New to model trains

[shawn6942]

Am brand new to model trains, wanting to do a HO layout,any suggestions where to start,is it best to start with a set,or buy pieces,any ideas ?thanks

[RAM]

Start with a set.  You get every thing you need to start, than you can add on as needed.

[shawn6942]

what is a good high end set to start with?

[Jerrys HO]

shawn

A good starter set is one of the digital commander sets. They come with the very basics to get started.  If price is not a big deal look at the Dynamis Sound Commander as it comes with a up grade controller and a sound equipped loco.

Jerry 

[shawn6942]

thanks jerry ,i do like that one

[Jerrys HO]

It is a nice set. The Dynamis controller let's you set cv's and has more functions than the regular command controller. You can find this set online at a reasonable price.
I started with the Digital Commander Set and someone gave me the Diesel Commander Set both are excellent starter sets.
Be careful the sets seem to grow overnight. My grew to 12x16 in a U shape.
Pick up a few layout books and read some of the links posted here on this forum and you will be on your way to having fun.
Here's a couple link's to start:

http://www.brian-lambert.co.uk/DCC.htm#Reversing%20Loops

http://www.nmra.org/beginner/consist.html

http://www.awrr.com/dccintro1.html

Jerry

[shawn6942]

thanks again jerry will for sure look at sites ,found a dynamis set on ebay at a good price

[shawn6942]

jerry is the dynamis controller dcc?  or would i have to buy a dcc later?

[Doneldon]

shawn-

The Dynamis controller is DCC. I enthusiastically endorse Jerry's recommendation for the Bachmann Dynamis set. The EZ DCC contoller in the other Bachmann sets lacks both power and versatility. It is suitable for only the most elementary layouts.

You'll find odel railroading magazines with at least one or two tack plans per issue and the are many books with tried and tested plans. Kalmbach publishes many such books. They are available at your LHS, at online train shops and at Kalmbach Publishing's web site.

Welcome to model railroading and this web site. I promise you are in for a great ride if you want to take it.
                                                                                                                                                               --D

[shawn6942]

thanks don i will check them out

[martinhetrick]

I recently purchased the ALCO 2-6-0 with DCC and sound.  When I park the unit and switch to another loco, the sound on the 2-6-0 continues.  As a matter of fact, whenever I apply track power, the sound immediately starts up in the unit.  How do I get the
sound  to turn off when I switch to another unit?

Thanks

[captain1313]

F8 mutes the sound.

Kevin