Thank you Len,

I just placed an order for my power supply. The gentleman at Trainworld asked about what I planned to have for my set and track and then suggested the 9900 unit. I don't recall but I think he said it was 3 Amps. He seemed to think it would work well for my small setup.

I would like to say thanks once again to each of you for your advice. After much planning, I have placed an orde for what I'm hoping will be complete enough to get something happening.

I ended up ordering the 4-6-0 only because the range of selection wasnt there for me in the 4-4-0 version. The 4-4-0s I could afford didn't come in color schemes that I really cared for.
I ordered a 5' radius LGB track which I hope I won't end up regretting. If it becomes a problem I'll have to revisit but I was hoping to avoid moving furniture.
I ordered a lubrication kit, the wire hook up kit, brass joiners, the plastic clips to keep the tracks tight and a power supply.[/li][/list]

Now, the matter of the power supply was difficult for me. I know a lot of people were recommendeing the 10 Amp unit but that was simply too large for my needs and frankly a bit expensive for my initial jump into the hobby. Frank at Trainworld also talked me out of the 1 Amp units but steered me to what I believe to be a 3 Amp unit which is Made by MRC. It's the 9900 model. He seemed to think that with my train, the number of cars I planned to have and the size of the track that this supply would work well. I should say that he was very friendly and very helpful. He said that they had everything in stock and would be boxing it up tomorrow morning. The train will ship seperately he says because it's a big and long box.

I hope I ordered everything I need to get started. Wish me luck! 

As I said previously, thanks to you all for your help and patience with an old newbie.

Hello everyone,

I am still trying to assemble my equipment list for my first train set. I won't be doing anything large or fancy...I plan to run a single 4-4-0 or 4-6-0 engine with a tender and maybe a couple cars. This will be indoors and on the floor in my living area. I estimate an 8' diameter circle or possibly an oval but that's about it. There seems to be a big jump between the starter set power supplies and the larger systems with very little in between. I have found a nicely priced product but I'm not sure if this is suitable for my application. Anyone with experience using the MRC Tech 3 Power Command Model 9500?


Thank you for your consideration.

Thank you Chuck N,

You sound like a very experienced train person. I like the look of both trains and didn't realize they were from different eras. I know nothing about the history of them but I will try to learn more. Only a few days ago did I realize what the 4-4-0 meants (4 wheels up front and 4 wheels in the middle and 0 wheels in the back). This kept me busy for many days. A tender is where they put the coal, wood and water. They both look like wild wild west trains to me and I do like that steam engine period. I really like the big simple mechanical things.

I'm sure many of the more experienced struggle with the folks like me that don't know what we're looking at. I appreciate the history and the hobby but I'm not sophisticated in this area. I didn't want one of the trains that look very unrealistic and toy like but I don't think I'm ready for a replica/restoration and exact detail thing quite yet.

My space for this is rather small. I think 8 ft. diameter will be a challange but I will make it work.

As to the power supply recommendation, thank you very much. I will look for something with a bit of energy. I stuggle with this as many of the seller sights don't give all of the specifications. But again, I do thank you.

Have a good evening.

I thank you,

I will research the lion track and see if I can get it at a better price. I was surprised at how expensive the power unit and tracks would be. I won't let this stop me though. If I were to commit to this shopping list, do you think this would get something in motion on the floor?

I realize that you're distant and only trying to help and certainly wouldn't think you accountable in any way, I just don't know about the incidentals and details of building a setup like this. Do you think my shopping list is reasonably complete?

Who is "Annie"?

And a kind thank you.

Hello RkyGriz,

This is very helpful. In my long drawn out research I did see your video several times before. I would like something very much like what you have there but maybe intially slightly smaller...I don't think I need that many cars...two or three cars would be great. I like your set up.

Being very new and not even knowing what some the lingo being used means (who is "Annie"?), I'm thinking to go to a single retailer for a single purchase only that if I have any complications fewer points of contact. Also, I'm in no position to do any tinkering/experimentation since I have no idea what I'm doing. I've been browsing the web. The online store that seems to have a good variety and seemingly good rates is the trainworld people. I'm trying not to get others to do the homework for me so I'm trying to pick this up quickly. This is my shopping list which I think (and do dearly hope). If anyone would care to have a look to see if I'm missing anything I would be grateful. If I'm over spending on something I would even more appreciate the input.

Bachmann 4-6-0 (It looks very good to me and I like the color)
http://www.trainworld.com/manufacturers/bachmann/4-6-0-steam-locomotive-anniversary-edition-drgw-bumble-bee-178-91602/

LGB Track (8' diameter...I surely hope so...I'm not so sure)
http://www.trainworld.com/manufacturers/lgb/curved-track-r3-225-box-12-pcs-16000c/

LGB Joiners (3 each)
http://www.trainworld.com/manufacturers/lgb/metal-rail-joiners-10001/

LGB Track Clips (I think these are needed to hold the tracks together)
http://www.trainworld.com/manufacturers/lgb/track-clips-28-pieces-11500/

LBG Track Terminals (connectors to apply power to the rails)
http://www.trainworld.com/manufacturers/lgb/track-power-terminals-2-pieces-50161/

LGB Power Supply (golly this part is expensive)
http://www.trainworld.com/manufacturers/lgb/transformer-and-throttle-1-amp-120-volt-50171/

I surely hope this is all or more than what's required...I'm learning this isn't a poor man's hobby.

Thank you RkyGriz!

Thanks very much Bill and Charon. I was drawn to both of them as they look like very nice old wild wild west day trains. I thought the 4-4-0 because having fewer wheels would do a smaller track more easily but I like the looks of them both equally. I'm going to place my order this evening. I need to make the order before I change my mind...jump into the pool as they say.

I've heard this name "Annie" on different places in the Web. What does this mean? Is this the name of someone famous?

Now to determine track and power supply. I see that one of that track makers makes "L1, L2, L3" track. Seemingly has something to do with the profile of the metal part I think. Which would be recommended?

Again, thanks to everyone for the advice!

Thanks very much to you both for taking the time to reply.

I may have understated how new and little I really know about this hobby. I realize that power supplies come in different sizes (amps and volts) but I don't know what would be required for my situation. Is there some specification I should be looking for?

To Zubi,...I am a little concerned about your comment that neither of these trains is very robust. Would you say that these are particularly problematic? I'm not sure what I should be looking for so as to get  something of good reputation and quality. What types of concerns would you have with the two trains on my wish list?

Again, thank you very much for the welcome and advice.

Hello all, 

I'm new to trains...never had one, always wanted one and now getting ready to jump in. I'm very much looking forward to finally having a set. My dad had one when I was very very young and only recall this from old photos. I'm an old man now myself and something keeps telling me that I would like to give this a try.

I am looking at something very simple to start. I am torn between the Bachmann G scale 81395 4-4-0 or the 91602 4-6-0 "anniversary". I would very much like some opinions on which to get. They both look really great to me but based on the info below and keeping in mind I would like the better, most robust train...which would you choose? I do not intend to have a big set...maybe an engine, the tender, a passenger car or two and a caboose. Nothing more. Just enough to keep myself and the cat amused

http://www.trainworld.com/manufacturers/bachmann/baltimore-lehigh-spectrum-1203-scale-4-4-0-american-steam-loco-81395/
http://www.trainworld.com/manufacturers/bachmann/4-6-0-steam-locomotive-anniversary-edition-drgw-bumble-bee-178-91602/

I would like to say, please consider that I'm not looking to develop a grand scale anything. Just a little track in the middle of the room . I just want to get a nice quality train and explore where this might take me. I don't have a yard (I live in an appartment) and don't plan for anything grand.

I've read that these things need about 8' diameter to function properly and I think I may (just maybe) have a spot where I could make this fit. I would like to start with the smallest foot print possible. I don't yet have a grasp on all the lingo for tracks and curves and such so if someone could offer up what I might need for tracks that would be great. I do plan to put this down on my floor which has a really short closed loop and very dense carpet. Seriously this stuff feels like indoor/outdoor carpet with almost nothing for pad underneath so I really don't thing stability should be a problem. I do worry a little about some of the things I've heard where the trains and or tracks could wear and leave residue on the carpet but everything I've read on these concerns seem to relate to smaller scales.

I'll also need a power unit as I plan to avoid batteries. Again if you have an opinion or recommendation I welcome it.

I know I've asked for a lot here and being my first post probably not the best way to introduce myself but as I mentioned previously, something is drawing me to want to do this and I'm trying not to over think and eventually talk myself out of it. I am very inclinded to go the route of a G scale as small fiddly things are for younger folks, I'm on the fence regarding the two trains mentioned earlier and could really use some help figuring out a simple simple track layout and a power pack.

I thank each of you very VERY much for taking the time to read and consider a response to my lengthy post.