New to HO need good starter advice

[ncdirtwheeler]

Hello i am new to the site and new to ho trains i recently bought a what i was told was a good starter set wich i already see me getting way over my head in this but i was wondering i would like to get a good dependable engine that is cool looking as well as tecnologicaly advanced without breaking the bank. I just set up a 4x8 sheet of plywood in my basesment and have started buying more track and scenery but my sante fe engine and 3 cars is lacking in comparison to my friends 12 wheeled diesel csx that makes cool sounds. any help would be appreciated and sorry i know i sound like a rookie but if i dont ask i wont know.

[simkon]

A good steam loco would be the Bachmann Spectrum 2-8-0 consolidation w/ DCC, you can get one brand new for around $50 to $75 from most online retailers or ebay. Or for a diesel the GE 70 Ton w/DCC, GE 44 Tonner w/DCC, & GE 45 Tonner w/DCC would all make great starting switchers. While the GP-7s w/DCC, GP-9s w/DCC and the Bachmann Spectrum SD-45s w/ DCC are good road units. What is your price range?

[ncdirtwheeler]

i figured if i spent around 150.00 would be a good price for an engine but im not familiar with whats what so to speak

[richg]

Micro Mark who I have bought from has Bachmann locos. Sound will probably be out of your price range.
There are other on line companies that sell Bachmann at competitive prices.
I cannot comment on other brands as this is a Bachmann  site.
Before you attempt sound, learn something about DCC and sound locos.

http://www.micromark.com/Bachmann-Trains.html

Rich

[simkon]

The Bachmann 2-8-0 is a great locomotive I think you'll find it to be exactly what you are looking for...
here is a link for one brand new for $80 from Model Train Stuff (shipping is $7): http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/Bachmann-HO-51306-DCC-Equipped-2-8-0-WM-766-p/bac-51306.htm
Here is one on ebay from a great seler that I have dealt with (thefavoritespot), it will likely sell for around $40-$60 and is under full warranty http://cgi.ebay.com/BACHMANN-HO-2-8-0-DCC-TRAIN-LOCO-UNION-PACIFIC-51301-/190469044249?pt=Model_RR_Trains&hash=item2c58d6f819
Here is a picture of the Bachmann 2-8-0:

[jbsmith]

there are diesels out there with sound already installed within your price range.
Which one?  that is your call!  here are some examples to get you started with

http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/HO-Scale-Diesel-s/1460.htm?searching=Y&sort=1&cat=1460&search=sound&show=40&page=1

Steam, like their real counterparts, tend to be more pricey and fussy, however these Bachmann steam locos might be within reach.
Use at least 22inch radius curves

http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/HO-Scale-Steam-s/1461.htm?searching=Y&sort=1&cat=1461&search=sound&show=16&page=1