Hey there all. I am a dad who has a 6 year old who is overly passionate and vocal about wanting to have a railroading set. I am acutely aware of how this hobby goes as my dad was a big train collector back in the day. But, for Christmas, I bought my son a Bachmann all in one set off of Amazon after doing a bit of research.
Today, for his birthday (yes, my son was born the day after Christmas - please send help) he wanted to expand his track like a true rail baron. I went to my local hobby shop and picked up two boxes:
14 Piece E-Z Track Graduated Pier Set
8 Piece E-Z Track Tall Pier Set
Both boxes have pictures of track on it and I thought it would do the trick, but I am guessing anyone reading this knows where this is going... so I will spare you.
So, I am a bit overwhelmed. My son is a bit annoyed. So I turn to you all as a tired dad trying to make this right. I am asking to see if - collectively - "you" could provide me with a layout that incorporates these pieces he spent his money on and provides him with some more immersion. I'd like to finish buying up the pieces we need to expand his track properly.
I will tell you that our scale is HO and currently, he is only running one loco on it. Our space we have set aside for him to play is 5x8 - but we have wiggle room. The kit we got him for Christmas is the Jingle Bell Express - so you can factor in the track we already have.
Thank you in advance for all your help. Sincerely, a very tired exhausted and overworked dad.
Hi there,
I understand your condition of being overwhelmed. So hopefully I can help. From what you stated I was able to determine what you have. The info (image) below is from the 2025 Bachmann Catalog (page 151). What I was not able to determine is what you stated is a "Bachmann all-n-one from Amazon". Then you stated you purchased the "Bachmann Jingle Bell Express"
Therefore, what I can only inform you of is based on the three known items that you purchased:
1: you have enough track to make one very large figure 8 layout,
2: you have enough track to make two separate figure 8 layouts,
3: you have enough track to make a large oval with the ability to raise one side of the oval with the piers.
(https://i.pinimg.com/736x/40/15/0a/40150a3415993d6846535d8813e29d88.jpg)
With that said, what you really will need to enhance your son's layout are track switches.
Having track switches will allow the track you have to be modified in many (some-what limited) ways. Again, the Amazon set is the unknown. Don't know if that set comes with track switches, or just an oval. I'm sure it has the locomotive, train cars, and a power supply, similar to the Jingle Bells set. If you could provide a Bachmann Model number of the Amazon set that would be of great help.
Lastly, With the track you have, it can sufficiently fill the 5x8 layout that you have set aside.
Hope this helps, and Happy New Year
Ralph - It sounds like he just bought the pier sets and not the "Track Pack". I might be wrong.
Terry,
After re-reading and contemplating your thoughts, I may have to say you are correct.
On page 144 of the 2025 Bachmann catalog, it shows model 44471 as a "14-piece Graduated pier set" and the model 44472 as the "8-piece Tall pier set". I was able to piece together images of these two models (shown below). As you stated these two models do not come with EZ track.
(https://i.pinimg.com/736x/7a/68/fc/7a68fc5e2ce1d5862d15d062a6596d1b.jpg)
I have to admit if the OP (original post) purchased these two Bachmann models then the Jingle Bells oval and whatever track is in the "All-n-one from Amazon" would probably be insufficient amount of track. One could make an entirely elevated oval from this information.
This brings up the problem with answering questions from posters. The model numbers are kinda crucial in helping solve issues and problems. I rely on the model numbers in order to be very clear on my responses. I deviated on this one, my bad.