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Starter sets worth it?

6159 Views 18 Replies 10 Participants Last post by  BNGP10, 
F
I was looking for layout ideas in my other thread, when an idea occured to me. I'm wondering if a good, reasonably inexpensive way to get started would be to put a pair of starter sets in my "L" shaped area. I could fit one around the tree and one in the base of the "L". I'm assuming that there wouldn't be enough power in the starter sets to get much bigger, but I could probably add a few straight sections to each to make them a little bigger.

I'm thinking that this might be a good place to start, with some expansion options later. Besides, that would give each of the twin boys their own train. But my question is whether it is worth it. Are the starter sets reliable enough to last a year or two, while allowing for slow replacement of cars and parts, or will they just give out after a month or two of use? It would certainly be cheaper than building the whole thing from scratch, at least to start.

Opinions?

Thanks!
Timothy
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Well lets see, Bachman starter set track is totaly worthless outside and if its for a child, to fragile. LGB sets are top notch, perfect for a child and if you price it out seperatly, the engine and transformer will many times exceed the cost of the total set. For LGB sets, a bit hard to find at the moment, contact Dave Watts at Watts Train Shop in Zionsville IN. I bought a 5 year old LGB Euro passenger set, new in the box, thru one of the many collections he has purchased and resold. I got it for a real keen price, lower than the most current version of the set. I was just in the shop this last weekend and he has many starter sets in stock right now, as well as other items of interest. Cheers Mike and Michele T
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the major bachmann parts in the sets are ok, the steam engine drive train isnt usualy the "Annie" version, but I have heard some of the Sams sets were. Its thier steel track that is totaly worthless for anything but under the xmas tree or indoor operations, unless you live in the desert. But for an almost bulletproof locomotive drive train and elephant proof track, its LGB all the way. Hartland also makes some excellent, almost LGB quality drives, but no real starter sets. Cheers Mike
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