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with ties. Most adults will remember this track as being the standard in the train sets we had as kids. It fits together with small metal joiners and needs to be attached to the layout board or it will work itself apart. This is a good track for building flat layouts since it takes no guesswork to get the layout built and makes a good looking track for the train.

Flex track. This is a long length of track, about 3', that bends when you hold it up. This is used to make layouts that have curves and angles that standard track is not shaped to accommodate. I have used it to make long straight runs on longer layouts.

* BRAND NAMES *

While I do not think that the brand name is as important as the appeal of the train set to the train enthusiast, there are some points that should be considered when looking at those shelves of name brands.

The Life-Like HO scale Iron Horse train set sold at Amazon has a glowing review by a child that has seen how tough these sets can be (6th floor, out the window, plummet to ground and still runs).

Bachmann is an old standard that I personally love, It is what all of my train engines are.

Lionel is a known study line for any age of model railroader.

* BUYING YOUR FIRST TRAIN SET *

By the time you are ready to buy your first train set, you should have an idea for what your size limits are and know what kind of train you are looking for: old steam engines, modern trains, Amtrak, Alaskan Railroad, etc

You are going to be the best judge for what set works best for you, so I will offer only a little advice on buying your first train set. Look for a boxed train set that includes the engine and several cars packaged with enough track to make a round or oval layout and a power pack.

* BUYING A FIRST SET FOR SOMEONE ELSE *

When you are buying for someone else, you will need to think not only about what kind of limits there might be on size, but also about the age of the recipient. While small children and the elderly might have difficulty with manipulating smaller train sizes, making the HO scale seem like the better size, the limits on space might make N a better option for the elderly train enthusiast that wants to start building an elaborate layout.

Try to get a set that has the train, several cars, track and the power pack all included. Buying a few buildings and other scenic items of appropriate size can make a plain train set come to life.

For small children you should consult their parents on appropriate train sets and look for something that you can be reasonably sure will be lead-free.

* BOTTOM LINE *

In my humble opinion, the best train for the beginner with ample room, or limited dexterity, that wants to be able to expand easily the HO scale train is the best option. For those with limited room, and good dexterity, feel free to go for an N scale.

Suggested train sets to look at:

HO Scale
Life-Like Iron Horse - A very durable old fashioned train
McKinley Explorer by Bachmann
Life-Like Rail Master Union Pacific

N Scale
McKinley Explorer by Bachmann
Prairie Flyer y Bachmann
Life-Like Diesel Charger

Learn more about this author, Sandra Fikes.
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