save cost later. What if it's not for me, or if it's just a Christmas train? I appreciate the way you approached it. I saw a commenter mention President's Choice sets, and you responded saying they were your favorite starter sets. They are nice looking sets. I'm not in Canada, but the sets are available on ebay and through one or two retailers for around $160 - $200US, the higher price for set #11 with nickel silver track. I wonder how that compares in your view to the sets mentioned in the video. I also wonder with the set being older, are the components, such as power pack, suitable.

[@gregco0621]

By the way, just watched it again and caught where you said, "I don't think DCC is going to make a difference with a setup this small." That makes a TON of sense.

[@SMTMainline]

Mehano also sold train sets un the US under the brand IHC. The locomotives in these sets are far better than what Bachmann has been selling and roughley the same quality has Walthers. The track, controller and cars are worse however. I wasn't aware they ever sold a set featuring Nickel silver track but it might be worth it as most of these sets have now aged about 20 years.

[@SMTMainline]

Exactly. If someone intends you build a freight yard or something large it might be worthwhile but for a circle and switch I don't see how many extra features it gives you.

[@NorthmassRails]

The goatee is amazing👌

[@Lil_Pennsy]

I memeber my first set. It was a Santa Fe set, came with 3 cars n a caboose.

[@EpicSpeed5222]

8:02 The way I fix that problem is gently squeezing the bits that stick out ( fishplates ), which titans the end, giving the track way better performance.

[@Lord_Billy]

You are my fav yt when i was growing up and now i have been subed for 4.5 years on my alt/main back in the day. I sucked at fixing my trains from n to g so you inspired me to start my own channel and i did train content with my dad for a year. But i had no views and 2 subs so i switched my content to something different i am now thinking to make a 2nd yt channel and see how it goes thanks for those 6 hours in my basement almost everyday trying to fix something when watching you vid. :) PS if you want tell me your fav tyco because i am a tyco collector and i might buy it.

[@SMTMainline]

My favourite tyco is the Canadiana Shark nose or the Spirit of 76' C630

[@Lord_Billy]

@@SMTMainline two great choices

[@willyalex1]

Cool Video

[@betsymani2734]

Lets get harrison (sorry if I misspelled your name) to 100k! Anyway good video. I hope this helps a lot of people.

[@SMTMainline]

Thanks a bunch!

[@jamesoke7414]

i have to share my experience.. i started with the Bachmann N Scale CSX starter kit.. enjoyed it. expanded it. found that it would derail all the time at the turnouts. tested the turnouts to see if they were closing properly.. they were. but the problem is, the turnouts were held in place by the flimsiest metal rod possible.. i would blow on the turn out and it would open. Promptly switched over to the Kato Unitrack. Far superior quality and more options. My entire 16ftx3ft layout is unitrack and i will suggest to everyone spend a little more for the Kato sets and expand with those. They will not drive you crazy for bad turnouts. but... with that said.. the No.4 turnout does have it's own issues and there are fixes on KZbin of how to resolve them.

[@SMTMainline]

Thanks for your thoughts.

[@avlisk]

I can only comment on HO. I've found the cheap Walthers locomotives are pretty good. They are simple, well-made, and just keep on running. (A lot like the old Athearn Blue Box locos in that regard.) For a basic DC loco, they are a great start. I've not had such good experience with the Bachmann locos, or the Bachmann EZ Track for that matter.

[@fredashay]

Well, you need a train, of course. And some track. And a power transformer. But if I was buying a train for a kid, I'd buy a passenger train and a freight train (with the locomotives DCC ready for the future) a whole bunch of track pieces so he can build whatever he wants and fill his bedroom with track (he's gonna get bored with a circle of track within a day).

[@ChristopherORourke-s7g]

My N scale train locomotives are mostly Kato, the track is entirely Kato. I have a Bachmann set that is for use under the Christmas tree only. I also have a static display of an Atlas diesel locomotive that doesn’t work and is no longer made which is on my static display. I’m satisfied with Kato for N scale locomotives, track. My rolling stock of freight cars is a mix of Atlas, MicroTrains,Kato, Bachmann, Scale. My Amtrak trains are Kato, MiniTrix which isn’t sold in the U.S. & Canada anymore, sold only in Europe.

[@mjamesb66]

Great video and useful tips and info. I would add and it's been my experience that the pulling power of the bachmann starter sets are not the greatest.

[@lovegamesandtrains3194]

I started with a lionel pennsy flyer and i love it. Ive had it for over 5 years and i havent had a problem with it other than the bluetooth. when i moved to ho i started with bachmann nickel sliver and a athearn blue box dash 9 along with a few mantua rolling stock. and i have a 90's bachmann spectrum 4-6-2 and that engine runs great but i did pay a pretty penny for it

[@lovegamesandtrains3194]

when i say the bluetooth i have the bluetooth and lioncheif phone controller the normal wireless controller is fine

[@mikemcginley6309]

Great content, it really helps.

[@dummy4hire]

I had a few train sets growing up in the 80’s. I held on to them for awhile hoping to set them up sometime in the future. Until I had kids and my stuff didn’t last long

[@trainspa]

i still have my first layout that my dad got me. it was an athearn train set that used bachmann track.

[@raymondleggs5508]

The Best DCC sets are the Piko smart-control sets and the Kato DCC sets along with the Roco sets.