New to bachmann plz help

[Coco462]

Hi, my son currently has many lionel trains (sets) and he really wants a bachman for christmas.So I want to do that for him, but I don't know where to start. Do we buy the thomas set and then add percy, and how does that work?What would should I buy? If someone could tell me what to buy. He watches videos on youtube and wants something called dcc remote controlled percy, but from what I can see, I have to buy a thomas set first? The tracks from the lionel definitely are different from the ones he watches on youtube. He is 14, nonverbal autism and this is his passion.  Thank you!!

[Coaltronn]

bachmann is HO scale. Lionel is O scale. DCC really isnt main stream for bachmann thomas the tank line yet.. if it will be we will see. If you are inclined there are videos on how to make thomas or percy DCC friendly by modifying the non DCC thomas or percy. Bachmann thomas the tank trains runs on HO track, you should look at a video on youtube about the different types. typically bachmann ez track or kato unitrack are the easisest because they snap together and have pre built in ballast or the grey part the track sits on. purchasing new items like a set will get you the power pack, track, and engine with cars. DC or regular non DCC is easier. you go forward or backward and at what speed. DCC is a whole other beast and you should do some research on what kind of DCC system and all the in and outs.

DCC allows you to have multiple trains on the same loop or system of track and have one train move and the other not move. if you dont have DCC and i have a two trains on the same loop they both move based on power. for instance, say the whole track is connected to one power pack and i have a siding. with DC both will move. with DCC i can pick which train moves. one, both, or neither.

i would start with a thomas set or percy set and add from there. look into DCC vs DC on youtube videos and learn what it is you think you want to get into. DC doesnt really run on DCC and DCC engines dont run on DC. You can but there is a huge asterics with dc on DCC train set. 

[Coco462]

Thank you so much!! I think I'll just start with the complete Thomas set and see how it goes. Cause I can tell it's a whole other type and I don't know if he has the comprehension level to run it.

[Chaz]

Thank you so much!! I think I'll just start with the complete Thomas set and see how it goes. Cause I can tell it's a whole other type and I don't know if he has the comprehension level to run it.

You would be very surprised!  I've worked in special education for almost 10 years and I'm in touch with a former student and his dad, who are now very active in the hobby. The student, a nonverbal autistic middle schooler like your son, quickly adapted to N Scale after starting with a Thomas model, some track, and Annie and Clarabel. Their collection (and layout) has steadily grown, and they're still expanding. Just today, his dad texted me that he's already preordered Gordon and Emily and some rolling stock for as a Christmas gift for his son.  When he first got Thomas he caught on right away that this wasn't like the average Thomas toy/merchandise.  He treats the models with great care and understands that they're a lot more delicate than the wooden or battery-powered trains that he also owns.  Hopefully your son sees it the same way too.

Good luck with starting your son into the hobby and odds are you may find yourself joining in on the fun as well.