Help for Newcomer!

[katers]

Hi,
We purchased the HO series train "Henry" for our nephew (just turned age 3), knowing he shouldn't "play" with the train. He is our godson so we wanted to start a collection he will appreciate in the future. We plan to purchase a train for him on each birthday and Christmas.

Being new to the world of model trains, I have no idea what else I need to purchase for him to make the train "functioning". He has 2 older brothers and a father who I'm sure would love to put together a track and get the train set moving, but I'm not sure which track to purchase!

So I guess my questions are:
1. Which track do I purchase for the HO series Thomas trains? (EZ track?)
2. How do the trains receive power once they are on the track? Through the track?

Any help would be appreciated!

Thank you,
Kate

[The Chaz Storm]

Welcome to the forum!  Of course I can help you out!

Well first off getting EZ track is no small challenge, you could get it separately but you will need to buy a controller to make the train run since the train just doesn't run alone or on the track.  So here is a link to some items I would recommend you look into getting:

http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/Bachmann_HO_44403_Steel_EZ_Track_22_Radius_C_p/bac-44403.htm

http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/Bachmann_HO_Steel_EZ_Track_Straight_Terminal_p/bac-44410.htm

http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/product_p/bac-44441.htm

Really though one engine alone would be kinda silly to get him started with, so I personally would recommend getting your nephew one of the Thomas and friends HO sets INSTEAD of a bunch of track and engines alone some examples include:

Thomas and Friends starter set (Recommended for beginners!)

http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/product_p/bac-00642.htm

Thomas and Friends Deluxe set (For a wider variety of characters and track)

http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/Bachmann_HO_Deluxe_Thomas_the_Tank_Engine_Set_p/bac-00644.htm

And since you bought Henry already... how about the Gordon's express set

http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/Bachmann_Gordon_s_Express_HO_p/bac-00668.htm

Any one of these three would be great for your nephew to enjoy!  

If you want to get anything else though, here is a link to modeltrainstuff's Thomas and Friends HO page, and you can make any decision of products you want from there:

http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/Bachmann_Thomas_Friends_HO_s/234.htm

In terms of trains running the power, all you have to do is to twist the yellow circle on the controller to the left (Which will come in one of the sets you buy if you choose to) and the further to the left you twist the circle to the left, the faster the train will go.  It will show you how fast the train is going on the controller.

I hope I have helped you have a better idea what to do and I hope your nephew enjoys his Henry model and other models he plans to own in the future.   

[ZeldaTheSwordsman]

If you already have Henry for him, I suggest getting three or four Express coaches and a brake coach. The "Deluxe Thomas, Annie, and Clarabel Set" would definitely not go amiss, although here is a warning you should write for yourself on a sticky note and put on the package: 'The track is all an unusual 19" radius that you can't buy replacements for. Make sure none of it is lost.' Also, if your son is three, he might be ready sooner than you think. After all, the Hornby models are marketed as "Ages 3 and up".

[sp4449]

all thomas engines will work on e-z track and if thier brand new out of the box the will revive fine over time the will get slower to recive but its no problem it just mean that model is getting old

[katers]

Wow, thank you for such useful information everyone, especially Chaz! I will definitely consider getting the Thomas and Friends starter set. I was surprised the price was so low, considering the price I paid for one engine (Henry) on Amazon.com.

- Kate

[The Chaz Storm]

No trouble at all Kate, I'm glad to help out!  Modeltrainstuff's prices are amazing and with their lower prices, I am sure your nephew will be very happy.  If you have anymore questions feel free to stop by anytime and we'll be happy to assist in any way, shape, or form.