Shawn
Hiking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing
Welcome I think you got great advice so far. The biggest decision will be what track to go with. No matter what you choose its all expensive. Al. is the cheapest but good for live steam or battery. Stainless is best for track power but more money. Brass is also good but will oxidize faster and requires more cleaning. Then you have the different brands. I think Aristo is best because the rail joiners come with screws to secure the track. Then you dont need as many rail clamps. (Rail clamps help keep track together better then the joiners that come with track and gives better connection for track power)
Then you have to think about what you want to run: diesel, steam or both. What time period and scale. Standard Guage trains you see today are 1:29 and up while the Narrow Guage lines are 1:20 true to scale (US narrow) 1:22 and 1:24 is also Narrow Gauge but not true to scale of track but their are more offerings in this scale and less expensive then the 1:20. There is also 7/8th scale (1:13) This is more industrial type lines and not much available but a fun scale. Check out my site for some US Narrow Guage Logging. There is a lot to learn but a great hobby.
Then you have to think about what you want to run: diesel, steam or both. What time period and scale. Standard Guage trains you see today are 1:29 and up while the Narrow Guage lines are 1:20 true to scale (US narrow) 1:22 and 1:24 is also Narrow Gauge but not true to scale of track but their are more offerings in this scale and less expensive then the 1:20. There is also 7/8th scale (1:13) This is more industrial type lines and not much available but a fun scale. Check out my site for some US Narrow Guage Logging. There is a lot to learn but a great hobby.
