Final (I think...) N-Scale decision, and thanks to all

After a lot of shopping, and talking with my father, who is going in on the gift, and who also called our "local" model train shop (nearly 50 miles away, so "local" isn't quite the right word), I think I'm going to go with the Bachman Spectrum Santa Fe set. I'm a bit uncomfortable with the Bachman brand based on some of what I've read, but I've heard more positives about the Spectrum series than negatives.

It has an oval of track, the engine and six or so cars, and the engine is black and sort of looks like the Polar Express, which will also be a plus for my son. Because it's less expensive than what we were originally looking at, my Dad is insisting on paying for the whole set for Christmas, so my husband and I will buy some extra pieces of track so that Chris can fiddle around a bit with layouts. Unfortunately the local shop didn't have this set, so I'll have to order it on-line; I plan on doing so after the kids go to bed tonight, so if I'm making a major mistake, someone please holler really loud!

I'm also thinking that though I completely trust my son to handle his toys appropriately, I hadn't really thought of the friends-coming-over factor before, so my blood pressure will likely remain a bit lower if his friends aren't playing with a $150 engine. Down the line if he gets some truly fine pieces, he'll have a cheaper one to use with his friends, too.

Again, thanks to everyone. All of the comments have been very helpful, and I really appreciate it. I'm really looking forward to watching his interest and his world grow with this.

Julie

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Julie
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Errrrr.. I meant "Bachmann" of course...

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Julie

"> After a lot of shopping, and talking with my father, who is going in on the "> gift, and who also called our "local" model train shop (nearly 50 miles "> away, so "local" isn't quite the right word), I think I'm going to go with "> the Bachman Spectrum Santa Fe set. I'm a bit uncomfortable with the Bachman "> brand based on some of what I've read, but I've heard more positives about "> the Spectrum series than negatives.

Yes, the "Spectrum" series is the better quality line. Generally decent. The non-Spectrum products are often 'junk'.

"> "> It has an oval of track, the engine and six or so cars, and the engine is "> black and sort of looks like the Polar Express, which will also be a plus "> for my son. Because it's less expensive than what we were originally "> looking at, my Dad is insisting on paying for the whole set for Christmas, "> so my husband and I will buy some extra pieces of track so that Chris can "> fiddle around a bit with layouts. Unfortunately the local shop didn't have "> this set, so I'll have to order it on-line; I plan on doing so after the "> kids go to bed tonight, so if I'm making a major mistake, someone please "> holler really loud! "> "> I'm also thinking that though I completely trust my son to handle his toys "> appropriately, I hadn't really thought of the friends-coming-over factor "> before, so my blood pressure will likely remain a bit lower if his friends "> aren't playing with a $150 engine. Down the line if he gets some truly fine "> pieces, he'll have a cheaper one to use with his friends, too. "> "> Again, thanks to everyone. All of the comments have been very helpful, and I "> really appreciate it. I'm really looking forward to watching his interest "> and his world grow with this. "> "> Julie "> "> ">

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Robert Heller

Julie wrote: After a lot of shopping, and talking with my father, who is going in on the gift, and who also called our "local" model train shop (nearly 50 miles away, so "local" isn't quite the right word), I think I'm going to go with the Bachman Spectrum Santa Fe set. I'm a bit uncomfortable with the Bachman brand based on some of what I've read, but I've heard more positives about the Spectrum series than negatives. It has an oval of track, the engine and six or so cars, and the engine is black and sort of looks like the Polar Express, which will also be a plus for my son. Because it's less expensive than what we were originally looking at, my Dad is insisting on paying for the whole set for Christmas, so my husband and I will buy some extra pieces of track so that Chris can fiddle around a bit with layouts. Unfortunately the local shop didn't have this set, so I'll have to order it on-line; I plan on doing so after the kids go to bed tonight, so if I'm making a major mistake, someone please holler really loud!

-------------------------------------------------- Julie, this set is a very good choice in my opinion. The Consolidation locomotive is a very good "runner" from what I hear. You should be fine with your selection. You should b able to find a "good" price on the Bachmann Spectrum set. Bachmann is often discounted more than some other brands. Good luck!

Bill Bill's Railroad Empire N Scale Model Railroad:

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Bill

I thinnk we all knnew what you meannt.

-- Bill McC.

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Bill McCutcheon
***, I think I'm going to go with the Bachman Spectrum Santa Fe set. I'm a bit uncomfortable with the Bachman brand based on some of what I've read, but I've heard more positives about the Spectrum series than negatives.*** *** so I'll have to order it on-line; I plan on doing so after the kids go to bed tonight, ***

---------------------------------------------------- Julie, if you don't have a source for the set, you might want to look at Toy Train Heaven. This is a reputable firm and has very competitive pricing. The Statiomaster set #24122 is on the first page:

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I have dealt with TTH many times and have always been pleased with their service. I am not associated with TTH and receive no compensation from them.

Bill Bill's Railroad Empire N Scale Model Railroad:

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Bill

I just hate it whenn my ignnorannce is so evidennt...

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Julie

Thanks!!! That's definitely the best price I've seen. I'll give them a call tomorrow.

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Julie

Julie replied: Thanks!!! That's definitely the best price I've seen. I'll give them a call tomorrow.

---------------------------------------------------- You're welcome. I would not recommend TTH if I thought you would be dissatisfied in an way. Toy Train Heaven is in Montoursville, PA and is owned by the English Family. They also own English's Model Railroad Supply, Bowser, and other products. TTH is also a distributor to hobby shops. A very good reputation. BTW, the Bachmann Spectrum 2-8-0 locomotive was voted 2001 N Scale Locomotive of the Year by the readers of Model Railroader magazine. Good luck!

Bill Bill's Railroad Empire N Scale Model Railroad:

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Sounds like there will be one extremely happy youngster this Christmas!

I still remember when I got my 1st train set. It was a TT gauge 0-8-0 steamer with

3 pass. cars. I was about your son's age when I received it.

But Mom bought the set for me when I was about 2 years old (and she hid it until I was old enough to handle it). Back then, in Communist Poland, you had to think ahead and make do with what was available at any given time. And she knew that I liked trains as we lived next to the railroad tracks and I was always fascinated by trains.

Now, I'm all grown up and the set was lost in one of our moves. Currently I model in N scale. About a year ago, I was able to find and purchase that same exact set on eBay (and from New Zeland, no less)! I did have to do some work to get it is nice condition again. But it sure brings some really fond memories of my childhood.

I hope that your son will have a similar experience. Best holiday wishes! Peteski

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peteski

I sure hope so. The store that Bill recommended had sold its last one the day before; I ordered some extra track from them, but had to order the set from eHobbies; several other places were sold out of the set, so I ordered it as soon as I saw they had it, not realizing that their warehouse is in southern CA. I'm in northern New England. Later, in further exploring their website, I found that the recommend 3-day shipping for delivery by Christmas. I called them and had them upgrade from ground to 3-day, but I will still be VERY nervous until I have this thing in hand. It appears that they still haven't shipped it.

But yes, he will be SO excited.

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Julie
*** But yes, he will be SO excited.

------------------------------------------------ All's well that ends well! I'm pleased that things are working out ok.

Bill Bill's Railroad Empire N Scale Model Railroad:

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