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 Posted - April 26 2008 : 11:44:45 AM
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Hi guys:
In the last year I've assembled three train sets from parts for workmates to get their sons and in one case a daughter involved in model RRing.
The first was based around
-a Tyco Chessie C-430 which the father chose for the colour scheme.
-Tyco Trestle set
-5-6 cars & caboose
-one switch for a siding
-a Tyco Action Accesory
-Track and transformer
The Second based on a:
-AHM C-430 in CNJ paint
-same except two action accessories no trestle set
Recently a third based on a:
-MP C-430 in SF Paint:
-Horse Car and depot
-Piggyback Loader/Unloader
-Same as above.
Btw: In each case I used rolling stock with brake wheels removed and cars that initially had broken foot stirrups which after removing remainders I sanded smooth for small child safety.
I also gave the dads a CD of various articles ostly in PDF for background...
What I'd like to know is, what would you use from your collection if you were in the same position???
This is my Trainset Template below.
-Gareth
Edited by - romcat on April 27 2008 11:14:43 AM
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Posted - April 26 2008 : 12:49:56 PM
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I could put a few more Bachmann, L/L and Tyco sets together.
(santa Fe F units) I need to find some useable track though. I have some steel track and turnouts but I am hesitant to give it with the sets. I'd rather use brass or nickle silver.
Ray
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Posted - April 26 2008 : 1:00:54 PM
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Hi Ray:
What was in those sets was kinda on hand surplus.
I favour either an 8 wheel drive AHM RS2 or GP18 as a best starter locomotive. They aren't too large or heavy for a small child...
They are very cheap. I recently aquired a pristine CP AHM RS2 8 wheel drive unit with Kadee's for$17 shipped.
Perfect starter Loco for a Canadian boy! I have a LV for an American boy.
-Gareth
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Posted - April 26 2008 : 11:51:27 PM
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My actual starter locomotive from my original train set was an MU2 GP-20, but what sustained me through my formative years was an Athearn SW 1500 (1200, or whatever they were). It was bullet-proof, was re-painted about 5 times, and I still have it today, 32 years later. 
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Posted - April 27 2008 : 11:23:01 AM
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| i would use a dockyard shunter/switcher with some tyco unloading trucks and unloading bay as i feel it would hold childs interest and be easy to make into a fairly interesting layout ken
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Posted - April 27 2008 : 11:27:53 AM
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Hey Adams:
So you'd go with a Blue Box era Athearn Diesel. What about the rest of it, what else?
Ken:
Good choice. Got a particular "Docky" in mind? I agree about the operaing stuff.
I also think encouraging "pretending" is a good idea as well.
-Gareth
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Posted - April 27 2008 : 11:35:19 AM
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any 4 wheel driver for simplicity,any working parts that are robust,remember todays children need more than a loco going around in circles,put those 3 things together and you may get more children interested ken
ahm/tyco/athearn come to instant mind or a triang dockyard shunter if you can get 1
hope you do not mind tony
Edited by - catfordken on April 27 2008 12:14:26 PM
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Posted - April 27 2008 : 1:03:17 PM
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Hey Ken:
I have a Triang DOck Diesel shell Cheez sent me. I'm gonna mount it on either a Mantua CR4 Centercab chassis, a Athearn Hustler or even a Bachmann MDT 6 wheeler! Should be neat.
-Gareth
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Posted - April 27 2008 : 4:08:49 PM
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| I also like a lot of the other choices mentioned here, although I would prefer a diesel with 8-wheel power and electrical pickup like the Athearn-saves a lot of aggravation...plus the SW can easily handle 18 or 15 inch radius. I agree with Ken that if you can find something with "play value," that may help---we weren't ALL born hard-core realists--just some of us. If you are going to stick with Athearn blue box, you could have the piggyback flat, auto rack, gondola with containers, or even flat with boat or plane. I also liked the rotary snow plow. Don't get me wrong, I'm all in favor of Tyco as a starter set, the most important thing being a good loco that's not going to need the "big Hook" to come in every time it gets stuck! An older booster or Little six (with the die cast body and no traction tires) are extremely dependable.
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Posted - April 27 2008 : 4:14:31 PM
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| Also, depending on age and parental involvement, lights, operating accessories, and sound (like the simple MRC unit, not on board decoding) might be a plus.
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