You are truly never too young or too old to begin collecting train sets. It doesn’t matter if you are a baby boomer looking for something to do with your spare time or if you are a parent trying to find something your child will enjoy other than videogames, trains are the perfect solution. When you buy quality ones, these are items that can be passed down through generation as heirlooms as well!
Buying Your First Train
If you are purchasing your first train set, you likely have a lot of questions. Should you start with a diesel, steam or electric locomotive and then add on your refrigerator cars, stock cars and a caboose at a later time or do you buy an entire set already grouped together?
Most new collectors will admit that they find it a little more convenient to buy a set for the first one. Of course, then you need to decide if you want a streamline freight set or if you prefer something a little more classic looking like the Lionel Thunder Valley Quarry Mine Set. This is a black train with a dangerous explosive mine car and a stock car packed with mine rocks
Picking the Best Brand
Although there may not necessarily be a right or wrong brand when it comes to toy trains, there are two manufacturers that certainly stand out above the rest.
• Lionel – Founded by Joshua Lionel Cowen in 1900, he grew up with a passion for trains and devoted his life to making sure that others could see the beauty and sophistication of the American railway. Lionel trains have always been and always will be considered the classic choice for train collectors.
• Bachmann – With 175 years as a leading manufacturer in the industry, they certainly must be doing something right. Henry Carlisle founded this Philadelphia-based company in 1833 and it has always been associated with impeccable quality and detail as well as outstanding customer service.
Displaying Your Collection
The great thing about collecting trains is that there is always something to add on or build. Not only can you buy additional sets, cars and locomotives, you can build a layout to proudly display your collection.
It doesn’t matter if you have a spare corner available in your bedroom or office or if you have an entire basement to work with, you can create a spectacular display. Build mountains and tunnels and then add on accessories like people, animals, trees and even entire towns. The possibilities are truly endless! Buying your first train may feel a little overwhelming because there are some big decisions to make but you will certainly be glad you didn’t put it off any longer!
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