Advice on buying a starter set

[jhualum]

Interested in buying a starter set for a precocious near 6 year old. We've been to many train shows with him. Seems like O gauge the best. Don't want to get something too expensive as he's not that gentle with his toys, but don't want something so cheap that it's going to break in about 10 minutes either. Hoping to find something that can be first investment in what think will be a lifelong hobby for him.

Is O too complex for that age? Would a Lego train be a better option? Anyone know anything about Fastlane which I have seen at Toys R Us?

Thanks to anyone who can enlighten me.

[Administrator]

Good post. Yess small children do better with O scale or even G scale. Don't get HO it is too fussy to run. Find inexpensive manufactures Lionel is very expensive. Good luck!

[fondern777]

I received a freight express train set for christmas and was very disappointed. locking the cars togather was impossiabe. even took it to hobby lobby for help and rep was unsuccessful locking cArs togather. whats up with this train set. thinking of taking it back. im 42 what starter set would any one recomend thats cool but wont break my bank. thanks people