Welcome to the Trainz.com Online Guide for Beginners. Here at Trainz, we wish to answer commonly-asked questions for those looking into or just starting the model railroading hobby and to also allay any concerns about buying online.

Why Model Trains?
Model Railroading is a relaxing, fulfilling hobby that can be enjoyed by the entire family. It has the advantage of combining many of the best facets of other hobbies. There is the action of the trains, similar to radio controlled cars and airplanes, but there is also a collecting aspect to the hobby. Also, if you decide to build a permanent layout, scenery and buildings can be included, adding a craft and modeling dimension to the hobby. No two people approach model railroading exactly the same, which is what makes it so interesting.

Unlike many contemporary toys, most electric trains are not ‘throwaway’ items. They are built to last and can be handed down from generation to generation. We are always getting emails from individuals asking us about a train that they dug out of their attic after 40 or 50 years. With just a bit of cleaning, these trains will often run good as new even after being stored for a decades. At Trainz, we specialize in selling O Gauge trains made by Lionel and MTH, companies whose products are built to last.

Also, this is a hobby that can be taken to nearly any level of involvement—from setting up a train around the Christmas tree to building an elaborate layout that fills a basement. It can be done over years and even decades, and new items will work just fine with the older ones. For example, over 98% of all Lionel items made since 1945 will work with the trains that are being made today. Even better, Lionel’s competitors design their equipment to be compatible.

Getting Started
The easiest way to get started with trains is to buy a complete starter set.
These sets include:

• A locomotive, or engine; the powered unit that pulls the train;
• About three to five cars;
• A loop of track for the train to run on; and
• A transformer, or power pack, which is used to control the speed and direction of the train. The transformer also reduces electrical current from 115 volts to the much safer level the trains actually run on—6 to 20 volts.

A new starter set also includes instructions for the setup, operation and care of the train set.

Click here for a list of train sets we currently have here at Trainz. Prices range from $149.99 to $426.99. The price differences reflect the number of cars and features in the locomotive.

When picking a set, it is also good to keep in mind the purpose for buying the set, If you want a train to set up around the tree at Christmas and don’t plan to run it the rest of the year, a set like the 31960 Polar Express or the 30068 North Pole Express is a good choice. For a youngster, the 30070 Lionel Classic set and the 30018 Pennsylvania Flyer are both nice beginner sets that are reasonably priced. On the other hand, if you’re thinking of setting up a permanent layout and would like a more realistic looking set to start out with, or would like a more elaborate sound system than that included in the smaller sets, the 30024 Union Pacific Steam Freight, 30001 El Capitan Passenger Set, 30025 Chesapeake and Ohio Super Freight, and 30051 Union Pacific Diesel Freight Sets are all worth looking into.

Adding on to the Set
Many people like to add to the track in the starter set to make a larger or more interesting track pattern. All Lionel sets include Fastrack, and there are four Fastrack expansion sets available that are designed to expand the starter set loop into several different patterns. The 12030 set expands the loop into a figure-8, the 12044 adds a dead-end spur track for parking extra cars, and the 12028 and 12031 sets both add a siding that provides a different route for the train to travel.

In addition, Fastrack is available in separate sections, allowing you to build whatever track design you would like. Click here to see the full line of Fastrack. Also, we carry this book which is very helpful in setting up Fastrack layouts.

Why Buy from Trainz?
At Trainz.com, we strive to make buying online convenient and enjoyable. We offer items for sale both on eBay and on our online store. On average we have over 3,000 items for sale on eBay and over 2,500 additional items for sale in our store at any time.

We pride ourselves on our customer service. We have a positive eBay feedback score of 99.5% given to us by over 35,000 customers. When we do encounter an incident involving an order, we make every effort to make it right. We offer a full money-back guarantee--if you are not happy with something bought from Trainz, just contact us within 7 days.

We are also dedicated to ensuring on-line security and privacy for our customers. Our online checkout system is designed and managed by ChannelAdvisor.com, which uses a host of security measures to protect customers’ information. Trainz also has its own staff of three internet technicians who monitor our internal systems and keep them up to date.

If you are not comfortable using a credit card on line, we also take checks and money orders.

If you have any questions, feel free to read our other on-line articles or contact us.