New to model trains? Curious about the hobby, but not familiar with all the jargon that's bandied about on the forums? I get it. The lingo gets pretty esoteric and few take the time to explain what's being said, or why it matters.
If you're just getting started, or buying a gift for someone new to model railroading, trying to decipher the differences between AC, DC, and DCC or radius limitations of rolling stock can be downright frustrating. Does this locomotive work with those passenger cars? Can this straight track connect to that curved piece? Hello decision paralysis! It's enough to make you want to give up and just send a gift card.
At Trainz we understand not every vendor is like us. We know model trains. We play with model trains. I have to admit, I've had a dream or two about model trains. So allow me to suggest an alternative.
Try a model train set! Next time you visit Trainz.com you'll see we've got a link for Ready to Run Trains waiting for you.
Train sets can be had in varying degrees of completeness. Starting out fresh? Find a set like this Lionel 2023070 Junction Christmas LionChief O Gauge Steam Starter Train with everything you need to get started.
Or if you're looking for something smaller, try this Lionel 6-11981 O Gauge 1998 Holiday Trolley Set - incredibly simple to set up, easy to run, and plenty of fun. No need to worry about your young engineer breaking an expensive locomotive.
However, if you're buying for an established collector, there's no need to get them a set with track and a controller. Instead, you can set them up with a full set of locomotives and rolling stock like this Lionel 6-21786 O Gauge Santa Fe ABBA F3 Diesel Passenger Train Set.
Or, if your intended recipient prefers steam over diesel, this Lionel 6-31739 O Santa Fe Super Steam Freight Train Set is another great option.
And, worst case scenario if you can't find something that you know they'll like, we do carry gift cards. Let them have the fun of poring over specification sheets, reviews, and magazine articles to choose what's best.
Good luck!