HO Scale train set

[mominwestlake]

We have "adopted" a 6 year old boy for Christmas this year. #1 on his list is a small, HO scale model train set. I am not familiar with these type of trains. I looked at a couple sites for ideas. I want to find something easy for him to use. Some sets got bad reviews for plastic connectors. I also want to spend $75 or less so I can purchase the other items on his list. Can anyone give me some information on brands that would be good, what to look for, places to shop?

I am also thinking about getting him a portable dvd player. Is anywhere having a good cyber Monday sale? What dollar amount should I expect to spend on something like this. He wants the Madagascar dvd too.

Thanks!

 

[seashoreCM]

HO (1/87'th) scale trains are quite fragile compared with (larger) trains usually purchased for children. That's a fact of life.

They also require more skill to assemble (lay track, put cars on track, couple up the cars). They also don't work well laid directly on the floor; the tracks tend to come apart if not fastened to a board or framework.

Almost all model trains (except the wood track non-electric ones) have parts with sharp edges. An adult would probably have to assemble the whole thing for a 6yo.

HO trains may actually take up more space than some of the larger models. The O gauge (1/48'th scale) smallest and quite popular track circle is about 30 inches in diameter while the HO gauge standard track makes a circle about 37 inches in diameter. (Wider radius O gauge, and wider and narrower radius HO tracks, are also available.)

I have an HO train set and I wish the Disney monorail came in an HO scale model which it doesn't.

 

[gardengalB4]

Hobby Lobby has a sale on their trains this week...30% off.

 

[MrsPete]

We have "adopted" a 6 year old boy for Christmas this year. #1 on his list is a small, HO scale model train set. I am not familiar with these type of trains. I looked at a couple sites for ideas. I want to find something easy for him to use. Some sets got bad reviews for plastic connectors. I also want to spend $75 or less so I can purchase the other items on his list. Can anyone give me some information on brands that would be good, what to look for, places to shop?

I am also thinking about getting him a portable dvd player. Is anywhere having a good cyber Monday sale? What dollar amount should I expect to spend on something like this. He wants the Madagascar dvd too.

Thanks!

HO is a SIZE, not a name brand. So some HO sets might be cheap-o with poor connections, while other HO sets are good quality. To give an analogy, little girls like to play with 11.5" fashion dolls. Some of those dolls are name-brand Barbie dolls, which are pretty good quality and can be expected to last a while; others are dollar-store knock-offs that look cheap and have knees that don't bend -- they're all 11.5" fashion dolls. HO trains are the same type of thing.

If he's asking for HO specifically, it makes me suspect he already has some HO sized trains and is hoping to add to an existing collection. I'd suggest track; my brothers always wanted more track. And connections. I woudn't get the common trains (i.e., the caboose) because I'd bet he already has that. I also wouldn't bother with trees and scenery; I can't imagine a 6-year old being interested in that. They just want to make the trains run.

 

[endy]

What about the Lego train set?
My son has 2 older sets, from 6-7 years ago, not sure of the price today on them. They are great & I think now they are remote control instead off just stop or go.

 

[Plantlady]

DS12 has been obsessed with trains since he was about 3. He got his first HO scale train when he was 4.

Here's what I can offer for advise:

Stick with diesel engines rather than steam engines. Steam engines have very fragile parts, that if they break off, the engine is done. My son loves the scenery, he sets up all of the trees, grass, tunnels, ect. My son also has all the track he could ever need, because we only have room for a 4x8 layout, so the way he expands is through the scenery. He enjoys switching out the engines, and the box cars.

Good luck! I'm sure he'll love whatever accessories he gets.

 

[mominwestlake]

We were given a list of what the boy wanted and it only said small HO scale train set. I feel like I should get that, even if it might not be the best choice for a 6 year old boy. If anyone could give me a brand name that would be decent I would appreciate it. We don't have Hobby Lobby around here. I was looking on amazon but have no clue what a decent brand is.

 

[gillenkl]

I would get the boy what he asked for. Lionel is a well-known, reliable brand of trains. Try www.trainz.com - they have pretty good prices.

 

[WendyisDarling]

I saw a small but complete set (HO--but don't remember brand) advertised at Bed Bath and Beyond of all places!
The ad said $99.99, but of course you can always use a 20% discount.

I have not a clue if this is a good price, but someone may.

I checked online and they have an O size Lionel for $199.99. This is not the same one that was in the store flyer that came in the mail. If you have a local store, you may want to give them a call.

 

[mominwestlake]

I looked for HO scale in lionel but didn't see any. Is there any other brand that I should look for? Any at Amazon that would be decent?

 

[JB2K]

Lionel HO sets are also available at Target stores, nationwide...

 

[sbell111]

The only really frustrating thing about an HO scale train set is the track. The 'standard' track is basically just a ladder consisting of the metal rails and plastic ties. The tracks are held together with tiny bits of copper. These tracks come apart very easily and shouldn't be used unless a permanent display is being built.

For kids, you want the tracks that are attached to what looks like a plastic railbed. These snap together, keeping the lengths of track from coming apart until you are ready to put the train away. Hobby Lobby sells sets that include this type of track as well as additional track pieces.

 

[mominwestlake]

The only really frustrating thing about an HO scale train set is the track. The 'standard' track is basically just a ladder consisting of the metal rails and plastic ties. The tracks are held together with tiny bits of copper. These tracks come apart very easily and shouldn't be used unless a permanent display is being built.

For kids, you want the tracks that are attached to what looks like a plastic railbed. These snap together, keeping the lengths of track from coming apart until you are ready to put the train away. Hobby Lobby sells sets that include this type of track as well as additional track pieces.

Thanks for this info. Unfortunately, we don't have a Hobby Lobby in our area. I am in north eastern Ohio.

 

[sbell111]

How are you set for WalMart, Target, or ToysRUs?

 

[ghost1000]

I know the Bachmann HO sets have an "ez track system" that have a built in base that works fine on carpets and snap together pretty easy for kids. Here is a set at amazon sold through target:

http://www.amazon.com/Bachmann-Hers...=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1228166498&sr=1-15

 

[ghost1000]

Unrelated but sweet - I just noticed they also make Disney's Carolwood Pacific!!

http://www.amazon.com/Bachmann-Trains-DISNEYS-CAROLWOOD-PACIFIC/dp/B000N2IQJC/ref=pd_sbs_t_6


I was always wanting the expensive one they sold in the parks but it was $$$$$$$. Like was mentioned before that one is a steam engine so it would be a little more breakable.