What's the best brand for model trains?

[4_Legs_Good]

I'm kinda just starting with an HO set that I'd like to develop. I did a little tinkering with N gauge.

Does anyone know what's the most reliable brand? What about tracks?

Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks!!

david

[madrchsod]

1. go to a real hobby store -

or check around your town or area for a model railroad club. get some model railroad mags and read the reviews. i`ve had ho and n on and off for years..right now they`re packed away cause i`m to lazy to start building again. have fun!

[4_Legs_Good]

2. Thanks for the tips!

There are a couple great hobby stores not far away. I'll check there...

david

[salib]

3. There is an excellent site

That totally disagrees with my favorite. I always liked Marklin, from Germany. Anyway, the site is trains.com.

[Norbert]

4. I know Tyco trains were always a piece of crap

I've been away from it for a very long time and can't be much help beyond that.

[BiggJawn]

5. Athearn always served me well.

Now, if you're into building/detailing/weathering your own rolling stock, Roundhouse and Walthers are pretty good, too.

Track? Get that stuff that comes in the 3-foot flex lengths and use that cork "roadbed" for silencing.

I last did trains 20 years ago, so my info might be dated...

[SoCalDem]

6. My husband collects pre-1950 American Flyer

We have a garage full :(..

Lionel are pretty easy to get started with..

[lazarus]

7. anybody ever mess with z-gauge?

is it just too small? I'd love to get into model railroading, but we live in a small place, don't have a room big enough for HO. I'd do N, but Z is tempting me.